Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto has revealed that gaming has become more of a family activity in recent years, with the Mario creator saying he now spends most of his playtime alongside his grandchildren rather than playing alone.
During a recent interview with Famitsu, Miyamoto explained that although he no longer plays games as frequently by himself, video games remain an important part of family gatherings. The interview also offered a rare look into the personal life of one of gaming’s most influential creators.
Miyamoto keeps games at his house for family visits
Speaking about his current gaming habits, Miyamoto said,
“I don’t really play [games] that much any more.”
He went on to explain that he keeps games at his own home instead of his grandchildren’s, adding,
“My grandchildren… if they have games at their own house, they play with them too much, so I keep them at my house and tell them, ‘Come to Grandpa’s house when you want to play.'”
The Nintendo veteran also shared that he still enjoys helping his grandchildren overcome difficult sections in games.
“My young grandchildren can’t clear it yet, so they’re happy when I play with them and help them clear it,”
he said, noting that the boss in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker can be frightening for them, so he usually takes over during those moments.
Although Miyamoto says he plays less often today, he continues to play a major role at Nintendo. In recent years, he has served as a producer on The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda film, and has helped oversee projects such as Super Nintendo World and the Nintendo Museum.
Even at 73, Miyamoto’s latest comments show that games remain a meaningful part of his life—now shared with the next generation of Nintendo fans.
