Nintendo
Nintendo
Nintendo
founded
1889
headquarters
Kyoto, Japan
1889
nintendo's beginnings
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
1889
nintendo's beginnings
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
Originally called "Nintendo Koppai," Nintendo was founded in 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi in Kyoto, Japan. At the time, they produced handmade playing cards called hanafuda. Nintendo's first logo was a geometric design with bright primary colors: red for luck and prosperity, and blue for trustworthiness. The characters 任天堂 translate to: 任 (nin) - duty, responsibility 天 (ten) - heaven, sky 堂 (dō) - temple, hall
Originally called "Nintendo Koppai," Nintendo was founded in 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi in Kyoto, Japan. At the time, they produced handmade playing cards called hanafuda. Nintendo's first logo was a geometric design with bright primary colors: red for luck and prosperity, and blue for trustworthiness. The characters 任天堂 translate to: 任 (nin) - duty, responsibility 天 (ten) - heaven, sky 堂 (dō) - temple, hall
Originally called "Nintendo Koppai," Nintendo was founded in 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi in Kyoto, Japan. At the time, they produced handmade playing cards called hanafuda. Nintendo's first logo was a geometric design with bright primary colors: red for luck and prosperity, and blue for trustworthiness. The characters 任天堂 translate to: 任 (nin) - duty, responsibility 天 (ten) - heaven, sky 堂 (dō) - temple, hall
Originally called "Nintendo Koppai," Nintendo was founded in 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi in Kyoto, Japan. At the time, they produced handmade playing cards called hanafuda. Nintendo's first logo was a geometric design with bright primary colors: red for luck and prosperity, and blue for trustworthiness. The characters 任天堂 translate to: 任 (nin) - duty, responsibility 天 (ten) - heaven, sky 堂 (dō) - temple, hall
hanafuda cards
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
hanafuda cards
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TRADEMARK
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TRADEMARK
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
In the early days, Nintendo did not standardize its name, so in addition to the 任天堂 [nin-ten-dō] kanji, its products also bore “maru” meaning circle, and “fuku” (福), meaning "fortune". This symbolic concept tied neatly into the idea of the hanafuda playing cards. These trademark symbols were often block stamped onto the handpainted playing cards, lending to the craftsman-like feel of Nintendo's early days.
In the early days, Nintendo did not standardize its name, so in addition to the 任天堂 [nin-ten-dō] kanji, its products also bore “maru” meaning circle, and “fuku” (福), meaning "fortune". This symbolic concept tied neatly into the idea of the hanafuda playing cards. These trademark symbols were often block stamped onto the handpainted playing cards, lending to the craftsman-like feel of Nintendo's early days.
In the early days, Nintendo did not standardize its name, so in addition to the 任天堂 [nin-ten-dō] kanji, its products also bore “maru” meaning circle, and “fuku” (福), meaning "fortune". This symbolic concept tied neatly into the idea of the hanafuda playing cards. These trademark symbols were often block stamped onto the handpainted playing cards, lending to the craftsman-like feel of Nintendo's early days.
1930s
broadening its horizons
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1930s
broadening its horizons
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
In 1929, Sekiryo Yamauchi succeeded his father-in-law, founder Fusajiro Yamauchi. Nintendo began to broaden its market beyond Japan, producing Western style cards and catalogs written in English. Sekiryo's leadership marked a shift from an artisanal workshop to a more structured corporate entity.
In 1929, Sekiryo Yamauchi succeeded his father-in-law, founder Fusajiro Yamauchi. Nintendo began to broaden its market beyond Japan, producing Western style cards and catalogs written in English. Sekiryo's leadership marked a shift from an artisanal workshop to a more structured corporate entity.
In 1929, Sekiryo Yamauchi succeeded his father-in-law, founder Fusajiro Yamauchi. Nintendo began to broaden its market beyond Japan, producing Western style cards and catalogs written in English. Sekiryo's leadership marked a shift from an artisanal workshop to a more structured corporate entity.
1949
post-war nintendo
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1949
post-war nintendo
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During World War II, Nintendo was forced to become a leaner operation, since Japan was focused on wartime efforts. Despite this era of lesser activity, Nintendo bounced back postwar, with the efforts of the new president Hiroshi Yamauchi. HIroshi was a keen businessman, and he sought ways to broaden Nintendo’s customer base, including Romanizing the logo, partnering with Disney, and experimenting with new ventures beyond just card games.
During World War II, Nintendo was forced to become a leaner operation, since Japan was focused on wartime efforts. Despite this era of lesser activity, Nintendo bounced back postwar, with the efforts of the new president Hiroshi Yamauchi. HIroshi was a keen businessman, and he sought ways to broaden Nintendo’s customer base, including Romanizing the logo, partnering with Disney, and experimenting with new ventures beyond just card games.
During World War II, Nintendo was forced to become a leaner operation, since Japan was focused on wartime efforts. Despite this era of lesser activity, Nintendo bounced back postwar, with the efforts of the new president Hiroshi Yamauchi. HIroshi was a keen businessman, and he sought ways to broaden Nintendo’s customer base, including Romanizing the logo, partnering with Disney, and experimenting with new ventures beyond just card games.
1950s
romanized logo
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1950s
romanized logo
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
Although this spade design with the "N" in the middle was used as early as 1933, it was only standardized as a logo in the 50s. The use of Roman letters here marked Nintendo's increasing reach into Western markets.
Although this spade design with the "N" in the middle was used as early as 1933, it was only standardized as a logo in the 50s. The use of Roman letters here marked Nintendo's increasing reach into Western markets.
Although this spade design with the "N" in the middle was used as early as 1933, it was only standardized as a logo in the 50s. The use of Roman letters here marked Nintendo's increasing reach into Western markets.
1959
disney partnership
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1959
disney partnership
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Nintendo's partnership with Disney in 1959 marked a significant shift in the company's postwar image. Nintendo acquired a license to feature the widely beloved Disney characters on their cards and games. Before this collaboration, Nintendo's cards were primarily associated with gambling activities. The Disney partnership helped reposition playing cards as family entertainment.
Nintendo's partnership with Disney in 1959 marked a significant shift in the company's postwar image. Nintendo acquired a license to feature the widely beloved Disney characters on their cards and games. Before this collaboration, Nintendo's cards were primarily associated with gambling activities. The Disney partnership helped reposition playing cards as family entertainment.
Nintendo's partnership with Disney in 1959 marked a significant shift in the company's postwar image. Nintendo acquired a license to feature the widely beloved Disney characters on their cards and games. Before this collaboration, Nintendo's cards were primarily associated with gambling activities. The Disney partnership helped reposition playing cards as family entertainment.
Nintendo's partnership with Disney in 1959 marked a significant shift in the company's postwar image. Nintendo acquired a license to feature the widely beloved Disney characters on their cards and games. Before this collaboration, Nintendo's cards were primarily associated with gambling activities. The Disney partnership helped reposition playing cards as family entertainment.
1963
Mickey Mouse dominoes game
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1963
Mickey Mouse dominoes game
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
In 1963, Nintendo reproduced this Disney game featuring 30 cardboard dominoes that were illustrated with famous Disney characters. You may notice the title "Nippon Game" in the bottom right of the box cover. Nippon Game was a brief branding experiment when Nintendo first branched out from playing cards to board games. However, it was discontinued in favor of the already established Nintendo brand.
In 1963, Nintendo reproduced this Disney game featuring 30 cardboard dominoes that were illustrated with famous Disney characters. You may notice the title "Nippon Game" in the bottom right of the box cover. Nippon Game was a brief branding experiment when Nintendo first branched out from playing cards to board games. However, it was discontinued in favor of the already established Nintendo brand.
In 1963, Nintendo reproduced this Disney game featuring 30 cardboard dominoes that were illustrated with famous Disney characters. You may notice the title "Nippon Game" in the bottom right of the box cover. Nippon Game was a brief branding experiment when Nintendo first branched out from playing cards to board games. However, it was discontinued in favor of the already established Nintendo brand.
1960
script logo
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1960
script logo
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For a short time of 4 years, Nintendo's logo was set in this elegant cursive font. Drastically different design choices like these show that Nintendo was unafraid of experimenting with different brand styles, names, aesthetics, and marketing techniques, as they sought to perfect their brand perception.
For a short time of 4 years, Nintendo's logo was set in this elegant cursive font. Drastically different design choices like these show that Nintendo was unafraid of experimenting with different brand styles, names, aesthetics, and marketing techniques, as they sought to perfect their brand perception.
For a short time of 4 years, Nintendo's logo was set in this elegant cursive font. Drastically different design choices like these show that Nintendo was unafraid of experimenting with different brand styles, names, aesthetics, and marketing techniques, as they sought to perfect their brand perception.
1964
stylized cursive logo
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1964
stylized cursive logo
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In another experiment, Nintendo tried out this stylized cursive typeface on a scarlet background, reincorporating red as a trademark color of the brand.
In another experiment, Nintendo tried out this stylized cursive typeface on a scarlet background, reincorporating red as a trademark color of the brand.
In another experiment, Nintendo tried out this stylized cursive typeface on a scarlet background, reincorporating red as a trademark color of the brand.
1967
bold geometric logo
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1967
bold geometric logo
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After a series of other logo iterations from 1964 to 1967, Nintendo landed on this bold sans serif redesign, which set the foundation for the logo we all know of today.
After a series of other logo iterations from 1964 to 1967, Nintendo landed on this bold sans serif redesign, which set the foundation for the logo we all know of today.
After a series of other logo iterations from 1964 to 1967, Nintendo landed on this bold sans serif redesign, which set the foundation for the logo we all know of today.
1968
hexagon logo
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1968
hexagon logo
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Incorporating the typeface of the earlier mark, Nintendo surrounded ithe 1968 version of the logo with a hexagon, delineating more of a badge shape.
Incorporating the typeface of the earlier mark, Nintendo surrounded ithe 1968 version of the logo with a hexagon, delineating more of a badge shape.
Incorporating the typeface of the earlier mark, Nintendo surrounded ithe 1968 version of the logo with a hexagon, delineating more of a badge shape.
See the black and white version of the logo printed on the N & B block construction set, inspired by LEGO.
See the black and white version of the logo printed on the N & B block construction set, inspired by LEGO.
See the black and white version of the logo printed on the N & B block construction set, inspired by LEGO.
1970
oval logo
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1970
oval logo
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A couple years later, Nintendo simplifies the badge logo into an oval instead of a hexagon, rendering it with elegance and modernity. This marked Nintendo's transition into newer technologies in the 1970s, where they would start to create electronic games and entertainment systems.
A couple years later, Nintendo simplifies the badge logo into an oval instead of a hexagon, rendering it with elegance and modernity. This marked Nintendo's transition into newer technologies in the 1970s, where they would start to create electronic games and entertainment systems.
A couple years later, Nintendo simplifies the badge logo into an oval instead of a hexagon, rendering it with elegance and modernity. This marked Nintendo's transition into newer technologies in the 1970s, where they would start to create electronic games and entertainment systems.
1973
laser clay shooting system
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1973
laser clay shooting system
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In the early 1970s, Hiroshi Yamauchi recognized that bowling alleys were no longer popular, so he sought to reuse these facilities as shooting arcades. Players would shoot light guns at 16mm film featuring clay pigeons, and a computer would determine whether a player hit the target or not.
In the early 1970s, Hiroshi Yamauchi recognized that bowling alleys were no longer popular, so he sought to reuse these facilities as shooting arcades. Players would shoot light guns at 16mm film featuring clay pigeons, and a computer would determine whether a player hit the target or not.
In the early 1970s, Hiroshi Yamauchi recognized that bowling alleys were no longer popular, so he sought to reuse these facilities as shooting arcades. Players would shoot light guns at 16mm film featuring clay pigeons, and a computer would determine whether a player hit the target or not.
In the early 1970s, Hiroshi Yamauchi recognized that bowling alleys were no longer popular, so he sought to reuse these facilities as shooting arcades. Players would shoot light guns at 16mm film featuring clay pigeons, and a computer would determine whether a player hit the target or not.
1977
color TV-game
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1977
color TV-game
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The Color TV-Game 6 was the first home video game console that Nintendo ever made. It was a huge success, selling millions of sets in Japan. This gave Nintendo the confidence to continue developing video game hardware, laying the groundwork for Nintendo's future gaming systems.
The Color TV-Game 6 was the first home video game console that Nintendo ever made. It was a huge success, selling millions of sets in Japan. This gave Nintendo the confidence to continue developing video game hardware, laying the groundwork for Nintendo's future gaming systems.
The Color TV-Game 6 was the first home video game console that Nintendo ever made. It was a huge success, selling millions of sets in Japan. This gave Nintendo the confidence to continue developing video game hardware, laying the groundwork for Nintendo's future gaming systems.
1980
game & watch
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1980
game & watch
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Nintendo's Game and Watch was the first portable electronic gaming system with an LCD screen. It was created by Gunpei Yokoi, Nintendo's chief designer, after he saw a business man playing with a calculator. Nintendo sold 43.4 million units worldwide, establishing the market for handheld games and positioning Nintendo as an innovator in the space.
Nintendo's Game and Watch was the first portable electronic gaming system with an LCD screen. It was created by Gunpei Yokoi, Nintendo's chief designer, after he saw a business man playing with a calculator. Nintendo sold 43.4 million units worldwide, establishing the market for handheld games and positioning Nintendo as an innovator in the space.
Nintendo's Game and Watch was the first portable electronic gaming system with an LCD screen. It was created by Gunpei Yokoi, Nintendo's chief designer, after he saw a business man playing with a calculator. Nintendo sold 43.4 million units worldwide, establishing the market for handheld games and positioning Nintendo as an innovator in the space.
1985
nintendo entertainment system (nes)
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1985
nintendo entertainment system (nes)
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The NES was a home video game console that revived the North American gaming market after it crashed in 1983. Its distinct grey and black rectangular design, front-loading cartridge system, and simple controller with D-pad became the standard for modern gaming consoles. Along with it came iconic games such as Super Mario Bros, Legend of Zelda, and Duck Hunt, and toys like R.O.B.
The NES was a home video game console that revived the North American gaming market after it crashed in 1983. Its distinct grey and black rectangular design, front-loading cartridge system, and simple controller with D-pad became the standard for modern gaming consoles. Along with it came iconic games such as Super Mario Bros, Legend of Zelda, and Duck Hunt, and toys like R.O.B.
The NES was a home video game console that revived the North American gaming market after it crashed in 1983. Its distinct grey and black rectangular design, front-loading cartridge system, and simple controller with D-pad became the standard for modern gaming consoles. Along with it came iconic games such as Super Mario Bros, Legend of Zelda, and Duck Hunt, and toys like R.O.B.
1989
gameboy
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1989
gameboy
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
The Game Boy was another revolutionary portable gaming device, dominating the market for 10+ years. It was a notably durable product, with a long battery life, aesthetic hardware design, and suitable for all ages. The Game Boy continued to support iconic games such as Tetris, Pokémon, Super Mario, Zelda, and Kirby's Dream Land. This device was an important precursor to the DS, 3DS, and Switch.
The Game Boy was another revolutionary portable gaming device, dominating the market for 10+ years. It was a notably durable product, with a long battery life, aesthetic hardware design, and suitable for all ages. The Game Boy continued to support iconic games such as Tetris, Pokémon, Super Mario, Zelda, and Kirby's Dream Land. This device was an important precursor to the DS, 3DS, and Switch.
The Game Boy was another revolutionary portable gaming device, dominating the market for 10+ years. It was a notably durable product, with a long battery life, aesthetic hardware design, and suitable for all ages. The Game Boy continued to support iconic games such as Tetris, Pokémon, Super Mario, Zelda, and Kirby's Dream Land. This device was an important precursor to the DS, 3DS, and Switch.
2004
nintendo ds
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2004
nintendo ds
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This dual screen (DS) gaming device was one of the first mainstream devices to popularize touch controls, predating the iPhone by 3 years. It sold 150 million units and is largely regarded as a nostalgic piece of childhood for many users, with its messaging service Pictochat and iconic games.
This dual screen (DS) gaming device was one of the first mainstream devices to popularize touch controls, predating the iPhone by 3 years. It sold 150 million units and is largely regarded as a nostalgic piece of childhood for many users, with its messaging service Pictochat and iconic games.
This dual screen (DS) gaming device was one of the first mainstream devices to popularize touch controls, predating the iPhone by 3 years. It sold 150 million units and is largely regarded as a nostalgic piece of childhood for many users, with its messaging service Pictochat and iconic games.
2006
nintendo wii
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
2006
nintendo wii
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
The Wii was a home gaming console that defined a new interaction standard for gaming in 3D space. Instead of pressing buttons, users could point their controllers at the sensor and move their characters on screen. The Wii became a cultural phenomenon - families would gather around the Wii to play games like the iconic Wii Sports, Super Mario Bros, Mario Kart, Zelda, Just Dance, and Super Smash Bros.
The Wii was a home gaming console that defined a new interaction standard for gaming in 3D space. Instead of pressing buttons, users could point their controllers at the sensor and move their characters on screen. The Wii became a cultural phenomenon - families would gather around the Wii to play games like the iconic Wii Sports, Super Mario Bros, Mario Kart, Zelda, Just Dance, and Super Smash Bros.
The Wii was a home gaming console that defined a new interaction standard for gaming in 3D space. Instead of pressing buttons, users could point their controllers at the sensor and move their characters on screen. The Wii became a cultural phenomenon - families would gather around the Wii to play games like the iconic Wii Sports, Super Mario Bros, Mario Kart, Zelda, Just Dance, and Super Smash Bros.
2011
nintendo 3DS
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
2011
nintendo 3DS
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
The 3DS was a successor to the DS, named aptly for its ability show stereoscopic 3D images. Though it had a rocky start, it went on to sell over 75 million units.
The 3DS was a successor to the DS, named aptly for its ability show stereoscopic 3D images. Though it had a rocky start, it went on to sell over 75 million units.
The 3DS was a successor to the DS, named aptly for its ability show stereoscopic 3D images. Though it had a rocky start, it went on to sell over 75 million units.
2017
nintendo switch
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
2017
nintendo switch
"Rent nightly from real people in 753 cities in 72 countries."
The Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular gaming devices of this decade, merging Nintendo's handheld and home console businesses into a single hybrid device. The controllers can be used on either side in one-player mode, or can be detached and used as two separate controllers for multiplayer mode. The Switch launched with "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild," which became one of the most critically acclaimed games ever made.
The Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular gaming devices of this decade, merging Nintendo's handheld and home console businesses into a single hybrid device. The controllers can be used on either side in one-player mode, or can be detached and used as two separate controllers for multiplayer mode. The Switch launched with "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild," which became one of the most critically acclaimed games ever made.
The Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular gaming devices of this decade, merging Nintendo's handheld and home console businesses into a single hybrid device. The controllers can be used on either side in one-player mode, or can be detached and used as two separate controllers for multiplayer mode. The Switch launched with "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild," which became one of the most critically acclaimed games ever made.
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handcrafted by jade franson