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Release of the Nintendo Famicom/NES
The Nintendo Family Computer(or Famicom), known as the the Nintendo Entertainment System(NES) in North America, had an 8-bit processor and 2KB of RAM, and used cartridges to play its games. It had ports for two controllers, which each had a directional pad and two face buttons. This system brought back video games after the 1983 Video Game Crash. Reference Link: http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/07/time-to-feel-old-inside-the-nes-on-its-30th-birthday/ -
Release of the Super NES/Super Famicom
The Super Famicom, known the Super Nintendo Entertainment System(SNES) in North America, had a faster 16-bit processor, and the ability to load cartridges on the top instead of the front. It also added two more face buttons and two shoulder buttons to its controller. It was, and still is, a very popular system. Reference Link: http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/24546/Super-Nintendo-Entertainment-System/ -
Release of the Nintendo 64
The Nintendo 64(or N64) had a 64-bit processor, capable of rendering 3-D games, and 4 controller ports for multiplayer. It added a third shoulder button, a "C-pad" containing four directional face buttons, and an analog stick for enhanced movement. It was revolutionary in bringing the games industry into 3-D. Reference Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_64
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Release of the Nintendo Gamecube
The Nintendo Gamecube added a higher processor and a mini-DVD disc drive with memory card slots. It added trigger buttons, a second analog stick(called a "c-stick") and a more ergonomic shape to its face buttons. -
Release of the Wii
The Wii used full-sized discs, with an sd card slot for additional game data storage. It had a unique wireless motion controller, called a Wii Remote, with a gyroscope and accelerometer for motion controls.The simplistic design of the Wii Remote attracted casual players, raising its sales and bringing people who don't normally play games into the market. -
Release of the Wii U
The Wii U was capable of HD graphics, the first Nintendo console to do so, and had a unique controller with a touchscreen allowing for stylus controls and dual-screen, asymmetric gameplay. Its confusing marketing and gimmick, however, made the system not quite successful.
