How did the NES revolutionize the gaming industry in the 1980s?

[killamch89]

The NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) played a crucial role in reviving and shaping the gaming industry in the 1980s. How did it influence game design, marketing, and the home gaming experience? From its innovative hardware, iconic franchises, and strong third-party support, to its pivotal role in changing how games were sold and distributed, what aspects of the NES were most impactful? Would the gaming industry look the same today without the NES?

[The Blackangel]

First off, you can’t ignore the fact that Nintendo pretty much saved gaming in 1983. Here (western market)the NES didn’t even appear on the market until 1985. If I remember correctly, it released in 1984 in the east under the name of Famicom.

It revolutionized gaming by jumping from the 2 bit graphics of systems such as the Atari 2600, all the way up to 8 bit graphics. The angles, and interactive background was beyond anything gamers of the era could have imagined. It also gave rise to Galoob who created the Game Genie. The Game Genie was a lifesaver for some. It was required for me to actually beat Mike Tyson, after years of trying and failing.

It gave an inkling to where gaming could potentially go if companies used up-to-date hardware, and kept a highly skilled arts department.

In short, if it wasn’t for the NES, it we wouldn’t be talking, as we never would have met and several friendships would never exist for the same reason.

[killamch89]

On 1/10/2025 at 10:57 PM, The Blackangel said:

First off, you can’t ignore the fact that Nintendo pretty much saved gaming in 1983. Here (western market)the NES didn’t even appear on the market until 1985. If I remember correctly, it released in 1984 in the east under the name of Famicom.

It revolutionized gaming by jumping from the 2 bit graphics of systems such as the Atari 2600, all the way up to 8 bit graphics. The angles, and interactive background was beyond anything gamers of the era could have imagined. It also gave rise to Galoob who created the Game Genie. The Game Genie was a lifesaver for some. It was required for me to actually beat Mike Tyson, after years of trying and failing.

It gave an inkling to where gaming could potentially go if companies used up-to-date hardware, and kept a highly skilled arts department.

In short, if it wasn’t for the NES, it we wouldn’t be talking, as we never would have met and several friendships would never exist for the same reason.

I heard about it. I wasn't born yet so I never got to experience that jump myself.