In 1983, video game consoles weren’t as popular as you see today. In fact, it was during this time that the United States saw a large-scale video game recession. The market was over-saturated. While video games continued to pour from companies across the globe, consumers purchased less and less.  

Gaming products from companies like Atari and Mattel had put a bad taste in the mouths of many American households. The constant product issues often left families frustrated or bored. These reasons led many to purchase a personal computer instead. 

Two years later, the video game market was still oversaturated and underwhelming. But one man believed he had just the thing to change it. And so, Hiroshi Yamauchi headed to New York City to introduce the Nintendo Entertainment System. 

The year 1985 met Yamauchi with a lot of rejection. Retailers scoffed at the thought of placing the NES on their shelves. At some point, Yamauchi agreed to set up the consoles at various stores in hopes that audience engagement would increase sales. It took a full year for the Nintendo Entertainment System to gain any support in the U.S.. and we have a plumber and his brother to thank. 

Yes, the popularity behind Nintendo Entertainment Systems is due to the release of Super Mario. Since it’s release, Super Mario has sold over 58 million copies. It is considered one of the top ten best-selling games ever created. 

In the winter of 1986, Hiroshi Yamauchi finally accomplished his dreams. Nintendo Entertainment Systems flew off the shelves across America and continue to be a staple in American households.