Classic Toys

Nintendo

By GToys Published · Updated

Nintendo

Children began to love video games like Donkey Kong and Super Mario Bros. in 1985, when the Nintendo Entertainment System was introduced. More than 60 million units were sold in its first two years, and it paved the way for high-tech consoles of today like the Wii and Nintendo DS Lite.

The Game Boy Revolution

In addition, Game Boy (the first portable, handheld game system with interchangeable game paks) was born in 1989, enabling kids to entertain themselves on the go. The NES was first featured in December 1985, and it changed the toy industry forever.

Before Nintendo: The Video Game Crash

Before the NES arrived in America, the video game industry was in crisis. The crash of 1983 had devastated the market, with companies like Atari flooding stores with low-quality games. Retailers were skeptical of video games, and many considered the fad over.

Nintendo changed everything. By implementing strict quality control and creating a library of genuinely fun games, the company rebuilt consumer trust in video gaming from the ground up.

The Console That Saved an Industry

The NES launched with titles like Super Mario Bros., Duck Hunt, and Excitebike. These games set new standards for gameplay, graphics, and replay value. The included Zapper light gun added a physical dimension to gaming that appealed to parents who worried about kids sitting still.

Game Boy: Gaming Goes Portable

When the Game Boy launched in 1989 with Tetris as its pack-in game, it created an entirely new category of entertainment. For the first time, kids could play real video games on car trips, in waiting rooms, and anywhere else they went. The Game Boy’s simple green-and-black screen and remarkable battery life made it practically indestructible.

Nintendo’s Lasting Impact

Nintendo proved that video games were not a passing fad but a permanent part of childhood. The company’s commitment to family-friendly content and innovative gameplay mechanics has kept it relevant for four decades. From the NES to the Switch, Nintendo continues to bring joy to kids and adults alike, earning its place among the greatest toys of all time.

Expert Tips From Parents and Educators

Experienced parents and early childhood educators offer valuable perspective on choosing and using toys effectively. Here are insights gathered from those who have seen thousands of children play.

Start Simple, Build Up

Many parents make the mistake of buying the most advanced version of a toy right away. Start with the basic version. If your child loves it, upgrade to the next level. This approach saves money and prevents overwhelm. A child who masters a simple puzzle feels motivated to tackle a harder one. A child given a puzzle that is too difficult from the start may give up entirely.

Watch How Your Child Plays

Before buying the next toy, spend some time observing how your child plays with what they already have. What draws their attention? What do they return to day after day? What gets ignored after the initial excitement wears off? These observations are worth more than any buying guide because they reveal your individual child’s preferences and play style.

Quality Time Beats Quantity of Toys

Research from the University of Toledo found that children with fewer toys engage more deeply, creatively, and for longer periods than children with many toys. Four toys produced higher quality play than sixteen toys in controlled studies. The takeaway is clear: a curated collection of excellent toys outperforms a mountain of mediocre ones.

Do Not Underestimate Cardboard Boxes

Ask any parent what their child played with most after a birthday or holiday, and many will sheepishly admit it was the box. Cardboard boxes become spaceships, castles, race cars, puppet theaters, and time machines. They cost nothing and provide some of the most creative play experiences available. Keep a few good boxes around and watch what happens.

Let Boredom Happen

Parents often rush to fill every quiet moment with a new toy or activity. But boredom is actually a powerful catalyst for creativity. When children are bored, they invent games, create stories, and discover new ways to use familiar toys. Resist the urge to solve boredom immediately and give your child the space to solve it themselves.