to Nintendoġ963–1968: Experiments with its business model as a taxi company, a food company, and a love hotel chain Toy companyġ968: Releases its first toy, the Ultra Handġ970: Launches its first electronic toy, the Beam Gun Early video gamesġ977: Releases its first video game console in Japan, the Color TV-Game 6ġ980: Releases the Game & Watch, its first handheld game consoleġ983: Launches the first Mario Bros. Nintendo timeline Pre-video game eraġ889: Founded in Kyoto, Japan, as a Hanafuda card companyġ963: Shortens its name from Nintendo Playing Card Co.
Keep reading to find out how Nintendo came to dominate the video game market through creative positioning, investments in content, and calculated risks. While we now know Nintendo as synonymous with video games, the company’s brand story could have taken a different turn if they hadn’t listened to their customers and adapted to market conditions. If any company knows how to reinvent itself, it’s Nintendo.
From hanafuda card company to the most recognizable name in video games, Nintendo’s 130+ years as one of the world’s most joyful brands is no accident.
