System Name: Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Released in 1985 in North America (Japan had the Famicom, released in 1983).
The NES revolutionized the video game industry, helping revive the market after the video game crash of 1983. Known for its iconic games like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, it solidified Nintendo as a dominant force in the gaming world. Its success helped establish the foundation for modern gaming, introducing iconic characters and innovative gameplay mechanics.
Approximately
The NES was instrumental in launching Nintendo into the console market, accounting for about 35% of Nintendo’s income from the 1980s until the early 1990s. It played a crucial role, but as Nintendo continued to innovate with the Super Nintendo (SNES), Game Boy, and Wii, those systems began to capture larger shares of the market.
The price of a used NES console today can vary based on condition, whether it’s a complete in-box (CIB) unit, and the inclusion of games or accessories. On average:
- Loose (just the console): Around $50 – $100.
- Complete in Box (CIB): Around $150 – $250 (sometimes higher for pristine conditions).