Fake Luigi invades Japanese Wii launch

by David Hinkle { Dec 5th 2006 at 10:15AM }

During the Wii launch over the weekend at the Akiba Yodobashi, a Japanese store, an over-enthusiastic cosplayer was mistaken for an actual Nintendo employee. Dressed as a huge Luigi (pictured), which was excellently crafted if we say so, he was invited to take part in the festivities upon arrival, walking up to the stage and handing out the first Wii console to a happy customer.

Shortly after, everyone realized this chap was not here on Nintendo's behalf and store employees gripped up the skinnier brother, ushering him out of the store. This was not before news crews had taken tons of footage featuring the cosplayer, which was featured on the local news. Someone took that broadcast and put it on You Tube, which we've embedded into the post past the jump.

[Thanks Alex!]

Tags: cosplay, japan, luigi, nintendo, nintendowii, wii

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Adrock @ Dec 5th 2006 11:21AM

@ 4:18 - Guy in line wearing a power glove.

CJC @ Dec 5th 2006 11:48AM

This is both strange AND hilarious. Was his true identity ever discovered? If not, he got away with the greatest, most fanboyish prank ever!

T @ Dec 5th 2006 1:55PM

luigi gets no love.
no love for luigi.
poor luigi.

jp @ Dec 5th 2006 3:04PM

hope at least he got his wii

Author X @ Dec 5th 2006 4:14PM

Wow.... WOW. Happiest otaku in all of Japan right there, I tell you.

What about the Sonic in another shot? Anyone think he was legitimate or also a fake? It would make even more sense they'd pull him up right away if some stores had 'real' mascots there.

Oh, and good catch, Adrock!