Remembering Satoru Iwata Five Years Later

Let's talk about Satoru Iwata's legacy and what he meant to me.
If you like what I do, please consider supporting me on Patreon!
/ arlostuff
TWOOTER: @ArloStuff
BOOKFACE: ArloStuff
This video was edited by the lovely Kane!
/ farfetchdreviews
"Reloaded Installer #11" by LHS.
/ @lhschiptunes

[@seereebee]

I'll never forget when Iwata took a pay cut during the Wii U era so he wouldn't have to lay off employees. More company executives should learn from him. What an absolute legend.

[@andregon4366]

Meanwhile Activision fired 800 employees in a year they had record profits.

[@wenndannnicht7428]

@@andregon4366 wasnt that blizzard? Maybe both

[@iceytoa1]

@@wenndannnicht7428 Activision Blizzard is one big company.

[@Lucario1121]

@@andregon4366 I think it's more of a cultural thing, where Japan and the Japanese will always condemn to their mistakes (probably why samurais are known to cut themselves into pieces if they dishonor their families) while Western studios just see workers as disposable, not even thinking twice if they need to let some people go

[@Smashfan258]

Mecha Dragon101 it’s not even culture, it’s morality. Iwata was a wonderful man with the right morals as the companies president. Other company presidents, have none of that.

[@Smuffy04]

"A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in." Iwata worked on the Switch in the final months of his life. Rest in peace.

[@Helicopter7]

I had no idea he worked on the switch until I saw this comment R.I.P

[@pokesportxyz5191]

Ricky Archuleta III uhh arlo says that in the video

[@kw-wf9uf]

That quote is incredible. Thank you.

[@prince_nocturne]

That quote is so very, very fitting.

[@sorrynousername7736]

“this noble creature watches over all animals that make their homes in the forest. Legends say this is a reincarnation of a sage that died on the land it now protects. It has an accurate awareness of its surroundings, so it’s seldom appears before people. It’s sometimes known by its other name, Satori” The devs added this to the hyrule compendium in botw. Rest In Peace

[@jesse1086]

That's so wonderful

[@nj2170]

It’s very Classy.

[@Vaguer_Weevil]

I often found myself visiting that mountain top whenever I happened to ride by, even tributes aside that place is one of my favourites.

[@lettuce674]

they made that whole location just for him and also made it one of the best places for loot in the game. thats respect

[@riverrocksaplenty6519]

Duddridge1 I do the same thing, the first time I climbed up the mountain and saw Satori, I just stared at my screen for a few minutes.

[@AKA-Latromi]

I'll never forget the moment I found out he'd passed. I was playing Splatoon. The banners in the game, for those who don't know, update with art from the fans of the game on Miiverse. I saw someone looking up at one of the banners. . . It was like they did a double take and then stood still. You could really tell if someone was actively looking around in that game due to the motion controls. They looked up at that banner and then their characters aim dropped to their feet. They had put down their controller. I looked at the banner and did the same. To check and see if it was real. If it was true or just some joke. I don't remember who won that match, but I do remember that all 8 of us stood unmoving. . . Nobody fighting each other. We just stood in the middle looking up at that one banner. A picture drawn of Iwata that said "RIP Satoru Iwata 1959 - 2015". In a match of random people. . . Pitted against each other to battle. . . Nobody fought because in that moment we had already lost so much.

[@litchtheshinigami8936]

That’s such a heartbreaking way to find out.. i was playing pokemon and watching youtube when i saw a video popping up about his death.. it saddened me and still does to this day

[@agentarnold86]

Holy crap this was a well worded punch to the gut

[@novastar3990]

Wow...

[@AKA-Latromi]

@@agentarnold86 Thank you kindly. I hobby write on the side and I've told this tale before, but never quite as eloquently as this year. It's still one of the most impactful gaming memories I have. I almost didn't tell it again this year. Past years haven't gotten much, if any, attention. I told it again because it truly was a natural moment of silence, and this man truly deserves to have his story told. Not many losses on Earth could create a moment like this.

[@rickcitizen7991]

This pushed me over the edge....totally crying now.

[@p0rtugal553]

Iwata's death was so sad that even Sony and Microsoft paid their respects to him.he was a hero.

[@zachblair3794]

Disolix I found this www.dualshockers.com/from-sony-to-microsoft-and-many-more-the-gaming-industry-pays-homage-to-satoru-iwata/ Edit: and this mynintendonews.com/2015/07/13/playstation-xbox-and-many-others-pay-tribute-to-satoru-iwata/

[@IceSpoon]

I remember seeing tweets by Ubisoft, EA's developers and so many more paying respects to him. It was one of those very very few instances where the whole gaming community was brought together.

[@unknownwill4th549]

Gamers together

[@M64bros]

That is a proof that in reality Nintendo Sony and Microsoft are actually friends. The fan boys are too stupid to even realize that

[@Ottophil]

Because what he did lifted the entire industry, not just the company he worked for

[@amateraceon5202]

I’m sorry, “fake” fight with Reggie? That was Iwata and Reggie releasing their power at one another full stop.

[@greatpotterland]

There was no CGI in that fight. Just raw power and ready bodies.

[@MrStarfire11]

@@greatpotterland i think you'll find there was CGI in that fight, they had to actually tone down the fight to make it possible to televise, for us mere mortals would go blind watching it first hand

[@King_Luigi]

Bold of you to assume they were using even _most_ of their power in that fight. What we saw was, not only a fraction of their power, but also the best modern technology was able to capture at the time. Little more than some light sparring for them really.

[@MohsinOmar]

Their bodies were built ready for that fight.

[@zachblair3794]

Mohsin Omar If Reggie we’re in a fighting game his catchphrase if you choose him would 100% be “My body is ready”

[@MisterJang0]

Iwata's friendship with Miyamoto is all the more special when you read more about it and find out that Iwata used to be really jealous of Miyamoto, he was frustrated he couldn't come up with instantly successful game ideas like he did, despite his greater technical knowledge. Even when Iwata became the president of Nintendo, he still never thought he was as good as Miyamoto. But Iwata let go of his animosity when he started working closely with Miyamoto more often.

[@rhettmitchell]

😭😭

[@raycraft001]

Woah. :’)

[@kazi1]

Damn

[@Gtcarroll96]

Well written, thank you for sharing.

[@taylorbradshaw3767]

That’s way interesting, I’d love to read more about that tbh! Do you happen to remember where you read that?

[@mathpc4047]

No CEO on gaming industry has managed to be similar to Iwata. What a legend this guy is

[@RWAsur]

Not to say they can't, they aren't. We need more men and women like Satoru Iwata in every corner of the world. This is the bar we should look to from this industry especially.

[@TheRawyan]

Hey Reggie was good too but yeah I agree

[@inarencommander4663]

He and Hiroshi Yamauchi had some of the biggest impact on the industry of any CEOs.

[@JFrameMan]

Iwata on loot boxes: "Nintendo, as a software maker, does not plan to [run a business] where our consumers cannot know in advance which [product] will appear as the result of their payment"

[@suspiciousindividual2174]

WHAT A LEGEND 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@TheNuje]

Do you have a source for that? I can't find it on a quick google search, but given the brackets in your comment, it sounds believable. And I hope it's true, because the guy is deservedly easy to admire!

[@JFrameMan]

@@TheNuje I just tried to find the article again. It is gone, and I can't remember the site. I'll check my backups later because it was an important enough article that I may have archived it. It was from around the time before he died and it's ironic that almost everything he said in it, Nintendo broke after his death. Then again, the big shift in the industry towards microtransactions may have pushed him there if he lived on anyway. EDIT: In the meantime, I found that quote again in an article by mcvuk titled "Iwata once again rejects new digital models"

[@cheeta2920]

I can only imagine how he’d feel about Mario Kart tour 4 years on.

[@RuffledRowlit]

Broke my heart when he passed away... he influenced and was a part of creating so many of the memories that I will cheerish for the rest of my life.

[@UltraV6565]

I started gaming on the wii and then I came to enjoy non-casual games, I never watched a direct with him but he seemed like an excellent man, I'm replying to you because I subscribed to you and whatever. First, I guess

[@pants1403]

fancy seeing you here

[@oslenamartinez8673]

I owe him my childhood. I really can't imagine my childhood without Nintendo by my side.

[@bagofgroceries]

The fact it’s been 5 years makes me sadder than everything. He should be here.

[@nintendopigeon8136]

i wish Satori was still around

[@wahoo5240]

Than*

[@ryanc1045]

He is still with us in memory

[@duffi5290]

It really doesn’t feel that long ago then you realize how many games have been made since then... damn

[@thegreygoblin5165]

He may not be here psychically but his influence and hard-work still touches Nintendo and its fanbase to this very day. He was not only a president and businessman but a genuinely great man who not only wanted his company to do well but to brighten people lives as well.

[@grantmortensonva]

2:01 "He wanted to deliver the news personally." No, Arlo. He wanted to deliver the news to us...DIRECTLY.

[@WiiAgent007]

Thank you! 💙

[@godminnette2]

*does hand motion*

[@yaeven4943]

WiiAgent007 ...

[@TayoEXE]

Can't get anymore than Nintendo Direct than that.

[@user-so7nj3wn4g]

words you can hear.

[@StickMaster500]

Iwata was an absolute gem of a human being that it’s physically impossible to get someone like him again. We all still miss him dearly.

[@leobaker-tf2andmusic520]

i swear, why are you eveywhere on every video in existence

[@VeoCC]

StickMaster is spreading.

[@Raminator243]

The one stickmaster comment that isn’t at the front of the comments section

[@francescodegregorio2824]

Oh my goodness, who cares if it is Stickmaster? This video was a tribute to Saturo Iwata, we all miss him.

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

Smiles and Tears playing in the background makes this all the more touching considering all he did to save that game.

[@ibthedk7089]

Nice to see you here

[@clocked0]

Who are you and why are you following me across all my most watched channels

[@ibthedk7089]

@@clocked0 He is a guy without a mustache I think. Hmmmm very suspicious

[@stwbmc98]

That “I miss you” could not have been timed better.

[@emc5674]

Hello there

[@MrStarfire11]

i remember hearing a rumour that when nintendo had meetings about the switch development before it was announced they'd end the meetings with "for Iwata!" and that melts my heart

[@Water_Connoisseur]

Does someone know if this was just a rumour?

[@Water_Connoisseur]

@Shifty Nifty it's a nice thought not gonna lie

[@DaMemeManDan]

Man, he was, and still is a legend. Him wearing that Luigi hat is a fond memory.

[@nickk3077]

I remember how at the end of Star Fox Zero it said, “This game is dedicated to our wingman who fell in battle.” Regardless about how you feel about the game (I love it personally), you gotta admit that that was such a sweet and subtle tribute to this man! Rest In Peace Satoru Iwata

[@yabbadabbindude]

I loved that so much

[@lizardlord4k]

When Nintendo was struggling and the man himself cut his own pay to make sure his workers had sustainable paychecks. Regardless of how I may of felt during the Wii U era, that is worth more than anything and proved the kind of man he was til the end, a good one. The world is lesser without him.

[@ollie7146]

he is amazing

[@SarignCleric]

He did not just cut his salary during the Wii U struggles, he also cut it during the first two years of the 3DS struggles.

[@shadowsiwren]

"And it was reported that he was working on it from bed even in the final months of his life" Trying not to cry, trying not to cry, trying not to cry. We didn't deserve Mr Iwata. Regrettably, I actually remember being kinda impatient with some past Nintendo Directs whenever he and the others would do their silly skits. It took me too long to finally appreciate them as part of his and Nintendo's charm, and now I'll never get to see a new one.

[@windturbine6796]

That "I miss you" from smiles and tears at the end had me balling. Though I never knew him while he was alive, he's in every Nintendo fan's heart.

[@litchtheshinigami8936]

Wind Turbine defenitely.. i had tears in my eyes when i found out he had died.. even if i never saw his directs.. i still felt sad because well i love alot of the games he worked on.. so it made me feel absolutely sad that someone who brought so much joy had died..

[@litchtheshinigami8936]

@Black the wii is still to this day the highest grossing console of it's time so i wouldn't say he made a mistake.. the wii proved to be a console that even the elderly loved and still love.. sure the wii u was a miss but with how the wii performed it wasn't as bad as it could have been. let's be real just because you don't like the wii doesn't mean everyone else dislikes the wii.. thing is i've never had a wii U either but i still loved the 3ds same for countless other people.. just because the wii u left a sour aftertaste in some people's mouths doesn't mean i'm going to hate a company just because they made 1 mistake.. if you were instead talking about EA or current bethesda then yes i get what you are going at.. bethesda has been lacking for the last few games with fallout 76 being the drip that made the bucket overflow that wasn't just one bad mistake it was a chain of mistakes that led into a lot of previous fans now despising them for their false promises wich isn't much more than logical. i've never seen nintendo promise A then come up with B no they have always been realistic with what they have shown.

[@ChristopherMoom]

Satoru Iwata wasn't just the GOAT for Nintendo, or just the GOAT for gaming, he was the GOAT in general, I really do miss him

[@odinangie1377]

Ya know, if I didn't know GOAT meant "greatest of all time" this comment would have confused the heck out of me.

[@laggianput]

The *G O A T*

[@lewis9s]

He is the greatest. No tops :3

[@ruipana]

baa

[@SteelSkin667]

@@odinangie1377 So THAT's what it means. Not the first time I read it, but it's basically impossible to google.

[@FirstNameLastName-oz5ij]

Nowadays, whenever I finish DS/Wii Nintendo games, I actually feel like tearing up whenever I see the game credits roll. The very last thing listed on the credits was always “Executive Producer: Satoru Iwata”. It would remind me that Iwata played such a huge roll in so many of my favorite childhood games. I’m still saddened by his death even now.

[@Gold_Red52]

he was in the credits for Breath of the Wild and the last thing Iwata had a hand in was technically Super Smash Bros Ultimate as Sakurai said the reason he was so dedicated to the game was because that was the last mission Iwata gave him.

[@MackenziiRivers]

i just replayed Pokeon mystery dungeon explorers of sky recently and seeing that made my cry even more.

[@CelesticCF]

@@MackenziiRivers Holy shit, I've been thinking about replaying that (for like the fifth time) all week. This is clearly a sign.

[@bradenalexander2477]

"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." - Satoru Iwata

[@jonathanwilson7949]

Legendary quote. From a legendary man.

[@imperators_8700]

Probably one of the greatest quotes ever

[@skillyyoshi53]

I used this quote in a School Project. It's so Good!

[@GabeSweetMan]

It still makes me sniff a little remembering those words. Iwata was truly one of a kind.

[@isaacrodriguez4773]

Satoru Iwata Ghost: Hi Everybody It’s Me Satoru Iwata.

[@aymanaboufarise4346]

"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" Wow, just wow. He has all my respect and I wish him the best of the best wherever he is.

[@synchronizedelbow5702]

The Earthbound music hits so hard once your reminded of it's creator, Shigesato Itoi, and his tribute to Iwata on his passing... "When I'm parting with a friend, regardless of the circumstances, I find it best to just say, 'See you later.' We'll meet again. After all, we're friends. That's right - nothing unusual about it. I'll see you later. You went on a trip far, far away, even though it was planned for many years from now. You wore your best outfit and said 'Sorry for the short notice,' though you didn't say it out loud. You always put yourself last, after you'd finished helping everyone else. You were so generous as a friend that this trip might be your very first selfish act. I still can't grasp what's happened. It feels like I could still get a light-hearted e-mail asking me out to lunch at any moment - after you've made sure lunch wouldn't disrupt my schedule, of course. You can invite me out whenever you want. I'll invite you, too. So for now, let's plan on meeting again. You can call me up whenever you like, and I'll give you a call, too. I still have a lot to talk to you about, and if I come up with any particularly good ideas, I'll let you know. So let's meet again. "No - I suppose we're already meeting. Right here, right now." Satoru Iwata 1959 - 2015

[@Inkay257]

It's so moving and touching 😭

[@grumpyguy112]

The good news is he crossed over & is in heaven. The day after he died there was a massive rainbow at Nintendo of japan. Which i think was Iwata saying not only dont be sad that i am gone im ok but also refferecing Rainbow Road from Mario Kart.

[@notsofunny9651]

That letter gets me emotional every time

[@drwilsonstoenailpolish3194]

This comment made me cry, I’m crying now

[@SN0H]

Hearing him say "please take a look" made me smile without me even thinking about it

[@rolandodr98]

I know that the current direct formats are the most “efficient” as there is very little wasted time, but man I miss having a person do it. I freaking loved the puppet and adult swim skits and just having a human go in depth to the announcements.

[@chintex_]

Yeah same

[@innocentpopsicle6797]

The closest we've had since then was the bowser skit at e3 2019

[@captainpep3]

innocent popsicle shame there wasn’t an e3 2020, we could’ve had something like that again

[@carlbloke8797]

Agreed

[@BatataKarambas]

Same here, Iwata's English was always so wholesome!

[@bluefalcon3629]

Nothing hit me harder than Iwata taking a 50% pay cut, he was the person who deserved it the least.

[@KageDarkAngel]

But he also set an example on how companies should treat their employees and their businesses. Most times it isn't the employees fault for things going wrong, but rather it is best for those on high to admit to their own mistakes, and it is best to cultivate a more friendly and loving company environment that treats them like family rather than a sweat shop that sees people as just figures in a financial equation. It does make me wish that there were more company presidents and higher ups more willing to take the blow for their workers rather than trying to pass blame and crush souls for a quick buck or to save their own hides.

[@TayoEXE]

@@KageDarkAngel Every work experience I have had has reaffirmed that notion: employees must be treated as an end, never merely as a means. In other words, treat your employees as human beings, with all the mistakes and potential they hold, rather than just swappable parts of a machine.

[@nateg452]

But he could take the hit and he knew it. He wasn't going to put that burden on employees, that's just not who he was.

[@stellarthefeller]

The greatest influence for me in my entire life. Some people say just because he isn't a family member there isn't any reason to be sad. I feel that Satoru Iwata deserves the same respect, if not more of any family member should have; because he created something for me and my entire life. That something is video games and the great memories that follows.

[@thebainiac1]

"Please Understand" - Satoru Iwata We understood, Mr. Iwata. And we'll never forget. May you rest in peace.

[@sirsc.]

"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." -Satoru Iwata Definitely one of the best quotes I know.

[@whelfi2230]

Euhm I'm sorry but isn't it sAtoru Iwata ?

[@yaeven4943]

Ah, as opposed to metaphorically one of the best quotes you know. Got it.

[@figs-oliomedley]

bruh I didn't know he said this I'm boutta cry ;

[@BraxtonKovary]

Iwata was the President of Nintendo when I was introduced to Nintendo. Crazy that time flies so quickly.

[@michaelwalsh6276]

Same. He was president since I was born! Like, I was born in the year the ds launched.

[@Menacetosociety05]

I was born in the Wii days. I wish I actually knew about Iwata then, but I was just a little kid. And the fact that I never got to see his face until this video just makes me so, so sad.

[@okayokey]

YoshiFan I also never even knew about him too for the same reason. Perhaps, one day, we can race with him in Rainbow Road...

[@figs-oliomedley]

same man

[@ollie7146]

same may he R.I.P forever in our hearts.

[@aymanaboufarise4346]

Legends say he is currently riding the Rainbow Road to heaven without falling even once

[@francescodegregorio2824]

He's playing Super Smash Bros with Etika now

[@KageDarkAngel]

On 200CC mirror mode using only the basic cart and never getting over taken once. May his joyful soul nor his passion ever be forgotten.

[@rolandodr98]

And he has a gleeful smile knowing how successful his Switch baby he never saw do wonders for Nintendo since his premature departure

[@albertthepeacock8020]

Legends also say Iwata was able to catch the Mew under the bus

[@aymanaboufarise4346]

@@albertthepeacock8020 A true legend

[@cjthebeast1169]

The little “I miss you” at the end just broke my heart and I can’t explain why

[@haythammandour1152]

Because he had soul, and this Era is soulless

[@NuggetOG]

when a person you never knew existed makes you stupid sad. can i get a moment of silence for my man iwata

[@realkingofantarctica]

Iwata was such an amazing influence that people still talk about him and respect him to this day. Even with all the weird stuff Nintendo’s done, especially at the time, he’s been so influential and I don’t think video games, especially Nintendo, would be the same without him. Edit: Also, seeing Reggie and Iwata together makes my heart feel really tingly in both a happy and sad way.

[@Smiley_256]

Fluffynator the wii

[@Enriquelorn]

@Fluffynator I'm thinking of when Nintendo's policies were strict you couldn't even upload pure gameplay of their games and such.

[@keeysOST]

After his passing, every time I replay and beat a nintendo game I realize how much involvement he's had with some of my favorite games. What a guy.

[@bluefalcon3629]

My favorite part about Iwata is how he always tried to come off as 'dead serious' in directs, doing the famous hand gesture and talking directly to the camera, and there always seemed to be something that 'didn't go to plan', like Miyamoto coming on and sucking him up with the poltergeist, or being surrounded by a load of Luigi's. He was such a light in people's lives, always putting his staff first and as you said, speaking to them personally, not as a businessman, but as a human. And on that note, the man was so goddamn inspirational, every time i hear the 'On my business card' quote i smile, because it reminds me of all of the good times that i have had, with and without Nintendo. Iwata meant so much to so many people, he was not only an utter god in the gaming scene, but just a kind and loving person overall. I remember hearing about the story of how he helped Sakurai with Smash Bros, and how grateful Sakurai was to the point that he made Ultimate as the best tribute to him he could, as it was, as he put it 'his final mission' from him. Iwata will always have a special place in all our hearts, i think Reggie's tribute to him a few years back at the game awards show this. But it was never about how well he worked at Nintendo, or how he shaped the company into the place it is today, those were all just simple perks to a package that brightened up all our lives, he was so impactful on so many people it almost seems like a crime to sum him up in just a few words, rest in peace, you can rest assured that you and your work will never be forgotten.

[@BurgerSoup]

Amen.

[@Usith]

🙏

[@arturocastroverde3349]

Good words, Mr. Cappy

[@ShadowRealmZ373]

Cant believe its been that long. “The one’s who accomplish true greatness, are the foolish who keep pressing onward. The ones who accomplish nothing, are the wise who know when to quit.” Even in his last moments he worked on what he believed in and what he dedicated his life to, games that help us to have fun in our lifes . And that is Nintendo. RIP Iwata, Nintendo won't ever be the same without him but his legacy will live on forever, thank you for everything.

[@TheQuackinator]

When he passed away, I was too young at the time to really understand how awesome of a person he was, only really knowing about him because his Mii arrived in my Streetpass Mii Plaza at one point. Now that I'm older, I have found out how much he really meant. I now have such high respect for the man, especially in a time where the gaming industry needs more people like Iwata. He's definitely a top role model for any company president out there, present or future. He wasn't a boss, he was a leader.

[@flatfacedcat]

When Iwata-san died, I hurt so deeply even though I didn't know him closely and he wasn't my family. He was directly responsible for things that gave me so much joy, and was an incredibly kind man himself with admirable character, that I felt I lost someone dear. I wish he were still here.

[@litchtheshinigami8936]

kermit same i found out trough youtube and i have a habit of doing 2 things at once.. so i was playing some pokemon on my 3ds and scrolling trough my youtube list at the same time.. then i saw the video stating iwata had died.. and i just instantly stopped playing and put my 3ds down and just sat there watching with tears in my eyes.. he brought so many games that i love and grew up with..

[@ItsMeThatGamer]

"Legacy, what is a legacy? It's planting seeds in a garden you never get to see."

[@Superboologan1]

"I wrote some notes at the beginning of a song someone will sing for me. America, you great unfinished symphony! You sent for me!"

[@joshua9832]

It’s so sad. One of the best game developers ever. But, you know what makes it a little better? His spirit lives on in on of Nintendo’s best games ever released, that being the lord of the mountain in breath of the wild. It shows that they cared about him.

[@CianaCorto]

He is also single handedly responsible for Kanto being in Pokemon Gold/Silver. He saved that game by himself.

[@isaacrodriguez4773]

Yeah No Wonder Why Satoru Iwata had a Bile Duct Cancer I Wish There was some Real Life 1-UP Mushrooms to Bring Him Back.

[@burgerboy3461]

It's really sad I'm glad he got credited though in Breath of the Wild with his own freakin mountain named after him, he more than deserved as a tribute to his legacy. He will always be apart of Nintendo moving forward

[@enanan_]

Fun fact : he is also (kinda) a npc (forgot his name)

[@somegeek6836]

I remember when they announced his passing, I was devastated. We need more people like Iwata, people that care about their fans, companies and products as more than just monetary gain. This man loved what he did, and will forever be one of the big names.

[@Klaxynd]

Hearing that "I miss you" at the end of the song hit home especially since it's actually part of the song.

[@nimble6019]

“On my business card, I am a corporate president. In my mind, I am game developer. But In my heart, I am a gamer.” That hit different

[@thegamedimension2605]

I was just saying earlier how it didn’t feel like five years since we’ve lost him. The man was a one of a kind person and knew how to run a company but more importantly, lead and be inspirational to his workers and his consumers. He reinvented how we view presentations by becoming the star of directs, he will always be missed dearly

[@svg9789]

Iwata was there during Nintendo's highest highs and the companies lowest lows. Absolute legend.

[@caldera1134]

I remember soon after his death I was watching a streamer, Vinny from vinesauce, playing splatoon and since the miiverse was still a thing back then the square got turned into an Iwata memorial. Of course Miiverse could be cringy a lot of the times but back then it was touching.

[@henryatkinson1479]

I have a distinct memory of my Wii U homescreen on the 12th, from when it used to fill up with the Miiverse messages. Same thing.

[@some_man_tiks]

When he passed away I actually teared up a bit. I looked at that man as someone amazing. I loved seeing him, listening to him talk and just being him. I was floored when he willingly cut his own pay. To me, he was just as good as family.

[@heroic_teddy]

This was beautiful, Arlo. Iwata was someone we felt like we knew, a distant relatice you didn't see oftwn, but you loved all the same. As you said, the Grandpa humor, his charm, his willingness to help, and his selflessness when it came to his employees. There is nothing against the current leader's now, but Iwata... he was truly something special and different. In a world where he was surrounded by popular characters a plenty, he himself was a character to love too.

[@FantasicWilliam]

One of the most wholesome things I remember Iwata doing was when they did that muppet bit for E3 he did it to hide his health from the public because he wanted E3 to be a place of smiles and happiness and that always brings a smile to my face when I remember that.

[@VXT98]

shit they did that to hide his health? i had no idea

[@javierortiz82]

I remember it sadly, because people complained about how disapointing that direct was, and he went I think to twitter and apologized for that, I believe that's the last words we received from the man. My love for consoles died with the Wii U, not because of the machine, but because it is the last true videogame console at heart, everything afterwards seems like an excuse to collect credit card numbers and scam people from their money.

[@MarceloKatayama]

@@VXT98 he*. He wanted to hide his health issues from the public

[@connorbeith3232]

@@javierortiz82 I agree for the most part, but Iwata did work on the Switch during the last months of his life. So I would say the Switch is the "last console at heart."

[@javierortiz82]

@@connorbeith3232 Through all this three years I've always felt the Switch is barely a Nvidia Shield trying to be a Wii U.

[@dbdn1825]

I can't help but shed a tear everytime i hear " in my heart... I'm a gamer". Maybe a cheesy line, but you know the man felt that way. In your heart you were a gamer Mr. Iwata, and now you live in the hearts of all Nintendo gamers.

[@TayoEXE]

"HE LIVES IN YOU! HE LIVES IN ME! HE WATCHES OVER, EVERYTHING WE SEE!"

[@rafael502]

What a good ass soundtrack that is

[@carlbloke8797]

The fact that it’s already been 5 years just makes me so sad. He truly was someone special. An actual president of a company with compassion, who cared about the well-being of the people who worked for him, who had so much love for what he did for video games. May the legendary Satoru Iwata Rest In Peace ❤️

[@Rozu667]

Honestly, losing Iwata all of these years later still feels like a nightmare. I wish I could wake up from it and hear his voice again. But I can't. I miss him a lot, and I wish the best for his family, friends, and all of Nintendo and gamers. We adore you, Iwata. Don't forget that.

[@edgarramos7167]

Iwata-San, I've never had the pleasure of meeting you. However, I still miss you each and every day.Thank you for being the leader you were. You were a magnificent man and a genuine champion. May you continue to rest in peace.

[@Dizaster1995]

This breaks my heart...this man practically built my childhood... When he passed all I could do at the time was play some of the original mario bros in commemoration while recording on a crappy phone camera... Thinking back i wish I did more

[@LolitaLaceCotton]

Ah don't feel bad xD I would make videos with a cruddy phone as well, uploaded it on here, and I learned that as long as you are getting your message across whether it be from a fancy camera, potato quality phone - as long as your voice, the video you are making/recorded is seen/heard that is all that matters. So don't feel bad about the quality of the camera not being great, feel happy that you did it.. - you did it to say 'thank you' o u o.

[@NamelessGamer29]

That picture of the old HAL staff with Iwata having the cheesiest grin ever still puts a smile on my face.

[@pizzanopastano9159]

I’m still surprised by Satoru Iwata’s death. It was just so sudden, for someone who was so important to Nintendo. Satoru Iwata, I hope you’ll make as many consoles you want in Heaven! 😊

[@ElishaTheAwesome]

It's crazy that it's been 5 years, I still remember where I was when I heard. Dang man

[@twig6102]

Rest In Peace. He will be forever in our hearts. I still remember watching that weird tomodachi life ad like it was yesterday.

[@shirawinchester6350]

This just brought tears to my eyes, I remember him well. Even before Nintendo directs were a thing, he was featured in Nintendo power mags back in the day.

[@stephenlobo932]

Satoru Iwata is someone I think about a lot. I miss his style of directs to this day.

[@ceeb420]

I remember Nintendo going into Directs and digital events and seeing Iwata just felt, like you said, seeing your grandpa or something. He was so clearly passionate about Nintendo, even when the industry was looking down their noses at it. Truly felt sadness when I learned he passed, and this video just reminded me of what a legend we lost.

[@filleis6374]

He was such a great man and will forever be missed. I still remember the day i got the news of his passing. Never forget about the man who saved nintendo, twice.

[@the1doctorwhat]

Iwata was one of the only celebrity deaths that actually felt like a personal loss to me. He was a man who would personally tell us about all the fun plans he had for people who liked video games. Losing him felt like losing a relative that you only get to see every few months.

[@Jasonixel]

I wasn’t fully a Nintendo nerd five years ago, in fact had never watched any of the directs back then. But now that I know I missed out on some of best years for Nintendo and it’s fans, it deeply saddens me to know that a man such as him ran the company with such passion and wisdom all the way until his death. After watching this video, what hurt the most was hearing the story of that fan who just got to have a good, friendly chat with both Miyamoto and Iwata. It amazes me every time when corporate higher ups take the time to legitimately talk with a fan even when all the fan asked for was a picture. What hurt even more is looking in the comments section, seeing some of the stories of how fans found out about his death. I had never heard of Iwata before but as of today I will never forget him. And yes, I’m crying as I write this...

[@jesseshakarji9241]

I can't believe it's been 5 years already. So much has changed. I appreciate that you played Smiles and Tears at the end of the video. Earthbound is my favorite game overall and without Iwata I would have never been able to enjoy it. We miss you Iwata.

[@tpayne7020]

I've been with Nintendo since I was 3 years old playing Mario Kart 64... That was 23 years ago... Thanks for the memories that will last me for my entire life Mr Satoru Iwata. May you rest in peace. 1959-2015

[@therealmckoy6772]

I just love how I was too young to know about and watch the directs and E3 events but I still knew who he was. I have no idea who the the current president is even though I watch the current directs. The fact that could remember his face now and I forgot that there was even a president shows how much impact he had on the company the fact that I came into understanding what games really were when the WIIU was out and bombing and I still knew nintendo and Iwata. He made such an impact on me without me even knowing who he was properly just shows what good he did for the company.

[@isleaf69]

this video almost made me cry.... we need someone like this in nintendo again

[@recordhead9619]

Genuinely made me tear up. This felt so... real. I can tell this man meant so much to you. As a dude that jumped on with the switch, I wish I was there to experience that Iwata magic. Either way, hearing what he did... it makes me sad. Rest In Peace. Mr. Iwata.

[@TheNightmare75II]

15:00 is so true. I remember the period of time between his passing and the Switch's release felt like such a dark time for Nintendo, and even now, when there's a Direct, it just doesn't have the same charm to it. Iwata gave such a personal feel to those Directs. It was like you weren't just listening to news about upcoming video games, but that he was talking to you specifically. This video made me more emotional than I thought it would. I guess I didn't realize just how nostalgic I am for those days when Iwata was still around. Of course it's always emotional to hear what a great human being he was on top of that.

[@DoctorMinjinx]

He brought happiness "🙌 Directly🙌 " to me and many others. I didn't agree with all his choices, naturally so, but he impacted me in many positive ways. R.I.P. Mr. Iwata, and thank you for the memories.

[@nankinink]

DAMN ARLO, the section where you talk about how sad is Iwata not seeing the switch success hit hard on me. Im not crying, we are all crying

[@mst3kluv]

The story about Golf being programmed on Switch as a good luck charm makes me cry everytime ngl

[@maverick114e9]

What golf?

[@steinmaniac7920]

@@maverick114e9 The NES game that he worked on back in the day. It was apparently accessable when doing his nintendo direct hand motion with the joycons, but it has since been removed.

[@StCerberusEngel]

I've had a Nintendo console in my house since 1989. I've seen the good times and bad. I know Iwata-san faced difficulties none of us probably ever will. But damned if he didn't shoulder the responsibility with dignity and professionalism. His passion for what he did shows and he will always have a place among gamers. We recognize our own and we celebrate his memory.

[@MrLaiioSpain]

It makes me sad how nowadays we don’t really see the faces of Nintendo developers and directors that much. I miss watching Shibata doing silly things or Aonuma talking about the process of making a Zelda game. Iwata days were the best days.

[@GanondorfKingofEvil]

"Please take a look." I admit that the feeling I get from that is more like a melancholic nostalgia than rekindled excitement. I still love the Nintendo Directs, but they're less silly now. Though I do wonder if that's because people like Miyamoto find it hard to do that kind of thing without Iwata. Iwata made his mistakes, but there is so much more that he did that was good. He was a paragon among CEO's. Of how simply great a man he was. He worked so hard even when everyone would have understood if he took a break to rest for a while. I will always wish I could have met you Mr. Iwata. You have my eternal respect.

[@quagmireforsale]

That Earthbound music is so fitting. I know you didn't touch upon it in the video, but your use of the music shows you remember that Iwata saved the game single-handedly.

[@connermccabe1678]

Great touch at the end with the "I Miss You" soundbite from Earthbound. You're missed Mr. Iwata!

[@darkumbreon8zoroark]

Every time you touch on the fact he's gone makes me so sad. I was too young when he passed away to understand this, but he left a history of kindness and fun within Nintendo. I will cherish this history my whole life. The games and systems he is specifically called out for working on are so deeply a part of my childhood. They all carry fun memories. I really wish i could thank him for what he's done for the people who love these games.

[@SAkURAYOWA]

I’m fighting back tears over a man I never knew about if it weren’t for Switch.

[@MrThePizzaGuy1]

I used to love reading the “Iwata asks” section in Nintendo Power

[@catfish6415]

He was so dedicated to keeping things upbeat and normal, that when he lost weight after surgery, he updated his mii to reflect it.

[@tahamohammad8842]

Isn’t the reason he did the whole muppet thing that E3 because he didn’t want the public to see him in such a bad shape because he didn’t want them to be sad?

[@astrobricks3220]

I was only 12 when he passed, and I never really watched him when I was younger but I respect him very much. Here's to hoping he is in a better place

[@Crewgasm]

"Please take a look" "Please understand" "Directly..... to you" It is still sad to this day to me. No more Iwata, Reggie, (no clue where Bill Trinen went) That whole group started fading away, those charming directs and bits with the creators have gone away, and nothing since Bowser's intro. Those were magical times, and were the true heart of what I felt Nintendo was. To this day I still remember the joy I had everytime Iwata came on screen. Whether it was a big announcement, or just to hear him speak, I miss it.

[@VicViper2005]

“Watch this”

[@Nahobinoah]

Bill Trinen is part of Nintendo treehouse I think

[@Crewgasm]

@@Nahobinoah I always think of him and the Tomodachi life reveal

[@IonSquared]

Really crazy to think that we had Reggie as president of Nintendo of America and Iwata as president of Nintendo of Japan. Just two of the most genuine and amazing people in the industry and Nintendo had them both at the same time.

[@Skappyio1]

It's been 6 years now. :( R.I.P. Satoru Iwata

[@unknownbowser1439]

I remember crying with my beloved Nintendo DS in my hand. Such an inspiring man

[@litchtheshinigami8936]

unknown bowser same.. i was playing on my 3ds wich i got from my granfather who died about a month after mr iwata.. so it was absolutely a heartbreaking time

[@TheInspirationalMind]

Every video you create brings a massive smile to my face. Thank you for being amazing Arlo!!

[@lewis9s]

You’ve got to respect Iwata for trying his best to speak English, making time for his fans, and being a good man. Rest in peace, Iwata. We love you.

[@B2099-b2h]

Thank you for this video.. I am a new Nintendo guy but I have been looking into Mr.Iwata's history more and more.. Such an inspiration

[@徐照-e2c]

I didn't knows about Satoru Iwata until this year. Switch has brought me a lot of happiness since I bought it. But when I watched Iwata's HEART OF GAMER speech and his life story. I realized that he was a part of the fun I had playing NS. And I also found the machine he showed at the end of the speech, and game Mario Kart was the same one that I saw in the stationery store when I was in primary school, which was being sold, and my classmates were playing at, but I have no way to get. I wanted an NDS for more than 8 years, then it became the 3DS, then it became the switch, and I finally got the switch a few years ago , and I also bought an new3dsll, and the first game I bought was Mario Kart. Neither the Switch nor the 3DS let me down after more than 10 years of anticipation. Over the past few mouth I've watched a lot of interviews with Nintendo developers, interviews with Satoru Iwata, and the book called asked Iwata. Even after all these years, their work from a long time ago can still bring me a lot of happiness today. I really should say thank you. Sataru Iwata is a person who is dedicated to bring fun to others. He is Someone who told me that my childhood fantasies about video games were never fantasies. Even though he's gone. Now it makes me sad to think he didn't get a chance to see what the switch looks like today. It's a great regret for me. I didn't even get a chance to get the letters and message he sent to players on the 3ds and nds. I often wonder what Satoru Iwata would think about the future of video games today. Although as Sakura said, if a person is gone, his whole world disappeared. From my experience, The fun he's dedicated to making players happy still affects me today, many years later. As Iwata himself said, nothing I have done has been in vain.

[@foxmccloud3055]

I remember watching one of his Nintendo Directs for the first time on the Nintendo Channel on Wii. That was a loooooooong time ago! Phew! Time flies....

[@mike-ns6sw]

This just makes me respect him even more Seriously he is the reason of my childhood Like All of it AND he was a great person Can't believe it's been this long

[@DoomPickle490]

I was 13 years old when Iwata had passed away, in the time period he was around within Nintendo, I was truly becoming a part of the gaming community and ESPECIALLY Nintendo. Seeing Iwata for a Nintendo direct made me cement him as one of the big faces of the company. It was sad learning that he passed away. That being said it's amazing to see such a humble and passionate hold the position that he did. You can always tell that Iwata loved what he did and was passionate. He truly was an inspiration to me

[@koolguy5483]

This man inspires me to better myself as a person and he’s honestly one of my greatest idols, truly a champion. Rest in Piece, you legend.

[@Sean-D78]

I just loved it when a direct started and I got to hear his voice, I knew something big would come from him and the memories he gave me from being excited for the newest games at the time, I will never forget. He was the man who always made me excited for Nintendo, I couldn't wait to see what he would bring next on the next Direct. I miss him so much, I like how the Directs are done now but I miss the way they made them back when Iwata was around. May you rest in peace.