Legendary Zelda director and Nintendo designer Takashi Tezuka is retiring after more than 40 years

Takashi Tezuka, one of Nintendo’s most legendary and influential game designers, will retire from the company on June 26, 2026, marking the end of a remarkable 42-year career. The 65-year-old designer joined Nintendo in 1984 as a part-time employee while still studying at university, initially working as a sprite designer on Punch-Out!!.

Tezuka rapidly ascended through Nintendo’s ranks, becoming an assistant director and designer on foundational titles including the original Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda. Throughout his four decades at the company, he frequently collaborated with fellow Nintendo icon Shigeru Miyamoto. Tezuka served as director, designer, or producer on some of Nintendo’s most celebrated franchises, including Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and as co-designer of the beloved Yoshi character.

Rising from graphics designer to game director and ultimately to executive officer, Tezuka’s creative vision shaped Nintendo’s most iconic properties. While Miyamoto remains more prominent in public consciousness, Tezuka’s contributions were instrumental in establishing Nintendo’s visual identity and gameplay philosophy during the company’s most formative and commercially successful eras.

Nintendo announced the retirement during its earnings briefing on May 8, 2026, marking a significant moment as one of gaming’s most influential designers concludes his career with the company.

Legendary Zelda director and Nintendo designer Takashi Tezuka is retiring after more than 40 years

Sources