The Nintendo Entertainment System, commonly known as the NES, has recently celebrated its impressive 40th anniversary. Launched in the United States during a turbulent period marked by the aftermath of the significant Video Game Crash of 1983, the NES was the first home console from Nintendo to reach the Western market. This groundbreaking system not only revived a struggling gaming industry but also established standards that remain influential to this day.
To honor this milestone, we had the opportunity to interview Frank Cifaldi, the Founder and Director of the Video Game History Foundation. His insights, rooted in extensive research and dedication to preserving gaming history, shed light on the NES's success, its enchanting impact, the pivotal 1985 unveiling at CES, and its enduring legacy.
This year marks a significant milestone in gaming history, as we reflect on the factors that contributed to the NES's success in both the U.S. and Japan. The phenomenon of “Nintendomania” that swept through the U.S. during the late 80s and early 90s can be attributed to two primary elements: the exceptional quality of Nintendo's products and their timely market entry. Following the home console industry crash, there was a noticeable absence of innovative products. Nintendo, having already launched the Famicom in Japan two years earlier, made a strong entrance with high-quality games, most notably Super Mario Bros.. The game's quality and the immediate appeal of its protagonist, Mario, ensured that rivals like Atari and Sega were left far behind.
For countless individuals, the NES evokes a sense of nostalgia and wonder that few gaming systems can replicate. As Cifaldi notes, it’s challenging for those who weren’t part of that era to grasp just how dominant Nintendo was among children and teens. The term “Nintendo” became synonymous with video gaming, with iconic franchises such as Super Mario Bros, Metroid, and Zelda debuting in quick succession. Coupled with extensive merchandising and television adaptations, this created a cultural phenomenon that many still fondly remember today.
Cifaldi's recent work involving the only surviving press kit from the NES's unveiling at the 1985 CES highlights a critical artifact in gaming history. The AVS (Advanced Video System) represents a fascinating "what if" scenario. Historians ponder what might have happened if Nintendo had chosen to pursue a more educational and high-tech angle compared to the gaming-focused NES. Would it have succeeded? The AVS provides a glimpse into an alternate timeline of video gaming history.
Despite its eventual success, the NES's launch was anything but guaranteed. According to Cifaldi, Nintendo learned valuable lessons from the failures of Atari during the video game crash. Atari's inability to control the influx of low-quality, unofficial games contributed to its downfall. In contrast, Nintendo prioritized product quality and customer satisfaction, which Cifaldi believes was the main reason for the NES's success.
Another intriguing aspect of gaming history is the near-acquisition of Nintendo by Atari before the NES launch. While the exact reasons for this deal's collapse remain unclear, Cifaldi refrains from speculating on what might have transpired had it succeeded. As a historian, his role is to analyze facts rather than engage in hypothetical scenarios.
The NES's legendary status is widely acknowledged, not just among players but within the broader gaming industry. Features such as the iconic controller and Nintendo's innovative approach to third-party developers have had a profound and lasting impact. One notable legacy is the introduction of the lock-out chip, which aimed to prevent unofficial games from being sold on the NES. This marked the beginning of a significant shift in how video game consoles operated, ultimately shaping the industry we know today.
The Video Game History Foundation has made commendable efforts to preserve artifacts from the NES era, but challenges remain. Cifaldi emphasizes that the greatest threats to preservation are human mortality and the rising costs of real estate. Many individuals have discarded valuable materials simply because the Foundation was not contacted in time. The organization urges anyone with artifacts from this era to reach out and contribute to the preservation of gaming history.
In discussing the current state of retro gaming and preservation—from mini consoles to fan restorations—Cifaldi expresses that while commercial availability and preservation are often conflated, they are distinctly separate. He believes that the responsibility for preservation lies with archivists rather than for-profit companies, which typically prioritize profit over historical access.
With numerous games released on the NES, there remains debate over which titles defined the system. Cifaldi highlights that, based on sales figures, the three Super Mario Bros. games stand out as the top contributors to the console's legendary status. Interestingly, titles based on existing entertainment franchises, such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Top Gun, also saw significant sales, illustrating the NES's wide-ranging appeal.
As both a historian and a lifelong Nintendo enthusiast, Cifaldi reflects on the NES's profound impact. Launched in 1985, the NES not only defined home video gaming but also transformed it from a passing fad into a thriving industry. As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the NES, we look forward to many more years of its influence in the gaming world.
Happy 40th birthday, NES! Here’s to a legacy that continues to inspire generations of gamers.
