Hiroshi Yamauchi, the main driving force behind Nintendo’s conversion from children’s toy and card manufacturer into the electronic gaming juggernaut that it is today, has died, aged 85. He passed away yesterday in a Kyoto Hospital, where he had been suffering from pneumonia.
He was best known for championing the NES console, which was a major turning point in the profitability of Nintendo in terms of electronics. Leaving University following his Grandfather passing away to lead Nintendo, following president Satoru Iwata has taken much inspiration from Yamauchi’s enthusiasm and commitment.
Yamauchi was also once the richest man in Japan, even owning the Seattle Major League Baseball team, the Mariners.
He will be dearly missed but his influence on the path gaming has taken, will still be affecting us for generations.
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