Nintendo Turns 137 Today, Making It Older (And Better) Than Sliced Bread
Nintendo celebrated its 137th anniversary today, marking over a century of evolution from humble origins to become a global gaming leader. The company was founded in 1889 as a maker of hanafuda playing cards, eventually diversifying into toys and other entertainment products before transitioning into video games. This long history has made Nintendo a titan in the gaming industry, known for iconic franchises and innovative hardware.
To underscore the company’s remarkable age, Nintendo is notably older than sliced bread—a fact that has circulated online as charming trivia. While this may seem like an unusual comparison, it highlights just how long Nintendo has been part of popular culture. Commercial pre-sliced bread didn’t make its debut until 38 years after Nintendo’s founding in 1889, making the company a cultural institution that predates this common household staple by more than a third of a century.
This anniversary serves as a reminder of Nintendo’s enduring impact on entertainment and its ability to adapt and thrive across different eras, from the era of playing cards to the modern age of interactive gaming.