✍🏻 Inspiration of the week
“At Nintendo, we always try to do something different. Not because we hate what others are doing—but because it’s boring to do the same.”
– Shigeru Miyamoto, Creator of Mario & Zelda
Can nostalgia be your strongest UX strategy?
In a world chasing high-resolution realism, Nintendo did the opposite.
It focused on fun. And it won.
But how did a 130-year-old company (yes, that old!) go from playing cards to changing how the world plays games?
Let’s jump into the story.
🕹️ The Story Behind the Console
Nintendo started in 1889 as a handmade playing card company in Kyoto, Japan.
For nearly 70 years, it explored toy manufacturing, taxi services, even love hotels (!), until it found its magic: video games.
The turning point?
🧑🔬 In 1981, Nintendo released Donkey Kong, and with it, the debut of a now-legendary character: Mario.
From the Game Boy to the Wii, Nintendo kept reimagining play:
- Game Boy (1989): Portable fun in your pocket
- Wii (2006): Motion-sensing for everyone, not just gamers
- Nintendo Switch (2017): One device. Two modes. Countless players
It wasn’t about powerful specs—it was about intuitive joy.
As of 2024, Nintendo Switch has sold over 139 million units worldwide, making it one of the top 3 best-selling consoles ever.
🧠 UX Lesson: Innovate Inside Constraints
Nintendo never tried to outgun PlayStation or Xbox in graphics. Instead, they leaned into what made them different:
✅ Simpler controls for all ages
✅ Characters that were expressive, not realistic
✅ Games designed to create shared joy, not solo grind
This made them accessible to kids, parents, and even grandparents.
UX takeaway?
Don’t chase trends. Redefine your own path through user emotion.
✨ What You Can Learn From Nintendo
✅ Let constraints drive creativity
✅ Build for delight, not just performance
✅ Longevity comes from emotion, not just innovation
📎 Bonus Resource
Curious how Nintendo designs games for all ages?
Check this article on Nintendo & designing humanly.
I'm KSB, and through UXLetter, I explore brand stories that shape the way we design.
Nintendo reminded us that joy is a UX strategy.
Let’s keep designing experiences worth remembering.
🎮 Until next time,
– KSB, UXLetter
P.S: What’s your favorite Nintendo memory? Mario Kart with friends? Zelda at midnight?
Hit reply and share your game story—I’d love to hear it!
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