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Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Nintendo is responsible for launching the way forward when it came to game consoles. During the video game crash of 1983, video games were on the verge of withdrawing from consumer interest, but Nintendo's first console outside Japan, the NES, would recapture the public eye. Fun fact: The NES was originally marketed as a toy to appeal to consumers who were getting dismissive of video games at the time. -
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
The SNES was Nintendo's foreray into the 16-bit era. It entered an era of fierce competition with its rival, the Sega Genesis. More or less, the idea of console wars became codified to what we know them as today. Fun fact; Sega's marketing campaign of claiming the Sega Genesis has "blast processing" was rooted in the fact that the Sega Genesis had a faster CPU. The SNES ironically was superior in numerous other aspects such as RAM, possible colors and resolution. -
Nintendo 64 (N64)
The N64 is Nintendo's foray into 3D. While the SNES was able to utilize primitive three dimensional shapes in games like Star Fox, the N64 was their first console dedicated to 3D. The N64 launch title Super Mario 64 set the standard for how to create 3D action games. The N64, like its name suggests, used a 64-bit architecture while its competitors were 32-bit. Fun fact: Sony created the Playstation after a disc-based add-on for the SNES failed to come through. -
Nintendo GameCube (GCN)
The Nintendo GameCube marked the first time Nintendo used optical discs. These were different than DVDs in that they were smaller and were read from the outside going in. This was meant to combat piracy. Fun Fact: The SNES, N64, and GameCube all share the same component cable. -
NIntendo Wii (Wii)
The Nintendo Wii was notable for using motion controls. This deviation from the standard controller design was done to appeal to casual audiences. The Wii also introduced online features such as the ability to download games from a digital storefront. Fun fact: One of the Wii's launch titles, Wii Sports, is the fourth best-selling game of all time at nearly 83 million copies sold. -
Nintendo Wii U (Wii U)
The Wii U was Nintendo's first HD console. It introduced the GamePad to provide a unique asymmetric game experience. Games could use both the GamePad and TV at the same time, and some could switch between them. It took advantage of social media technologies with the Miiverse which allowed users to communicate via drawn posts. Fun fact: The Wii U is one of Nintendo's weakest selling consoles at only 13 million units sold. -
Nintendo Switch (Switch)
The Nintendo Switch is revolutionary for being a hybrid of a home console and a handheld. The idea of large scale games such as Breath of the Wild and Skyrim on the go was virtually unheard of. Fun fact: In only two years, the Switch already sold more than 40 million copies, more than the Wii U, GameCube and N64. -
Remarks and Sources
These game consoles are derivative of the tech mentioned in the textbook. Nintendo's execution of these technologies helped to shape the cultural landscape from the 1980s onward. Sources:
Images and general info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_video_game_consoles
SNES/Genesis Specs: http://nerdbacon.com/super-nintendo-vs-sega-genesis-specs/
Best-selling video games: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_best-selling_video_games
My own firsthand knowledge.
