The History of Nintendo

The History of Nintendo: From Playing Cards to Gaming Giant

The History of Nintendo. Nintendo is a name synonymous with iconic video games like Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon. However, few realize that the company’s history spans over a century and began far from the world of electronic entertainment. From producing playing cards in Japan to becoming a leading force in the gaming industry, Nintendo’s journey is one of innovation, bold decisions, and triumphs. Let’s explore how it all started and where this path has led.

Founding: 1889

Nintendo was founded on September 23, 1889, in Kyoto, Japan, by Fusajiro Yamauchi as a small firm called Nintendo Koppai. Its first product was “Hanafuda” playing cards—traditional Japanese handmade cards decorated with images of flowers and plants. At the time, gambling was banned in Japan, but Hanafuda, used for simple family games, quickly gained popularity.

Fusajiro focused on quality: the cards were made from mulberry bark and sold in shops in Kyoto and Osaka. The business thrived, and by the mid-20th century, Nintendo had become Japan’s leading playing card manufacturer.

Experiments and Diversification: 1950s-1960s

After World War II, the company was taken over by Fusajiro’s grandson, Hiroshi Yamauchi. He recognized that the card market was limited and began exploring new opportunities. In the 1950s and 1960s, Nintendo ventured into various fields: taxis, hotels, children’s toys, and even instant rice. Most of these projects failed, but some ideas proved successful.

In the 1960s, Nintendo started producing board games and mechanical toys. One of the first hits was the “Ultra Hand” (1970)—a mechanical grabber arm designed by young engineer Gunpei Yokoi. Selling over 1.2 million units, this toy demonstrated the company’s potential in the entertainment industry.

Entry into Video Games: 1970s-1980s

In the 1970s, Nintendo turned its attention to electronic entertainment. In 1977, in collaboration with Mitsubishi, it released its first arcade machines, the Color TV-Game—a series of simple home consoles. They sold over 3 million units in Japan, marking a solid debut.

The real breakthrough came in 1980 with the arcade game Donkey Kong, created by Shigeru Miyamoto. It introduced the character Jumpman, later known as Mario. The game gained worldwide popularity and marked the start of Nintendo’s era as a video game developer.

In 1983, Nintendo launched the Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan, followed by its international version, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), in 1985. The NES revitalized the gaming industry after the 1983 crash, offering high-quality titles like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. By the late 1980s, Nintendo dominated the market, controlling up to 90% of console sales in the U.S.

Golden Age and Competition: 1990s-2000s

In 1990, Nintendo released the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), a hit thanks to its graphics and games like Super Mario World. In 1996, the Nintendo 64 brought revolutionary 3D gameplay (Super Mario 64, Ocarina of Time), but it lost ground to Sony’s PlayStation due to its reliance on cartridges instead of discs.

The portable market became another triumph. The Game Boy (1989), also designed by Gunpei Yokoi, sold over 118 million units, driven by its simplicity and games like Tetris. In 1998, Pokémon Red and Green for Game Boy sparked a global phenomenon spanning games, cartoons, and merchandise.

However, the 2000s brought challenges. The Nintendo GameCube (2001) lagged behind the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, though it delivered hits like Super Smash Bros. Melee.

Revival and Innovation: 2000s-2010s

Nintendo bounced back with the Wii (2006)—a motion-controlled console that became a sensation among casual gamers, selling over 100 million units. In 2004, the Nintendo DS, with its dual screens and touch controls, also conquered the market with titles like Pokémon and Brain Age.

In 2017, the Nintendo Switch revolutionized gaming by blending portability with home console functionality. Games like Breath of the Wild and Animal Crossing: New Horizons propelled the Switch to massive success.

Present Day: 2025

As of February 2025, Nintendo remains a unique player in the industry. The company avoids direct competition with Sony and Microsoft in the “power race,” focusing instead on creativity and accessibility. The Switch continues to dominate, while rumors of a new console (Switch 2?) keep fans excited. Nintendo is also expanding its franchises through films (Super Mario Bros. Movie, 2023) and theme parks (Super Nintendo World).

Key Milestones

• 1889: Founding of Nintendo Koppai to produce Hanafuda cards.
• 1980: Donkey Kong and the start of the video game era.
• 1985: Launch of the NES and global success.
• 1989: Game Boy and the portable revolution.
• 2017: Nintendo Switch and a new era.

Conclusion The History of Nintendo

Nintendo’s 135-year history is a tale of adaptation and innovation. From playing cards to the Switch, the company has maintained its distinctive style, emphasizing fun and creativity. In 2025, Nintendo not only holds its ground but continues to inspire the industry, proving that success lies not just in technology but in the heart put into every product.