Nintendo is a titan in the video game industry, known for its innovation and beloved franchises. This article delves into Nintendo’s storied past, highlights its best games, and discusses the revolutionary Nintendo Switch console.
Long before it earned a household name in digital entertainment, Nintendo began its journey in a far different industry. Founded on September 23, 1889, by Fusajiro Yamauchi in Kyoto, Japan, Nintendo started as a playing card company known as Nintendo Koppai. At the time, it specialized in handmade Hanafuda cards, which were traditional Japanese playing cards used for various games. These cards became popular quickly, and Nintendo built a steady and respectable reputation throughout the early 20th century.
By the 1950s, then-president Hiroshi Yamauchi began to explore new markets to expand Nintendo’s potential. Recognizing the limitations of the playing card business, he embarked on a strategy of diversification. The company experimented with several unconventional ventures, such as a taxi service, instant rice products, and even a love hotel chain. While none of these sideline businesses gained lasting traction, they marked a period of transformation and set the stage for Nintendo’s entry into the toy and electronic markets.
During the 1960s, Nintendo started producing toys, with early successes including the Ultra Hand, a mechanical extending arm designed by engineer Gunpei Yokoi. Yokoi would go on to become one of Nintendo’s most influential creators. These toy innovations helped sustain the company and pivot its focus toward electronic entertainment, paving the path toward its eventual digitization.
By the 1970s, Nintendo took its first steps into the video game industry. It began by distributing arcade games like EVR Race, before developing its own original hits such as Donkey Kong (1981), designed by a young Shigeru Miyamoto. This game introduced the world to future mascot Mario and demonstrated Nintendo’s unique ability to blend engaging gameplay with memorable characters.
This momentum propelled Nintendo into home console gaming. The launch of the Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan in 1983—later released in the West as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)—marked a turning point. The NES revitalized the North American video game market after the 1983 crash and laid the foundation for Nintendo’s legendary status as a pioneer of home entertainment.
Building on its early successes, Nintendo developed iconic consoles such as the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), the Nintendo 64, and the Game Boy, each introducing groundbreaking technologies and charting new terrain in portable and 3D gaming. Innovations like the analog stick, rumble feedback, and handheld connectivity became industry standards.
With the launch of the Nintendo Switch in 2017, Nintendo once again proved its commitment to creative hardware design. The Switch’s hybrid functionality—serving as both a home console and a portable device—echoes Nintendo’s long-standing tradition of inventiveness. It has become one of the company’s most successful platforms, attracting both veteran gamers and newcomers through its versatile gameplay and access to a rich library of titles ranging from classic franchises to new IPs.
From Hanafuda cards to high-definition interactive adventures, Nintendo’s story is one of calculated risks, groundbreaking creativity, and an unwavering dedication to play. As the next chapter explores, Nintendo’s games are as central to its legacy as its consoles, with worldwide favorites like Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon continuing to capture the imagination of millions.
Nintendo’s rise from a playing card company to a global video game juggernaut can be best appreciated through the timeless appeal of its flagship franchises. These games have not only defined generations but have also influenced the standards of game design and storytelling. Whether you’re new to Nintendo or a lifelong fan, the titles below represent the best of what the company has to offer.
Arguably the most iconic video game character in the world, Mario stars in a franchise that has continually redefined platform gaming. Starting with Super Mario Bros. (1985) on the NES, the series has expanded into numerous groundbreaking entries. Super Mario 64 brought 3D exploration to the forefront, while Super Mario Galaxy redefined gravity-based level design. The Nintendo Switch era introduced Super Mario Odyssey—a critically acclaimed adventure that embraced open-world sandbox design. With its innovative “Cappy” mechanic and multiple kingdoms to explore, it became one of the Switch’s best-selling titles and demonstrated Mario’s lasting versatility.
The Legend of Zelda is synonymous with epic storytelling, innovation, and immersive worlds. Beginning in 1986, the series has consistently pushed boundaries. Ocarina of Time on the Nintendo 64 is often regarded as one of the greatest games of all time for its pioneering use of 3D environments and narrative scope. More recently, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild reinvented the open-world genre with its emphasis on physics-based puzzle solving, nonlinear progression, and breathtaking art direction. Launched alongside the Switch, it received universal acclaim and sold more than 30 million copies, solidifying its place in Nintendo’s legacy.
Pokémon is not merely a gaming franchise—it’s a global phenomenon. Debuting in 1996 with Pokémon Red and Blue on the Game Boy, it introduced turn-based battles, exploration, and the timeless quest to “catch ’em all.” Over the decades, the series has evolved while staying true to its core formula. Recent entries like Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet brought the franchise into fully 3D realms with dynamic open areas and multiplayer connectivity. Meanwhile, Pokémon Legends: Arceus experimented with real-time mechanics and an open-world approach that hinted at the series’ future direction.
These games highlight not only Nintendo’s creative genius but also its ability to blend innovation with timeless gameplay. Each title serves as a testament to the company’s enduring influence and its role in shaping the modern gaming landscape—all within the unique hardware ecosystem of the Nintendo Switch.
Launched in March 2017, the Nintendo Switch marked a revolutionary milestone in the gaming industry by blending the power of home gaming with the portability of handheld play. Built to support a wide range of playstyles, from casual lounging to intense competitive gaming, the Nintendo Switch redefined convenience and accessibility within the console market.
At the heart of the Nintendo Switch’s success is its hybrid architecture. Players can dock the system to their television for classic console gameplay or lift it from the dock and continue playing in handheld mode—without interruption. This seamless transformation provides players with complete freedom to choose where and how to enjoy their games.
The device further supports a ‘tabletop mode’ by detaching the two Joy-Con controllers and using the built-in kickstand for shared screen gaming on the go. This versatility set the Switch apart from contemporaries like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, which remained stationary, home-based systems.
The Joy-Con controllers themselves are small yet full-featured. Each includes an analog stick, multiple buttons, motion-sensing capabilities, and HD Rumble—Nintendo’s advanced haptic technology. The inclusion of IR sensors and gyroscopes further enabled innovative gameplay possibilities, notably in titles like 1-2-Switch and Ring Fit Adventure.
In addition to the standard Switch, Nintendo released the Switch Lite in 2019—a more compact, handheld-only version—and the Switch OLED in 2021, which introduced a vibrant 7-inch OLED display, enhanced audio, and improved kickstand for tabletop gaming. These variants expanded accessibility across user demographics, from portable-focused players to audiovisual enthusiasts.
The Nintendo Switch’s adaptability and affordability helped it transcend traditional gaming demographics. It appealed to families with its approachable design, but also found a passionate following among core gamers drawn by the deep library of exclusive titles.
Critically, the Switch served as the perfect stage for Nintendo’s flagship franchises—most of which were discussed in the previous chapter. Breath of the Wild reimagined open-world exploration, Super Mario Odyssey introduced inventive sandbox freedom, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons became a cultural phenomenon during the COVID-19 pandemic. These titles didn’t just sell millions—they built dedicated communities and set new standards for their genres.
As of 2024, the Nintendo Switch has sold over 130 million units worldwide, placing it among the best-selling consoles in history. It revitalized Nintendo’s position in the industry after the Wii U’s underwhelming performance and inspired renewed excitement for its legacy properties and new IPs alike.
Online connectivity also saw major evolution with the Switch. The Nintendo Switch Online service allowed players to compete or cooperate across games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Splatoon 3. It also offered access to retro game libraries from the NES, SNES, and more, cultivating nostalgia while introducing classics to new generations.
Whether shared through local co-op, digital downloads from the eShop, or screenshots posted with a single button press, the Switch helped solidify gaming as an integral part of daily life. It wasn’t just a console—it became a social experience and cultural touchstone for millions.
Conclusions
Nintendo’s impact on gaming is undeniable, with its franchises and hardware setting standards in the industry. The Nintendo Switch continues to redefine play, ensuring Nintendo’s legacy endures.