Nintendo legend Takashi Tezuka is retiring after 40 years

Nintendo confirmed that veteran designer Takashi Tezuka will retire on June 26, 2026 after 40 years at the company.

Tezuka joined Nintendo in 1984 and helped shape major Mario and Zelda titles, including Super Mario Bros. 3 and A Link to the Past.

He also contributed to later hits such as Yoshi and Super Mario Maker, working alongside Shigeru Miyamoto.

His departure marks another major exit from Nintendo’s classic-era leadership and a notable loss of franchise history.