Game History: A brief history of Nintendo
Nintendo, the legendary video game company that has been shaping the gaming industry since the 1980s, has a rich and storied history that spans over a century. The company was founded in 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi in Kyoto, Japan, as a producer of traditional Japanese playing cards called hanafuda. However, it wasn't until the 1970s that Nintendo entered the video game industry.
In 1977, Nintendo launched its first video game console, the Color TV-Game, in Japan. It was a series of dedicated consoles that played different variations of Pong, the classic arcade game. The Color TV-Game was a success, and Nintendo continued to produce dedicated consoles throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s.
It wasn't until 1983 that Nintendo released the console that would change the face of gaming forever: the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The NES was an 8-bit console that featured a wide range of popular games, including Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. The NES was a massive success, selling millions of units worldwide and establishing Nintendo as one of the biggest players in the gaming industry.
Nintendo continued to innovate in the years that followed, releasing the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1990, which was a 16-bit console that featured improved graphics and sound over the NES. The SNES was home to some of Nintendo's most beloved games, including Super Mario Kart, Super Mario World, Donkey Kong Country, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.
In the mid-1990s, Nintendo entered the world of 3D gaming with the release of the Nintendo 64, a 64-bit console that featured groundbreaking games such as Super Mario 64. Nintendo also released the Game Boy, a handheld console that became one of the best-selling consoles of all time.
Nintendo Consoles
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Released in 1985, the NES was the first console released by Nintendo in the US. It was a massive success and helped bring the video game industry out of the slump it was in at the time.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
Released in 1991, the SNES was the follow-up to the NES. It was a huge success and helped establish many of Nintendo's most iconic franchises, with games such as Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.
Nintendo 64
Released in 1996, the N64 was Nintendo's first console to use 3D graphics. It established Nintendo's key franchises, and introduced the world to classic games like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Nintendo GameCube
Released in 2001, the GameCube was Nintendo's first console to use mini-discs instead of traditional CDs or cartridges. It was not as successful as its predecessors, but still had a strong lineup of games, including Super Smash Bros. Melee and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.
Wii
Released in 2006, the Wii was a massive success due to its innovative motion controls. It introduced games such as Wii Sports and Mario Kart Wii, and was the first console to sell over 100 million units.
Wii U
Released in 2012, the Wii U was not as successful as the Wii. It had a unique tablet controller, but struggled with third-party support and suffered from poor marketing.
Nintendo Switch
Released in 2017, the Switch is Nintendo's latest console as of 2023. It's a hybrid console that can be played both on a TV and as a portable device. It has been a huge success, with Nintendo continuing the tradition with games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey helping to make it one of the best-selling consoles of all time.
Nintendo PlayStation?
The Super NES CD-ROM, also known as the SNES CD or Super Disc, was a joint venture between Nintendo and Sony in the early 1990s. The project aimed to create a CD-based add-on for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), which would enable the console to play games on CD-ROMs instead of traditional cartridges. Sony was responsible for the hardware development, while Nintendo was to develop the software. However, in 1991, Nintendo unexpectedly announced that it was abandoning the project in favor of a partnership with Philips. This decision led to a falling out between Nintendo and Sony, and the two companies never repaired their rift. Despite the project's failure, the work done on the SNES CD-ROM paved the way for the development of the PlayStation, which Sony went on to create and become one of the most successful gaming consoles ever made.
Conclusion
Over the years, Nintendo has continued to innovate and produce some of the most beloved games and consoles in the history of gaming, some could even argue their involvement in the creation of the PlayStation. The company has released successful consoles such as the GameCube, Wii, and Switch, and continues to produce hit games such as Super Smash Bros., Pokémon, and Animal Crossing. Through its dedication to quality and innovation, Nintendo has secured a place in gaming history and continues to be a beloved brand for gamers of all ages.