A brief history of Nintendo's NES

A look back at the Nintendo Entertainment System

There have been many versions of Nintendo video game consoles, but the one that immediately comes to mind for many is the original NES. Here’s a look at how it was covered on KDFW on December 14, 1987 and on KTVU on December 18, 1988.

The original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is undoubtedly one of the iconic toys of the 1980s, helping revolutionize the American video gaming industry.

Nintendo, headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, has become a household name for video consoles and games, including Mario, Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, and Pokémon.

According to the company, more than 5.5 billion video games and over 800 million hardware units have been sold around the world since the launch of the NES more than 30 years ago.

The early origins of Nintendo actually date back to 1889 when Fusajiro Yamauchi began to manufacture "Hanafuda" (flower cards) Japanese playing cards.

However, most people are familiar with the Nintendo Entertainment System, the video game console that became familiar in many households in the 1980s.

When did the Nintendo Entertainment System first launch?

The Nintendo Entertainment System was first launched in Japan as the "Family Computer" (Famicom). It was redesigned and released to U.S. test markets in 1985, fully launching across the country in the following year.

FILE - A Nintendo Entertainment System video game console and controller (Photo by Neil Godwin/GamesMaster Magazine via Getty Images)

Who invented the NES?

A few people had their hand in the creation of the NES. Hiroshi Yamauchi was the president of Nintendo who wanted to come up with a game console that would be affordable and allow people to play arcade games without leaving home. Masayuki Uemura is credited with designing the video game console. Engineer Gunpei Yokoi was credited with contributing to some of Nintendo’s other products including the control pad and Game Boy.

When was Super Mario Bros. released?

Nintendo released the popular game Super Mario Bros. in October 1985. The objective was for Mario and his brother, Luigi, to save Princes Toadstool, who was being held captive by Bowser, the King of the Koopa.

Other key dates

1989: The Game Boy was invented.

1992: The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (Super Famicom) was launched in Europe in June. The console went on to sell more than 46 million units worldwide.

1995: Nintendo produced its one billionth game cartridge.

1996: Nintendo 64 launched in Japan.

2001: Nintendo GameCube launched in the U.S.

2004: Nintendo DS, a dual-screened handheld with Touch Screen technology, is announced.

2006: Nintendo Wii was launched.

2012: Nintendo Wii U was launched.

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