Hello Nintendo of America,

As a decades-long gamer who has been a fan of Nintendo games most of my life, it was disappointing seeing Nintendo at the Gay Pride Parade in Seattle on June 24th.

One of the great things about Nintendo in the politically divisive times we live in is that Nintendo has stayed out of it. In fact, it’s been a stated policy from Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime that Nintendo is not interested in being political, or making political statements in their games.

Apparently that doesn’t include left-wing social-justice activism, as Nintendo of America employees were openly showing their support for Seattle’s Gay Pride Parade, complete with gay pride shirts, stickers, banners, etc. with Nintendo’s official logo on them.

My questions are:

  • Is this a one-time thing or will Nintendo regularly be jumping into the political and “social-justice” arena and conversation now?
  • If so, will Nintendo be supporting more conservative causes as well? Will Nintendo be supporting organizations like the NRA, Wounded Warriors, or the Pro-Life Action League? Or will Nintendo’s social activism be relegated to only left-wing causes?
  • Will this carry over into Nintendo’s games? As gamers, can we be expecting social-justice content and commentary in Nintendo’s games?

  • Is Nintendo of Japan aware that support for the LGBTQ agenda could potentially alienate a large portion of your fan base in North America?
  • Were Nintendo of America employees given the option to not attend the parade? Will there be consequences, official or otherwise, for those who chose not to – even if their reasons were reasons of conscience?

While I have no issues with Nintendo employees doing what they want on their own time, and fully support their right to support the parade as private citizens, it is the shirts and other swag (even a car) with Nintendo’s official logo on it that is concerning to me as a fan, and as someone who blogs about games.

And while I personally have no issues embracing any gay person as an individual, the LGBTQ movement is something else entirely. It is politically motivated and completely supported by the Democrat Party to attain votes. Nintendo officially supporting this is support for the Democrat Party and the LGBTQ agenda they support as well.

I understand that Nintendo has not officially endorsed the Gay Pride Parade or Gay Pride Month on their websites or on any of their social media channels – but having Nintendo’s official logo at the event via Nintendo of America employees is tantamount to an endorsement of the parade, the LGBTQ movement and agenda, and the Democrat Party.

I sincerely hope this does not become a regular occurrence. Even if most of Nintendo of America’s employees support left-wing issues and causes doesn’t mean most of their fans do. Many do not, and I know I’m not alone in my disappointment when I see Nintendo jump into a controversial and divisive arena like this that has nothing to do with video games.

From a lifelong Nintendo fan,

Matthew M. Davidson

P.S. If this is not the first time Nintendo has participated in a Gay Pride event, it is the first time it has been advertised this loudly.

Also, I understand that Nintendo was not the only video game company at the parade. However, they were the most significant video game company at the parade, and the only video game company who has publicly insisted that they aren’t interested in making political statements. Apparently, Nintendo of America’s employees have a big interest.

P.P.S. Please, please Nintendo, stick to video games. You do it so well.