When it comes to video game companies, few are as well-known and beloved as Nintendo. Since its founding in 1889, the Japanese company has been responsible for some of the most iconic games and consoles in history. From Super Mario Bros. to The Legend of Zelda, Nintendo has captured the hearts and minds of gamers around the world.
The Early Years of Nintendo
Before we dive into the sales numbers, let's take a trip down memory lane and look at the origins of Nintendo. The company was founded in Kyoto, Japan by Fusajiro Yamauchi as a producer of handmade hanafuda playing cards. It wasn't until the 1970s that Nintendo began to dabble in video games, starting with arcade machines like the popular Donkey Kong.
The Rise of the NES
In 1985, Nintendo released the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in North America. The console was an instant hit, selling out within weeks of its release. The NES was home to some of Nintendo's most iconic franchises, including Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid.
By the end of its lifespan in 1995, the NES had sold over 61 million units worldwide. It remains one of the best-selling consoles of all time.
The Game Boy Era
In 1989, Nintendo released the Game Boy, a handheld console that would go on to dominate the handheld market for years to come. The Game Boy was home to classics like Tetris and Pok??mon, and its popularity helped cement Nintendo's position as a gaming powerhouse.
Over the years, the Game Boy would see several iterations, including the Game Boy Color and the Game Boy Advance. In total, the Game Boy line of consoles has sold over 200 million units worldwide.
The N64 and Beyond
In 1996, Nintendo released the Nintendo 64 (N64), its first console to feature 3D graphics. While it wasn't as successful as the NES or Game Boy, the N64 was home to several beloved titles like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Following the N64, Nintendo released several other consoles, including the GameCube, Wii, and Wii U. While these consoles didn't reach the same heights as the NES or Game Boy, they still sold millions of units and brought us classic games like Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart.
The Success of the Switch
Most recently, Nintendo released the Nintendo Switch in 2017. The hybrid console can be played both on a TV and as a handheld device, and it has quickly become one of Nintendo's most successful consoles.
As of March 2021, the Switch has sold over 84 million units worldwide. It's been home to some incredible games, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
The Future of Nintendo
So, what's next for Nintendo? The company has already announced several games coming to the Switch in 2021 and beyond, including a sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
While we don't know what the future holds for Nintendo, one thing is for sure: the company has a long and storied history of creating incredible games and consoles. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual gamer, there's no denying the impact that Nintendo has had on the industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nintendo has had a long and successful history in the gaming industry. From its early days producing playing cards to its current status as a gaming powerhouse, Nintendo has always been at the forefront of innovation and creativity.
While we've only scratched the surface of Nintendo's sales numbers and history, it's clear that the company has left an indelible mark on the industry. With the success of the Switch and the announcement of new games on the horizon, it's safe to say that Nintendo's future is looking bright.
