Miyamoto Explains Why Nintendo Keeps Revisiting Its Classic Games
The Nintendo veteran said remakes can introduce older games to younger players and help create demand for future projects.
Shigeru Miyamoto has defended Nintendo’s growing focus on remakes, saying updated versions of older games can introduce them to new audiences and support future development.
Nintendo has released several new entries across its major franchises, including Mario Kart World and Splatoon Raiders. At the same time, the company has returned to older releases with projects such as the new version of Star Fox, which released last month, and the The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake scheduled for later in 2026.
Why Nintendo Keeps Making Remakes
Some players would rather see Nintendo create entirely new games instead of revisiting familiar classics. Miyamoto’s explanation focuses on how quickly an audience changes. He said that many players move on from games after several years, while younger players may never get a chance to experience titles originally released a decade earlier.
In comments to Famitsu, reported by Nintendo Everything, Miyamoto acknowledged that some people believe Nintendo is releasing too many remakes.
“Some people might say there are a lot of remakes, but after five years, a lot of people have outgrown games and stop playing them,” he said.
He added that bringing older titles back in a more accessible form can help younger players discover them. In Miyamoto’s view, that renewed interest can also lead to future projects based on those games or franchises.
“Young people today don’t have the opportunity to play games from 10 years ago, so remaking them to be more playable and releasing them again is a good way to meet the demand.”
“Letting people know the original games also leads to future developments, so we’ve been actively pursuing that recently.”
Nintendo’s remaining 2026 lineup includes Nintendo Switch Sports Resort and downloadable content for Pokémon Pokopia. The company has not indicated that every classic franchise will receive a remake, but Miyamoto’s comments make clear that Nintendo sees these projects as more than simple trips down memory lane.
The Ocarina of Time remake is scheduled to arrive later this year. Nintendo presented a trailer for the project during its June 9, 2026 Nintendo Direct.
Nintendo’s remake strategy will likely remain a talking point as more classic games return. Share your thoughts in the comments, and follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, and Instagram.
