The Nintendo Entertainment System, or NES, first launched in America on October 18th, 1985. That was the date it launched its test market, and then it would release nationwide in 1986. Even after forty years, the system is still beloved by many. It is often credited with saving the North American video game industry after the industry crashed in 1983. However, the importance of the NES goes beyond its historical significance. Here’s why we still love this beautiful 8-bit system after forty years.
The NES Was Like Nothing Seen Before
Nintendo knew what they were doing when they launched their Japanese Family Computer (or “Famicom,” as it’s generally known) in North America. The video game industry was still suffering from the 1983 crash, so Nintendo promoted their new system as an “Entertainment System” rather than a video game system. There were also accessories such as the NES Zapper light gun and the R.O.B. the Robot peripheral that helped their product to be seen as a toy.
The sly marketing worked, and the system was a smash hit. Most gamers had never seen such detailed graphics and heard such clear sound and music outside of the arcades. They were used to simpler systems such as the Atari 2600, with their blocky graphics and largely single-screen gameplay. In addition, the NES controller’s design with its D-pad and two buttons allowed for versatility in gameplay and helped set the standard for video game controllers in the future.
So Much Variety
Screenshot of The Adventures of Link, Courtesy of Nintendo and Moby GamesThe NES’s library had a little bit of everything. There were simple arcade ports, side-scrolling platformers, action games, puzzle games, sports games, and even sprawling RPGs and adventure games that were far more complex than anything the Atari 2600 had to offer. This meant there was something for everyone, and it also gave video games a chance to evolve.
Moreover, while some of the system’s games do show their age, many of the titles are still fun to play today. Anyone can still pick up games like Super Mario Bros and Castlevania and get swept up into their atmospheric worlds and addictive gameplay. The system’s pixelated 8-bit graphics and chiptune music have a certain charm that will never age. There’s a reason why pixel art games are still popular today.
The Birthplace of Legends
Many beloved game series got their start on the NES. Gaming giants such as The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, Castlevania, and Mega Man all debuted on the system. Of course, we can’t forget about Super Mario Bros. While Mario and Luigi technically debuted in the arcade, their rise to fame was on the NES. Mario also gave the system a mascot, something previous home systems lacked. This meant people could mentally associate the system with a jolly mustached plumber, giving the system a stable identity in the public consciousness.
Conclusion
In the forty years since the NES debuted, video games have evolved into high-definition, hundred-hour experiences. Still, even in our age of AAA gaming, going back to the Nintendo Entertainment System sends us into another world. I frequently boot up the NES collection on Nintendo Switch Online, sometimes switching from game to game and just immersing myself in 8-bit goodness. Happy Birthday to this wonderful system that changed how we play video games.
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