Nintendo Power Issue #1 Cover Now Available in Nintendo Switch Online App

Nintendo Brings Nintendo Power Issue #1 Cover to Nintendo Switch Online App In a move that delighted retro gaming fans, Nintendo has unveiled the front cover of the inaugural Nintendo Power magazine directly within the Nintendo Switch Online app.

The announcement arrived without prior notice or a marketing push, demonstrating Nintendo’s knack for surprising its dedicated community. Originally published in July/August 1988, Nintendo Power Issue No.001 marked a significant moment in gaming history.

The cover art, featuring Mario and Wart from Super Mario Bros.

2, is now available in high quality for all Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.

This issue was particularly notable, as Nintendo printed a staggering 3.6 million copies for its debut, establishing Nintendo Power as a cornerstone of gaming culture in North America and Canada. While the update currently offers only clean cover art, fans have expressed hopes for future updates that might include highlights or excerpts from historic issues.

A Nintendo spokesperson commented via a written statement: "We are excited to share classic Nintendo Power cover art with fans on the Nintendo Switch Online app, celebrating Nintendo's publishing legacy and the history of our games." Alongside Super Mario Bros.

2, the original Nintendo Power Issue #1 also spotlighted The Legend of Zelda and Major League Baseball, two titles that reflect Nintendo's diverse game offerings during the late 1980s.

Notably, The Legend of Zelda content focused on the game’s challenging Second Quest, an iconic aspect for longtime players. Nintendo Power’s run lasted from 1988 until 2012 under Nintendo of America, making it one of the longest-published video game magazines on the continent.

The magazine not only chronicled the evolution of Nintendo hardware and software—including the NES, SNES, Game Boy, and Nintendo 64—but also fostered community through fan mail, strategy guides, and exclusive previews.

In recent years, the legacy continued with the Nintendo Power Podcast, hosted by former Editor-in-Chief Chris Slate from 2017 to 2023. This nostalgic initiative underscores Nintendo’s ongoing efforts to recognize its rich history, leveraging the Nintendo Switch Online platform to connect new generations of gamers with classic content.

While full digital issues have not yet been made available through the app, fans can still access select Nintendo Power materials via resources like the Internet Archive. As Nintendo continues to evolve its digital offerings, the inclusion of such iconic elements maintains a strong link between gaming’s past and its ever-expanding future.

Users are encouraged to explore the newly added cover in the Nintendo Switch Online app and share their favorite Nintendo Power memories with the community.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Nintendo Switch Online Switch Online Switch Nintendo Power Super Mario Bros. 2 The Legend of Zelda Major League Baseball Chris Slate