Nintendo is a household name in the world of gaming, but many people may not know that the company's first foray into the industry was with the Nintendo Entertainment System, or NES. Released in 1985, the NES quickly became a cultural phenomenon and helped to revive the gaming industry after the video game crash of 1983.
The NES was a major leap forward in terms of graphics and gameplay compared to previous consoles, and it featured classic games that are still beloved to this day. Some of these games include Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong.
Large and in charge, Donkey Kong is always ready for an adventure. Although DK may have changed a bit since starring in his first game, his spirit and charm remain the same. Donkey Kong was one of the NES's most popular games, and it helped to establish Nintendo as a major player in the industry.
Despite what you might think, the NES wasn't Nintendo's first games machine, and there's a lot more to the company's history than many people realize. Nintendo actually got its start in the late 19th century as a playing card company, and it wasn't until the 1970s that the company began to experiment with video games.
The success of the NES paved the way for future Nintendo consoles, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, or SNES, and the Nintendo 64. Each of these consoles built upon the success of the NES and helped to establish Nintendo as one of the biggest names in gaming.
Koji Kondo's iconic tune is the first video game theme selected for inclusion in the National Recording Registry. The catchy tunes from games like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda have become ingrained in popular culture and are instantly recognizable to gamers and non-gamers alike.
Despite the success of the NES, there were some challenges along the way. One major issue was the proliferation of unlicensed games, which flooded the market with cheap knockoffs that often didn't work properly. To combat this, Nintendo implemented strict licensing requirements for game developers.
Every Nintendo Mega Man game, ranked by you (yes, ALL of them) - Remember, this list is dynamic in nature and is subject to change as more people play and vote on the games. Mega Man was one of the NES's most popular franchises, and it helped to establish the platformer genre as a staple of gaming.
The Library of Congress names the catchy NES Mario theme a cultural iconic, making it the first game song in the National Recording Registry. This recognition highlights the impact that the NES and its games have had on popular culture and music.
One of the most significant aspects of the NES was its impact on the gaming industry as a whole. The console helped to establish gaming as a mainstream form of entertainment and paved the way for future innovations in graphics, gameplay, and storytelling.
So many Super Mario games are on the Nintendo Switch, but some work better than others as introductions to the series or for a new gamer. Super Mario Bros. was the game that started it all, and it remains one of the most iconic and beloved games of all time.
Is Hollywood's next big franchise a Nintendo Cinematic Universe? The Super Mario Bros. Movie is already a massive hit, making a sequel all but inevitable. This film adaptation of the classic game is just one example of how the NES and its games continue to influence popular culture.
Nick Lever, video editor and Lego Masters Australia finalist, has recreated the original Nintendo Game Boy in bricks. This creative tribute to the NES and its legacy showcases the enduring impact that the console has had on gaming and pop culture.
The Nintendo Switch's library is vast, and it is constantly growing. Here are all the upcoming major Switch games and their release dates. While the NES may be a relic of the past, Nintendo's commitment to innovation and creativity continues to drive the industry forward. The NES may have been the company's first game machine, but it certainly won't be the last.
