A Complete List of Games Directed by Shigeru Miyamoto

About this gallery:

For this list, we’re focusing on every game that Miyamoto directed – including one that’s all about remakes of his earlier masterpieces. However, this isn’t a list of every game he’s ever been involved in, because let’s be real… that list would probably stretch into infinity.

So, which of these legendary games from Nintendo’s mastermind is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Donkey Kong (1981)

Before Mario was a household name, before Bowser was kidnapping princesses, and before Nintendo dominated the gaming world, there was Donkey Kong. This was Miyamoto’s grand entrance into the industry, proving that video games could have actual characters, simple yet compelling stories, and most importantly – be ridiculously fun. You play as Jumpman (yep, that’s Mario’s original name) as he scales a construction site to rescue his lady from a very grumpy gorilla. It introduced climbing, jumping, and avoiding obstacles in ways no arcade game had done before. And let’s be honest – how many of us have tried to pull off the classic hammer power-up dance in real life? Just me? Cool. | © Nintendo

Popeye (1982)

Spinach-fueled action on the high seas? Sounds like a winner, right? Well, Popeye was actually a huge stepping stone for Miyamoto – it was his chance to prove that licensed video games could actually be good. Instead of rescuing a princess, you’re Popeye, catching hearts (or musical notes and letters) thrown by Olive Oyl while dodging Bluto’s relentless attacks. It had the classic arcade formula – simple, challenging, and endlessly replayable. Fun fact: if Nintendo hadn’t lost the Popeye license, Donkey Kong might never have been made. Imagine a world without Mario… no thanks. | © Nintendo

Donkey Kong Jr. (1982)

Talk about a role reversal! In Donkey Kong Jr., Mario (gasp!) is actually the villain. Instead of saving the day, our mustachioed plumber has locked up Donkey Kong, and it’s up to DK’s adorable little son to bust him out. Instead of ladders and construction sites, this time we’re swinging from vines, climbing chains, and avoiding all sorts of angry wildlife. The game introduced a different kind of platforming – one that required patience, timing, and the ability to not throw your controller after missing a jump for the hundredth time. And let’s be real, little DK in his onesie? Absolutely adorable. | © Nintendo

Mario Bros. (1983)

Before they were globe-trotting, princess-saving superstars, the Mario brothers were just two hard-working plumbers dealing with an infestation of crabs, turtles, and fireballs. Mario Bros. introduced us to Luigi, co-op play (or should we say friendly fire play?), and that satisfying feeling of flipping enemies over before giving them the ol’ boot. The game’s single-screen action made it perfect for heated arcade rivalries, and to this day, nothing tests friendships quite like "accidentally" knocking your buddy into an enemy. It may not be as famous as Super Mario Bros., but it’s where the brothers got their start. And for that, we salute it. | © Nintendo

Donkey Kong 3 (1983)

Miyamoto’s third Donkey Kong game ditched platforming in favor of something… well, different. Instead of climbing or jumping, you’re blasting Donkey Kong with bug spray as he terrorizes poor Stanley the Bugman’s greenhouse. Yep, no Mario, no princess – just a guy trying to save his plants from an angry gorilla and an army of insects. It was an oddball entry in the series, but you have to respect Nintendo for trying something fresh. Was it a weird career move for Donkey Kong? Maybe. But hey, at least he wasn’t locked in a cage this time. | © Nintendo

Wild Gunman (1984)

Before Duck Hunt made light guns a household staple, Wild Gunman was already letting players live out their cowboy fantasies. Step into the dusty boots of a sharpshooter and take down outlaws in quick-draw duels – just don’t blink, because hesitation means getting a face full of "YOU LOSE." It was one of Nintendo’s first experiments with interactive shooting mechanics, and even made a cameo in Back to the Future Part II, proving that futuristic kids really don’t have the patience for old-school gaming. Miyamoto wasn’t just making games – he was shaping pop culture. | © Nintendo

Hogan's Alley (1984)

Think you’ve got a quick trigger finger? Hogan’s Alley was one of the first games to test just how fast you could react with a light gun. Instead of shooting ducks (we’ll get to that), this game threw up cardboard cutouts of gangsters, innocent bystanders, and law enforcement, challenging you to take down the bad guys without making a tragic mistake. Simple, but addictive, and a perfect excuse to show off your sharpshooter skills. Plus, let’s be honest – nothing beats the satisfaction of nailing a headshot in old-school 8-bit glory. | © Nintendo

Duck Hunt (1984)

Ah yes, Duck Hunt – the game that introduced millions of kids to light guns, pixelated hunting, and the world’s most infuriating dog. Everyone remembers the thrill of hitting a perfect shot, but let’s be real – what we remember most is that smug, giggling dog mocking our failures. If you didn’t try shooting at him out of frustration at least once, you’re lying. This game was a staple for anyone who had an NES, proving that sometimes, the simplest games are the most timeless. Also, can we get a Duck Hunt remake where we finally get to deal with that dog? Just saying. | © Nintendo

Excitebike (1984)

Before Mario Kart made us rage at blue shells, Excitebike was causing players to lose their minds over overheating engines. This side-scrolling dirt bike racer was all about speed, jumps, and perfect landings – oh, and making sure your bike didn’t overheat right before the finish line (we’ve all been there). It even had a track editor, making it one of the first games to let players create their own levels. Whether you were wiping out in spectacular fashion or pulling off the perfect landing, Excitebike made motocross feel just as thrilling as it should. | © Nintendo

Kung-Fu Master (1984)

If you’ve ever played a side-scrolling beat ‘em up, you owe a lot to Kung-Fu Master. This game had one goal: walk from left to right and punch, kick, and throw bad guys into oblivion. No fancy combos, no complicated mechanics – just pure martial arts mayhem. It was brutally simple, but incredibly satisfying, and laid the groundwork for every beat ‘em up that came after it. Think Double Dragon, Final Fight, and even Streets of Rage – they all started here. Plus, let’s be honest, mashing buttons and taking down waves of enemies never really gets old. | © Irem / Nintendo

Devil World (1984)

Imagine Pac-Man, but instead of ghosts, you’re dealing with demons, crosses, and the constant presence of Satan himself. Welcome to Devil World, the game that Nintendo never released in North America because, well… you’re literally fighting the devil. You play as a tiny dragon named Tamagon, navigating a maze while collecting Bibles and blasting evil with holy fire (no, really). The game’s shifting maze mechanics kept players on their toes, making it both a puzzle game and a spiritual battle. It’s one of Miyamoto’s lesser-known works, but it remains a quirky, bizarre gem in Nintendo history. | © Nintendo

Super Mario Bros. (1985)

What can we even say about Super Mario Bros. that hasn’t already been said? This is the game that changed everything – platforming, game design, and the entire video game industry. Miyamoto took what he learned from Donkey Kong and Mario Bros. and turned it into a masterpiece. The tight controls, the perfectly paced level design, and that iconic music – everything about this game is legendary. You jump, you stomp, you save the princess (kind of), and in the process, you become a part of gaming history. It’s no exaggeration to say that without Super Mario Bros., gaming as we know it might not exist. And let’s be real – no matter how many times we’ve played it, we still get a rush grabbing that first Super Mushroom. | © Nintendo

The Legend of Zelda (1986)

Before The Legend of Zelda, video games were mostly about linear levels and high scores. Then, along came Miyamoto with an idea: What if a game felt like an adventure? Inspired by his childhood exploration of the Japanese countryside, he gave us an open world where players could roam freely, solve puzzles, fight monsters, and – most importantly – find secrets. The game introduced staples like dungeons, an inventory system, and non-linear gameplay, forever changing how we think about adventure games. And let’s be honest, nothing beats the feeling of stumbling into a hidden cave and hearing that classic “item discovery” jingle. | © Nintendo

Cropped Super Mario Bros The Lost Levels

Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (1986)

Imagine Super Mario Bros., but cranked up to soul-crushingly difficult. That’s The Lost Levels. Originally released in Japan as Super Mario Bros. 2, this game was so brutally challenging that Nintendo of America refused to release it stateside at first, fearing it would break players’ spirits (and controllers). With wind mechanics, poison mushrooms (how dare you, Nintendo?), and jumps that required near-perfect precision, this was Mario for the hardcore. If you’ve ever rage-quit a Mario game, chances are this was the one that did it. But for those who love a challenge? It’s a badge of honor to beat. | © Nintendo

Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988)

If Super Mario Bros. was revolutionary, Super Mario Bros. 3 was next-level. This game took everything that made Mario great and supercharged it – world maps, secret paths, power-ups like the iconic Tanooki Suit, and some of the best-designed levels in platforming history. It was so good, Nintendo literally made a movie (The Wizard) just to hype it up before its U.S. release. From the towering airships of Bowser’s army to the sheer joy of discovering warp whistles, Super Mario Bros. 3 is the kind of game that makes you fall in love with gaming all over again. And let’s be real – who didn’t try to fly across an entire level with the Raccoon Suit? | © Nintendo

Super Mario All-Stars (1993)

Before remakes and remasters became industry staples, Super Mario All-Stars showed us how it’s done. Instead of just porting old Mario games to the SNES, Miyamoto and his team completely remade them with 16-bit graphics, enhanced music, and a shiny new save feature (thank you, Nintendo). It included Super Mario Bros., The Lost Levels, Super Mario Bros. 2, and Super Mario Bros. 3, all in one glorious package. It was like getting a greatest hits album where every track is a banger. Even today, this collection is one of the best ways to experience classic Mario in a fresh new light. | © Nintendo

Super Mario 64 (1996)

Super Mario 64 wasn’t just a game – it was a revolution. In an era where most 3D games were still figuring things out, Miyamoto and his team nailed it on the first try. Open-world exploration? Check. A camera system that (mostly) worked? Check. The tightest 3D movement ever? Oh, absolutely. Mario could triple jump, wall-kick, and even punch enemies (because why not?), all in a playground of massive, creatively designed levels. And let’s not forget the sheer joy of jumping into paintings – because who knew art museums could be portals to adventure? Whether you were racing Koopa the Quick, dodging Bowser’s WHOA WHOA WHOA laugh, or just messing around in the castle, Super Mario 64 was pure magic. | © Nintendo

Super Mario Run (2016)

Leave it to Miyamoto to take a mobile game and still make it feel like classic Mario. Super Mario Run took everything we loved about the plumber’s iconic platforming and distilled it into a one-touch, auto-run format that actually worked (unlike so many mobile knockoffs). The levels were designed with speed and skill in mind, making every jump feel just right. Plus, it had an endless mode, castle building, and even a competitive mode – because who doesn’t want to prove they’re faster than their friends? It may not be the deepest Mario game, but for a smartphone title, it delivered way more than expected. | © Nintendo