Miyamoto's philosophy emphasizes gameplay mechanics and player interaction above all else. He believes that a game should be fun and engaging first, with graphics and story serving to enhance the core gameplay experience.

Miyamoto draws heavily on his childhood experiences exploring the natural world. The sense of adventure and discovery he felt as a child is reflected in the open-world environments and exploration-focused gameplay of his games, particularly The Legend of Zelda.

Miyamoto is known for his iterative approach to game design, constantly refining and improving upon existing ideas. He is not afraid to experiment with new concepts and is always looking for ways to make games more accessible and enjoyable.

Miyamoto has cited manga and animation as major influences on his work. He admires the storytelling techniques and visual style of these mediums and incorporates elements of them into his game designs. Osamu Tezuka is a notable inspiration.

Walt Disney's work has been an inspiration to Miyamoto, influencing his approach to creating immersive and engaging experiences. Miyamoto admired Disney's ability to create worlds that capture the imagination and create a sense of wonder.