Nintendo, famous worldwide for its influence on video games, has a long history that started in 1889 when Fusajiro Yamauchi began making Japanese playing cards called Hanafuda. These cards became popular in Japan due to their unique designs and high quality, it also helped the transformation into a global entertainment giant, influencing countless generations with its innovative products.
As Nintendo expanded its business, the success of Hanafuda laid a solid foundation for the company to explore new opportunities and diversify its offerings. This strategic growth eventually led Nintendo into various fields, including the pioneering of electronic toys and arcade games in the 1970s.
International Success with Donkey Kong and Nintendo Entertainment System
According to Hybrid, the first successful console was the Color TV-Game series that was produced in 1977. The Color TV-Game series was only released in Japan and not distributed internationally for commercial sale. This console was a big step for Nintendo, moving away from making expensive toys and cards, which were costly due to the global oil crisis. Nintendo chose video games because the market was new and growing very fast at that time.
On the other hand, Nintendo became known internationally after the release of Donkey Kong in 1981 and Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1983. Through Donkey Kong, Nintendo introduced the famous character, Mario. This monumental success not only established Nintendo’s position as a trendsetter but also laid the foundation for their future dominance in home video game consoles. This success paved the way for Nintendo’s future in home video game consoles.
After Nintendo’s home console became famous, they began producing handheld consoles. One of these handheld consoles is the Game & Watch, created by Gunpei Yokoi. Cited from BBC, Game & Watch was inspired by a moment when Gunpei Yokoi felt so bored and chose to play calculator as a distraction. According to Hybrid, Nintendo produced 60 different Game & Watch handheld consoles, each with various games, because each console only supports one game.
Three years after the popularity of the Color TV-Game, Nintendo released an 8-bit game console, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The NES debuted internationally in 1983 with the name Famicom, marking Nintendo’s first global entry and establishing the company as a major player in the global gaming industry, while also starting a new trend of playing video games at home. Unlike the Game & Watch, the NES was connected directly to people’s televisions. This type of Nintendo sold approximately 61 million copies.
The Rise of Game Boy and Tough Competition from NES
According to BBC, In 1989, Nintendo started releasing their home and handheld consoles alternately. Then they launched the Game Boy, which became one of the best-selling consoles ever. Its portability and the ability to change game cartridges, like the NES, made it popular worldwide. Nintendo also sold many accessories for the Game Boy, such as printers and lights.
In the early ’90s, Nintendo faced tough competition from Sega’s NES console. To counter this, Nintendo launched the new generation of NES as the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1991. According to Nintendo Fandom, SNES features high-powered 16-bit gaming, which was a substantial upgrade from the 8-bit NES. Its enhanced graphics and sound capabilities set a new standard for gaming consoles at the time. Additionally, the console offers over 100 games and sold 49 million copies.
Cited from Hybrid, in the late ‘90s, Nintendo continued to innovate with the introduction of the Nintendo 64 (N64) in 1996. This console brought revolutionary 3D gaming experiences to home entertainment, featuring iconic titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The N64’s innovative controller, with its analog stick for precise movement and 3D gameplay, further cemented Nintendo’s reputation for pushing boundaries in gaming technology.
Modern Innovation of Game Console and Handheld Console in 21st Century
Meanwhile, in the early 2000s, Nintendo launched the GameCube in 2001, featuring improved graphics and a unique mini-disc format for its games. Although it faced competition from Sony’s PlayStation 2 and Microsoft’s Xbox, the GameCube was celebrated for its innovative games like Super Smash Bros. Melee and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. According to Hybrid, GameCube only sold 22 millions copies which is lower than its competitor, PlayStation2.
In 2004, Nintendo introduced the Nintendo Developers’ System (DS), a handheld console with dual screens and touch-screen gaming. According to Nintendo Wiki, the DS has a clamshell design like the Game & Watch and the Game Boy Advance SP. It competed with the PlayStation Portable and Gizmondo. The DS was the first Nintendo system to use Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, allowing people to play with others worldwide and add friends using Friend Codes. Many games used this feature, including Pokémon, Mario Kart DS, and Animal Crossing: Wild World. This console was discontinued in 2013.
Two years later, in 2006, Nintendo launched the Wii, known for its motion-sensing Wii Remote and easy-to-play games like Wii Sports. It appealed to a wide audience beyond traditional gamers, including families and seniors, becoming a cultural hit and showing Nintendo’s innovation. Following the Wii’s success, Nintendo released the Wii U in 2012. This console featured a GamePad controller with a touch screen, blending traditional and handheld gaming. Despite challenges in marketing and support, it continued Nintendo’s tradition of pushing boundaries in gaming technology.
Lastly, according to Nintendo Fandom, in 2017, Nintendo released the Nintendo Switch, a hybrid console that functions as both a home console and a portable device. It quickly gained popularity with its unique design and exclusive games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey, reaffirming Nintendo’s influence in the gaming industry.
An Iconic Legacy of Nintendo
With a history of groundbreaking consoles like the NES, SNES, and Switch, as well as beloved franchises such as Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon, Nintendo has established a legacy of excellence in the gaming industry. These iconic games and systems have not only entertained millions but have also set new standards for what video games can achieve.
As technology advances, Nintendo continues to innovate. The company is exploring augmented reality, virtual reality, and other new technologies to create more engaging experiences. By leading in technological advancements, Nintendo stays a key player in the gaming industry.
In conclusion, Nintendo’s rich history, commitment to innovation, and strong fan relationships position it to shape the future of interactive entertainment. As gaming evolves, Nintendo will continue to lead, bringing joy and excitement to players of all ages.
Petricia Putri Marricy
IG: @mricyls
E-mail: petriciamarricy@gmail.com
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