1985: Release of the NES

On October 18, 1985, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) launched in North America, marking a pivotal moment in gaming history. This release came after the video game crash of 1983, a period characterized by market saturation and declining consumer confidence. Too many Atari copycats, too many bad games, and the advent of home computers led to what was effectively "a video game recession".

Nintendo's innovative approach, including a limited release in New York City and a focus on high-quality "approved" games, played a crucial role in revitalizing the industry.

The NES debuted with 17 launch titles, offering a diverse gaming experience:

• Duck Hunt: Using the NES Zapper light gun, players aimed to shoot ducks on-screen in this bundled game that went down in history.

• Gyromite: One of the two games designed for R.O.B. the Robot, adding a unique interactive play-along robot accessory.

• 10-Yard Fight: A football game that brought sports action to the console.

• Baseball: A straightforward representation of America's pastime.

• Clu Clu Land: A puzzle game challenging players to uncover hidden gold ingots.

• Excitebike: A motocross racing game allowing players to create custom tracks.

• Golf: Offering a virtual golfing experience with simple controls.

• Hogan’s Alley: Another Zapper game, testing players' reflexes in an old-fashioned shooting gallery.

• Ice Climber: Players scaled icy peaks, avoiding obstacles and enemies.

• Kung Fu: A side-scrolling beat 'em up game with martial arts action.

• Pinball: Simulating the classic arcade pinball experience.

• Stack-Up: The second game compatible with R.O.B., involving block manipulation.

• Tennis: A basic yet engaging tennis simulation.

• Wild Gunman: A Western-themed shooting game using the Zapper.

• Wrecking Crew: Featuring Mario in a demolition-themed puzzle game.
  

Most notably, Super Mario Bros. was also among the launch titles, introducing players to the now-iconic plumber's adventures, that remains a successful franchise to this due.

The NES's success was not just due to its games but also its innovative marketing strategies. Nintendo rebranded the console as an "Entertainment System" to distance it from the failed video game consoles of the early '80s. They also introduced R.O.B. the Robot to position the NES as a toy rather than just a gaming console, appealing to retailers and consumers alike.

This strategic approach, combined with a strong lineup of games, helped the NES gain traction in the U.S. market. By 1986, the console saw a deeper international release, solidifying Nintendo's place in the gaming industry and laying the foundation for future successes.

Especially for those aged 35 to 45, the NES represents a nostalgic era of gaming, where simple graphics and gameplay provided endless entertainment. The console's influence is still felt today, with many of its games and characters remaining iconic in the gaming world.