Iwata: We will continue to treasure Yamauchi’s values

Satoru Iwata has responded publicly to the death of former president Hiroshi Yamauchi, and praised the values he bestowed upon the company.

Yamauchi passed away yesterday at the age of 85. He had led Nintendo for over 50 years as president from 1949 to 2002, transforming the firm from a card company into a pioneer in the game console space.

Yamauchi oversaw the launch of a number of Nintendo’s consoles such as the Nintendo Entertainment System, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64 and the Gamecube, as well as a number of key franchises that have gone on to become a part of popular culture.

Iwata, who took over the company’s presidency in 2002, said Nintendo would continue to adapt to industry changes, and pledged to carry on Yamauchi’s spirit within the company.

"We will continue to treasure the values Yamauchi taught us – that what makes you unique lies at the core of entertainment,” said Iwata.

“And we at Nintendo will continue to change the company flexibly to adapt to the times, as Yamauchi did, to carry on his spirit."