The History of Nintendo: Cards, Consoles, Creativity | Paperback Book
The History of Nintendo: Cards, Consoles, Creativity | Paperback Book
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This book traces Nintendo's history from its founding in 1889 as a card company to its role in the video game industry. It discusses key products, business decisions, and developments.
Key Topics Covered:
- Early Years: Hanafuda cards and survival strategies.
- Leadership Changes: Hiroshi Yamauchi's tenure and innovations like the Ultra Hand.
- Business Ventures: Attempts such as taxi services and love hotels.
- Console Launches: The NES with R.O.B. accessory and entry into the U.S. market.
- Game Boy and Tetris: The acquisition and its impact.
- Virtual Boy Project: Development under Gunpei Yokoi and its outcome, followed by Pokémon.
Additional Historical Points:
- Game Development: Donkey Kong's original concept as a Popeye game.
- Industry Competition: Developer revenue shares and rivalries with Sega.
- Partnerships: Collaborations with Sony and Philips, leading to the PlayStation.
- Other Details: Shigeru Miyamoto's work on Super Mario 64 and Disney discussions for Zelda.
Reader Feedback Example: "This book covers Nintendo's business decisions and product launches." — David K. (Verified Purchase)
Book Features:
- Detailed Account: Includes corporate and creative aspects.
- Intended Audience: Suitable for those interested in gaming industry history.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: NINTENDO’S ROOTS (1889–1907)
- Founding of Nintendo by Fusajiro Yamauchi
- Production of Hanafuda playing cards
- Early struggles and small successes in Kyoto
- Initial family involvement in the business
CHAPTER 2: EARLY 20TH CENTURY GROWTH (1908–1929)
- Introduction of new card styles and manufacturing methods
- Expansion within Japan’s playing card market
- Leadership changes in the Yamauchi family
- Steps toward large-scale production
CHAPTER 3: SURVIVING GLOBAL CHALLENGES (1930–1945)
- Impact of the Great Depression on Nintendo
- Adapting card production during hard economic times
- Effects of World War II on the company’s operations
- Maintaining brand identity amid upheaval
CHAPTER 4: POST-WAR REVIVAL (1946–1959)
- Rebuilding strategies after World War II
- New focus on playing cards and marketing
- Hiroshi Yamauchi’s early leadership moves
- Forming key partnerships for future growth
CHAPTER 5: EXPERIMENTING WITH TOYS (1960–1965)
- Shift from cards to mechanical toys
- Early experimental products and first successes
- Role of toy designers and engineers
- Lessons learned from non-card ventures
CHAPTER 6: ENTERING THE ELECTRONIC AGE (1966–1972)
- Creation and success of the Ultra Hand
- Gunpei Yokoi’s influence on product design
- First electronic toy partnerships
- Foundations laid for future video game development
CHAPTER 7: ARCADE BEGINNINGS (1973–1977)
- Move to arcade and electromechanical games
- Laser clay shooting systems and new technology
- Adapting to changing consumer tastes
- Planning the shift to video-based gaming
CHAPTER 8: THE GAME & WATCH ERA (1978–1982)
- Gunpei Yokoi’s design philosophy for handheld LCD games
- Rise of the Game & Watch line worldwide
- Growing Nintendo’s brand beyond Japan
- Setting the stage for home console ambitions
CHAPTER 9: LAUNCHING THE FAMICOM (1983–1984)
- Nintendo’s entry into home video gaming
- Development and release of the Family Computer (Famicom)
- Technical breakthroughs and early obstacles
- Initial plans to bring the console outside Japan
CHAPTER 10: THE NES AND GLOBAL EXPANSION (1985–1987)
- Launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in North America
- Recovery of the video game market post-crash
- Iconic early NES titles shaping the industry
- Building brand loyalty in Western markets
CHAPTER 11: DOMINANCE OF THE NES (1988–1990)
- Nintendo’s strong market presence
- Introduction of new franchises and third-party partnerships
- Major promotional events like Nintendo World Championships
- Growing competition in the console market
CHAPTER 12: THE GAME BOY REVOLUTION (1989–1992)
- Launch and instant success of the Game Boy
- Tetris and other key titles driving handheld popularity
- Impact of portable gaming on consumers
- Strengthening Nintendo’s handheld leadership
CHAPTER 13: THE SUPER NINTENDO (1990–1993)
- Transition to 16-bit technology
- Essential SNES games defining the era
- Rivalries with other 16-bit consoles
- Advancements in graphics and sound
CHAPTER 14: THE RISE OF COMPETITORS (1991–1994)
- Challenges posed by Sega, NEC, and others
- Importance of exclusive game libraries
- Nintendo’s marketing and competitive strategies
- Shifting consumer expectations in console gaming
CHAPTER 15: ADVANCES IN 16-BIT GAMING (1993–1995)
- Graphical enhancements with new hardware chips
- Hit series like “Donkey Kong Country”
- Emergence of new genres and player communities
- Preparation for the next generation of consoles
CHAPTER 16: THE VIRTUAL BOY AND MISSED STEPS (1995–1996)
- Development background of the Virtual Boy
- Reasons behind its limited success
- Lessons learned in product design and marketing
- Short- and long-term effects on Nintendo’s outlook
CHAPTER 17: THE NINTENDO 64 (1996–1997)
- Introduction of 3D gameplay and analog control
- Launch titles like “Super Mario 64” revolutionize gaming
- Choice to remain with cartridge-based games
- New forms of multiplayer experiences
CHAPTER 18: LATE N64 YEARS AND MARKET CHANGES (1998–1999)
- Expansion of the Nintendo 64’s library
- Growing competition from rival consoles
- Add-on hardware like the 64DD
- Shift in Nintendo’s strategies as the 20th century ends
CHAPTER 19: HANDHELD WARS – GAME BOY COLOR (1998–2000)
- Move from the original Game Boy to Game Boy Color
- Competitive handheld market with emerging rivals
- Pokémon’s influence on global Game Boy success
- Building momentum for further handheld innovations
CHAPTER 20: CLOSING THE 20TH CENTURY & NINTENDO’S LEGACY
- Reflection on a century of Nintendo’s growth
- The company’s evolving values and methods
- Setting the stage for next-gen tech after 2000
- Nintendo’s enduring cultural impact
Product Details
Dimensions: 5.8 × 8.3 inches / 15.24 x 22.86 cm
Cover: Paperback

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