Today marks a significant occasion in the video game industry, as Nintendo are celebrating their 125th birthday. Beginning life on September 23rd, 1889 in Kyoto, Japan, the gaming legends (originally called Nintendo Koppai) started out as a playing cards company, which proved popular right up until the 1950s when they shifted into other ventures, including a taxi company, a chain of love-themed hotels, a food company and even a TV network.
It wasn’t until the mid-1970s, however, that Nintendo began taking an interest in electronics, more specifically early video game technology, which they remain a staple of to this day. It wasn’t until the release of Donkey Kong in 1981 though that Nintendo shot to success, as it helped seal their reputation as one of the most influential gaming companies in the world.
For many people who grew up during the early stages of home video game entertainment, it’s difficult to imagine what the industry would look like without the impact that Nintendo has had. From the release of the NES in 1985 – which was not only the biggest selling console of its generation, but also helped revitalize the US after the video game crash of 1983 – to the enormity of the Game Boy handheld console, they have continued to shape the gaming world with innovative design and highly successful titles.
Without Nintendo, video games may not be what they are today. So, let’s all band together and share some stories in the comments below. What are your earliest and/or fondest memories of Nintendo when you were growing up? Mine was getting to see Duck Hunt for the first time on our living room TV. My little four-year old mind was blown away by how you could point a plastic gun at a screen and shoot a pixelated duck. And of course, my console experience wasn’t complete without a hefty round of Super Mario Bros. and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
From all of us here at We Got This Covered, happy 125th birthday Nintendo! Thanks for all the memories!