Celebrating Gaming History With The Oldest Official Nintendo Games

Founded way back in 1889, Nintendo has a surprisingly long history – long before video games even existed! The company originally made playing cards, then moved into toys, and eventually found success with video games. While they once thrived on cards and toys, most people today remember Nintendo for the NES (or Famicom in Japan), which helped them become a leader in the gaming industry. As one of the oldest video game companies, Nintendo recently released the Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s already proving to be very popular.

Let’s celebrate Nintendo’s success by taking a look back at their history in video games. We’ll explore what their early games were like, how long ago they were released, and whether they still hold up today. We’ll be using Japanese release dates and focusing primarily on the games themselves, with a brief mention of the consoles and technology that made them possible.

Game & Watch

Portable Origins

First Game & Watch System: Ball
Japanese Release Date: April 28, 1980

As a longtime Nintendo fan, it’s amazing to look back at where it all started! Everyone knows the Game & Watch as Nintendo’s first handheld, but I recently learned it wasn’t actually their first console. That title goes to the Color TV-Game 6 from 1977, which was basically different versions of Pong. What’s cool about the Game & Watch is that each one came with a game built right in – a big difference from the Famicom, where you needed to buy games separately!

The original Game & Watch devices were silver, and the first one, released in 1980, featured a juggling game called Ball. Other popular titles included Flagman, Fire, Vermin, and Judge, among many others. While simple, these weren’t really games in the modern sense—they were more like interactive gadgets. However, they were important because they showed Nintendo’s early steps into developing video games before the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).

The Arcade Scene

From Donkey Kong To Punch Out

First Nintendo-Made Arcade Game: Computer Othello
Japanese Release Date: June 1978

Nintendo’s initial foray into arcade games came in 1973 with Laser Clay Shooting System, a unique blend of digital and physical gameplay. While that was their first arcade title, their first purely digital video game was Computer Othello in 1978, a digital adaptation of the classic board game Othello. Soon after, they released a series of other games – Block Fever, Space Fever, Color Space Fever, and many others – that modern Nintendo fans might not recognize.

Though it helped keep the company going, it was the game Donkey Kong that first brought Nintendo international fame in 1981. This success led to other popular arcade games like Donkey Kong Jr., Mario Bros., and Punch-Out!! just before the launch of the Famicom on July 15, 1983.

Donkey Kong

One Of The Famicom’s First Games

Japanese Release Date: July 15, 1983

The arcade game Donkey Kong was incredibly popular, making it a perfect title to help launch the Famicom console. The console version was almost identical to the original: players controlled Jumpman – an early version of Mario – and had to navigate obstacles created by Donkey Kong to save Pauline, the princess.

The main objective was always to rescue Pauline in each level, and this game still brings back fond memories for fans of the original Donkey Kong. That’s because it retains the fun, reliable gameplay that Nintendo first created back in 1981, even though this version is a bit more compact, like the one on the Famicom.

Donkey Kong Jr.

Two Apes For The Price Of One

Japanese Release Date: July 15, 1983

Alongside its launch, the Famicom also saw the release of Donkey Kong Jr., a year after it first appeared in arcades in 1982. While not as popular as the original Donkey Kong at the time, it offered a unique twist: players controlled Donkey Kong Jr. as he rescued his father from the now-villainous Mario (originally known as Jumpman).

Instead of simply jumping between platforms, this game had players swing across vines and poles to reach the finish. While it was more difficult and didn’t quite capture the same addictive quality as the original, it still worked well as a fun arcade adaptation.

Gomoku Narabe Renju

A Game Of Dots

Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Famicom
Japanese Release Date: August 27, 1983

Gomoku Narabe Renju is a game inspired by a classic Japanese pastime, and its board closely resembles the game of Go. Players win by being the first to connect five of their pieces in a row.

While not a highly interactive game by today’s standards, that was typical for 1983. As it’s based on a common Japanese game, it’s perfectly playable, but Gomoku Narabe Renju doesn’t really stand out.

Mah-Jong

An Update On A Chinese Classic

Developer: Nintendo R&D2
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Famicom
Japanese Release Date: August 27, 1983

Mah-Jong, released alongside Gomoku Narabe Renju, is a game based on the classic tile game of Mahjong. Players use domino-shaped pieces and place them on a board. It’s often played with betting, making it similar to Poker, but relies more on strategic tile placement than card playing.

Mahjong originated in China and remains incredibly popular throughout Asia, but it’s now enjoyed by people all over the world. The video game adaptations are quite basic, similar to Gomoku Narabe Renju, so most players will likely have the best experience playing a traditional, at-home version.

Baseball

Not Quite A Home Run

Japanese Release Date: December 7, 1983

While Mario Bros. was technically the next game released for the Famicom on September 9, 1983, it was developed by a different Nintendo team – Intelligent Systems, in fact, it was their very first game! So, let’s talk about Baseball instead.

This is a simple baseball game, and it’s not very advanced compared to modern games. Because it isn’t officially licensed, the teams are generic, and players just hit and run around the bases. Nintendo really elevates the baseball experience later on with its own unique take on the sport.

Donkey Kong Jr. Math

Back For Edutainment

Japanese Release Date: December 12, 1983

In 1983, the year the Famicom was released, another Donkey Kong game arrived: Donkey Kong Jr. Math. This game is noteworthy as one of the first console games designed to be both fun and educational, helping young players learn subjects like math and geography.

This game is essentially a remake of Donkey Kong Jr., using the same levels but with added math puzzles. While it works well as an educational title, most Nintendo enthusiasts wouldn’t consider it a standout game from that time period.

Tennis

Down For A Game?

Developers: Nintendo R&D1, Intelligent Systems
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Famicom
Japanese Release Date: January 14, 1984

After Donkey Kong Jr. Math, Nintendo started working with other companies to create games for the Famicom. Tennis, for instance, was primarily developed by Nintendo, but Intelligent Systems assisted with its creation, just as they did with Mario Bros. for the Famicom.

Okay, so like Tennis and Baseball, this isn’t an official game with real pro athletes. But honestly, Tennis is a little simpler to play than Baseball, which actually makes it kind of fun by today’s standards. It’s a pretty straightforward tennis game, and I’m digging that!

Pinball

An Arcade Classic For Home Gaming

Developers: Nintendo R&D1, HAL Laboratory
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Famicom
Japanese Release Date: February 2, 1984

Similar to the game Tennis, Pinball was created through a collaboration between Nintendo and Hal Laboratory, with Nintendo taking the lead. Hal Laboratory is now famous as the developer of the Kirby series for Nintendo.

This pinball game offers classic gameplay alongside a brick-breaking bonus mode. While other Nintendo pinball titles like Mario Pinball Land and Pokemon Pinball are generally better, this Famicom version is still a functional and enjoyable experience.

2025-11-15 14:38