Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) video game console, made by Nintendo Company Ltd, 1986

In 1983 the video game industry in the US went into drastic decline, caused in part by a saturated market of consoles and games, often of low quality, and a subsequent loss of confidence in video gaming. The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), a redesigned version of the company’s Famicom (Family computer) console, became Nintendo’s first home console released outside Japan. The NES was intentionally named and designed to distance itself from previous consoles and their poor reputation. It also contained the 10NES – a lockout chip that prevented the console from running cartridges unapproved by Nintendo. As a huge commercial success, the NES is attributed with helping to revive the video game industry following the 1983 crash and securing Nintendo’s place as a world leading video game company. It was released in North America in 1985 staying on the market until 1995.

Controller pad for Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) video game console, made by Nintendo Company Ltd, 1986

Prior to the NES, most game console controllers consisted of a joystick, or separate direction buttons to input movement. In contrast, the NES controller features the cross-shaped d-pad (directional pad), designed previously for Nintendo’s ‘Game and Watch’ handheld single game devices. It provided a less bulky alternative to joysticks, and went on to become an industry standard, still present in modern game controllers.

In 1983 the video game industry in the US went into drastic decline, caused in part by a saturated market of consoles and games, often of low quality, and a subsequent loss of confidence in video gaming. The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), a redesigned version of the company’s Famicom (Family computer) console, became Nintendo’s first home console released outside Japan. The NES was intentionally named and designed to distance itself from previous consoles and their poor reputation. It also contained the 10NES – a lockout chip that prevented the console from running cartridges unapproved by Nintendo. As a huge commercial success, the NES is attributed with helping to revive the video game industry following the 1983 crash and securing Nintendo’s place as a world leading video game company. It was released in North America in 1985 staying on the market until 1995.

Controller pad for Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) video game console, made by Nintendo Company Ltd, 1986

Prior to the NES, most game console controllers consisted of a joystick, or separate direction buttons to input movement. In contrast, the NES controller features the cross-shaped d-pad (directional pad), designed previously for Nintendo’s ‘Game and Watch’ handheld single game devices. It provided a less bulky alternative to joysticks, and went on to become an industry standard, still present in modern game controllers.

In 1983 the video game industry in the US went into drastic decline, caused in part by a saturated market of consoles and games, often of low quality, and a subsequent loss of confidence in video gaming. The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), a redesigned version of the company’s Famicom (Family computer) console, became Nintendo’s first home console released outside Japan. The NES was intentionally named and designed to distance itself from previous consoles and their poor reputation. It also contained the 10NES – a lockout chip that prevented the console from running cartridges unapproved by Nintendo. As a huge commercial success, the NES is attributed with helping to revive the video game industry following the 1983 crash and securing Nintendo’s place as a world leading video game company. It was released in North America in 1985 staying on the market until 1995.

Zapper (gun) controller for Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) video game console, made by Nintendo Company Ltd, 1986

The Zapper (gun) is a light gun accessory that was only used for a small number of games, the most notable being 'Duck Hunt' – where players attempt to shoot down ducks or clay pigeons mid-flight. This accessory’s inclusion in the NES package however reflects the popularity of shooting/target games, present in arcades predating video gaming, through to modern genres.

In 1983 the video game industry in the US went into drastic decline, caused in part by a saturated market of consoles and games, often of low quality, and a subsequent loss of confidence in video gaming. The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), a redesigned version of the company’s Famicom (Family computer) console, became Nintendo’s first home console released outside Japan. The NES was intentionally named and designed to distance itself from previous consoles and their poor reputation. It also contained the 10NES – a lockout chip that prevented the console from running cartridges unapproved by Nintendo. As a huge commercial success, the NES is attributed with helping to revive the video game industry following the 1983 crash and securing Nintendo’s place as a world leading video game company. It was released in North America in 1985 staying on the market until 1995.

Power Pad dance mat for controlling Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) video game console, made by Nintendo Company Ltd, 1988

The Power Pad is a floor mat game controller, consisting of twelve pressure sensors embedded between two layers of flexible plastic. It allows players to use their body (primarily feet) to control games that test timing, coordination, running speed, create music etc. Games included 'Dance Aerobics', showing that the gamification of personal fitness has been present since the early era of home consoles. 'World Class Track Meet' is also played on the power pad, with players competing against each other in sporting events.

In 1983 the video game industry in the US went into drastic decline, caused in part by a saturated market of consoles and games, often of low quality, and a subsequent loss of confidence in video gaming. The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), a redesigned version of the company’s Famicom (Family computer) console, became Nintendo’s first home console released outside Japan. The NES was intentionally named and designed to distance itself from previous consoles and their poor reputation. It also contained the 10NES – a lockout chip that prevented the console from running cartridges unapproved by Nintendo. As a huge commercial success, the NES is attributed with helping to revive the video game industry following the 1983 crash and securing Nintendo’s place as a world leading video game company. It was released in North America in 1985 staying on the market until 1995.

Dance Aerobics game for use with Power Pad dance mat and Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) video game console, made by Nintendo Company Ltd, 1989

Dance Aerobics is a music video game designed for use with the NES Power Pad. Personal fitness has been gamified since the early era of home consoles.

In 1983 the video game industry in the US went into drastic decline, caused in part by a saturated market of consoles and games, often of low quality, and a subsequent loss of confidence in video gaming. The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), a redesigned version of the company’s Famicom (Family computer) console, became Nintendo’s first home console released outside Japan. The NES was intentionally named and designed to distance itself from previous consoles and their poor reputation. It also contained the 10NES – a lockout chip that prevented the console from running cartridges unapproved by Nintendo. As a huge commercial success, the NES is attributed with helping to revive the video game industry following the 1983 crash and securing Nintendo’s place as a world leading video game company. It was released in North America in 1985 staying on the market until 1995.

Tetris video game for Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) video game console, made by Nintendo Company Ltd, 1989

The puzzle video game 'Tetris' was one of many types of games avaliable for the NES. It is based on the version created by Soviet software engineer Alexey Pajitnov in 1984.

In 1983 the video game industry in the US went into drastic decline, caused in part by a saturated market of consoles and games, often of low quality, and a subsequent loss of confidence in video gaming. The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), a redesigned version of the company’s Famicom (Family computer) console, became Nintendo’s first home console released outside Japan. The NES was intentionally named and designed to distance itself from previous consoles and their poor reputation. It also contained the 10NES – a lockout chip that prevented the console from running cartridges unapproved by Nintendo. As a huge commercial success, the NES is attributed with helping to revive the video game industry following the 1983 crash and securing Nintendo’s place as a world leading video game company. It was released in North America in 1985 staying on the market until 1995.

Double Dragon video game for Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) video game console, made by Nintendo Company Ltd., 1988

The 'beat 'em up' video game 'Double Dragon' was one of many types of games avaliable for the NES. It is based on a game with the same name developed by Technos Japan in 1987 and distributed by Taito for arcades across Asia, North America and Europe.

In 1983 the video game industry in the US went into drastic decline, caused in part by a saturated market of consoles and games, often of low quality, and a subsequent loss of confidence in video gaming. The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), a redesigned version of the company’s Famicom (Family computer) console, became Nintendo’s first home console released outside Japan. The NES was intentionally named and designed to distance itself from previous consoles and their poor reputation. It also contained the 10NES – a lockout chip that prevented the console from running cartridges unapproved by Nintendo. As a huge commercial success, the NES is attributed with helping to revive the video game industry following the 1983 crash and securing Nintendo’s place as a world leading video game company. It was released in North America in 1985 staying on the market until 1995.

Super Mario Bros 2 video game for Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) video game console, made by Nintendo Company Ltd., 1988

The platform video game 'Super Mario Bros 2' was one of many types of games avaliable for the NES. This is a sequal to the smash hit 'Super Mario Bros' released in 1985, and became a commercial success and the fifth best-selling game on the NES.

In 1983 the video game industry in the US went into drastic decline, caused in part by a saturated market of consoles and games, often of low quality, and a subsequent loss of confidence in video gaming. The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), a redesigned version of the company’s Famicom (Family computer) console, became Nintendo’s first home console released outside Japan. The NES was intentionally named and designed to distance itself from previous consoles and their poor reputation. It also contained the 10NES – a lockout chip that prevented the console from running cartridges unapproved by Nintendo. As a huge commercial success, the NES is attributed with helping to revive the video game industry following the 1983 crash and securing Nintendo’s place as a world leading video game company. It was released in North America in 1985 staying on the market until 1995.

Mickey Mousecapade video game for Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) video game console, made by Nintendo Company Ltd.,1988

The platform video game 'Mickey Mousecapade' was one of many types of games avaliable for the NES. The character of Mickey Mouse attempts to save a young girl called Alice, based on the book character from 'Alice in Wonderland'.

In 1983 the video game industry in the US went into drastic decline, caused in part by a saturated market of consoles and games, often of low quality, and a subsequent loss of confidence in video gaming. The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), a redesigned version of the company’s Famicom (Family computer) console, became Nintendo’s first home console released outside Japan. The NES was intentionally named and designed to distance itself from previous consoles and their poor reputation. It also contained the 10NES – a lockout chip that prevented the console from running cartridges unapproved by Nintendo. As a huge commercial success, the NES is attributed with helping to revive the video game industry following the 1983 crash and securing Nintendo’s place as a world leading video game company. It was released in North America in 1985 staying on the market until 1995.

Set of three video games on one cartridge containing Super Mario Bros, Duck Hunt and World Class Track Meet for Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) video game console, made by Nintendo Company Ltd, 1988

This 3-in-1 games cartridge was distributed in NES packages with a Zapper Light Gun and Power Pad. Platform game 'Super Mario Bros' was operated using the NES controller. In 'Duck Hunt' players use the NES Zapper in combination with a CRT television to shoot ducks that appear on the screen. The Olympic-themed sports fitness game, 'World Class Track Meet' used the Power Pad, which allowed up to two players to play simultaneously to run and jump.

In 1983 the video game industry in the US went into drastic decline, caused in part by a saturated market of consoles and games, often of low quality, and a subsequent loss of confidence in video gaming. The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), a redesigned version of the company’s Famicom (Family computer) console, became Nintendo’s first home console released outside Japan. The NES was intentionally named and designed to distance itself from previous consoles and their poor reputation. It also contained the 10NES – a lockout chip that prevented the console from running cartridges unapproved by Nintendo. As a huge commercial success, the NES is attributed with helping to revive the video game industry following the 1983 crash and securing Nintendo’s place as a world leading video game company. It was released in North America in 1985 staying on the market until 1995.