A longtime Nintendo producer has reportedly retired from the legendary gaming giant after nearly 40 years. mario kart and Yoshi's Island. Nintendo has hosted some of the gaming industry's most famous and beloved creators of all time, boasting a long list of high-profile creators and developers. Creators like Shigeru Miyamoto and Satoru Iwata helped shape the modern gaming industry through their work, while many others, like Masahiro Sakurai, were also intrinsically intertwined with the studio. Now, one of Nintendo's most beloved producers has said goodbye.
Hideki Konno is a Nintendo veteran, having worked at the company for nearly 40 years as a producer and game designer. Konno joined Nintendo in 1986 and served as assistant director for 2 and 3. super mario bros. stratagem. Konno has played a key role in creating some of the following: mario This is the biggest spin-off of the franchise, and he serves as director and producer for almost all of the main cast. mario kart Games and directed games Yoshi's Island and Luigi's Mansion. A new report has revealed that Hideki Konno has officially parted ways with Nintendo.
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Longtime Nintendo producer Hideki Konno has retired
Users EAD Ninja and LeoSukaze on the Famiboards forum recently shared that Hideki Konno left Nintendo last year. This change was discovered on Konno's personal Facebook page, confirming that he left Nintendo as of July 2025. Hideki Konno's quiet departure from the company he had been with for nearly 40 years surprised many fans, and neither the director nor Nintendo made an official announcement. The post did not reveal why the producer left Nintendo, but many assumed that Konno simply retired from his position. Nintendo fans have pointed out that Konno is approaching retirement age, turning 60 in May 2025.
Hideki Konno's retirement from Nintendo comes just days after another key figure at the developer confirmed his departure. metroid Franchise producer Kensuke Tanabe has officially announced his retirement from Nintendo. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond It was the last game the director would work on with the company. Tanabe had been at Nintendo as long as Hideki Konno, joining a year later in 1987 and likewise starting work on the following: super mario bros 2. Tanabe is said to have worked on over 150 projects during his time at Nintendo. pokemon to Super Smash Bros. From his repertoire.
Nintendo could be entering a new era
The departure of Hideki Konno and Kensuke Tanabe will mark a big change for Nintendo's young talent. Tanabe personally recommends Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Assistant producer Risa Tabata will be his successor if Nintendo decides to make something else. metroid prime game. Hideki Konno largely retreated from Japan. mario kart The franchise nearing his retirement is only mentioned in the “Special Acknowledgments” section of . mario kart world. Nintendo of America also went through significant changes of its own starting in 2026, with President Doug Bowser resigning after six years in charge of the U.S. division.
Hideki Konno will leave a lasting legacy with Nintendo, having helped build some of the studio's biggest franchises. that mario kart The series has been a mainstay for Nintendo ever since. super mario kart On SNES, mario kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Ranking among the best-selling games of all time. that Luigi's Mansion The game has also become a cult classic among Nintendo fans, with the Luigi-centric horror franchise receiving three main series games across multiple platforms. Nintendo fans will be saying goodbye to one of the company's most beloved producers, and Hideki Konno's work will create precious memories for gamers around the world.
