The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was officially launched in the United States on October 18, 1985, marking a significant development in gaming history. Released approximately a year after the author’s birth, the NES became a foundational piece for many children of that era, tapping into the spending habits of families during holidays and birthdays.
The NES quickly became synonymous with video gaming for a generation. Many children asked if their friends had a Nintendo at home, comparing it to common household items like Coca-Cola. The author’s request for the NES was met with parental hesitance, not due to concerns about gaming’s impact—recognized later with franchises like Doom and Mortal Kombat—but due to the perceived expense of the console and its games. The NES was marketed as a technologically advanced device, although it resembled earlier video players.
While Atari systems were still present, children of the NES generation often viewed them as outdated artifacts. The NES was celebrated for its graphics that closely mirrored arcade gaming experiences, unlike the simpler visuals of Atari’s offerings. Games such as Duck Hunt provided interactive gameplay that appealed to children, allowing them to engage with the technology in ways that felt accessible.
The NES also introduced iconic characters like Mario, transforming him from a construction worker in Donkey Kong to the beloved plumber we recognize today. It fostered a shared cultural language among children—quotes from titles like The Legend of Zelda became common references in social interactions.
Ultimately, the NES established a significant cultural foothold in American gaming culture. It provided an avenue for imaginative exploration for children and also offered parents a means to entertain their kids. The author retains possession of their original NES, which still requires the classic method of cartridge maintenance to function properly, highlighting its lasting impact.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/games/2025/oct/18/happy-birthday-to-the-nes-nintendo-entertainment-system-40