Mario and Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto will spend less time overseeing the development of games in established franchises, instead using his time to create Nintendo's next "big hit".

"I am spending more time than before on finding new ideas for new developments, rather than focusing my energy on work in my teams in order to solidify the contents of (existing) franchise titles," Miyamoto told Nintendo investors earlier this week.

Miyamoto says he has "nurtured" Nintendo's development teams in order to safely take on more responsibility in existing franchises.

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata explained: "There have been many people who have observed how Mr. Miyamoto works, or have been left in situations where they have to take on more significant responsibility without being allowed to be dependent upon Mr. Miyamoto."

"I am confident that people are growing. Even for the development fields that required Mr. Miyamoto's involvement in the past, the situation is changing."

Miyamoto's hands-off approach to existing franchise developments isn't set in stone, however.

"Of course, I do not let everyone go totally unchecked," Miyamoto added. "I supervise whenever necessary."

However, finding the next big thing for Nintendo is Miyamoto's primary goal.

"I am acting with the understanding that one big hit title can change multiple phases of a situation in the entertainment business, and I feel that finding such one big hit is my basic job," he said.