Ten(10) Things You Never Knew About Nintendo

Nintendo has probably been in the gaming market for a long time and has given top of the line games like Mario, Donkey Kong etc.it Also had its own share of debacles but how much do you know about this gaming legend?Take a few moments to know a few things you wouldn't have known about it:

1)Nintendo is 100 years old:

Nintendo,the Japanese giant was actually founded on September 23. 1889 making the company more than 100 years old,compared so Sony's inception in 1946 & Microsoft's 1975.Founded by Fusajiro Yamuchi, Nintendo was a company which dealt with making Japanese playing Cards.

2)Nintendo Used to Run Love Hotel:

Nintendo used to run a new concept called "Love Hotel" where Paramour lovers can engage in love activity in the Hotel rooms and will be charged based in an hourly rate.These establishments are still a great hit in Japan and Nintendo inspired this idea in the late 60's and this idea was one of the most influential business idea's during Japan's dark times.Now all that remains of the Neon lights are mere memories.


3)Nintendo Implememted Lego like Bricks:

Nintendo actually implemented Brick system/Blocks called N&B Blocks similar to the likes of Lego as one of its new Business venture.Although this move didn't please LEGO,which dragged Nintendo to the court,Nintendo managed to wiggle its way out of legal impediments thanks to a few variations in its block structure compared to the Lego version.Although the N&B blocks were long forgotten in hostory, Gameboy brought the concept back in 1990 when Super Mario 2:6 Golden coins featured a whole new level made out of N&B blocks.

4)Nintendo's Donkey Kong:

Legal battle always used to find itself encircling Nintendo & this time it was Universal Studio which felt that Nintendo's Donkey Kong had brought features from the King Kong there by violating copyrights.What followed was a legal battle which swung Nintendo to the fences and went on to become a blockbuster.


5)Nintendo's Head Quarters in Redmond:

You know that Redmond is Microsoft's Head quarters,but are you aware that after making Millions with the Donkey-Kong franchise in 1982,Nintendo settle in Seattle years before the Microsoft .Microsoft moved in only in 1986.

6)Nintendo's Cross-Shaped D-pad:

  Designed for the Hand-held version of Donkey Kong,Nintendo released the Cross-shaped D pad by Gameboy founder & Nintendo's former employee Gunpei Yokoi. Ninteondo's smart business minds not only realized that this can work for consoles too,but also started featuring in NES+ control pad & became the prototype for the Console gaming Industry for years to come.


7)Nintendo's Violence Control & Censorship:

Nintendo American division was very strict regarding its censorship rules & violence contents in the early 80's like the blood spatter effects,offensive languages etc.For instance,a nude statue was fully clothed,criminal gangs shipping BANANA,instead of drugs,Bars being changed into Cafe's & many more.Take a look @ the blood splatter effect above & see yourself.Blocking offensive content was their primary Motto.


8)Nintendo owns MLB team Seattle Mariners:

Nintendo claimed majority stakes in MLB baseball team Seattle marines in 1992 and became the Majority owner.The team mascot was still Mariner Moose & was also used in Ninento's game promotions especially during the release of Mario Super Sluggers.


9)Nintendo Actually Developed A Phone Prototype in Early 2000's:

Nintendo actually was trying to patent an electronic device which had gaming as well as telephone capabilities.Nintendo actually did develop a mobile phone subsequently but its startling to know they had the prototype plans ready in the early 2000's.It is claimed that there was a Skunkworks R&D project run together by Nokia & Nintendo almost @ a parallel time where Nokia was working on the N-Gage series.The Nintendo's game cum Phone feature was rejected by its Board of directors.

10)Nintendogs Inspired by Shetland Sheepdog Pikku:

Ever wondereed that Nintendogs might actually have been named Nintendocats had it not been for a Shetland Sheepdog called Pukku.This cute little pup belonged to Nintendo's famous game designer Shigeru Miyamoto who was considered as the brain behind Mario, Donkey Kong Zelda franchise & More.