Discover the origin of the worldwide success of video games: the NES

Manufactured and distributed by Nintendo from 1985 (and 1987 in Europe), the Nintendo Entertainment System, better known by its abbreviation NES, single-handedly helped revitalize the video game industry after the 1983 video game crisis. It was so successful that it set the standard for consoles produced after that date, both in terms of game design and style.

The NES was then the console of choice for playing the most popular games of the time, such as Super Mario Bros or Legend of Zelda, which have both gone on to be the first titles in highly successful franchises.

The NES: One Of The Most Successful Consoles In History

The story of the NES begins in the early 1980s in Japan. At the time, the video game industry was in full swing. After a promising start in the arcade game world, Nintendo wanted to turn to the production of home consoles with interchangeable cartridges. This would allow individuals to play several video games on a single console, without the need to go to an arcade

After three years of development, the NES is finally released in Japan. In Japan, the console is called the Family Computer, releasing alongside the games Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr. and Popeye.

The console contributed to the relaunch of the video game industry. Indeed, the console quickly became very popular, thanks to its design and its ease of use. In 1985, the NES is marketed in the United States, then in Europe from 1987. It was so successful that Nintendo sold nearly 20 million NES in Japan and over 62 million internationally!

Super Mario Bros: The Killer Game of the NES

The NES is inseparable from Super Mario Bros, which was released at the same time. Developed by Nintendo, the game became one of the most iconic. It alone justifies the purchase of the NES.

In this game, the first in the Super Mario series, the player controls Mario in a very special world: the Mushroom Kingdom. His objective is to save Princess Toadstool and face Bowser, the antagonist, by jumping through obstacle courses that contain a variety of whimsical hazards.

Super Mario Bros. remains one of the best-selling games of all time, with nearly 40 million copies sold by Nintendo, contributing to the success of the NES.

Other NES games

The NES is home to a huge library of games. The console had a catalog of more than 1200 playable titles. Among the most famous games of the NES, we find:

• Double Dragon
• Castlevania
• Kirby's Adventure
• The Legend Of Zelda II: The Adventure Of Link
• Mega Man
• Balloon Fight
• City Connection
• Batman
• Final Fight
• Adventures of Lolo
• Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles

Buy NES games in Japan

Due to the fact that the NES was released late in Europe, many Japanese NES games have never been released outside of this region. For this reason, many NES games exist only in Japan. For collectors, it is, therefore, essential to buy your games directly in the land of the rising sun.