Today, July 11, 2025 (Japan time), marks the 10th year death anniversary of former Nintendo president Satoru Iwata.

I couldn’t believe it’s been 10 years since Iwata has left us. I still remember how shocking it was to learn about the news 10 years ago. We all thought he was getting better after his treatment, but things sadly turned for the worse. He left us all so early.

Looking back at Iwata’s life, it’s clear that he was someone at the right place and right time. While he led Nintendo through its best and worst times as global president, thanks to his background as a talented programmer from his early days, his business background in running HAL, and his passion for video games, he was the best person to lead Nintendo at the time.

Although it’s been 10 years since Iwata left us, the plans he had worked on have been set in motion and carried out by his successors. We’re seeing the fruits of success with Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo’s expansion into movies, theme parks, and official stores. Even during his treatment, he was overseeing the development of Nintendo Switch.

How would Nintendo look like today if Iwata didn’t leave us? Unfortunately, we will never find out, but I imagine he’d have stepped down as president by now and hang around Nintendo as a mentor figure or going back into making games.

Thanks Iwata. We’ll always remember you.