Yoshiaki Koizumi
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Zelda: Ocarina of Time designer wanted Navi to be a "cute girl," but "that wasn't possible"…
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time designer Yoshiaki Koizumi revealed that the iconic fairy companion Navi was originally envisioned as a "cute girl" but was changed to a ball of light due to the Nintendo 64's technical limitations. This design choice was also influenced by Koizumi's desire to avoid a generic marker for the game's Z-targeting system.
Zelda: Ocarina of Time on N64 actually had a jump button early in development, 29 years before Nintendo's remake…
A newly resurfaced interview reveals that the original Nintendo 64 version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time featured a dedicated jump button during early development, a feature that has reappeared in the upcoming remake. Developers Satoru Iwata and Yoshiaki Koizumi discussed how the decision to remove the jump button was influenced by a desire to emphasize puzzle elements over action.
The 12 most exciting video game releases of October 2026
October 2026 is set to feature a diverse lineup of video game releases, including Ace Combat 8: Wings Of Theve, Star Wars: Galactic Racer, and Gears Of War: E-Day. Other notable titles include Clive Barker's Hellraiser: Revival, Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, and Final Fantasy Resonance, which marks a return to turn-based combat. Microsoft is also releasing an Xbox and PC exclusive, while Nintendo is launching Nintendo Switch Sports Resort.
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort Hands-On Preview: Wuhu Island Is Back, Baby
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort brings back the beloved Wuhu Island with new motion-controlled sports. A preview at San Diego Comic Con showcased four of the 12 planned sports: archery, bowling, power cruising, and thumb wrestling. The game aims to recapture the fun of its predecessor with updated gameplay.
The rumors were true! The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 'will be reborn' on Nintendo Switch 2 this year
Nintendo has officially announced a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, set to launch in 2026 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. The announcement was made during a recent Nintendo Direct showcase, featuring a teaser trailer that revealed a modern art style with improved graphics. The remake will be the first major release of the classic title since its Nintendo 3DS remaster in 2011.
Xenoblade Fans Are Eating Good With A New Game, Genesis, Announced For 2027
Nintendo announced Xenoblade Genesis, a new entry in the Xenoblade series, for the Nintendo Switch 2, slated for release in 2027. The game appears to lean more into a fantasy setting than previous titles and introduces a new protagonist who wields a blade imbued with an Anima crystone. Nintendo executive Yoshiaki Koizumi revealed the new story at a recent Nintendo Direct.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake confirmed, coming to Nintendo Switch 2 this year
Nintendo has officially confirmed that a remake of the classic 1998 game, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, is in development and will be released in 2026 for the Nintendo Switch 2. The remake will feature voice acting and a semi-realistic art style, though gameplay details have yet to be revealed.
The Star Fox crew flies onto Switch 2 this June
Nintendo surprised fans with a new Star Fox Direct, announcing Star Fox for the Nintendo Switch 2, a reimagining of Star Fox 64. The game will launch on June 25 and features overhauled graphics, new cutscenes, fully voiced dialogue, and an orchestral soundtrack. It will also utilize Nintendo Switch 2 features like Joy-Con 2 mouse controls and include a new 4-vs-4 multiplayer Battle Mode.
PSA: You Can Play Star Fox's Switch 2 Game With A Nintendo 64 Controller
The upcoming Nintendo Switch version of Star Fox will offer players the option to use a Nintendo 64 controller for controls that feel closer to the original 1997 release. Additionally, the game will support Joy-Con 2 controls, including mouse targeting, and feature a co-op mode where one player pilots and the other handles aiming.
Today Is Nintendo Legend Yoshiaki Koizumi's 58th Birthday
Nintendo legend Yoshiaki Koizumi celebrated his 58th birthday on April 29, 2026. Koizumi, currently Senior General Manager at Nintendo EPD, has been with the company for 35 years and has contributed to numerous iconic titles including Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Super Mario Odyssey.
18-year-old Super Mario Galaxy mystery is finally settled in the movie, since Shigeru Miyamoto and Nintendo "never…
Shigeru Miyamoto revealed that The Super Mario Galaxy Movie allowed him to resolve a long-standing mystery about the relationship between Princess Peach and Rosalina, a topic he and Super Mario Galaxy game director Yoshiaki Koizumi discussed during the original game's development. This discussion, which never reached a conclusion during the game's creation, is now explored in the new movie.
The Mario Galaxy Movie End Reveal Came Out Of Years-Old Discussions At Nintendo
Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto and Illumination's Chris Meledandri discussed the development of the Super Mario Galaxy movie, revealing that the idea of Rosalina and Peach being related originated from discussions during the 2007 game's development. While a conclusion wasn't reached then, the movie provided an opportunity to explore this concept. The pair also hinted at future films expanding the 'NCU' with more characters.
Donkey Kong Bananza Focused on Kong’s Raw Strength to Differentiate Him From Mario, Says Producer
Nintendo producer Kenta Motokura discussed the challenges of differentiating Donkey Kong Country Returns HD from Super Mario Odyssey, focusing on Donkey Kong's raw strength and destructive capabilities. Consultations with Shigeru Miyamoto and Yoshiaki Koizumi helped define Donkey Kong's unique characteristics, such as his longer arms and powerful actions, to create distinct gameplay experiences compared to Mario. The goal was to offer players variety by highlighting the differences between the two IPs and their respective playstyles.
