When did the NES end?
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was officially discontinued in North America and Europe in August 1995, ending its triumphant run after over a decade as one of the most iconic and influential video game consoles ever released.
The Background: Rise of the Nintendo Entertainment System
The NES was launched in the mid-1980s as the Nintendo Famicom in Japan, before making its way to international markets. After the video game crash of 1983, the industry was struggling and in need of a hit. The NES proved to be just that – igniting a new era of gaming and becoming a cultural sensation.
Some key facts about the rise of the NES:
- Originally launched in Japan as the Famicom in 1983
- North American release in 1985 revived the post-crash gaming industry
- Installed base of over 60 million NES units worldwide by 1995
- Dominated the market with 90-95% share in the late 80s
- Iconic early titles like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda
- Ushered in modern concepts like sequels, franchises, licenses
| Year | Annual NES Sales (Million) | Total NES Sales (Million) |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | 2 | 2 |
| 1986 | 4 | 6 |
| 1987 | 9 | 15 |
As the figures above show, the NES became an explosive mainstream success in North America after its 1985 release. By 1987 it was selling over 9 million units per year and had an installed base of 15 million consoles in the NA market alone, on its way to exceeding 60 million units worldwide by the early 1990s.
The Eventual Sunset: Discontinuation in 1995
In the end, the decision to discontinue the NES likely came down to simple market dynamics. By the mid-1990s, despite its legacy status, NES sales were declining and focus had shifted completely to newer and more powerful systems like the Super Nintendo. The PlayStation and Saturn were also ramping up to revolutionize gaming again with 3D graphics and CD-ROM formats later in the decade.
Though beloved, retaining production infrastructure, licensing agreements, and inventory for the outdated 8-bit NES no longer made financial sense, leading Nintendo to make the tough decision to cease production in 1995.
Over 10 years, the NES had a remarkably long run and in many ways went out while still on top, remembered fondly by fans rather than fading into obscurity. 60 million units amounted to an unparalleled success that injected new life into the industry post-crash and rebuilt trust in video games for an entire generation.
The Legacy: Lasting Influence and Nostalgia
Discontinuation of the NES hardware did not spell the end for its iconic games and franchises. Nintendo ported many of its 8-bit classics like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda to newer consoles, introducing them to fresh audiences. These franchises also lived on through blockbuster sequels exclusive to each new Nintendo platform.
Nostalgia for the NES ensures its place in gaming history is secure. It has even prompted Nintendo to release miniaturized plug-and-play versions like the NES Classic Edition, which turned out to be hugely popular, suggesting that love for the retro console still burns brightly even after 30+ years.
As a passionate gamer who grew up with the NES myself in the late 80s and early 90s, I‘ll always have fondness for that era. Though primitive by modern standards, the NES kicked off my lifelong obsession with gaming thanks to its imaginative worlds, instantly identifiable 8-bit music and tight, responsive gameplay. It just perfectly captured the thrill and magic that makes video games so special.
So while the official NES met its end in 1995, I believe its pioneering spirit lives on through the developers it inspired and devoted fans like myself who won‘t let the classics be forgotten!
