Nintendo

Nintendo was founded on September 23, 1889, by Fusajiro Yamauchi in Kyoto, Japan. Originally, the company produced handmade playing cards called Hanafuda. The company was initially a small card shop, but it laid the groundwork for one of the most influential video game companies in the world. Over time, Nintendo diversified its offerings and ventured into different forms of entertainment, transforming itself into a global video game powerhouse.

The first Game & Watch device was released on July 31, 1980. Created by Nintendo engineer Gunpei Yokoi, these handheld electronic games included a digital watch and became a significant success in the early 1980s. Single-game units, such as Donkey Kong and Ball, helped establish Nintendo's presence in the early handheld gaming market long before the Game Boy. The Game & Watch series laid the foundation for Nintendo's future portable gaming ventures.

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), known as the Famicom in Japan, was released on July 15, 1983. This 8-bit console revolutionized the home video game market and helped revive the American video game industry after its crash in the early 1980s. With iconic games like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, the NES was a massive commercial success and established Nintendo as a leading company in the video game industry.

Super Mario Bros. was released on September 13, 1985, for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It became one of the most influential and best-selling video games of all time. Mario's journey through the Mushroom Kingdom to save Princess Toadstool from Bowser established iconic gameplay mechanics and storytelling elements. Its success helped establish Nintendo's dominance in home gaming and solidified Mario as Nintendo's flagship character.

The Game Boy was launched by Nintendo on April 21, 1989. As one of the first handheld gaming consoles with interchangeable cartridges, the Game Boy became incredibly popular. It bundled with the game Tetris, which played a significant role in its success. The Game Boy sold millions of units worldwide and became synonymous with portable gaming, leading to various successors and further solidifying Nintendo's position in the gaming market.

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was released on November 21, 1990, in Japan (as the Super Famicom). Known for its improved graphics and audio capabilities, the SNES hosted a library of acclaimed titles such as Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Super Metroid. Its success in maintaining Nintendo's market leadership despite stiff competition highlighted the company's focus on quality software and innovation.

Super Mario Kart was released on August 27, 1992, for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. As the inaugural game in the Mario Kart series, it introduced the now-iconic kart racing mechanics blended with competitive item-based gameplay. Its success spawned a long-running franchise recognized for its multiplayer fun and crossover appeal, reinforcing Nintendo's reputation for creating games with broad social appeal.

Super Mario All-Stars was released on June 23, 1993, for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. This compilation featured enhanced versions of the original NES Mario games, providing 16-bit graphics and improved sound. It was critically acclaimed for bringing these classic titles to a new generation of Nintendo fans and played a key role in keeping the Mario franchise relevant and accessible through hardware transitions.

Pokémon Red and Green were released on February 27, 1996, on the original Game Boy in Japan. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, these games marked the start of what would become a worldwide phenomenon. Players took on the role of Pokémon trainers, capturing and battling with various creatures. The success of these games led to an expansive franchise, including video games, animated series, movies, and merchandise.

The Nintendo 64 was released in Japan on June 23, 1996. It was Nintendo's first 3D console and featured titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, which were pivotal in shaping the 3D gaming landscape. The console's unique controller and innovative titles further cemented Nintendo's position as a leader in game design and inspired future generations of game developers.

Pokémon Red and Blue were released in North America on September 28, 1998. This marked the franchise's first appearance outside of Japan and served as a catalyst for the Pokémon phenomenon in the West. The games captured players' imaginations, encouraging them to catch, train, and trade various Pokémon to become Pokémon Masters. Their success laid the groundwork for an enduring cultural icon.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time was released on November 21, 1998, for the Nintendo 64. Hailed as one of the greatest video games of all time, it introduced players to a vast 3D world, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a rich storyline. Its critical and commercial success set new standards for action-adventure games and demonstrated Nintendo's capability to adapt and innovate with new technology.

Pokémon Gold and Silver were released on November 21, 2000, in North America for the Game Boy Color. These sequels expanded on the original games with a new region, new Pokémon species, and additional features like a real-time day and night cycle. The improvements and additions made these games a critical and commercial success, maintaining the Pokémon series' popularity and setting the standard for future installments.

The Nintendo GameCube was released on November 18, 2001, in North America, following its Japanese release. It was Nintendo's entry into the sixth generation of video game consoles. Known for its distinctive design and powerful hardware, the GameCube was home to many popular titles, including Super Smash Bros. Melee, Mario Kart: Double Dash, and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. Though not as commercially successful as its predecessor, the GameCube earned a dedicated fanbase.

The Nintendo DS launched in North America on November 21, 2004. Featuring dual screens, the bottom being a touch screen, this handheld console introduced new ways to interact with games. Its innovative design and library of successful games, such as Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, New Super Mario Bros., and Brain Age, contributed to its massive popularity. The DS became one of Nintendo's most successful systems, selling over 150 million units worldwide.

The Nintendo Wii was released on November 19, 2006, and became known for its innovative motion control system and family-friendly games. With titles like Wii Sports, which utilized the unique motion-sensing Wii Remote, the Wii appealed to a broad demographic and was instrumental in bringing gaming to new audiences. The console's success led to sales of over 100 million units worldwide, making it one of the best-selling consoles of all time.

Nintendo launched the 3DS in Japan on February 26, 2011, with a North American release shortly thereafter. The handheld console offered 3D effects without the need for special glasses and featured an improved design and online capabilities. Despite a slow start, a price drop and a strong lineup of games like Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 helped boost its popularity, eventually leading to successful sales figures.

The Nintendo Switch was released on March 3, 2017, as a hybrid console that could function as both a home console and portable device. The flexibility of the Switch, along with successful titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, contributed to its widespread popularity. The Switch became a major success for Nintendo, blending innovative design with strong software support.

Super Mario Odyssey was released on October 27, 2017, for the Nintendo Switch. It received critical acclaim and solidified the Switch's status with its innovative gameplay and expansive worlds. Players join Mario on a globe-trotting adventure, using his hat to possess objects and characters, adding a fresh twist to the traditional Mario formula. The game's success showcased Nintendo's continued ability to innovate within its flagship franchises.

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (Remake) was released on September 20, 2019, for the Nintendo Switch. This modern reimagining of the classic Game Boy title presented stunning visuals, a revamped soundtrack, and added features while preserving the charm and challenge of the original game. The remake was warmly received, demonstrating Nintendo's commitment to revitalizing beloved franchises for new audiences while honoring their timeless appeal.