Why did Nintendo Discontinue NES?
Nintendo discontinued the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) in 1995, after a decade of production, due to a combination of factors, including the rising popularity of newer consoles like the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and the Nintendo 64, as well as the increasing difficulty and cost of maintaining production lines for the aging console. The company ultimately decided to focus on its newer consoles and phase out the NES in order to allocate resources more efficiently and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving gaming market.
Introduction to NES
The NES was a groundbreaking console that revolutionized the gaming industry with its iconic games and user-friendly design, and its discontinuation marked the end of an era for retro gaming enthusiasts.
Reasons for Discontinuation
Several factors contributed to Nintendo’s decision to discontinue the NES, including the launch of newer consoles, declining sales, and increasing production costs.
Impact of Discontinuation
The discontinuation of the NES had a significant impact on the gaming industry, paving the way for the success of subsequent Nintendo consoles and influencing the development of future gaming systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
- What was the last game released for the NES?: The final licensed game released for the NES was The Lion King on May 25, 1995.
- How many NES games exist?: There are 1,395 officially licensed games released for the NES during its lifespan.
- What replaced the NES?: The NES was succeeded by the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990.
Technical Questions
- What was the problem with the NES?: One of the common issues with the NES was the 72-PIN connector, which could become dusty and corroded, causing connection problems.
- Is the NES still supported?: Nintendo stopped supporting the NES in 1995, but some companies continue to develop and release new NES games without official support.
Commercial Questions
- How much did the NES cost?: The NES console originally sold for around $200, and used systems can range from $30 to $200 depending on the condition.
- What is the most expensive NES game?: A sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. sold for over $2 million in 2021.
Collectibility Questions
- What is the rarest NES game?: The rarest NES game is often debated among collectors, but some examples include Stadium Events and 1990 Nintendo World Championships.
- How much is a sealed NES console worth?: A sealed NES console can sell for upwards of $1,000, depending on the condition and rarity.
Historical Questions
- When was the NES released?: The NES was released in 1985 in North America, and in 1987 in Europe.
- What was Nintendo’s first console?: The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was released as the Famicom in Japan on July 15, 1983.
Modern Questions
- Will the NES Classic come back?: Nintendo re-released the NES Classic in 2020, and it is still available for purchase.
- Is the Wii coming back?: The Wii was formally discontinued in 2013, but Nintendo continued to produce and market the Wii Mini through 2017.
Record-Breaking Questions
- What is the most expensive video game ever sold?: A sealed copy of Super Mario 64 sold for over $1.5 million in 2021.
- Has anyone ever beaten every NES game?: Yes, one gamer completed all 1,395 officially licensed NES games in 3,435 hours, 12 minutes, and 24 seconds, setting a new world record.