Hideki Konno, Mario Kart and 3DS Innovator, Departs Nintendo After 40 Years
Hideki Konno, a key figure at Nintendo, has officially left the company after nearly four decades of service. His departure marks the end of a significant era for the gaming giant.
Career Highlights of Hideki Konno
Konno began his journey with Nintendo in 1986, contributing to the beloved franchise with his first project: Super Mario Bros. 2. His career evolved as he took on various influential roles, notably as the producer for many Mario Kart titles.
- Key Contributions:
- Director of Super Mario Kart
- Producer for Mario Kart series
- Director of Luigi’s Mansion on GameCube
- General producer of several mobile games, including:
- Miitomo
- Dr. Mario World
- Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp
- Super Mario Run
- Fire Emblem Heroes
- Mario Kart Tour
- Producer of the Nintendo 3DS
Confirmation of Departure
Konno’s exit was officially noted on his Facebook page, revealing that he left Nintendo in July. However, the news has only recently come to light, sparking conversations within the gaming community.
Broader Changes at Nintendo
This departure comes shortly after another significant retirement. Kensuke Tanabe, known for his work on Metroid Prime and Paper Mario, has also stepped down, marking his final project as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
As Hideki Konno departs from Nintendo, his legacy as an innovator in the Mario Kart franchise and beyond will continue to influence future gaming developments.
