The Origin of the Icon: Why Nintendo Plunged into the World of Video Games in the 1980s

Although Nintendo was originally established as a Hanafuda card company, as the 20th century progressed, the popularity of traditional cards began to decline, and the company was faced with the need to diversify its business. It was then that Hiroshi Yamauchi , the president of Nintendo at the time, made the bold decision to explore the emerging world of electronics and electronic toys.

In the 1960s, Japan was experiencing unprecedented economic growth, and electronic technology was rapidly gaining ground in the entertainment industry. Nintendo saw an opportunity in this expanding market and decided to venture into manufacturing electronic toys and board games that incorporated the new technology.

One of Nintendo’s early successes in this field was the creation of the “Ultra Hand” in 1966, a mechanical toy that became a bestseller in Japan. This toy, invented by the legendary Gunpei Yokoi, was a smash hit and marked the beginning of Nintendo’s successful career in the world of electronics.

The success of ” Ultra Hand ” inspired Nintendo to keep innovating and exploring new fields within electronics. Throughout the ’60s and ’70s, the company released a series of electronic toys and games, including the “Love Tester” and “Beam Gun.” Although some of these products did not achieve the same level of success as “Ultra Hand”, Nintendo’s experience in manufacturing electronic toys laid the foundation for its future foray into the world of video games.

This background in electronics and interactive entertainment was crucial to Nintendo’s next significant step: its foray into the world of video games with arcade machines in the 1970s. In the mid-1970s, Nintendo released its first arcade machine. called “Color TV-Game”. This arcade experience proved to be a smash hit in Japan, prompting the company to further explore the world of video games. However, it wasn’t until the early ’80s that Nintendo reached a momentous milestone with the release of “Donkey Kong.” This game, created by Shigeru Miyamoto, introduced the iconic Mario character, who became the emblem of the company.

The Leap to Home Consoles: The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

In 1983, Nintendo took a bold step by releasing the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in Japan, followed by its successful North American launch in 1985. The NES revolutionized the video game industry by popularizing home consoles and setting a standard for gaming. quality in the design and playability of the games. Titles like “Super Mario Bros.” and “The Legend of Zelda” became massive hits, and the NES became synonymous with fun and entertainment for millions of people around the world.

Passion for Innovation: The Nintendo Legacy

What made Nintendo stand out among its competitors was its focus on innovation and creativity. The company never stopped surprising the public with new ideas and revolutionary concepts. From the introduction of motion control with the Wii, to console portability with the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo has always sought to reinvent itself and adapt to the changing needs of gamers.

In retrospect, Nintendo’s decision to plunge into the world of video games in the 1980s was an act of courage and vision. The company managed to transform from a modest card and toy company into a giant in the video game industry, leaving an indelible mark on the history of interactive entertainment. Its legacy continues to inspire new generations of developers and gamers, and its emblem, the friendly plumber Mario, remains a beloved icon around the world. Thus, Nintendo has shown that a passion for innovation and creativity can lead to the creation of entire universes of fun and excitement.