It was October 18, 1985, when the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) launched in the United States. The NES was a revolutionary console that brought high-quality arcade gaming to the home, and it quickly became a cultural phenomenon.
On launch day, stores across the country were swamped with customers eager to buy an NES. In some cases, there were even lines outside of stores before they opened. The NES sold out quickly, and it was clear that Nintendo had a hit on its hands.
The NES launch was a watershed moment in the history of video games. It was the first time that a console had been able to bring arcade-quality gaming to the home, and it helped to revitalize the video game industry after the crash of 1983.
Games available on launch day
The NES launched with a modest lineup of 17 games, but these games were all high-quality and helped to establish the NES as a must-have console for gamers. Some of the most popular launch games included:- Super Mario Bros.
- Duck Hunt
- Gyromite
- Golf
- Tennis
- Baseball
- Ice Hockey
- Donkey Kong Jr. Math
- Popeye
- Mario Bros.
- The Legend of Zelda
- Kung Fu
Super Mario Bros. was the clear standout launch game. It was a simple but addictive platformer that was loved by gamers of all ages. The game was also a critical and commercial success, and it helped to make Mario one of the most iconic characters in video game history.
The craze
The NES launch was a craze. Gamers were eager to get their hands on the new console, and stores were swamped with customers. In some cases, there were even lines outside of stores before they opened.
The NES was also a hot topic of conversation in schools and playgrounds. Gamers would share stories about their favorite games and compete to see who could get the highest score.
The NES launch was a cultural phenomenon that helped to solidify video games as a mainstream form of entertainment. It was a special time for gamers, and it is still remembered fondly by many people today.
Relive The Classics
As time went on and technology advanced, we’ve been able to replay many of these games throughout the decades; giving way to newer generations being able to capture the moment from a time that has long since passed.- Many NES games are available to play on the Nintendo Switch with a Nintendo Online subscription.
- There are the officially licensed “mini” NES plug and play devices with a selection of games.
- ROMs are still available to play if a gamer has a preferred platform to use.