In his latest interview with IGN, legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto offered an inspiring glimpse into his relentless pursuit of innovation—a vision that transcends traditional gaming and ventures boldly into immersive, real‐world experiences. With his characteristic candor and passion, Miyamoto detailed the creative journey that has made Nintendo a beacon of inventive storytelling and design, reaffirming why his insights continue to resonate with fans and industry insiders alike .
Miyamoto opened the conversation by recounting a lifelong dream that many might find hard to believe —a dream of not just designing games but crafting entire worlds that players could physically step into. With his background in industrial design and his enduring commitment to creative excellence, Miyamoto described the thrill of collaborating with Universal Parks & Resorts to bring Super Nintendo World to life. “Working with professionals in the theme park industry is like seeing one’s childhood dream materialize. Creating a land that truly embodies Super Mario isn’t just fun, it’s a challenge that requires us to think beyond conventional limits,” he explained. This sentiment highlights the meticulous thought process behind transforming beloved characters and game universes into tangible attractions. Instead of simply replicating rides like a Mario Kart experience or a Donkey Kong adventure, Nintendo’s challenge lay in building a full-fledged land that avoided feeling “toy-like” while remaining deeply engaging .
Miyamoto elaborated on the rigorous design philosophy that guides Nintendo’s projects. He recalled how Universal initially provided a sample “block” that captured the essence of Super Mario’s vivid world. Once the potential was confirmed, the project expanded into an intricate landscape featuring dynamic elements —a giant piranha plant, moving clouds, and interactive details that made the environment come alive. His reflection reveals a core belief: the more dedicated effort poured into every nuanced detail, the more convincing and magical the end result becomes. This dedication to detail echoes Nintendo’s legacy of transforming innovation into unforgettable experiences .
The interview wasn’t solely about theme parks. Miyamoto also redefined how we might view Nintendo itself. Far from a conventional game company, he sees Nintendo as a “talent agency” that curates a diverse roster of creative minds and characters. This unique perspective has not only led to the revitalization of longstanding franchises but also laid the groundwork for future projects like the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. By nurturing innovation at every level—from character evolution to groundbreaking hardware —Nintendo continues to set trends that bridge the digital and physical realms.
A major focus of the interview was Nintendo’s daring redesign of Donkey Kong. Miyamoto explained that the evolution of this iconic character wasn’t about a superficial facelift—it was about making DK more expressive for modern audiences. Reflecting on his long history with the character, he stated:
“So when it comes to character creation and working with characters, I still take an active role in that. And looking back to the first generation Donkey Kong Country, we worked with Rare to create Donkey Kong Country. When we were talking about trying to create new versions, evolving Donkey Kong, we created the game called Jungle Beat. We worked together with the team that made 3D Mario. With the technology that was available at the time, we were able to make Donkey Kong more expressive. And going back to the design that Rare came up with, we reevaluated; what can we do with the design to make it more expressive? And then when it comes to the movie, we decided to move forward with this new generation Donkey Kong design.”
This candid explanation highlights Miyamoto’s commitment to reinvention. By leveraging both new technological advances and a deep respect for the character’s origins, Nintendo is ensuring that Donkey Kong’s personality translates as powerfully today as it did in its early days. Changing the design isn’t just about modern visuals—it’s a deliberate move to deepen the emotional connection between the character and fans
While unveiling the refreshed look for Donkey Kong, Miyamoto also shared his enthusiasm for the next-generation console—the Nintendo Switch 2. Although Nintendo remains tight-lipped about some of its technical details, Miyamoto’s remarks unmistakably underscored his optimism about its potential.
He hinted that Switch 2 isn’t simply a hardware upgrade but a platform that will unlock even more immersive, expressive experiences across Nintendo’s entire lineup. The redesigned Donkey Kong, now set to star in titles like Donkey Kong Bananza, exemplifies how improved technology can allow characters to come alive with unprecedented detail and personality. For Miyamoto, the new console represents an evolution in interactive storytelling—a bridge between Nintendo’s storied past and a future of boundless creative possibilities.
By harnessing the power of advanced graphics and innovative user interaction, Nintendo Switch 2 promises to amplify the expressive nuances that characters like Donkey Kong now embody. This will not only enhance gameplay but also transform how fans connect with characters on a more profound, emotive level
Miyamoto’s vision is clear: every change—from character redesigns to next-gen hardware—serves the singular goal of creating richer, more engaging experiences. His hands-on approach to design, informed by decades of innovation and collaboration with industry pioneers, is a reminder that evolution is essential for even the most cherished franchises. Nintendo’s creative reforms are both a tribute to its storied legacy and a challenge to fans: to embrace a future where technology and expression combine to redefine what it means to play.
Miyamoto’s insights remind us that innovation is a continuous journey. It challenges us to consider how far our imaginations can take us when we’re not constrained by the conventional limits of screen-bound entertainment. Whether exploring a theme park where every corner is steeped in the spirit of Super Mario or eagerly anticipating the next evolution of Nintendo’s hardware and storytelling, his words paint a future rich with innovation and wonder.
