Loading

Video game:Nintendo The Legend of Zelda

Nintendo1987

The Strong National Museum of Play

The Strong National Museum of Play
Rochester , United States

The Nintendo Family Computer, more commonly called the Famicom, was never released in North America, but this Japanese system is noteworthy as it was the predecessor to the phenomenally successful Nintendo Entertainment System. Released in Japan in 1983, the Famicom was Nintendo's first cartridge-based home video game console and the work of designer Masayuki Uemura, developer of both the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Early Famicom units were plagued with technical problems, causing the company to recall thousands of units for costly upgrades. This was a temporary setback; the system was a hit and Nintendo sold several million units in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Much of Nintendo's success in the video game market, including success with the Famicom, must be credited to legendary video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of such hit games as Donkey Kong, Super Mario Bros., and The Legend of Zelda. Nintendo made modifications to the Famicom, and in 1985 they released the next iteration of the console, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in North America. Among the best-selling games for Nintendo's new video game console was The Legend of Zelda. Originally released in Japan on the Famicon in 1986, before being ported to the NES in 1987, the game, created by Miyamoto, recounts the adventures of a young boy named Link. Living in the fictional kingdom of Hyrule, the boy embarks on a quest to obtain the Triforce, a triangular item that contains the essence and power of the Goddesses who created his world, and save Princess Zelda from the machinations of the malevolent Ganon. The game is significant for being one of the earliest to place emphasis on non-linearity, ultimately culminating in an adventure that contained a vast overworld and a diverse array of puzzles. The Legend of Zelda set the stage for a new era in video game history and ultimately sold over six million copies. Numerous sequels followed, including The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

Show lessRead more
  • Title: Video game:Nintendo The Legend of Zelda
  • Creator: Nintendo
  • Date Created: 1987
  • Location: Japan
  • Subject Keywords: electronic game, video game, Nintendo, Nintendo Entertainment System
  • Type: Console Games
  • Medium: plastic, metal, printed paper
  • Object ID: 110.8059
The Strong National Museum of Play

Get the app

Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more

Interested in History?

Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly

You are all set!

Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.

Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites