The key creator of the first Mario and Zelda is retiring from the Japanese company, according to official personnel change documents in the latest quarterly balance sheet.
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Takashi Tezuka, one of the most important names in Nintendo history, seems to be leaving his leadership position in the company after more than four decades of experience. The announcement came through an official document on personnel modifications, included in the company's quarterly earnings report
.
Tezuka joined Nintendo in 1984 as a part-time collaborator to help with the development of Punch-Out!!. At the time, the Osaka-born designer wasn't a big fan of video games; to the point that he hadn't even played Pac-Man when he started at the Kyoto firm
.
However, he soon adapted and began working with Shigeru Miyamoto on Super Mario Bros. for the NES, beginning a creative partnership that lasted decades. Later, Tezuka directed and wrote the first The Legend of Zelda, laying the foundation for one of the most beloved franchises
.
A career full of classics
During his early years, he directed iconic titles such as Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Yoshi's Island. He also participated as assistant director in Super Mario 64 and oversaw the first 3D Zelda games for Nintendo
64.
In total, Tezuka contributed to the company's countless games over its more than 40 years. In 2018, he joined the board of directors and remained active in recent projects, with credits in Super Mario Wonder and his 2026 Meetup in Bellabel Park DLC, in addition to Princess Peach: Showtime! and Mario & Luigi: Brothership
.
At 65, Tezuka is eight years younger than Miyamoto, who is still very involved in Nintendo and its external projects. The departure of Tezuka is part of a generational change that the company seems to be preparing for the
future.
Nintendo's legacy and future It's
not clear if Tezuka will maintain any kind of link with Nintendo from now on. His departure is in addition to that of other veterans of the old guard who are approaching the usual retirement age for executives in the company
.
Figures such as the composer Koji Kondo and Eiji Aonuma, responsible for the Zelda series, are also in their mid-60s. Meanwhile, Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, will continue his work at the company for now
.
Tezuka's contribution was fundamental to making Nintendo what it is today. From its modest beginnings to its great successes on consoles of all kinds, its mark is present in the games that marked entire generations of players around the world. His retirement marks the end of a golden era in video game development.
Mario and Zelda fans are sure to fondly remember their influence on titles that defined the industry. As the company moves toward new challenges, Tezuka's legacy will live on in every adventure that players enjoy
