Terrible news. I thought he did a great job after Yamauchi's departure.

I updated the link in the original post, to go to Gamespot's article instead of a financial site. IMO they have a much more touching quote from Mr. Iwata:

"On my business card, I am a corporate president. In my mind, I am a game developer. But in my heart, I am a gamer."

Regardless if you agree or disagree with the direction Nintendo has taken, This is a pretty big blow to Nintendo. Sounds like it was completely unexpected. For them to go and loss their president, all while in the midst of developing new hardware (possible 2) and mapping out a new direction for Nintendo, the next person to head Nintendo could really make or break the company (provided they go with someone besides Fils-Aime).

Fantastic quote. I have had every Nintendo console since the SNES and Nintendo games are still as unique as ever. They are just "fun".

I am pretty sure Iwata was a one-company man. Knew Nintendo inside out. I am thinking his successor will be of the same ilk. I do not want to see Nintendo go in a completely new direction.

That quote is absolutely amazing.

He'll be missed.

Sad news for the gaming community. I grew up on Nintendo.

That quote is from a 2005 conference.
I heard that, and the heart felt speech following it on the radio(CBC) last night.

They may`ve lost their head, but they have much more heart.



Ka-Tra