Nintendo of America has announced longtime president and COO Reggie Fils-Aime is retiring.

After more than 15 years at the company, the gentle giant is stepping down as of April 15th. Doug Bowser, Nintendo of America’s current Senior VP of sales and marketing, will become his successor as the new president of Nintendo of America.

“Nintendo owns a part of my heart forever,” Fils-Aime said. “It’s a part that is filled with gratitude – for the incredibly talented people I’ve worked with, for the opportunity to represent such a wonderful brand, and most of all, to feel like a member of the world’s most positive and enduring gamer community. As I look forward to departing in both good health and good humor, this is not ‘game over’ for me, but instead ‘leveling up’ to more time with my wife, family and friends.”

Bowser added, “It has been my great fortune to work with and be mentored by Reggie for four years at Nintendo of America,” Bowser said. “And rest assured, we will continue to build on his work to evolve and expand our brand, furthering Nintendo’s global mission of creating smiles. There are millions more of those to come.”

Lastly, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa talked up Reggie’s departure:

“I really appreciate everything Reggie has done for Nintendo. Inside and outside our company, Reggie is known as an exceptional leader. We are grateful that he is leaving the business in good shape with strong momentum. While we will miss him and we wish him the very best in his retirement, we are also pleased to have such an able successor ready to step into that role. Doug Bowser and the rest of the team will ensure a seamless transition and continued momentum for Nintendo.”

This is surely the end of an era for fervent Nintendo fans, as Reggie was involved with the majority of the big events for the company, most especially their Nintendo Direct broadcasts.