On this day in 1889 (that is right, 1889), Nintendo was founded on this date as a playing card maker. It would be another 85 years until they switch into the electronic age. Their first big hit, Donkey Kong, was released in 1981 on the arcades and proved to be the big hit that drove Nintendo into the spot light of the gaming industry.

In 1983, they created the Family Computer (FamiCom) in Japan and released it as Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985. With the bundling of Super Mario Bros., Nintendo would become the top dog in the gaming industry, and today is still the oldest console and game maker around.

While other consoles now a days used graphical technology as their main focus, Nintendo is the maverick of the industry as they focus on innovation and quality. That is why their current system, Nintendo Wii is doing so well, as it appeals to a broad group of people (casual gamers) rather than the niche and focused market (hardcore gamers).

Nintendo may be 120 years old, but they have proven themselves to be a legendary company in the gaming world.