Adidas and Nice Kicks Channel Nintendo vs Sega Console Wars With 'Rivalry Low Nicekicks' Sneaker Launch

In the early 1990s, the gaming landscape was defined by two titans: Nintendo's Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and Sega's Genesis (or Mega Drive outside North America).

Both companies fiercely vied for dominance in living rooms worldwide, fueling one of the industry's most memorable rivalries.

Decades later, Nintendo and Sega enjoy a more collaborative relationship, with Sega's titles now regularly appearing on Nintendo Switch via the eShop and special collections.

Yet, the nostalgia of this golden era continues to inspire pop culture.

One of the latest tributes comes from Adidas and streetwear mainstay Nice Kicks, who announced the 'Rivalry Series' sneaker collaboration—an homage to the legendary Nintendo vs Sega console war.

Taking inspiration from the original 1986 Adidas Rivalry sneaker, the new 'Rivalry Low Nicekicks' edition arrives in two distinctive colorways: Low Core Black to represent the Genesis, and White as a nod to the SNES.

The release channels the distinct identities of each console, paying respect to the history-making days of 16-bit gaming. In a conversation with Forbes, Bryan Tang, product lead and designer at Nice Kicks, recounted the creative process behind the collaboration.

Tang explained that when the team was pitched the idea of a 'rivals' theme—often typified by legendary sports feuds—they instead opted for a narrative closer to their own experience.

For kids growing up in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the choice was clear-cut: "We had few options for gaming consoles, and if you were fortunate enough to own one, decisions had to be made between Nintendo and Sega," Tang said. The design also captures childhood memories of visiting local game stores, admiring cover art, and trading secondhand games—often arriving in imperfect condition.

Tang emphasized that these nostalgic details informed the overall storytelling and wearability of the Rivalry Low Nicekicks, reflecting the lasting emotional ties to this formative gaming era. The Rivalry Low Nicekicks sneakers are priced at $130 and are set for a global launch on August 16th, 2024.

Notably, the shoes were previously released in the UK earlier this year, providing European Nintendo and Sega fans a head start.

The collaboration stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the SNES and Genesis, and underscores how deeply the Nintendo-Sega rivalry remains woven into gaming culture.

Whether you were a Nintendo or Sega household, this Adidas and Nice Kicks partnership offers a tangible connection to an era that shaped the world of video games, and continues to inspire designers, developers, and fans alike.

Nintendo Sega Adidas Nice Kicks Genesis SNES Forbes Bryan Tang Low