Nintendo has quietly marked the end of an era as longtime producer and game designer Hideki Konno appears to have retired after nearly four decades with the company.
While no formal announcement was issued by Nintendo, fans began noticing changes to Konno’s personal social media earlier this year, pointing to his departure in mid-2025.
How the Departure Was Discovered
The news surfaced through community discussion on Famiboards, where users noticed that Konno’s Facebook profile listed his employment at Nintendo as ending in July 2025.
Neither Konno nor Nintendo released a public statement, leaving the departure unofficial — though the timing and circumstances strongly suggest retirement rather than a career move.
A Career Spanning Generations of Nintendo History
Hideki Konno joined Nintendo in 1986, during one of the company’s most formative eras. His early work included serving as assistant director on Super Mario Bros. 2 and Super Mario Bros. 3, titles that helped define Nintendo’s global identity.
Over the years, Konno became deeply associated with several major franchises, most notably:
- Mario Kart — as director and producer across multiple entries
- Luigi’s Mansion — helping shape one of Nintendo’s most distinct spin-off series
- Yoshi’s Island and other key internal projects
His influence extended beyond individual titles, helping establish Mario Kart as one of Nintendo’s most commercially successful and enduring franchises.
Signs of Retirement
Konno turned 60 in May 2025, aligning closely with the timing of his departure. In recent years, his involvement in Mario Kart had already diminished.
His most recent credit appeared as “Special Thanks” in Mario Kart World, which many fans interpreted as a quiet transition out of active development work.
Taken together, the age milestone, reduced credits, and silent exit strongly point toward retirement.
Part of a Broader Generational Shift
Konno’s exit comes shortly after another major Nintendo veteran stepped away.
Just days earlier, Metroid producer Kensuke Tanabe also announced his retirement. Tanabe joined Nintendo in 1987, contributed to more than 150 projects, and publicly recommended Risa Tabata as a successor for future Metroid Prime development.
Alongside these departures, Nintendo of America is also preparing for leadership changes, with Doug Bowser set to step down in early 2026.
Together, these developments suggest a broader generational transition underway within Nintendo’s internal structure.
A Lasting Legacy
Hideki Konno’s impact on Nintendo cannot be overstated. His work helped shape:
- Mario Kart into a defining multiplayer franchise
- Luigi’s Mansion into a long-running fan favorite
- Nintendo’s internal design culture across multiple console generations
As Nintendo continues to evolve, Konno’s contributions remain deeply embedded in the company’s identity — influencing not only the games themselves, but the designers now carrying those franchises forward.
長年にわたるご尽力と、数えきれないほど素晴らしいゲームを本当にありがとうございました。
あなたの作品は、これからも多くの人の心に残り続けます。
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