Nintendo Entertainment System

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was released in North America in October 1985, revitalizing the video game industry after the crash of 1983. Originally launched in Japan in 1983 as the Family Computer (Famicom), the NES introduced iconic franchises like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, setting new standards for game design and storytelling. Its innovative hardware, reliable third-party developer relationships, and strict quality control helped restore consumer confidence, establishing home console gaming as a mainstream entertainment medium. The NES played a pivotal role in shaping modern video gaming culture and industry practices.