The past, present and future of Nintendo

We all love Nintendo.

Let's explore their history and what the future might have store in for them.

Author - Sophie T 

Nintendo entered the video game market in the 1970s, initially producing arcade games. One of its earliest successes was Donkey Kong (1981), a groundbreaking arcade game designed by Shigeru Miyamoto. The game introduced players to the now-iconic character Mario, originally referred to as "Jumpman."

The launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System

The success of Donkey Kong encouraged Nintendo to develop its first home console, the Famicom (Family Computer), which was released in Japan in 1983. The system later rebranded as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) for its 1985 North American launch. The NES revolutionised gaming with its innovative hardware and a huge library of games.

A super era for Nintendo

The 1990s saw Nintendo cement its place as a leader in the gaming industry. The release of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1990 (1991 in North America and Europe) brought improved graphics, sound, and gameplay mechanics. Iconic titles like Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Donkey Kong Country captivated audiences and showcased Nintendo’s commitment to creative excellence. During this period, Nintendo also introduced handheld gaming to the masses with the Game Boy (1989). This portable console, paired with Tetris, becoming a cultural phenomenon and solidified Nintendo’s dominance in two different video game markets.

Launch of the N64 and battling with Sony

The mid-to-late 1990s also marked the beginning of increased competition. The release of the Sony PlayStation and the rise of 3D gaming challenged Nintendo’s market position. The Nintendo 64 (1996) featured iconic games like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, but its reliance on cartridge-based media limited its third-party support compared to disc-based systems like the PlayStation..

The new millennium and Nintendo's reivention

The 2000s marked a period of reinvention for Nintendo. With the GameCube (2001), Nintendo continued to innovate but struggled to match the sales of its competitors. That time saw the introduction of a new competitor with Microsoft's Xbox. However, the release of the Nintendo DS (2004) and the Wii (2006) demonstrated Nintendo’s ability to adapt and think outside the box. The Wii, in particular, became a runaway success. With its motion-sensing controls and accessible design, the Wii attracted a broad demographic, including casual gamers and families. Titles like Wii Sports and Mario Kart Wii became instant classics, and the console’s popularity revitalised Nintendo’s brand. The DS revolutionised handheld gaming with its dual screens and touch functionality. Games like Nintendogs, Brain Age, and Pokémon Diamond expanded the gaming audience.You can see in the video below that they were trying to attract a very different customer with this console. 

More challenges and the start of a new era

Despite the Wii’s success, Nintendo faced challenges with the Wii U (2012). The console’s unique GamePad controller failed to resonate with consumers, and the system struggled to secure third-party support. However, Nintendo’s ability to learn from its missteps became evident with the release of the Nintendo Switch in 2017. This is a hybrid console that functions as both a handheld and a home system, was an instant success. Its versatility, combined with a strong lineup of games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, made it a global phenomenon. The Switch’s appeal extended beyond traditional gamers, with its social and creative features resonating with different audiences like the Wii did.

Looking towards the future

Speculation about a potential Switch 2 or other next-generation console suggests that Nintendo will continue to try and innovate. The challenge will be to balance cutting-edge technology with affordability and accessibility. The growth of digital gaming services and subscriptions presents an opportunity for Nintendo to expand its online offerings. The popular Nintendo Switch Online service has room for improvement in areas like retro game libraries, cloud gaming, and community features.