How Much Did a Nintendo Cost in 1985? A Look Back at the NES

In 1985, a gaming revolution was born. The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), which would go on to define a generation of gamers, was released in North America. For those who were lucky enough to get their hands on one, it was the start of an unforgettable adventure through iconic games like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. But how much did the NES cost back in 1985? And how does that price compare to today's consoles?

Let’s take a look at the pricing of the original Nintendo Entertainment System, the impact of its release, and how it reshaped the gaming landscape forever.

1. The Price of the NES in 1985

When the NES was first launched in 1985, it came with a price tag of $199 for the basic package. This bundle included the console, one controller, and the game Super Mario Bros.—one of the most beloved and influential games of all time.

At the time, $199 was considered a steep investment for a home entertainment system, but it wasn’t just a console—it was a ticket to a whole new world of gaming. For comparison, the cost of a family entertainment system like the NES in the 80s was similar to what families might have paid for a high-end home appliance.

2. Adjusting for Inflation

Fast forward to today, and the price of the NES would be around $500-$550 when adjusted for inflation. In today's market, the value seems relatively high, but considering the impact it had on the gaming industry, the NES was more than just a console—it was a groundbreaking piece of technology that laid the foundation for the video game industry as we know it.

3. The Legacy of the NES

Despite its 1985 price, the NES became a household name and a crucial part of gaming history. It revived the video game market after the 1983 crash, introducing unforgettable characters and games that are still celebrated today. The launch of the NES made Nintendo a household brand and a leader in the gaming industry for decades.

Key Contributions of the NES to Gaming Culture:

• Game Cartridges: While earlier systems used arcade-style hardware, the NES introduced game cartridges, which allowed for a wide variety of games to be sold separately, opening up new business opportunities for both developers and players.
• Home Console Gaming: The NES brought console gaming into living rooms across the globe, making it accessible to families and helping to move gaming away from arcades and into homes.
• Introduced Iconic Characters: Characters like Mario, Link, and Samus Aran made their debuts on the NES, and they remain some of the most recognized figures in gaming today.
• The Rise of Gaming Franchises: The NES laid the foundation for the legendary franchises we know today, with games like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid becoming cultural icons.

4. A Lasting Influence on Modern Consoles

The NES's success profoundly influenced modern gaming consoles in several key ways:

1. The Role of Controllers:

• The NES controller, with its simple D-pad and two action buttons, set the standard for controller design. Modern controllers like the PlayStation DualSense and Xbox Series X controller have maintained the core principles established by the NES—simple, intuitive layouts that players can use with ease.

2. Hardware and Game Design:

• The NES popularized the concept of creating a console with dedicated gaming hardware, which became the foundation for all future gaming systems. While today’s consoles are vastly more powerful, the core design philosophy—dedicated hardware designed specifically for gaming—remains intact.
• The NES also influenced the approach to game design, emphasizing accessible yet challenging gameplay, which is still the hallmark of many games today.

3. Multi-Game Systems:

• The NES was one of the first consoles to introduce the idea of game cartridges as the medium for games, allowing consumers to purchase individual titles for their consoles. This concept is still used today in all consoles, even though digital downloads have become more common. The introduction of cartridge-based media also led to the standardization of home gaming consoles, which allowed third-party developers to create games for a wide audience.

4. Expanding the Audience:

• The NES was designed to appeal to all ages, and its family-friendly games helped expand the audience for gaming beyond the stereotypical "gamer." Modern consoles have continued this trend, with many offering a broad spectrum of games that appeal to all age groups.

5. A Look Back at the Games

The NES was home to some of the most iconic games ever made, including:

• Super Mario Bros.
• The Legend of Zelda
• Metroid
• Donkey Kong

These games, along with others, became the foundation of franchises that continue to thrive today. The NES not only introduced these titles but also set the standard for storytelling, gameplay, and innovative game design that would be built upon in future systems.

6. The NES vs. Today’s Consoles

At $199, the NES provided hours of entertainment, and while that price seems modest compared to today’s gaming systems, modern consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X retail for around $499-$599. Although the price of gaming consoles has increased over the years, the experience, graphics, and technology have evolved dramatically.

Today’s consoles deliver high-definition graphics, fast load times, and immersive virtual worlds—things the NES could never have imagined. However, the core of gaming remains the same: fun, engaging experiences.

Conclusion

Looking back at the NES and its 1985 price tag, it’s clear that the console was an investment that changed the future of gaming. Despite the cost, it was an incredible deal for the value it brought to gamers around the world. If you’re a fan of retro gaming, you’ll appreciate how far consoles have come—and how much gaming has evolved since the days of the NES.

For those interested in revisiting the glory of the NES, some of its classic games and consoles are still available for purchase today, either through re-released retro systems or digital downloads.