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What is Nintendo?
Nintendo is a gaming console manufacturer and video game publisher headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. It specializes in the development of Nintendo consoles, accessories, video games, and online services.
Nintendo has a long history of publishing through multiple generations; examples include Game Boy, Nintendo DS, Wii, and Switch. It is also responsible for publishing some of the most iconic gaming franchises, such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Pokémon.
Nintendo is the oldest company in the gaming industry, having made console hardware since 1977 with the release of the Color TV Game. In the modern day, its rivals are Xbox and PlayStation.
The Nintendo Switch, released in 2017, is one of the best-selling consoles of all time.
Key Takeaways
- Nintendo is a Japanese gaming manufacturer that distributes games and consoles globally.
- The company was initially founded in 1889 and created handmade Hanafuda cards.
- Famous consoles include the Game Boy, NES, Nintendo DS, Wii, and Switch.
- Popular gaming franchises include Super Mario, Metroid, and Legend of Zelda.
- Nintendo Online is a subscription service that gives players access to online multiplayer features.
History of Nintendo
Nintendo’s history as a gaming developer and publisher dates back to September 23, 1889, when the company was founded. Back then, the company started out as a maker and distributor of handmade Hanafuda cards. It wouldn’t be until several decades later, in 1963, that the company made its first venture into the world of video games.
Full History of Nintendo
How Nintendo Works
Hardware
Customers are required to own Nintendo hardware to legally run their games. This often includes the main console or handheld device to run the software, and some systems include a controller for interacting with said games. Nintendo itself makes the hardware through its Platform Technology Development division.
Software
Development studios create games to provide digital entertainment experiences. Nintendo often handles both the development and publishing of first-party games through its Entertainment Planning and Development division. These games can be accessed by purchasing a physical disc/cartridge or directly downloading them through the Nintendo eShop.
Services
Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service exclusive to Nintendo’s gaming platforms. It allows players to use online multiplayer features and access a catalog of retro classic Nintendo games. The service was first launched in 2018 and has since attracted over 34 million customers.
All Nintendo Switch Online Tiers
| Tier? | Price? | Features? |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | 1 month – $3.99
3 months – $7.99 1 year – $19.99 |
|
| Family | 1 year – $34.99 |
|
| Individual + Expansion Pack | 1 year – $49.99 |
|
| Family + Expansion Pack | 1 year – $79.99 |
|
All Nintendo Consoles Explained
Nintendo consoles stand out from the competition because of their interactivity, especially with modern generations. From portability to motion controls, systems developed by Nintendo have seen a plethora of features and innovations over time.
All Nintendo Gaming Systems Released Over the Years
Popular Nintendo Franchises
Nintendo franchises are one of the major contributing factors to the Japanese gaming company’s success. Its most recognizable IPs are typically exclusive to its platforms and consoles and have grown to become some of the most popular franchises in the world.
Super Mario
Mario first appeared as the playable protagonist in the Donkey Kong arcade game in 1981. Since then, he has branched out to his own franchise with great success. His surge in popularity made Mario the main mascot for Nintendo going forward. There are now over 200 games featuring the plumber in some form.
Pokémon
Pokémon has become the biggest gaming franchise in the world. The series has spanned over nine generations and has over 1,000 unique creatures to collect. It has become a global phenomenon thanks to its games, trading cards, anime, merchandise, and more.
The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda series has always been praised for its gameplay and story and has regularly become a defining experience for every Nintendo platform, from A Link to the Past for the SNES to the latest entry, Tears of the Kingdom, for the Nintendo Switch.
Animal Crossing
Animal Crossing has become a fan favourite thanks to its cozy gameplay and plethora of villagers to interact with. The series is known for allowing players to customize unique islands to their preferences, spanning over five major title releases. While the series started on the GameCube in 2001, it found widespread popularity on handheld devices like the DS, 3DS, and the Nintendo Switch, with its most recent release, New Horizons, in 2020.
Metroid
The first Metroid game was released in 1986 for the NES and is widely considered to be the series that popularised Metroidvanias. What started out as a franchise known for 2D side-scrolling game mechanics eventually embraced first person shooter combat with Metroid Prime.
4 Ways to Improve Nintendo Switch Performance
- Use one of the best VPNs for gaming to ensure safe and secure online play.
- If you’re using a Nintendo Switch OLED, utilize an Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi.
- Play with the Nintendo Switch docked to improve gaming performance.
- Free up internal storage or upgrade with a microSD card.
Major modifications to a recently bought Nintendo Switch can void any warranty on the product. We recommend checking Nintendo’s terms and conditions before modifying or upgrading the Nintendo Switch Console.
Nintendo Pros & Cons
Nintendo Switch games are a testament to how far the company has come since its humble card-making beginnings in 1889. Despite gaming becoming more advanced than ever before, Nintendo still remains a viable option for many players.
- Nintendo consoles allow for enhanced interactivity with games.
- Handheld systems allow for playing games on the go.
- Exclusive line-up of games and popular franchises.
- One of the most family-friendly gaming consoles available.
- Nintendo Online does not offer enough value for its price.
- Some older titles are inaccessible on the latest hardware.
- Consoles by Nintendo pale in comparison to competitors in terms of performance.
- Older games on the Nintendo Switch do not get cheaper over time.
The Bottom Line
Nintendo is an electronic entertainment manufacturer based in Kyoto, Japan. It develops video games and Nintendo hardware for both handheld and home console gaming.
Nintendo is best known for its gaming systems aimed at younger audiences, such as the Game Boy, NES, DS, and Wii, to the most recent Nintendo Switch console. It is responsible for providing gaming experiences at a global scale, separating itself from other gaming brands by offering a family-friendly, interactive means of playing games.
