

Gaming Consoles Part 3: Nintendo - [Business Breakdowns, EP.203]
61 snips Jan 17, 2025
Ryan O'Connor, founder of Crossroads Capital and expert on Nintendo, dives deep into the gaming giant's storied history. He explores Nintendo's transformation from a playing card company to a gaming powerhouse. Key discussions include its rebirth after the 1983 crash, the innovative features of the NES, and the strategic shift towards ongoing revenue with the Switch. O'Connor also highlights Nintendo's evolving IP strategy, emphasizing new monetization avenues in film and television while sharing crucial investment lessons drawn from Nintendo's dynamic journey.
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Nintendo's Origins
- Nintendo originally sold playing cards, possibly to the Yakuza, in 1889.
- They later ventured into various businesses, including bowling alleys and toys.
1983 Video Game Crash
- The 1983 video game crash was caused by a glut of low-quality Atari games and oversaturation in the market.
- This led to declining consumer interest and the sale of Atari by Warner Communications.
Nintendo's NES Strategy
- Nintendo revived the industry with the NES by focusing on quality control, innovative hardware, and ergonomic design.
- Their "seal of quality" was a precursor to app stores, charging third-party developers for access.