The Nintendo Entertainment System
The 8-bit console that saved video games.
Following the devastating North American video game crash of 1983, Nintendo released the NES (known as the Famicom in Japan). With strict quality control, the "Seal of Quality," and a killer app called Super Mario Bros., the NES resurrected and redefined the gaming industry.
Open in interactive timeline →Verified Facts
- Nintendo marketed the NES as a "toy" and an "Entertainment System" rather than a "Video Game Console" to bypass retailers who were terrified of stocking video games after the 1983 crash.
- The iconic D-pad (directional pad) was invented by Nintendo's Gunpei Yokoi for the Game & Watch handhelds and became the industry standard for controllers.
- Super Mario Bros. established the template for the side-scrolling platformer and remains one of the most influential pieces of software ever written.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was The Nintendo Entertainment System?
Following the devastating North American video game crash of 1983, Nintendo released the NES (known as the Famicom in Japan). With strict quality control, the "Seal of Quality," and a killer app called Super Mario Bros., the NES resurrected and redefined the gaming industry.
When did The Nintendo Entertainment System happen?
The Nintendo Entertainment System: 1985 CE.
Why does The Nintendo Entertainment System matter?
The 8-bit console that saved video games.
Sources & Further Reading
Cite This Page
AskHistoryAI. “The Nintendo Entertainment System.” AskHistoryAI — Interactive Timeline of Everything. Updated 2026-09-11. https://askhistoryai.com/event/tech-nes/
Every fact on this page is checked against the published fact ledger and methodology; sources are listed above.