While Nintendo’s 2021 is packed with serial anniversaries, many of the company’s classic systems are also hitting milestones this year.
2021 is going to be a big year for Nintendo. With four major anniversaries to celebrate and rumors of a more powerful Nintendo Switch model, 2021 could be one of the company’s best years. While 2020 has been submissive for many, there is reason to be extremely hopeful about the new year. In addition to the upcoming game anniversary, five beloved Nintendo systems will also reach milestones in 2021.
Unlike the game anniversaries, these console milestones are unlikely to result in big announcements. Of course, Nintendo Switch Online is due for an expansion, so it’s possible that Nintendo 64 games could be added to celebrate the console’s 25th anniversary. Overall, though, this is a great opportunity to reflect on the legacy of Nintendo.
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Super Nintendo Entertainment System’s 30th Anniversary
The influence and importance of the Super Nintendo, released in 1991, has yet to fade. This was the generation where studios learned the lessons through NES development and applied it to masterful 16-bit games that still exist today. The Super Famicom (the SNES ‘Japanese name) has only been introduced Super Mario World and F-zero, but the North American launch was a little richer. With titles like SimCity and Lead Wings, the SNES has somewhat filled its library.
Take this into account Super Mario World packaged in North American SNES consoles, it suggested the launch. It would have succeeded, as it is still widely regarded as one of the best 2Ds, if not Mario title. F-zero was also an early technical showcase for the system and uses Mode 7 technology to simulate 3D gaming in a 2D space. On top of that, it was a frantic arcade race that is still worth playing through today.
Nintendo 64’s 25th Anniversary
The Nintendo 64 started selling downward with Nintendo’s downward trajectory, but the console was incredibly important. The focus on local multiplayer gave the machine a unique flavor, and the release of the tent pole advanced the industry. Nintendo has captured the core of 3D games and understands how to make it work.
The console’s range was incredibly small, especially when the Nintendo 64 was launched in Japan and North America. However, the limited catalog was largely a non-issue, as one of the launch titles was the beloved Super Mario 64. The game is repeated Super Mario World‘s success, but on a larger scale. World was a repeat Super Mario Bros. 3, while Super Mario 64 was an evolution of the whole industry.
Nintendo GameCube’s 20th Anniversary
While the GameCube is one of Nintendo’s worst-selling systems, it also boasts one of Nintendo’s most impressive software libraries. Although the games of the console were not nearly as innovative as the Nintendo 64s, the games were incredibly polished and creative. New series like Pikmin was introduced, and Animal transition finally reached the West.
However, the launch of the console did not have a game Super Mario 64 caliber. Luigi’s Mansion and Wave Race: Blue Storm were the leading titles of the first party, with Super Monkey Ball of SEGA also gets interest. North American players also have access to Star Wars: Rogue Squadron II at the launch, who remains a lover Star Wars title. Natural, Super Smash Bros. Melee released a few days after the launch of the North American GameCube, and the title remains one of Nintendo’s most important (and controversial) today.
Nintendo Wii’s 15th Anniversary
The legacy of Wii is one of the most interesting in Nintendo’s catalog. With an emphasis on causal gaming and unorthodox gaming experiences, the Wii stands out to this day. The Wii Remote ushered in the motion gals. Because as flawed as the Wii, it also propelled the industry forward, while making it a more inclusive space for players of all backgrounds. This expanded appeal led to incredible sales that began with the launch.
The Wii was incredibly difficult to detect early in its life. The early software series of the system was also convincing, even though there was a lot of kickware from the start. Natural, Wii Sports was the title, an experience that competes Super Mario World in terms of packaging quality. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess also released during the launch, which provides the perfect counterpoint to Wii Sports‘causal pleasure.
Nintendo 3DS 10th Anniversary
The Nintendo 3DS ‘life cycle only came to an end last year, but the computer had an excellent run. The software library is one of the deepest of any Nintendo system, and there was an overwhelming amount of exclusive content. Although its spectacle-free 3D gimmick was phased out in later hardware iterations, it was a remarkable technology that had excellent implementations.
Despite his great legacy, however, the handheld made a rocky start. Nothing at the time of launch was worth buying a 3DS, especially not at the price tag. Pilotwings Resort, Steel diver, en Super Street Fighter 4 3D were good, but they could not sell systems. But in one of the industry’s most miraculous repair industries, Nintendo aggressively dropped the price of 3DS for the rest of 2011, releasing fantastic titles such as Star Fox 64 3D and Super Mario 3D Land. From there, the system gained momentum and flourished throughout its life.
Looking back at Nintendo’s console anniversaries is a great way to see how productive Nintendo is, especially since there are many consoles and computers that are not yet represented here. It puts perspective on how creative Nintendo is. It will be interesting to see if the Switch is the outlier with a longer life cycle, whether or not the fourth anniversary also causes the next system.
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