Though it was far from the first dedicated gaming console, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) really brought video games to a different level than its predecessors. Released in North America in 1985, the Nintendo Entertainment System was released into what was essentially an empty market. Atari, which had emerged as the breakaway console in the late 70s and early 80s, was still reeling from the collapse of the gaming industry in 1983.
Even if Atari hadn't been financially reeling, the ailing Atari 2600 and even the more recent 5200 couldn't really hope to compete with the original Nintendo, which boasted virtually unheard of graphics and sound. Technically speaking, the original Nintendo almost threatened the technical superiority of arcade cabinets, despite the advantage the single-program devices had in terms of space and acceptable cost per unit.
Of course, technical matters like superior graphics and sound wouldn't mean much without great games, but the NES delivered in that area alone. Unlike earlier console developers who usually discouraged third-party games, Nintendo actively courted promising companies while retaining a degree of quality control and supervision of released titles. This move in particular was a stroke of genius - great Nintendo-developed games like the original Mario Bros., Zelda, and Metroid were all great games and strong selling points, but other third-party blockbuster titles like Mega Man and Castlevania really helped secure the console's position as industry leader for years to come.
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