Kyoto
Nintendo is one of the most iconic companies in the video game industry, known for creating some of the most beloved gaming franchises in the world. Founded in 1889 as a playing card company, Nintendo evolved into a global leader in video gaming, creating revolutionary consoles, franchises, and characters. Its journey is marked by key moments, innovative products, and important figures that shaped its history.
Founding and Early History (1889–1950s): 1. The Birth of Nintendo: Nintendo was founded by Fusajiro Yamauchi in Kyoto, Japan, on September 23, 1889. Initially, the company was called Nintendo Koppai and focused on making handcrafted Hanafuda playing cards, a traditional Japanese card game. Nintendo gained popularity in Japan, but its early years were not without challenges.
2. Expanding the Business (1930s–1950s): In the 1930s, under the leadership of Sekiryo Yamauchi (Fusajiro’s son-in-law), Nintendo began to diversify its business. The company started producing playing cards for other games and even ventured into different industries, including a taxi company, but none were as successful as its card business.
3. The First Steps into Electronics (1950s): After the death of Sekiryo Yamauchi in 1950, his grandson Hiroshi Yamauchi took over Nintendo in 1956. He recognized that Japan’s growing interest in electronics and entertainment presented an opportunity. Nintendo started shifting its focus from playing cards to electronics and toys. By 1963, the company officially changed its name to Nintendo Co., Ltd. to reflect its new direction.
Nintendo’s Entry into Video Games (1970s): 1. The Rise of Video Games: In the early 1970s, Hiroshi Yamauchi made a bold decision to invest in the emerging video game industry. In 1972, Nintendo hired Gunpei Yokoi, a former engineer, who developed a series of innovative toys and machines. One of his most notable contributions was the creation of the Game & Watch in 1980, a handheld electronic game that became very popular and helped establish Nintendo as a player in the entertainment industry.
2. The Launch of "Donkey Kong" (1981): The turning point came in 1981 when Nintendo released the arcade game Donkey Kong, created by Shigeru Miyamoto, a key figure in Nintendo’s history. Donkey Kong became a huge success and introduced the world to the character of Mario, who would become the face of Nintendo.
The Golden Era of Consoles and Iconic Games (1980s–1990s): 1. The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) (1983): The real breakthrough for Nintendo came in 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in Japan as the Famicom (Family Computer). The system was released in North America in 1985 under the NES name. The NES revolutionized the gaming industry with its 8-bit graphics, extensive library of games, and innovative controllers. Super Mario Bros., released in 1985, became a landmark game and solidified Mario’s place as one of gaming’s most iconic characters.
2. Super Mario Bros. and Iconic Franchises: Super Mario Bros. was not just a game; it became a phenomenon, with Shigeru Miyamoto playing a major role in its development. Miyamoto, known for his creativity and vision, also worked on The Legend of Zelda (1986), a groundbreaking action-adventure game, and Metroid (1986), an exploration-based action game.
3. The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) (1990–1991): Following the success of the NES, Nintendo launched the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1990 in Japan and 1991 in North America. The SNES was home to some of the best games of the era, such as Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Super Metroid, all of which became critical and commercial successes.
4. The Rise of Competition: In the early 1990s, Nintendo faced growing competition, notably from Sega and its Genesis console. The rivalry between Nintendo and Sega culminated in the console wars of the 1990s, with both companies vying for dominance in the gaming market.
The 3D Revolution and the Nintendo 64 (1996): 1. The Nintendo 64: In 1996, Nintendo released the Nintendo 64, a revolutionary 3D console that featured iconic games like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The Nintendo 64 introduced analog control, bringing new depth and precision to gaming. Despite its innovation, the system faced stiff competition from Sony’s PlayStation, which had a stronger third-party developer support and superior CD-based technology.
2. Shifting Trends and the Game Boy: During this time, Nintendo also continued to dominate the handheld market with the Game Boy (1989) and its successors, including the Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance. These handheld consoles were hugely successful, establishing Nintendo as a force in portable gaming. Key games like Pokémon Red and Blue contributed to the Game Boy's lasting popularity.
The GameCube and Nintendo's Struggles (2000–2006): 1. The Nintendo GameCube (2001): The GameCube, released in 2001, marked a shift in Nintendo’s strategy, as it used mini-DVD discs instead of the traditional CDs or cartridges. Despite critically acclaimed games like Super Smash Bros. Melee and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, the GameCube struggled to match the success of Sony's PlayStation 2 and Microsoft’s Xbox. The console was not as commercially successful as its predecessors.
2. The Wii Revolution (2006): In 2006, Nintendo launched the Wii, a console that embraced motion-sensing controls. It was a massive success, appealing to casual gamers and a wider audience beyond traditional gamers. The Wii Sports game, bundled with the console, introduced many people to gaming for the first time, and franchises like The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and Super Mario Galaxy made the Wii a critical and commercial hit.
The Transition to High Definition and the Wii U (2012): 1. The Wii U (2012): In 2012, Nintendo introduced the Wii U, a console that featured a unique tablet-like controller. Despite the innovative concept, the Wii U faced difficulties, including poor third-party support, marketing challenges, and confusion over its name (many consumers did not realize it was a new console). The Wii U struggled to gain traction and was ultimately less successful than the Wii, though it did give rise to notable games like Super Mario 3D World and Splatoon.
The Nintendo Switch Era (2017–Present): 1. The Nintendo Switch (2017): In 2017, Nintendo launched the Nintendo Switch, a hybrid console that could function both as a traditional home console and a portable device. The Switch was a major success, driven by blockbuster titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It became one of the fastest-selling consoles of all time, reinvigorating Nintendo's position in the gaming market.
2. The Legacy of Iconic Games: Throughout its history, Nintendo has built a legacy of iconic games and characters. Beyond Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda, other franchises like Pokémon, Metroid, Donkey Kong, and Kirby have become synonymous with gaming excellence. Nintendo has consistently focused on creating innovative and fun experiences for players of all ages.
Key People in Nintendo’s History: Hiroshi Yamauchi: Grandson of the founder, he transformed Nintendo from a playing card company into a global video game leader. Shigeru Miyamoto: One of the most influential game designers in history, responsible for creating Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and other iconic franchises. Gunpei Yokoi: A key figure behind the Game Boy and early Nintendo handheld innovations. Reggie Fils-Aimé: Former president of Nintendo of America, who played a vital role in the Wii's success and the company's presence in North America.
Current employees
| Name | Position | Join Date |
|---|---|---|
| Shuntaro Furukawa | CEO | 2018 |
| Fusajiro Yamauchi | Founder | 1889 |
News
- 2024-11-29 Nintendo Aims to End Piracy
- 2024-11-11 Nintendo Sues Streamer
- 2024-11-08 Nintendo Demands Payment from Palworld
- 2024-03-05 Nintendo X Yuzu Lawsuit Settled
- 2024-02-29 Nintendo Sues Yuzu
- 2023-12-07 Nintendo Live 2024 Tokyo Cancelled
- 2023-11-20 Nintendo Reveals New Esports Guidelines
Gallery
Nintendo Headquarters in Kyoto, Japan
Founder of Nintendo - Hirochi Yamauchi
