Nintendo

Founded in 1889 by craftsman Fusajiro Yamauchi in Kyoto, Japan, Nintendo began as a producer of handmade hanafuda playing cards, establishing a foundation of quality craftsmanship and entertainment that would define the company for over a century. Through an extraordinary evolution that saw the company venture into diverse businesses—from toys and instant rice to love hotels—Nintendo discovered its true calling in the 1970s when it embraced the emerging video game industry. From their breakthrough arcade hit Donkey Kong in 1981 to the revolutionary Nintendo Entertainment System that revitalized the American video game market after the 1983 crash, Nintendo has consistently pioneered innovative gaming experiences that transcend age and cultural boundaries. The company's philosophy of putting smiles on faces worldwide has driven the creation of beloved franchises and iconic characters that have become integral parts of global popular culture, while their commitment to unique, surprising gameplay experiences has established them as masters of both hardware innovation and software creativity. With over 860 million game consoles sold and more than 5.9 billion games distributed globally, Nintendo remains a family-owned Japanese company that has successfully maintained its core values of craftsmanship, innovation, and joy while becoming one of the most influential entertainment companies in history.