The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was a revolutionary home video game console released by Nintendo in 1985. It is considered one of the most iconic and influential consoles in gaming history. The NES was initially designed to compete with other popular consoles of its time, such as the Commodore 64 and the Sega Master System. However, it went on to become one of the best-selling consoles of all time, thanks to its vast library of games and its enduring popularity.

One of the most interesting aspects of the NES is its unique regional releases, particularly in Japan. The "Lipple Island" release refers to a specific variation of the console that was released exclusively in Japan, featuring a distinctive island-shaped design on the cartridge slot. In this article, we will explore the world of Nintendo NES games in Japan, including information about age ratings and other relevant details.

Background

The NES was first released in North America in 1985, but it wasn't until later that year that it began to gain popularity. The console's library of games was initially limited, but it quickly expanded to include many classic titles such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. The NES went on to become a huge success, selling over 62 million units worldwide during its lifespan.

In Japan, the NES was released in 1986 under the name "Famicom," which is still used today to refer to the console's local name. The Famicom was designed to be more advanced than the NES, with improved graphics and sound capabilities. However, it still had many of the same games as the NES, including popular titles such as Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda.

Regional Releases

One of the most interesting aspects of the NES is its regional releases. In Japan, the console was released in a variety of different versions, each with its own unique features and designs. One of these versions is the "Lipple Island" release, which features an island-shaped design on the cartridge slot.

The Lipple Island release is relatively rare and can be difficult to find, especially outside of Japan. However, for collectors who are willing to hunt down the console, it offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of gaming history. The console's design is distinctive, with a prominent lipple-shaped protrusion on the cartridge slot that sets it apart from other NES consoles.

Age Rating

The NES was initially rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) as "M" for Mature, which was considered to be a relatively high rating at the time. However, in 2010, Nintendo re-released many of its classic NES games on the Wii Virtual Console and later on the Nintendo 3DS eShop, with updated age ratings.

On the Wii Virtual Console, many NES games were rated "E" for Everyone, which was considered to be a significant improvement over their original rating. However, some games, such as "Battletoads" and "Contra," were still rated "M" for Mature due to their graphic violence and mature themes.

The Nintendo 3DS eShop also featured many NES games with updated age ratings. In particular, the release of "Super Mario Bros." was accompanied by a new rating of "E" for Everyone, which reflected its more family-friendly content compared to the original game.

Some popular NES games in Japan that have been released on the Wii Virtual Console or Nintendo 3DS eShop include:

• Super Mario Bros. (Rated E)
• The Legend of Zelda (Rated E)
• Metroid (Rated M)
• DuckTales (Rated E)
• Contra (Rated M)

Collectors and enthusiasts can purchase many original NES games, including Japanese versions with different packaging, in Japan.

Library of Games

The NES has an incredibly vast library of games, spanning a wide range of genres and gameplay styles. Some popular titles include:

• Super Mario Bros. (Platformer)
• The Legend of Zelda (Action-Adventure)
• Metroid (Action-Adventure)
• DuckTales (Platformer)
• Contra (Run-and-Gun Shooter)

The NES also features a number of iconic characters, including Mario, Link from The Legend of Zelda, and Samus from Metroid. These characters have become synonymous with gaming culture and continue to be celebrated by fans around the world.

Impact on Gaming

The NES had a profound impact on the gaming industry, both during its lifespan and in the years that followed. Its influence can still be seen today in many modern games, particularly those developed by Nintendo.

One of the most significant contributions of the NES was its role in popularizing the platformer genre. Super Mario Bros., which was released for the NES in 1985, is widely considered to be one of the greatest games of all time. Its innovative gameplay mechanics and charming graphics set a new standard for platformers, and it has inspired countless other titles.

The NES also helped to establish Nintendo as a major player in the gaming industry. The company's success with the NES led to the development of future consoles, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and the Nintendo 64 (N64).

In conclusion, the Nintendo NES is an iconic console that has left an indelible mark on gaming history. Its regional releases, particularly the "Lipple Island" release in Japan, offer a unique opportunity for collectors to own a piece of gaming history. The NES's library of games is vast and varied, spanning many genres and gameplay styles. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your gaming journey, the NES is definitely worth exploring.

Release Date: September 1986 (Famicom)