(Image credit: Business Insider)
Hiroshi Yamauchi, one of the biggest pioneers to the gaming industry and the man who transformed Nintendo from a trading card business into one of the world’s largest video gaming companies, has passed away yesterday morning at age 85.
Under the leadership of Yamauchi, Nintendo introduced well-known consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and the Gameboy, which gave light to timeless game franchises like Mario, Pokemon, Donkey Kong and the Legend of Zelda. These game titles stood the test of time and are still being followed and loved by many today.
Yamauchi stepped down in 2002 after the release of the GameCube console but still headed Nintendo in the background under corporate planning before finally retiring in 2005. He had turned Nintendo into a multi-billion gaming business.
Nintendo confirmed the news of his passing in an email statement. A spokesman said the firm is now in mourning over “the loss of the former Nintendo President Mr Hiroshi Yamauchi”. A Memorial service will be held at the company’s headquarters in Kyoto Minami-ku Kamitobahokotate town from 11am to 1pm on September 22.
(Editing by Terence Lee)
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