How Much Did NES Cost in 1985?
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was released in North America on October 18, 1985, at a retail price of $149.99. This was a significant amount of money for a console at the time, equivalent to approximately $390 in today’s dollars.
Deluxe Set vs. Standard Set
When the NES was launched, it was available in two different sets: the Deluxe Set and the Standard Set. The Deluxe Set was a more expensive option that included a range of extra features, including a light gun called the NES Zapper, two controllers, and the games Gyromite and Duck Hunt. This set retailed for $179.99, or around $455 in today’s dollars.
Games and Accessories
In addition to the console itself, gamers would need to purchase games to play on the NES. These games ranged in price from $20 to $40, depending on their complexity and popularity. The NES also had a range of accessories available, including extra controllers, which retailed for $20 to $30, and R.O.B. (Robotic Operating Buddy), a robotic accessory that could play games with the console. R.O.B. cost $50, or around $125 in today’s dollars.
Why Was the NES So Expensive?
So, why was the NES so expensive? There were several reasons for this. First, the console was a highly advanced piece of technology for its time, with a range of features and capabilities that made it more expensive to manufacture than earlier consoles. Additionally, the NES was the first console to use the famous "Nintendo 10" chip, a custom-designed chip that improved the console’s graphics and sound capabilities. This chip was expensive to produce and added to the overall cost of the console.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NES was a relatively expensive console when it was released in 1985, with a retail price of $149.99 for the Standard Set and $179.99 for the Deluxe Set. Games and accessories were also priced reasonably, with most games costing between $20 to $40. Despite the high cost, the NES was a huge success and went on to become one of the best-selling consoles of all time.
Additional Information
Here is some additional information about the NES and its pricing in 1985:
Price Comparison
| Item | Price in 1985 | Price in Today’s Dollars |
|---|---|---|
| NES Standard Set | $149.99 | $390 |
| NES Deluxe Set | $179.99 | $455 |
| Extra Controller | $20-$30 | $50-$75 |
| R.O.B. | $50 | $125 |
| Game | $20-$40 | $50-$100 |
Key Takeaways
- The NES was a relatively expensive console when it was released in 1985.
- The Deluxe Set was more expensive than the Standard Set due to its extra features.
- Games and accessories were priced reasonably, with most games costing between $20 to $40.
- The NES was a huge success and went on to become one of the best-selling consoles of all time.
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