How much did the original Nintendo cost in the 80s?

How Much Did the Original Nintendo Cost in the 80s?

Introduction

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) revolutionized the gaming industry when it was released in 1985. The question on many gamers’ minds was how much did it cost to get their hands on this iconic console?

1985: The Launch Year

When the NES launched in 1985, it was priced at $199.99, a significant sum for a console at the time. This price tag included the console itself, two controllers, a light gun accessory called the Zapper, and a copy of the game Super Mario Bros. Adjusted for inflation, that would be equivalent to around $450 today.

Here’s a breakdown of what you got for your $199.99:

• Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) console
• Two wireless controllers
• Zapper light gun accessory
• Super Mario Bros. game

1986 and Beyond

As the years went by, Nintendo adjusted the price of the NES console several times. Here’s a rough breakdown of the price changes:

• 1986: The NES was priced at $199.99, no changes
• 1987: The price dropped to $179.99, a $20 reduction
• 1988: The price further dropped to $149.99, another $30 decrease
• 1989: The price stabilized at $129.99, no changes

As you can see, Nintendo was working to make its console more affordable for a wider range of consumers. By 1989, the price had dropped to a very reasonable $129.99.

Gaming Bundles and Price Variations

In some cases, the price of the NES varied depending on the bundle deal. For example, The Action Set, a bundle that included the console, two controllers, an NES Zapper, and a dual Game Pak with Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt, was available for $109.99 in 1988. This was significantly cheaper than the standard price of $199.99.

Other bundles and configurations were also available, such as the NES Advantage controller pack, which came with three controllers and two games, priced at $79.99.

Conclusion

When the NES launched in 1985, it came with a hefty price tag of $199.99. Over the years, Nintendo adjusted the price to make it more affordable, eventually stabilizing at $129.99 by 1989. With bundles and price variations, there was something for every gamer and budget.

Here’s a summary of the prices for the NES console:

• 1985: $199.99 (launch price)
• 1986: $199.99
• 1987: $179.99
• 1988: $149.99
• 1989: $129.99

Whether you were an early adopter or came on board a bit later, the original Nintendo Entertainment System was always a fantastic value for gamers of all ages.

Resources:

• [Source 1] Vintageisthenewold.com: "How Much Did the Original Nintendo Entertainment System Cost?"
• [Source 2] Jstationx.com: "The Original Price of the Nintendo Entertainment System"
• [Source 3] Facebook.com: "Nintendo Enters the 80’s"