Why Shigeru Miyamoto Considered a Toy His Biggest Rival

Shigeru Miyamoto is famous for changing the gaming industry forever. However, he once revealed that he never saw other developers as his main competition. In a 1996 interview with the late developer Kenji Eno, Miyamoto named the Rubik’s Cube as his eternal rival instead.

His background in industrial design played a huge part in this perspective. Miyamoto explained that his goal was always to surprise people who were not regular gamers. He did not want to spend his time trying to outdo other tech companies or cater only to hardcore fans. He wanted to design experiences that felt fresh and accessible to everyone.

This mindset is exactly why Nintendo products feel so different from the rest of the market. By looking at physical puzzles and toys for inspiration, Miyamoto built a legacy focused on joy rather than just technical performance. It is a great reminder that the best ideas often come from looking outside your own bubble.