Retro Studios might’ve just teased a new character
We miss Reggie. We really do! It’s been a few days since Reggie Fils-Aimé departed from Nintendo to enjoy the sweet, leisurely retired life, but the sting of his absence from this industry hasn’t let up.
As Brett recently highlighted, there is a silver lining. Now that he’s no longer the president and face of Nintendo of America, Reggie has more breathing room to do his thing on Twitter. So far, it’s mostly been a bittersweet collection of knickknacks that are sure to spark fond memories for Nintendo fans. His first E3 badge, from 2004. That gigantic Mii head. An office decked out in amiibo. Then came the gifts.
One of the best retirement gifts so far. From my good friend â¦@geoffkeighleyâ© Commissioned from wonderful artist Sam Spratt. Thanks Geoff! pic.twitter.com/mNhvCndk4o
— Reggie Fils-Aime (@Reggie) April 16, 2019
Last of my retirement events was last night. Received some wonderful gifts and souvenirs. Yes, that is a working Virtual Boy. Art from Retro Studios. Notebook for names taken. A plastic ass to kick. A book of notes from employees. And a Mario statue. End of an era. pic.twitter.com/mrOVL1ANPO
— Reggie Fils-Aime (@Reggie) April 17, 2019
The Mario statue, in particular, is worth a closer look. The inscription reads: “Congratulations on your retirement and years of dedicated service. From all your friends at Nintendo and fans around the world.”
It’s all so very heartwarming. Seeing these sincere gifts brings some much-needed closure.
Last time. My most touching gift. Given to me by David Young @NintendoAmerica — aka @MusicBankRefuge His Iwata amiibo made by @MissGandaKris Now proudly next to my Regginator amiibo. All I need is a custom Miyamoto amiibo and the gang is complete. T-shirt from @Official_GDC 2007 pic.twitter.com/zoKomY9z22
— Reggie Fils-Aime (@Reggie) April 18, 2019
There’s also the matter of Metroid Prime 4 developer Retro Studios’ framed “Thanks for Playing!” tribute to Reggie – it may hold a secret. If you zoom in on the bottom-left corner of the artwork, you can faintly see what appears to be a robotic hand of unknown origin. Once you notice the mystery character’s appendage, you can’t unsee it. Shout-out to Destructoid reader Mydude for scoping this out.
It could be a sly clue related to a future announcement, or it might end up being nothing of substance. That’s kind of the fun of wild Nintendo-fueled speculation, isn’t it? Either way, talk about on-brand.
If and when Reggie eases up on the Twitter updates or eventually decides it’s time to step out of the limelight, he can rest easy knowing that he’s had a positive impact on many people’s lives.
