There is much to say about the controversy around the Nintendo Switch 2, be it the enhanced price of the console, $80 Mario Kart, or the pre-order uncertainty triggering from tariffs. However, if there is one thing I am absolutely sure of after the past few weeks, it is this:
Man, I really miss Reggie Fils-Aimé.
Doug Bowser is doing his best to fill in the enormous shoes left by Reggie’s departure, and his relation to Nintendo’s most famous villain is certainly a cheerful source of levity. But his role as Chief Operating Officer for Nintendo of America has left a lot to be desired, compared to Reggie’s beloved presence in the role.
Doug Bowser often feels invisible. Much of the criticism and drama surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 stems from misinformation, enhanced by Nintendo themselves dragging their feet to comment or clarify. When Doug Bowser did finally reply, it was to tell people who were upset with the Switch 2 pricing, to stick to the original console. Mind you, Bowser said it with class, but I’m not sure that pulling a Don Mattrick was the best way out of this controversy, to be honest with you.
I compare that to the strong leadership constantly showed by Reggie. He relished being a beloved figure and meme icon, but most importantly, he was not afraid to get on the front lines and stand in front of the firing squad, even when the going was tough. He was there to candidly talk about the failure of the Wii U, and the rough launch of the 3DS. He even engaged with controversy as in the weeds as Smash Bros Melee pro Hungrybox criticizing Nintendo’s attitude towards the fighting game scene. Reggie knew the best way to diffuse tension is to talk about it.
Even behind the scenes we know Reggie was constantly fighting for a more consumer-friendly Nintendo, be it as a strong advocate for Wii Sports to be bundled with the console, or for the Nintendo 3DS to launch at $199 as opposed to $249. Even now he is casting shade on Nintendo’s nonsensical decision to release Welcome Tour for $10, instead of as a free way to engage with the Nintendo Switch 2.
My opinion on the general price increase is complicated, but people on both sides of the divide should probably be able to agree that most of this controversy could have been subdued with much better communication by Nintendo. The head of Nintendo of America plays fundamental role in that, and if anything, Doug Bowser has only made the situation worse.
It is impossible to say for certain what the situation would look like if Reggie was still at the helm, but I feel confident it would have been less confusing, at the very least.
How do you feel about this? Do you think Doug Bowser is being misunderstood? Do you also miss Reggie? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured Image: Nintendo of America
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