How Expensive Was an Original Nintendo? A Nostalgic Dive into Gaming History

The price of an “original Nintendo” is a surprisingly complex question, as it depends on which Nintendo console you’re referring to. The earliest console, the Color TV-Game, released in 1977 in Japan, never made it to North America and therefore doesn’t have a direct USD equivalent. However, when people typically refer to an “original Nintendo,” they mean the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). When the NES launched in North America in 1985, the base model was priced at $149.99. This price point was for the console itself. Different bundles were available, impacting the total cost. For instance, the Deluxe Set retailed for $179, and the Action Set, released in 1988, was priced at $109.99, including the console, games, and accessories. So, the answer is: it varied!

Unpacking the NES Era: Price Points and Packages

The NES was a game-changer, rescuing the video game industry after the crash of 1983. Its affordability, combined with iconic games, cemented its place in history. Understanding the various packages and their prices provides a clearer picture of what it cost to dive into the Nintendo revolution.

The Launch Price: $149.99 and Beyond

The initial $149.99 price point for the NES was a strategic move by Nintendo. It positioned the console as an affordable entry point into home gaming. However, this wasn’t the complete story. This price typically included the console alone.

The Deluxe Set: A Premium Experience

For those willing to spend a bit more, the Deluxe Set, at $179, offered a more complete experience. This package usually included the R.O.B. the Robot accessory, adding a unique and, albeit limited, interactive element.

The Action Set: A Balanced Offering

The Action Set, launched in 1988 for $109.99, proved to be a popular choice. It offered a fantastic balance of affordability and content, bundling the console with two controllers, the NES Zapper light gun, and a dual game pak containing both Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt. This package provided instant entertainment right out of the box.

The Cost of Games: Completing the Nintendo Experience

The cost of the console itself was only one part of the equation. The price of NES games played a significant role in the overall expense of being a Nintendo enthusiast in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Game Prices in the 80s and Early 90s

Generally, new NES games ranged from $39.99 to $49.99 at the end of the 1980s and into the early 1990s. Chip shortages sometimes inflated these prices. Discounted games could be found for around $19.99. Popular titles like Super Mario Bros. could cost around $25 (in November 1985) when purchased separately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Original Nintendo Costs

Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the topic of original Nintendo costs.

1. How much did the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) cost when it was released? The SNES launched in North America in 1991 for $199.

2. How much did the Nintendo 64 cost when it was released? The Nintendo 64 was priced at $199.99 at its 1996 launch.

3. How much did Super Mario 64 cost when it was released? Super Mario 64, a launch title for the Nintendo 64, sold for approximately $60 in 1996.

4. How much was the Atari 2600 in 1977? The Atari 2600 cost $189.95 in 1977, which included two joysticks, two paddles, and the Combat game cartridge.

5. When was the NES released, and what was included? The NES was released in North America on October 18, 1985. The standard package cost $149.99 and included the console. Later packages included different combinations of accessories and games.

6. What factors influenced the price of NES games in the 1980s? Several factors influenced the price of NES games, including manufacturing costs, licensing fees, and market demand. Chip shortages also drove prices up in the late 80s.

7. What made the NES so successful compared to other consoles of its time? The NES was successful due to its affordable price, high-quality games, and clever marketing strategies. Nintendo’s focus on fun and family-friendly entertainment resonated with consumers.

8. How did Nintendo rescue the video game industry after the 1983 crash? Nintendo rescued the video game industry by focusing on quality over quantity, implementing stricter licensing controls, and creating memorable characters and franchises.

9. Are old Nintendo games worth anything today? Yes, many old Nintendo games are worth a significant amount of money today, especially if they are in good condition and sealed in their original packaging. Rarity also increases value.

10. What is the most expensive Nintendo game ever sold? A sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. for the NES sold for a record $2 million in August 2021.

11. What was Nintendo’s first product? Nintendo was founded in 1889 and initially produced hanafuda playing cards.

12. What is the oldest video game console ever made? The Magnavox Odyssey, released in 1972, is considered the first home video game console.

13. What is the rarest Atari 2600 game? Gamma Attack is considered the rarest Atari 2600 game. Only one known authentic original copy exists.

14. Why was the Nintendo 64 priced at $199.99 instead of $250? The Nintendo 64 was initially intended to be priced at $250. The price was lowered to $199.99 to compete with Sony and Sega, who had also lowered the prices of their consoles.

15. How did Nintendo create a competitive advantage with pricing strategy for the Nintendo 64? By pricing the Nintendo 64 as an impulse purchase, a strategy borrowed from the toy industry, Nintendo aimed to encourage more consumers to buy the console.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Original Nintendo

The cost of an “original Nintendo” – specifically the NES – varied depending on the package and accessories included. From the initial $149.99 price point to the more comprehensive Deluxe Set, Nintendo offered options to suit different budgets. Combined with a library of unforgettable games, the NES cemented its place as a cultural icon and a cornerstone of the modern video game industry. The NES represents a pivotal moment in gaming history, one that continues to be celebrated and studied today. For more information on the educational aspects of gaming and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.