How much did a Nes cost in 1985?

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was released in 1985 in the United States. At launch, the NES was priced at:

• $199.99 for the Basic Set (which included the console and one controller).
• $249.99 for the Deluxe Set (which included the console, two controllers, the Zapper light gun, and the game Super Mario Bros.).

Context of the Price in 1985:

• In 1985, the average cost of a new car was about $9,000 and the average home price was around $89,000.
• Compared to today's prices, $199.99 in 1985 would be roughly equivalent to $500 to $600 in today’s dollars when adjusted for inflation.

This price made the NES one of the more expensive gaming systems at the time, but its success eventually solidified it as a cultural icon, driving the video game industry forward after the 1983 video game crash.