Holy CRAP! Yup it's true...well, sorta. IGN64 has the scoop...

IGN64 has learned that Nintendo of America chairman Howard Lincoln plans to retire from his position as chairman of the company by February 2000. Lincoln, who has served as unofficial head of Nintendo's US operations for more than 15 years, will not drop off the circuit altogether, but will instead take a less active role in the company, relinquishing much of his duties to separate executives of the firm. Nintendo currently has no plans to replace Lincoln's position.

"Howard will be with Nintendo into the millennium. He plans to retire from his specific role as chairman of Nintendo of America at the end of February 2000," Nintendo's Perrin Kaplan, director, Corporate Affairs, told IGN64 today. "He will remain on the board of directors of Nintendo of America, Rare Ltd., and the Baseball Club of Seattle, the owner of the Seattle Mariners. As a board member of Nintendo of America, he will continue to work closely with Mr. Arakawa and the other officers of the company and will also be available for special projects where necessary. His position will not be replaced; instead, responsibilities will be delegated to various officers of Nintendo of America includes Mr. Arakawa."