Is the Nintendo Entertainment System the most important system in the history of video games and why?

Question

Or do you believe it's another system?

Answer 1

Atari opened the door for video-came consumers in the U.S., and became dominant in the industry- strictly because there was nobody to reall challenge them. But to say that Atari is the solidest point in video game console history is like saying musket rifles were integral to modern warfare- it took years for them to refine them, and not until something unique and useful came out did it standardize the industry.

You have to keep in mind that Nintendo has been around for over 100 years at this point, starting with Hanafuda ( a card game), and even though there were certain ideas that didn't fly (like their Taxi business or love motels), the fact remains that Atari dropped the ball big time and nearly caused the industry to bomb- many people credit Nintendo as the driving reason towards it revitalization, for several reasons-

1. Family-themed fun, with a collection of 2-player games included.
2. For its time, the NES was a marvel in a lot of ways- even consoles of its time could not really compare.
3. Cheap, yet effective design that increased appeal financially.
4. Until the rise of Sega and Sonic the Hedgehog, no video game console had the popularity or ability to introduce recognizable franchised characters that most people familiar with video games will recognize on the spot- I'm referring to, of course, Mario, Link, Samus and the entirety of Nintendo's popular characters.

To be able to revitalize the video game market after the crash of '83, as well as remaining in the video game business for over 20 years thereafter, should be clear indication that, from the first console onwards, not only was the NES perhaps the most important system in video gaming (as well as perhaps being the most memorable), but the company itself is still a successful business.

Answer 2

It depends on how you look at it. The Atari was the first major game system that started everything. But there was a big jump in time between the Atari and the Nintendo. After the Atari came the arcade systems, when the public arcades really took over the game scene. Then later near the 90's the NES popped up and helped to bring games back into people's home. Even though Atari was probably the most important system, Nintendo did start start the gaming revolution.

Answer 3

Yes it actually did. After the Atari system, a lot of really bad consoles came out and most of the popular companies were losing their popularity. The big machines were the only thing that was keeping the business alive. Then NES came out and saved the business with its great graphics and great games. Two of the best which made people buy it were "Duck Hunt" and of course our favorite "Super Mario".

Answer 4

atari 2600. it was the first commercially successfull system. the NES is probably a close second, but the 2600 opened the door for the nintendo.