The businessman responsible for Nintendo transition from being a card company to one so entrenched in electronic entertainment, Hiroshi Yamauchi has passed away at the age of 85. One of the most influential men the world of videogames has ever seen, Yamauchi is responsible for the games that made up your childhood, and without him, the videogame landscape would be very different.
Having joined the Hanafuda card company in 1949, Yamauchi became chairman in the 70’s and steered the company towards electronic games, despite not really enjoying them. In fact, it was he who hired a young designer by the name of Shigeru Miyamoto; creator of such iconic franchises as Donkey Kong, Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda, Star Fox, F-Zero and Pikmin
He oversaw the introduction of the NES in the early ‘80s, and stayed on as president through the SNES, Nintendo 64, and GameCube era’s he stepped down in 2002, to be replaced by current president Satoru Iwata. even so, he remained with the company as its largest shareholder, maintaining an advisory role. He was partially responsible for brainstorming the Nintendo DS.
Details on his death are scant, but Ninetndo’s released a statement saying “‘Nintendo is in mourning today from the sad loss of the former Nintendo president Mr Hiroshi Yamauchi, who sadly passed away this morning’.
Rest in Peace.
Last Updated: September 19, 2013
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TiMsTeR I miss Gta V
September 19, 2013 at 15:36
Rest in peace old man, you lived a good life.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
September 19, 2013 at 18:40
Indeed! He did gaming a great service!
That Dark Twit
September 19, 2013 at 15:36
R.I.P Hiroshi Yamauch & Thank you.
Otto_ki
September 19, 2013 at 15:39
Thanks for the great child memories, R.I.P Hiroshi Yamauchi
Umar Jaeger
September 19, 2013 at 15:44
R.I.P Your one life was the source of power-ups and one-ups for many of us 🙂 We appreciate and respect your legacy
Rincemetimbers
September 19, 2013 at 15:52
Donkey Kong, Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda, Star Fox, F-Zero and Pikmin. In other words the GREAT Nintendo games. RIP mate.
Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew
September 19, 2013 at 15:59
R.I.P. Hiroshi Yamauchi. Thanks for the amazing childhood memories
CypherGate
September 19, 2013 at 16:13
R.I.P Hiroshi Yamauchi. You helped give me some good childhood memories in gaming.
Ultimo_Cleric N7
September 19, 2013 at 16:15
RIP good sir. Thanks for giving us some amazing childhoods. Respect.
Gerhard Davids
September 19, 2013 at 16:16
R.I.P. Your legacy lives on and inspired my career.
Jonah Cash
September 19, 2013 at 16:28
Rest in Peace good Sir!! You will be remembered by so many the world over!!
Dean_12
September 19, 2013 at 16:31
Rest in Peace Mr. Hiroshi Yamauchi. Thank you for what you have done and for your vision, thank you for everything.
Aussious
September 19, 2013 at 23:40
Like most revolutionaries you where an asshole hated by all around, but WE the fans thank you and appreciate you for taking a toy company and turning it into the white knight that saved consoles in their darkest hour.
Rock789
September 20, 2013 at 07:03
R.I.P. Mr Yamauchi. Thanks for giving us some of the greatest childhoods the world has ever known. May your legacy live on!
SaintsRowMurray
September 20, 2013 at 08:43
RIP Good Sir.
The Orange flip-open Donkey Kong is one of my earliest memories of my gaming life. I imagine you in the afterlife, standing, hands on your hips, thinking: We need more pipes…