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Legends of video game design and music team up for awesome live performance.

When I first learned that Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Super Mario Bros., also created The Legend of Zelda, it honestly blew my young mind. How could anyone be so talented as to be the driving force behind two of the most influential, successful, and instantly enjoyable video game franchises of all time?

There’s seemingly no limit to Miyamoto’s capabilities, though, as he’s also played critical roles in the development of the F-Zero, Pilotwings, and Star Fox series. Oh, and apparently in addition to being an amazing game designer, he’s a pretty good guitarist too, since on a recent visit to American late-night TV program The Tonight Show he sat in with house band The Roots for a live performance of the iconic Super Mario Bros. theme!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V17tXBePgfo

Miyamoto even looked to have coordinated outfits with the rest of the band, showing up in a dark jacket and pants.

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There are even a few special treats that make this version unique, as the musicians close out the well-known melody with the post-flag pole fanfare that traditionally signals the end of a Mario level, and wrap things up with the familiar yet heart-crushing series of notes that plays when Mario loses a life.

Granted, Miyamoto wasn’t specifically invited to be on the show as a musical guest. The 64-year-old native Kyotoite was accompanying Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé, who stopped by with playable previews of two of Nintendo’s most anticipated upcoming releases: iOS game Super Mario Run and the still-in-development Nintendo Switch console/handheld hybrid.

Still, if the unthinkable should happen and Miyamoto ever runs out of video game ideas, maybe he can start a second career in the music industry.

Sources: IT Media, Jin
Images: YouTube/The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Follow Casey on Twitter, where he’s wondering where he can buy the Mario/Sanada Yukimura crossover T-shirt Miyamoto is wearing in the video.