Nintendo Integrated Research & Development
| Company type | Division |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video game hardware development |
| Founded | 1980 |
| Founder | Genyo Takeda |
| Defunct | 2015 |
| Fate | Merged with Nintendo System Development to form Nintendo Platform Technology Development |
| Headquarters | Japan |
Key people | Genyo Takeda (General Manager) |
| Products | Video game console hardware and peripherals (e.g., Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS) |
Number of employees | 280 (after 2013 merger with Nintendo RED) |
commonly known as Nintendo IRD, was a Nintendo division dedicated to the creation of video game console hardware and related peripherals. Founded in 1980 under the leadership of engineer Genyo Takeda as the Nintendo Research & Development No. 3 Department within the Manufacturing Division, this unit focused on hardware innovation and produced numerous arcade and console software titles. By 2000, as 3D technology became prevalent, Takeda’s team transitioned into the Integrated Research & Development Division, placing greater emphasis on investigating and prototyping advanced hardware for upcoming Nintendo consoles.
The comprised two main departments: Nintendo IRD, which specialized in home console hardware and accessories, and the Research & Engineering Development Department (Nintendo RED), tasked with handheld system hardware and its peripherals. Each department was further divided into expert teams focusing on specific areas.
On February 16, 2013, Nintendo revealed that Nintendo RED would be merged into the IRD Division, bringing together around 280 engineers to streamline development efforts for both home and portable hardware platforms. Later, on September 16, 2015, IRD combined with Nintendo System Development to form Nintendo Platform Technology Development.
History
In December 1980, Genyo Takeda was appointed as manager of Nintendo’s R&D3 department.
Hardware developed
General Manager: Genyo Takeda
The Integrated Research & Development Department (IRD) directed the design and production of hardware for Nintendo’s home video game consoles and their peripherals. It was organized into five groups, each concentrating on different facets of product engineering. Manager Genyo Takeda and principal engineers originated from the R&D3 hardware division at Nintendo.