Sakurai Remembers Iwata: 10 Years Gone, But the Nintendo Magic Endures
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
It's been 10 years since the passing of Satoru Iwata, and Sakurai's remembrance, along with fan tributes, highlights the enduring impact of Nintendo's beloved president on the gaming world, reminding us all to appreciate the folks behind the pixels.
Right, so it's been a decade since Satoru Iwata, the legendary Nintendo president, passed away, and the gaming world's feeling it. Masahiro Sakurai, the bloke behind *Super Smash Bros.*, took to Twitter (or X, whatever Elon's calling it this week) to share his thoughts. And honestly, it's a bit of a gut punch.
Iwata, for those who might be newer to the scene, wasn't just some suit. He was a programmer, a problem-solver, and a genuine gamer at heart. He led Nintendo through the DS and Wii glory days, even taking pay cuts to keep the ship afloat during the trickier times of the 3DS and Wii U. Fair dinkum, that's dedication. He even had a hand in the early concepts of the Nintendo Switch, though sadly he didn't get to see it become the mega-hit it is today.
Sakurai mentioned the anniversary coinciding with the release date of *Kirby Air Ride* on GameCube. (Anyone else remember that one? Hours lost to City Trial, I reckon.) He mused about almost catching up to Iwata's age, which is a sobering thought. Time flies when you're having fun – or, you know, developing some of the most iconic games ever.
But it's not just Sakurai. Fans are sharing their memories, too. One ResetEra user talked about how Iwata's passion for programming inspired them to study computer science. Another praised his journey from programmer to leader who turned Nintendo around. It's a testament to the impact he had on people, even those who never met him.
There’s a lovely video floating about too, Sakurai reminiscing about their time together. Apparently Iwata not only made it possible to squeeze the entire *Pokemon Red & Blue* map into *Gold & Silver* but also came up with the “Bros” part of *Super Smash Bros*. Apparently, that was done to make it clear the fights were friendly rivalries.
Iwata wasn't just a CEO; he was a part of the Nintendo magic. He understood the games, the players, and what made it all special. His 'Iwata Asks' interviews were legendary, offering glimpses behind the curtain that felt genuinely human. In an industry often dominated by corporate speak, he was a breath of fresh air. It's easy to forget the personalities behind the games we play, but Iwata's legacy is a reminder that passion and genuine care can make all the difference. So next time you're mashing buttons in *Smash Bros.*, maybe raise a glass (or a Joy-Con) to the man who helped make it all possible.
Tags: Satoru Iwata, Masahiro Sakurai, Nintendo, Super Smash Bros, Gaming History
Original article: IGN South Africa