Hideki Sato, the influential engineer and executive best known for designing Sega’s home video game consoles, has died at the age of 77. Japanese gaming outlet Beep21 reported that Sato passed away on February 13, 2026, marking the end of a remarkable career that helped shape the modern gaming industry.
Sato began his journey with Sega in 1971, joining a company then focused primarily on arcade machines. Early in his career he contributed to arcade hardware before moving into the world of home consoles, where he would leave his most enduring mark. Over the next decades, he and his research and development teams were responsible for the design and engineering of Sega’s most iconic systems, from the SG-1000 and SC-3000, through the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, to the Mega Drive / Genesis, Sega Saturn, and Dreamcast. These consoles not only defined Sega’s competitive edge during the console wars of the 1980s and 1990s, but also influenced the broader evolution of interactive entertainment.
Sato’s work was characterized by a blend of technical ambition and innovation. He helped bring cutting-edge technology from Sega’s arcade development into the home market, pushing forward ideas such as enhanced graphics and online connectivity and elements that became defining features of the Dreamcast. Beyond hardware design, Sato’s leadership extended to the highest levels of Sega’s corporate structure; he served as acting president of Sega from 2001 to 2003, guiding the company through a pivotal transition away from hardware manufacturing toward a focus on software and third-party publishing.
Sega publicly acknowledged Sato’s passing, honoring his decades of service and the lasting impact his work had on the company and the global gaming community. In their statement, the company expressed deep condolences to his family and highlighted how his vision and dedication helped build the foundation of Sega’s legacy in gaming.
Hideki Sato’s contributions extend far beyond the machines he helped create; they include the memories and experiences of millions of players around the world who grew up with Sega consoles. As the industry reflects on his legacy, Sato will be remembered as a pioneer whose creativity and engineering shaped generations of video game history.