Unveiling the Price of Nostalgia: The Cost of Nintendo in 1985
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), the console that resurrected the video game market in North America, was released on October 18, 1985, with a retail price of $149.99. This price point was a critical factor in Nintendo’s strategy to distance itself from the video game crash of 1983 and position the NES as a family-friendly entertainment system, rather than just another gaming console. But the story of Nintendo’s pricing in 1985 is much more than just that single number. It’s a tale of innovation, risk, and a calculated gamble that paid off handsomely.
The Context: A Market in Ruins
Before diving deeper into the pricing strategy, it’s crucial to understand the landscape Nintendo was entering. The early 1980s saw a massive over-saturation of the video game market, filled with low-quality games and a lack of innovation. This led to the video game crash of 1983, a devastating period where major companies like Atari suffered massive losses, and the entire industry seemed to be on the verge of collapse.
Nintendo, however, had been successful in Japan with its Famicom (Family Computer), released in 1983. Recognizing the potential of the North American market, but acutely aware of the recent crash, Nintendo took a bold step. They didn’t just rebrand the Famicom; they repackaged and remarketed it as the Nintendo Entertainment System, complete with a robotic companion (R.O.B.) to emphasize its “entertainment system” status and alleviate fears associated with video game consoles.
$149.99: More Than Just a Number
The $149.99 price tag for the NES in 1985 was carefully considered. It was high enough to reflect the quality and innovation of the console, but not so high as to scare off potential buyers wary of investing in a market that had recently crashed. Furthermore, the launch bundle, which included the Control Deck, two controllers, a light gun accessory, and a dual Game Pak containing both Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt, offered significant value for the price.
This bundle approach was a clever tactic. Instead of simply selling a console, Nintendo sold an entire entertainment experience. Super Mario Bros., in particular, became a system seller, a game so compelling that it drove consumers to purchase the console just to play it. The inclusion of Duck Hunt and the light gun added further value and broadened the system’s appeal.
The Cost of Games: A Vital Piece of the Puzzle
While the console itself was priced at $149.99, the cost of games was another significant factor. New NES game MSRPs (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) ranged from $24.99–$49.99 during the 1980s. This was considerably more than arcade games, but still within a reasonable range for a home entertainment product.
It’s important to remember that NES cartridges were not simply data storage devices. They often contained additional hardware, such as extra RAM or save batteries, which added to their production cost. This explains the higher price compared to modern disc-based or digital games. The relative scarcity and collectability of the NES games drive some of the value now. GamesLearningSociety.org delves into the historical impact of retro games on our culture. You can visit their site here: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Impact and Legacy
The success of the NES at this price point established Nintendo as a major player in the video game industry. It proved that quality and innovation could overcome market skepticism and that a well-designed console, coupled with compelling software, could revitalize a struggling industry. The NES paved the way for future generations of consoles and helped to shape the modern video game market we know today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nintendo and its Cost in the 80s
Here are 15 frequently asked questions designed to provide further insight into the pricing, value, and impact of Nintendo in 1985 and the years surrounding it:
1. How much did the Action Set NES cost in 1988?
The Action Set, released on April 14, 1988, was priced at $109.99. It included the Control Deck, two controllers, an NES Zapper light gun, and a dual Game Pak containing Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt. This represented excellent value and helped to further popularize the NES.
2. What was included in the original NES bundle in 1985?
The original NES bundle, priced at $149.99, included the Control Deck, two controllers, a light gun accessory for Duck Hunt, and a dual Game Pak containing both Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt.
3. How much did Super Mario Bros. cost when it was first released in 1985?
When it first came out in 1985, Super Mario Bros. typically cost around $25, although prices could vary slightly depending on the retailer.
4. How much is a sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. from 1985 worth today?
A sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. from 1985 can be worth a substantial amount of money. In recent years, such copies have sold for millions of dollars at auction, with one copy selling for a record-breaking $2 million. The value depends heavily on the condition of the packaging and the rarity of the specific version.
5. Why are old NES games so valuable?
Old NES games can be valuable due to their rarity, condition, and historical significance. Sealed copies, in particular, are highly sought after by collectors. The nostalgia factor also plays a role, as many collectors are looking to recapture their childhood memories.
6. When did the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) launch, and how much did it cost?
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) launched in North America in August 1991 (with an official nationwide release in September), with a price of $199.
7. What made the NES cartridges different from modern game discs?
NES cartridges often contained additional hardware components, such as extra RAM or save batteries, that added to the cost. Modern game discs and digital downloads rely primarily on the console’s hardware for processing and storage.
8. How did the video game crash of 1983 affect Nintendo’s strategy?
The video game crash of 1983 heavily influenced Nintendo’s strategy. They rebranded the Famicom as the Nintendo Entertainment System, packaged it as a family-friendly entertainment device, and focused on quality software to distance themselves from the negative perception of the industry.
9. What other consoles were available around the same time as the NES?
Other consoles available around the same time as the NES included the Atari 7800 and various home computers like the Commodore 64. However, none achieved the same level of success and cultural impact as the NES.
10. How did Nintendo’s pricing compare to other consoles at the time?
Nintendo’s pricing of $149.99 was competitive, considering the included bundle and the overall value proposition. Other consoles, like the Atari 7800, were priced similarly, but lacked the compelling software and marketing strategy that Nintendo employed.
11. What was Nintendo’s first console?
Nintendo released the first edition of its console, the Color TV Game, in 1977.
12. How much did the PlayStation 1 cost at launch?
The PlayStation 1 (PS1) was launched in 1995 with a price tag of $299.
13. How much did the Nintendo 64 cost at launch?
The Nintendo 64 was launched at $199.99 to compete with Sony and Sega offerings.
14. What are some of the rarest and most valuable NES games?
Some of the rarest and most valuable NES games include Stadium Events, Nintendo World Championships, and various promotional cartridges. These games can fetch extremely high prices at auction.
15. How did the success of Super Mario Bros. impact the NES?
The success of Super Mario Bros. was instrumental in the success of the NES. It became a system seller, driving consumers to purchase the console just to play the game. Its innovative gameplay, iconic characters, and lasting appeal helped to solidify the NES as a cultural phenomenon.