Nintendo’s Takashi Tezuka, director of classic Mario and Zelda games, is retiring

Nintendo says veteran designer Takashi Tezuka will retire as executive officer on June 26, 2026.

Tezuka helped shape landmark Nintendo games including The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario World, A Link to the Past, and Yoshi’s Island.

He most recently produced Super Mario Bros. Wonder, underscoring his lasting influence on the company.

His departure is part of a broader wave of retirements among senior Nintendo creators from the Famicom and Super Famicom era.