Hideki Konno, a pioneering figure in Nintendo's storied history, has retired from the company, marking the end of an era that spans nearly four decades of groundbreaking contributions to the video game industry.
News of Konno’s departure surfaced through a recent update on his Facebook page, revealing that he had quietly exited Nintendo in July 2025.
Although his retirement only recently came to light, his influence on the Nintendo portfolio—and gaming as a whole—is profound and enduring. Konno began his Nintendo career in the mid-1980s, quickly becoming a linchpin in the company’s software development efforts.
Early on, he contributed as a designer and assistant director on acclaimed NES classics such as Super Mario Bros.
2 and Super Mario Bros.
3.
His creative vision took center stage as he stepped into the role of director for beloved titles like Super Mario Kart and Mario Kart 64, as well as Yoshi’s Island—games that continue to influence developers and delight players worldwide. Beyond his early successes, Hideki Konno was instrumental in shaping the evolution of Nintendo hardware.
As a producer, he played a central role in the conception and development of the Nintendo 3DS handheld console, further solidifying Nintendo’s legacy in portable gaming.
His talents as a producer extended to key software projects, including guiding the development of Mario Kart 8 for the Wii U and its subsequent Nintendo Switch adaptation, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
The latter became a standout hit on the eShop, achieving record sales and establishing itself as one of the best-selling Nintendo Switch games of all time. Konno remained at the forefront of Nintendo's expanding portfolio, adapting classic franchises for new platforms.
His recent work included leading the production of mobile titles such as Super Mario Run, Fire Emblem Heroes, and Mario Kart Tour, demonstrating an ability to innovate and reach broader audiences across diverse hardware. Notably, Konno’s more recent credits include overseeing post-launch content for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and receiving a 'special thanks' nod in the latest Mario Kart World release.
His retirement comes on the heels of another major Nintendo figure, Kensuke Tanabe—best known for his work on the Metroid Prime series—also concluding his distinguished career. Nintendo and the gaming community at large have lost a true visionary with Hideki Konno’s departure.
His four decades of creativity and leadership helped define not only a genre, but multiple generations of gamers, ensuring his legacy will endure through the countless worlds and memories he helped create.
News of Konno’s departure surfaced through a recent update on his Facebook page, revealing that he had quietly exited Nintendo in July 2025.
Although his retirement only recently came to light, his influence on the Nintendo portfolio—and gaming as a whole—is profound and enduring. Konno began his Nintendo career in the mid-1980s, quickly becoming a linchpin in the company’s software development efforts.
Early on, he contributed as a designer and assistant director on acclaimed NES classics such as Super Mario Bros.
2 and Super Mario Bros.
3.
His creative vision took center stage as he stepped into the role of director for beloved titles like Super Mario Kart and Mario Kart 64, as well as Yoshi’s Island—games that continue to influence developers and delight players worldwide. Beyond his early successes, Hideki Konno was instrumental in shaping the evolution of Nintendo hardware.
As a producer, he played a central role in the conception and development of the Nintendo 3DS handheld console, further solidifying Nintendo’s legacy in portable gaming.
His talents as a producer extended to key software projects, including guiding the development of Mario Kart 8 for the Wii U and its subsequent Nintendo Switch adaptation, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
The latter became a standout hit on the eShop, achieving record sales and establishing itself as one of the best-selling Nintendo Switch games of all time. Konno remained at the forefront of Nintendo's expanding portfolio, adapting classic franchises for new platforms.
His recent work included leading the production of mobile titles such as Super Mario Run, Fire Emblem Heroes, and Mario Kart Tour, demonstrating an ability to innovate and reach broader audiences across diverse hardware. Notably, Konno’s more recent credits include overseeing post-launch content for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and receiving a 'special thanks' nod in the latest Mario Kart World release.
His retirement comes on the heels of another major Nintendo figure, Kensuke Tanabe—best known for his work on the Metroid Prime series—also concluding his distinguished career. Nintendo and the gaming community at large have lost a true visionary with Hideki Konno’s departure.
His four decades of creativity and leadership helped define not only a genre, but multiple generations of gamers, ensuring his legacy will endure through the countless worlds and memories he helped create.
