Overview
- Reports cite Konno’s Facebook page indicating he exited Nintendo in July 2025, with the departure only surfacing publicly now.
- He directed Super Mario Kart and later served for years as producer across the Mario Kart series, with Kosuke Yabuki taking over from Mario Kart 8 onward.
- Konno’s early credits include Super Mario Bros. 2 and 3, plus directing roles on Yoshi’s Island and Mario Kart 64.
- Beyond software, he produced the Nintendo 3DS and led mobile development on titles such as Super Mario Run, Fire Emblem Heroes, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, Miitomo, Dr. Mario World, and Mario Kart Tour.
- Recent work included producing Mario Kart 8 and its Switch version and contributing to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe DLC, with a recent "special thanks" credit in Mario Kart World, as news of his exit follows separate reports on Kensuke Tanabe’s retirement.