Game Over
Nintendo is undoubtedly one of the most influential companies of the past fifty years. Not only is the company responsible for some of the most iconic video game characters and consoles of all time, but they also revolutionized what video gaming could be. Unfortunately, not every big swing had a big impact. Let's look at some of Nintendo's most notorious failures before moving onto their greatest successes.
1. Wii U
The Wii U could have been Wii's competition with the 3DS; unfortunately it was a massive flop. Everything about this device was muddled, from its confused marketing to its impracticality—having to go between your TV and your device? Really. The Wii U is a prime example of Nintendo prioritizing gimmicks with detrimental results.
2. Super Mario Bros. (1993)
Bob Hoskins called the 1993 Super Mario Bros. movie one of the worst things he'd ever starred in, and we can't help but agree. The film was as much of a trainwreck behind the scenes as it was on-screen—from baffling lore, daily script changes, and some less-than-family-friendly elements. We're astounded it even got made.
3. The 64DD
The 64DD wasn't the worst software Nintendo released, but it showed the company's limitations. Some of the most iconic titles of the '90s including Super Mario 64, GoldenEye, and Ocarina of Time couldn't make up for the dated hardware they came on. While other companies were using CD-ROMs for storage, Nintendo tried to compensate for their dated cartridges by introducing a detachable drive that only played specific disks.
4. The Virtual Boy
We really could have had it all with the Virtual Boy. Billed as the world's first true stereoscopic console, the VBOY was a catastrophic failure. From the literally nauseating graphics to the unnecessary weight, the VBOY went down in history as Nintendo's least successful console.
5. Creating Their Own Competition
Don't get us wrong, we're thankful that PlayStation exists, but Nintendo really shot themselves in the foot. Sony and Nintendo were originally working on the N64 together, but the cartridge VS CD argument led to them parting ways. Sony went on to create the PSOne, the first console to sell over a hundred million units, and the rest is history.
6.Wii Online Play
Wii never could compete with Microsoft's online gameplay, but oh boy, did they try...and fail. It really seemed like Nintendo didn't want you to be able to virtually hang out with your friends based on how difficult they made the whole process. Overly complicated friend codes and spotty connections were just the tip of the iceberg.
7. Wii Fit's Ugly Legacy
Wii Fit sought to make exercise fun and simple. Unfortunately, the flawed methods led to patterns of disordered eating, body checking, and body dysmorphia among young players. By using the flawed BMI categorization, arbitrarily calling players obese or fat, and non-customizable Mii bodies, Wii Fit instilled feelings of shame in players who are still trying to unlearn them.
U.S. Navy photo by Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Juan Pinalez on Wikimedia
8. The 2DS
If Nintendo took a huge leap forward in releasing the 3DS, then they took several steps back with the 2DS. For starters, they removed the hinge, ostensibly to appeal to little kids—unfortunately, this led to less screen protection from sticky hands and slippery fingers. Ultimately, the 2DS offered less functionality for a higher price point.
9. My Nintendo Rewards
Everything that My Nintendo Rewards can do, Club Nintendo did better. Rather than offering swag for your favorite games, My Nintendo is just software behind a paywall. Discounts and digital wallpapers can't compete with free games and physical rewards.
10. The Philips Games
If you're ever wondering why Nintendo is so tight-fisted about their properties, look no further than the disastrous CD-I games Philips put out in the '90s. Hotel Mario and Zelda's Adventures are regarded as some of the worst games of all time. The sloppy visuals, shoddy gameplay, and terrifying cutscenes are the stuff of nightmares.
While we may have been a little hard on Nintendo, it comes from a place of love. In contrast to some of those epic fails, here are some of their greatest achievements.
1. Inventing Long-Form Games
While long-form play may be the norm now, Legend of Zelda broke the mold. Rather than short, quarter-based gaming, Zelda's intricate plot and characters demanded more intensive play. Check-points and long-form storytelling helped ensure the game's legacy.
2. New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons couldn't have come at a better time. With the world self-isolating and dealing with the very real dangers of a global pandemic, AC:NH offered an outlet in troubled times. Plays could safely hang out with friends and cuddle up with low-stakes gameplay even when it seemed like the world was falling apart.
3. SNES
The Super Nintendo console took the upgrade from 8-bit to 16- and ran with it. The new system allowed for developers to really flex their creative muscles and led to some of the most iconic games of all time. I mean, Super Mario World, Final Fantasy VI, and Super Metroid? An unmatched lineup.
4. Widespread Appeal
One area where Nintendo unequivocally succeeded was bringing games to the masses. Moms who complained about Xbox brain rot put the Wii on their wishlists. The DS was versatile enough to appeal to serious gamers and grandmas alike.
5. Switch Redemption
It seemed unclear whether Nintendo would recover from the spectacular failure of the Wii U. The Switch combined portability with home gaming and revolutionized the industry. One of the biggest successes with the Switch is its accessibility to gamers of all levels.
6. Gaming Went Portable
The Game Boy and its offspring dominated handheld gaming for over a decade. The small device, easily concealed in a backpack or up a sleeve, took cartridges to go, making lunch breaks and waiting rooms all the more bearable. The affordability and battery life didn't hurt either.
7. Everything in 1981
Can you imagine a world without Mario and Donkey Kong? Well, gamers prior to 1981 were living in it. That year saw the release of the Donkey Kong arcade game, and an early version of Mario (called "Jumpman") along with it.
8. Nintendogs Challenged Device Capabilities
Not only was Nintendogs a massive cultural phenomenon, it also pushed the DS to new heights. Utilizing not only the touchscreen, but also multiplayer gaming, and the microphone, Nintendogs showed what the DS was capable of.
9. Mario Kart
MarioKart is one of the great equalizers of video games. It's fun to play even for non-gamers, has enough customization that asking someone who they main is an opener in itself, and fosters a sense of community...even if that community is based around booing the friend who picks rainbow road.
Sébastien Bertrand on Wikimedia
10. GoldenEye 007
One of the bestselling N64 games of all time, GoldenEye 007 changed the trajectory of the first-person shooter. Just as fun in single and multiplayer modes alike, GoldenEye 007 paved the way for later Halo and CoD games.
