Hideki Konno, one of Nintendo’s most influential game developers, has officially retired from the company after an illustrious 40-year career.
The news marks the end of an era for Nintendo, as Konno leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of creative and technical achievements spanning multiple hardware generations and beloved video game franchises. Beginning his tenure at Nintendo in the early 1980s, Konno quickly established himself as a key figure within the company’s creative ranks.
He started as a designer and assistant director, contributing to the development of classic titles such as Super Mario Bros.
2 and Super Mario Bros.
3 for the Nintendo Entertainment System.
These games not only defined the platforming genre for generations to come, but also helped solidify Nintendo’s reputation as a leader in innovative game design. Over the decades, Konno’s influence extended far beyond the early days of the Super Mario series.
He took on pivotal roles across a diverse range of projects, most notably as a producer on the Mario Kart series—a franchise that has become a cornerstone of multiplayer gaming on every major Nintendo platform from the SNES to the Nintendo Switch.
Under his guidance, Mario Kart evolved into one of Nintendo’s most successful and enduring properties, reaching millions of players worldwide and continually topping sales charts. According to information confirmed by official sources, Hideki Konno retired from Nintendo in July 2025.
His departure closes a chapter on more than four decades of shaping interactive entertainment, driving the success of flagship games, and mentoring younger generations of developers.
Colleagues have described Konno as a visionary leader with a deep understanding of both creative design and technical execution. Nintendo has not released an official statement regarding his retirement as of this publication.
However, the company’s recent Nintendo Direct presentations have acknowledged the cumulative achievements of developers like Konno, emphasizing their role in bringing innovative software to key platforms like the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo eShop. The gaming industry and Nintendo fans alike will remember Hideki Konno for his foundational work on some of the most beloved video games in history.
His contributions continue to influence game design and player experiences globally.
As Konno enters retirement, his legacy at Nintendo—and the impact he made on millions of gamers—will endure for years to come.
The news marks the end of an era for Nintendo, as Konno leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of creative and technical achievements spanning multiple hardware generations and beloved video game franchises. Beginning his tenure at Nintendo in the early 1980s, Konno quickly established himself as a key figure within the company’s creative ranks.
He started as a designer and assistant director, contributing to the development of classic titles such as Super Mario Bros.
2 and Super Mario Bros.
3 for the Nintendo Entertainment System.
These games not only defined the platforming genre for generations to come, but also helped solidify Nintendo’s reputation as a leader in innovative game design. Over the decades, Konno’s influence extended far beyond the early days of the Super Mario series.
He took on pivotal roles across a diverse range of projects, most notably as a producer on the Mario Kart series—a franchise that has become a cornerstone of multiplayer gaming on every major Nintendo platform from the SNES to the Nintendo Switch.
Under his guidance, Mario Kart evolved into one of Nintendo’s most successful and enduring properties, reaching millions of players worldwide and continually topping sales charts. According to information confirmed by official sources, Hideki Konno retired from Nintendo in July 2025.
His departure closes a chapter on more than four decades of shaping interactive entertainment, driving the success of flagship games, and mentoring younger generations of developers.
Colleagues have described Konno as a visionary leader with a deep understanding of both creative design and technical execution. Nintendo has not released an official statement regarding his retirement as of this publication.
However, the company’s recent Nintendo Direct presentations have acknowledged the cumulative achievements of developers like Konno, emphasizing their role in bringing innovative software to key platforms like the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo eShop. The gaming industry and Nintendo fans alike will remember Hideki Konno for his foundational work on some of the most beloved video games in history.
His contributions continue to influence game design and player experiences globally.
As Konno enters retirement, his legacy at Nintendo—and the impact he made on millions of gamers—will endure for years to come.
