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Nintendo at 135: Key Moments in Gaming History
Nintendo at 135: Key Moments in Gaming History
As Nintendo celebrates its 135th anniversary in 2025, the Japanese gaming giant stands as one of the most enduring and influential companies in the entertainment industry. Founded in 1889 as a manufacturer of hanafuda playing cards, Nintendo has evolved from a small Kyoto-based business into a global powerhouse that has shaped the video game industry for decades. Over its long history, Nintendo has delivered groundbreaking innovations, iconic franchises, and unforgettable gaming experiences that have left an indelible mark on popular culture. This article explores the key moments in Nintendo’s history that have defined its legacy and transformed gaming as we know it.
The Early Years: From Hanafuda to Arcade Machines (1889–1970s)
Nintendo’s story begins in Kyoto, Japan, where Fusajiro Yamauchi founded the company on September 23, 1889, to produce hanafuda, traditional Japanese playing cards adorned with intricate designs. These cards, used in various games, became a hit, and Nintendo quickly established itself as a leader in Japan’s card-making industry. By the early 20th century, Nintendo was the go-to manufacturer for hanafuda and karuta (another card game), partnering with tobacco shops to distribute its products.
In the 1950s, under the leadership of Hiroshi Yamauchi, Fusajiro’s great-grandson, Nintendo began diversifying. Yamauchi, who took over in 1949, sought to expand beyond cards. The company ventured into new markets, including a taxi service, instant rice, and even a short-lived “love hotel” chain. While these experiments were largely unsuccessful, they demonstrated Nintendo’s willingness to take risks—a trait that would later define its approach to gaming.
By the 1960s, Nintendo entered the toy market, establishing its first research and development division. One of its early successes was the Ultra Hand, a toy gripper designed by Gunpei Yokoi, a maintenance worker turned inventor. Released in 1966, the Ultra Hand sold over a million units, proving Nintendo could innovate beyond cards. Yokoi’s philosophy of “lateral thinking with withered technology”—using existing, affordable components in creative ways—became a cornerstone of Nintendo’s design ethos.
In the 1970s, Nintendo began experimenting with electronics. The company partnered with Magnavox to distribute the Odyssey, the first home video game console, in Japan. It also released the Color TV-Game series, simple consoles that played variations of games like tennis and racing. These early forays into gaming laid the groundwork for Nintendo’s future dominance.
The Arcade Era and Donkey Kong (1981)
Nintendo’s first major leap into video games came in 1981 with the release of Donkey Kong in arcades. Designed by Shigeru Miyamoto, a young artist hired by Nintendo, Donkey Kong introduced the world to two iconic characters: Jumpman (later Mario) and Donkey Kong. The game’s narrative—a hero rescuing a damsel from a giant ape—was simple but revolutionary, as it brought storytelling to arcade games. Donkey Kong was a global hit, earning Nintendo significant revenue and establishing Miyamoto as a creative genius.
The success of Donkey Kong marked Nintendo’s shift from a toy and card company to a video game innovator. It also showcased the company’s knack for creating memorable characters and gameplay mechanics, setting the stage for its future franchises.
The Famicom and the Birth of Home Consoles (1983)
In 1983, Nintendo released the Family Computer, or Famicom, in Japan. This 8-bit console, with its distinctive red-and-white design, was a gamble in a market still reeling from the 1983 video game crash in North America. The Famicom’s success hinged on its robust library of games, many designed by Miyamoto, including Donkey Kong, Mario Bros., and The Legend of Zelda.
The Famicom’s affordability and quality made it a sensation in Japan. By 1985, Nintendo launched a redesigned version, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), in North America. To avoid the stigma of the recent industry crash, Nintendo marketed the NES as an “entertainment system” rather than a video game console, bundling it with the R.O.B. (Robotic Operating Buddy) peripheral to appeal to retailers. The NES revitalized the home console market, selling over 60 million units worldwide and establishing Nintendo as a household name.
Key titles like Super Mario Bros. (1985) and The Legend of Zelda (1986) defined the NES era. Super Mario Bros. introduced precise platforming and vibrant worlds, while The Legend of Zelda pioneered open-world exploration and nonlinear gameplay. These games set standards for design that influenced countless developers.
Game Boy: Gaming on the Go (1989)
In 1989, Gunpei Yokoi’s team released the Game Boy, a handheld console that revolutionized portable gaming. Despite its monochrome screen and modest hardware compared to competitors like the Sega Game Gear and Atari Lynx, the Game Boy’s long battery life, durability, and compelling games made it a runaway success. Tetris, bundled with the console, became a cultural phenomenon, while Pokémon Red and Blue (1996 in Japan, 1998 globally) turned the Game Boy into a global sensation, selling over 200 million units across its iterations.
The Game Boy’s success solidified Nintendo’s dominance in the handheld market, a position it maintained for decades with successors like the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS.
The Super Nintendo and the Console Wars (1990–1996)
The early 1990s saw Nintendo face fierce competition from Sega’s Genesis/Mega Drive. Nintendo responded with the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1990 (Japan) and 1991 (North America). The 16-bit console boasted superior graphics and sound, thanks to its Mode 7 technology, which enabled pseudo-3D effects in games like F-Zero and Super Mario World.
The SNES era was defined by iconic titles such as Super Mario World (1990), The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991), and Super Metroid (1994). These games refined their respective genres—platforming, action-adventure, and exploration—and remain beloved classics. The SNES also saw the debut of Star Fox (1993), which used the Super FX chip to deliver groundbreaking 3D graphics.
The “console wars” with Sega pushed Nintendo to innovate, but the company maintained its edge through quality software and family-friendly branding. The SNES sold nearly 50 million units, cementing Nintendo’s reputation for excellence.
The Nintendo 64 and the 3D Revolution (1996)
In 1996, Nintendo entered the 3D gaming era with the Nintendo 64 (N64). While it faced stiff competition from Sony’s PlayStation, which dominated with its CD-based format and broader game library, the N64 distinguished itself with innovative design. The console’s analog stick, introduced on its unique trident-shaped controller, revolutionized 3D movement, and its four-player multiplayer capabilities made it a social gaming staple.
Super Mario 64 (1996) redefined 3D platforming with its open-ended levels and fluid controls, while The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) set a new standard for action-adventure games with its epic story, innovative targeting system, and time-travel mechanics. Other hits like GoldenEye 007 (1997) and Mario Kart 64 (1996) showcased the N64’s multiplayer prowess. Despite selling 33 million units—fewer than the PlayStation’s 100 million—the N64’s influence on 3D game design was profound.
The GameCube and a Shift in Strategy (2001)
The Nintendo GameCube, released in 2001, was a bold but challenging chapter. Its proprietary mini-DVD format and unconventional controller design alienated some developers, and it struggled against Sony’s PlayStation 2 and Microsoft’s Xbox. However, the GameCube delivered standout titles like Metroid Prime (2002), a first-person reinvention of the Metroid series, and Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001), a fighting game that became a competitive phenomenon.
Animal Crossing (2001) and Resident Evil 4 (2005, initially a GameCube exclusive) further showcased Nintendo’s ability to innovate. Though the GameCube sold only 22 million units, its games have endured as cult classics, and its controller remains a favorite among Super Smash Bros. players.
The Wii and DS: Redefining Gaming Audiences (2004–2006)
Nintendo’s fortunes soared with the Nintendo DS (2004) and Wii (2006), two systems that broadened gaming’s appeal. The DS, with its dual screens and touch interface, introduced innovative gameplay in titles like Nintendogs and Brain Age. Its massive success—154 million units sold—came from its accessibility and diverse library, including New Super Mario Bros. and Mario Kart DS.
The Wii, launched in 2006, was a cultural phenomenon. Its motion-sensing Wii Remote appealed to non-gamers, and Wii Sports, bundled with the console, became a global sensation, selling over 80 million copies. The Wii’s family-friendly focus and intuitive controls attracted a wide audience, from children to seniors. Titles like Super Mario Galaxy (2007) and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006) demonstrated Nintendo’s ability to balance innovation with tradition. The Wii sold nearly 102 million units, outperforming competitors in its generation.
The 3DS and Wii U: Mixed Fortunes (2011–2012)
The Nintendo 3DS, released in 2011, initially struggled with a high price and sparse game library but rebounded after a price cut and strong titles like Super Mario 3D Land and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D. Its stereoscopic 3D display and robust lineup, including Pokémon Sun and Moon and Animal Crossing: New Leaf, led to 75 million units sold.
The Wii U (2012), however, was a commercial disappointment. Its tablet-like GamePad confused consumers, and a lack of third-party support limited its appeal. Despite this, the Wii U produced gems like Super Mario 3D World, Splatoon, and Mario Kart 8, many of which were later ported to the Nintendo Switch. The Wii U sold just 13.5 million units, but its failures informed Nintendo’s next success.
The Nintendo Switch: A Hybrid Triumph (2017)
In 2017, Nintendo released the Nintendo Switch, a hybrid console that functions as both a home system and a portable device. The Switch’s versatility, combined with a stellar game library, made it an instant hit. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017) redefined open-world gaming with its vast, dynamic world, while Super Mario Odyssey (2017) offered a joyous return to 3D platforming. Other successes, like Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020) and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018), fueled the Switch’s dominance.
By 2025, the Switch has sold over 140 million units, surpassing the Wii and making it one of Nintendo’s best-selling consoles. Its success lies in its flexibility, strong first-party games, and appeal to both casual and hardcore gamers. The Switch also revitalized Nintendo’s relationships with third-party developers, bringing titles like The Witcher 3 and Doom to a Nintendo platform.
Nintendo’s Cultural Impact and Franchises
Nintendo’s influence extends beyond hardware. Its franchises—Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, Animal Crossing, and Smash Bros.—are cultural touchstones. Mario, with over 800 million game sales, is the face of gaming, starring in everything from platformers to racing and sports titles. The Legend of Zelda has inspired countless adventure games, while Pokémon has spawned a multimedia empire, including anime, trading cards, and merchandise.
Nintendo’s commitment to quality and creativity has earned it a loyal fanbase. Its characters appear in theme parks, movies (like The Super Mario Bros. Movie in 2023), and countless collaborations. The company’s focus on fun, accessible gameplay has made gaming a universal pastime.
Innovation and Challenges
Nintendo’s history is marked by bold risks. From the analog stick to motion controls to the Switch’s hybrid design, the company has consistently pushed boundaries. However, it has faced setbacks, like the Virtual Boy (1995), a failed 3D headset, and the Wii U’s struggles. Nintendo’s reluctance to fully embrace online gaming and its historically cautious approach to third-party partnerships have occasionally limited its reach.
Yet, Nintendo’s resilience is unmatched. Its ability to learn from failures, as seen with the Switch’s success following the Wii U, underscores its adaptability. In 2025, rumors swirl about a “Switch 2,” with fans eager for Nintendo’s next move.
Nintendo at 135: A Legacy of Joy
As Nintendo marks its 135th year, it remains a titan of innovation and creativity. From hanafuda cards to the Switch, the company has transformed entertainment through its commitment to fun, quality, and accessibility. Its key moments—Donkey Kong, the NES, Game Boy, Wii, and Switch—have not only defined gaming history but also brought people together across generations.
Looking ahead, Nintendo’s future seems bright. With a new console on the horizon and a legacy of beloved franchises, the company is poised to continue shaping the gaming landscape. For millions of fans worldwide, Nintendo is more than a company—it’s a source of joy, nostalgia, and endless adventure.
Paul (Poison Fish) Manjyu Woodman
