Nintendo Celebrates 127 Years: A Legacy of Innovation in Gaming
On September 23, Nintendo commemorates its 127th anniversary, reinforcing its status as the world’s oldest continuously operating video game company.
Originally founded as Nintendo Koppai (Nintendo Playing Card Co.) by Fusajiro Yamauchi in Kyoto, Japan, the company began its journey in 1889 as a maker of handcrafted Hanafuda playing cards.
Today, Nintendo stands as a global leader in interactive entertainment, responsible for some of gaming’s most beloved hardware and software, including the Nintendo Switch and acclaimed franchises like Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Pokémon. Nintendo’s fascinating history is marked by experimentation across various industries long before it became synonymous with video games.
Over the course of more than a century, the company diversified into products such as instant rice meals, gambling machines, taxi services, and even operated a chain of love hotels in Japan during the mid-20th century.
Despite these ventures, it was Nintendo’s entry into electronic gaming in the 1970s that set the stage for its enduring legacy of innovation. Speaking on Nintendo’s storied past, company representatives have emphasized their tradition of delivering high-quality entertainment and prioritizing family-friendly experiences.
"Our goal has always been to create products that bring people together," is a recurring sentiment from Nintendo leadership in interviews about the company's guiding philosophy.
From the launch of the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1983 to the massive success of the Nintendo Switch—which surpassed 125 million units sold worldwide by 2023—Nintendo has consistently redefined the gaming landscape while maintaining an approachable and inclusive ethos. Nintendo’s hardware and software have shaped the industry in profound ways.
The company pioneered key innovations such as the D-pad, motion controls, and hybrid gaming hardware.
Notably, the Nintendo Switch continues to earn praise for its versatility as both a home console and portable device, driving strong results on the Nintendo eShop and across global markets. Looking back on 127 years, Nintendo’s continued commitment to entertaining audiences of all ages sets it apart from many competitors who have come and gone in the gaming industry.
As fans around the world wish Nintendo a happy birthday across social media platforms, the company remains dedicated to its founding vision—delivering joy through play and innovative technology. Whether through classic nostalgia or the latest Nintendo Direct announcements, gamers have plenty of reasons to celebrate the legacy of Nintendo, a company that has spent over a century shaping the future of interactive entertainment.
Originally founded as Nintendo Koppai (Nintendo Playing Card Co.) by Fusajiro Yamauchi in Kyoto, Japan, the company began its journey in 1889 as a maker of handcrafted Hanafuda playing cards.
Today, Nintendo stands as a global leader in interactive entertainment, responsible for some of gaming’s most beloved hardware and software, including the Nintendo Switch and acclaimed franchises like Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Pokémon. Nintendo’s fascinating history is marked by experimentation across various industries long before it became synonymous with video games.
Over the course of more than a century, the company diversified into products such as instant rice meals, gambling machines, taxi services, and even operated a chain of love hotels in Japan during the mid-20th century.
Despite these ventures, it was Nintendo’s entry into electronic gaming in the 1970s that set the stage for its enduring legacy of innovation. Speaking on Nintendo’s storied past, company representatives have emphasized their tradition of delivering high-quality entertainment and prioritizing family-friendly experiences.
"Our goal has always been to create products that bring people together," is a recurring sentiment from Nintendo leadership in interviews about the company's guiding philosophy.
From the launch of the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1983 to the massive success of the Nintendo Switch—which surpassed 125 million units sold worldwide by 2023—Nintendo has consistently redefined the gaming landscape while maintaining an approachable and inclusive ethos. Nintendo’s hardware and software have shaped the industry in profound ways.
The company pioneered key innovations such as the D-pad, motion controls, and hybrid gaming hardware.
Notably, the Nintendo Switch continues to earn praise for its versatility as both a home console and portable device, driving strong results on the Nintendo eShop and across global markets. Looking back on 127 years, Nintendo’s continued commitment to entertaining audiences of all ages sets it apart from many competitors who have come and gone in the gaming industry.
As fans around the world wish Nintendo a happy birthday across social media platforms, the company remains dedicated to its founding vision—delivering joy through play and innovative technology. Whether through classic nostalgia or the latest Nintendo Direct announcements, gamers have plenty of reasons to celebrate the legacy of Nintendo, a company that has spent over a century shaping the future of interactive entertainment.
