Nintendo is a Japanese multinational video game company known for its iconic characters such as Mario, Zelda, and Pokemon. The company produces and markets video game hardware and software, supported by online services such as the Nintendo eShop and mobile app. Nintendo is also famous for its family-friendly approach to gaming, prioritizing accessibility and simplicity over complex and violent content.
Founded in 1889 as a playing card company by Fusajiro Yamauchi in Kyoto, Japan.
Entered the video game market in the 1970s with arcade games and then home consoles.
In 1985, launched its first home console, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), featuring Super Mario Bros.
Released Game Boy in 1989, becoming the bestselling video game system of all time.
Revolutionized console gaming with the Nintendo Wii, released in 2006, by introducing motion controls.
Partnered with DeNA to produce mobile games and apps in 2015.
Continues to innovate and create new gaming experiences, constantly expanding its portfolio of franchises and IP.
Sony Corporation is a Japanese conglomerate known for electronics, entertainment, and financial services. It is also a major player in the video game industry with its gaming division Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE). SIE produces the PlayStation console series, which is a direct competitor to Nintendo's Switch.
Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology company that produces computer software, hardware, and video games. Its gaming division, Xbox, produces home consoles and software that competes directly with PlayStation and Nintendo.
Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company known for its consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. While Apple does not produce traditional video game hardware or software, the company's iOS devices such as the iPhone and iPad are popular for casual mobile gaming, competing indirectly with dedicated gaming consoles like Nintendo's Switch.
The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid video game console featuring a portable tablet-like screen with detachable controllers that can be docked and connected to a TV for home use. It allows players to switch between handheld and home gaming modes seamlessly.
The Nintendo Switch Lite is a smaller, lighter, and more affordable version of the original Switch, designed for portable-only gaming. It does not have detachable Joy-Con controllers, docked mode, or motion controls.
The Nintendo 3DS is a handheld video game console that offers 3D graphics without the need for special glasses. It features a clamshell design, dual screens, and a touch-sensitive display, as well as backward compatibility with older DS game titles.
The best-selling game for Nintendo is Super Mario Bros., with over 40 million copies sold worldwide.
Nintendo is popular for its innovative hardware designs, beloved franchises and characters, and family-friendly approach to gaming that appeals to gamers of all ages.
Yes, Nintendo still produces video game consoles, including the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite.
Yes, you can play Nintendo games online through the company's online service called Nintendo Switch Online, which allows players to enjoy multiplayer games, access a library of classic NES and SNES games, and back up save data to the cloud.
In addition to video game hardware and software, Nintendo produces merchandise such as toys, apparel, and accessories featuring its famous characters like Mario and Zelda.