The Nintendo Family Computer (Famicom) hit the Japanese store shelves on 15 July 1983, and so it is now celebrating its 30th birthday.
The original system and its alternate design (the NES) for western markets have become iconic of the third-generation of video game consoles – the 8-bit era.
The device was launched as the Nintendo Entertainment System in the US (1985) to such resounding success that it revitalised the flailing industry in that market. It later hit Europe (1986) and Australia (1987).
Nintendo paved the way for a new model of the console gaming business, with its third-party licensing agreements and distribution models.
The NES also accelerated the rise of Mario, who has gone on to become arguably the most recognisable (and best-selling) video game character in history.
If you grew up with one of these bad boys, you were truly living in a golden age of video gaming. Let us know your experiences in the comments below and on the MyGaming forum.
A Japanese Famicom – short for Family Computer – video game console made by Nintendo.
A Nintendo Entertainment System video game console with controller attached.
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It came out on the birthday! o/ WOOHOO! So much makes sense to me now!