Nintendo Cosplay Spotlight: Regina Marie Shares Her Legend of Zelda Inspirations

Nintendo Cosplay Spotlight: Regina Marie Shares Her Legend of Zelda Inspirations For many fans, Nintendo’s iconic franchises serve as a catalyst for creativity and community.

Regina Marie—known in fandom circles as RikkuGrape—stands as a stellar example of this passion brought to life.

As a dedicated cosplayer, Regina Marie has captured the imagination of Nintendo fans with her intricate recreations of beloved characters from The Legend of Zelda, proving just how deeply these games resonate with their audience. Passion for Costume Creation Inspired by Nintendo Classics Regina Marie describes her craft as the art of meticulously recreating costumes and props from games, movies, and television shows that have left an impact on her.

By bringing these characters to life, she aims to honor the work of original creators and share her enthusiasm with the broader Nintendo community.

"I work to replicate and breathe life into costumes and props inspired by characters I admire, always striving to do justice to the vision of their original designers," she says. Her introduction to cosplay began at age 15, when she attended a friend’s birthday party themed around costume play.

"I had never heard of cosplay before, but once I tried it, it became a lasting passion," Regina recalls.

Initially, she would create one costume a year, but her dedication grew, and within a single year she crafted five distinct ensembles, highlighting her commitment to the artistry of cosplay. Legend of Zelda Favorites and the Art of Character Selection A frequent subject in her cosplay portfolio is Nintendo’s acclaimed series, The Legend of Zelda.

Regina explains, "I chose to portray Zelda from Twilight Princess for her regal and strong depiction, and Saria because I’ve always found her endearing and spirited." She is also working on costumes inspired by Skyward Sword’s Zelda, Super Mario Sunshine’s Princess Peach, Metroid’s Samus Aran, and even hopes to tackle Luigi equipped with his Poltergeist 3000—showcasing the iconic breadth of Nintendo’s character roster. Her Zelda costumes have debuted at popular events like SakuraCon and PAX Prime, where they’ve been met with enthusiasm and appreciation from fellow fans.

"The response to my Zelda ensemble has been overwhelmingly positive," says Regina.

"People notice the detail and hard work that goes into each piece, and it’s rewarding to see them connect with my passion." Encouragement for Aspiring Cosplayers Asked for advice to newcomers, Regina emphasizes fearlessness and fun.

"Don’t be afraid to start—cosplay is about expressing your love for a character and enjoying yourself," she advises.

"Choose characters you care about, and embrace the process." Nintendo Memories and Lifelong Appreciation Regina’s earliest Nintendo memory centers around the Nintendo 64, purchased by her older brothers, and the thrill of joining in on their gaming sessions.

As a lifelong fan, she singles out Majora’s Mask as her favorite game, while also expressing affection for Luigi’s Mansion, Diddy Kong Racing, Donkey Kong 64, and Banjo-Kazooie.

In terms of favorite characters and series, Link and Samus top her list, with the Paper Mario series capturing a special place due to its charm and humor. On Nintendo’s Continued Innovation and Community Spirit Regina commends Nintendo’s ability to innovate—balancing classic franchises with family-friendly and core gamer experiences.

She notes the enduring nostalgia that Nintendo platforms like the N64 evoke for long-time players.

"Nintendo’s approach often goes against the grain, but their willingness to chart their own course is why I admire them as a company." For those wanting to follow her journey, Regina Marie is active on platforms like Facebook, DeviantArt, and Tumblr, regularly sharing her latest cosplay endeavors with the Nintendo community. Ninterviews Spotlight Community Passion Nintendo Life’s Ninterview series celebrates enthusiastic members of the Nintendo ecosystem, highlighting stories of fans who keep the vibrant legacy of Nintendo alive through art, play, and shared enthusiasm.

Stay tuned for more in-depth features on the creative individuals who shape the Nintendo community.

Nintendo Legend of Zelda Regina Marie RikkuGrape Nintendo Switch Nintendo Life SakuraCon PAX Prime Skyward Sword Metroid Super Mario Sunshine Paper Mario Luigi's Mansion N64