Nintendo Launches NES Classic Edition Developer Interview Series Featuring Gaming Legends

Nintendo has officially introduced a new NES Classic Edition Developer Interview series, highlighting the creative force behind some of the most beloved titles included with the NES Classic Edition.

This initiative offers gaming fans and industry insiders a rare glimpse into the minds of developers who helped shape video game history on the original Nintendo Entertainment System. The inaugural entries in the series feature in-depth interviews with legendary designers Shigeru Miyamoto and Yoshio Sakamoto.

Miyamoto, widely regarded as one of Nintendo’s most influential game creators, opens up about his work on Donkey Kong—a title that not only defined the platforming genre but also played a critical role in Nintendo’s rise as a global gaming powerhouse.

In the interview, Miyamoto reflects on the development process and the challenges faced in bringing Donkey Kong to the NES platform, emphasizing the importance of balancing engaging mechanics with simplicity for new players. Yoshio Sakamoto, the creative mind behind Balloon Fight, discusses the inspirations that led to the development of this whimsical arcade classic.

Sakamoto shares insights into the unique gameplay mechanics of Balloon Fight and how the team managed to maximize the NES’s technical limitations to deliver a memorable experience.

Both Donkey Kong and Balloon Fight are available as pre-installed titles on the NES Classic Edition, connecting a new generation of players with these timeless classics. Nintendo has confirmed that the NES Classic Edition developer interview series will be an ongoing conversation, bringing forward more voices from its storied history.

According to the company, future installments will shine a spotlight on the creators of Super Mario Bros, Super Mario Bros 3, and The Legend of Zelda—three games that not only redefined their respective genres but also stand as testaments to the creative vision of designers like Miyamoto. This unprecedented behind-the-scenes series coincides with the launch of the NES Classic Edition, a miniature replica console released on November 11, 2016.

The system ships with 30 pre-installed games, offering enthusiasts and newcomers alike the chance to relive iconic moments from Nintendo’s history.

Since its launch, the NES Classic Edition has sold millions of units worldwide, cementing its place as a must-have collectible and further expanding Nintendo’s legacy within the modern gaming market. By shedding light on the experiences and philosophies of its legendary developers, Nintendo continues to honor its rich heritage and inspire both longtime fans and aspiring game creators.

The NES Classic Edition Developer Interview series serves as a bridge between gaming’s past and present, reinforcing the enduring influence of Nintendo’s iconic franchises on the industry and culture at large.

Nintendo Shigeru Miyamoto Yoshio Sakamoto NES Classic Edition Donkey Kong Balloon Fight Super Mario Bros Super Mario Bros 3 The Legend of Zelda