The 1985 Cost of the Nintendo Entertainment System: A Look at Price and Value

Blast From The Past: Unpacking the 1985 Price of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) – Was it Worth It?

Let’s recall 1985. Leg warmers were everywhere. Hair styles were large. The Nintendo Entertainment System, or NES, was ready to revolutionize home entertainment. But what was its price back then? Was allowance enough to buy one?

The NES Price Tag in ’85: Buckle Up, Buttercup

The NES first hit American markets in October 1985. Its price was $199. Yes, that’s correct. One hundred ninety-nine dollars for access to Hyrule, the Mushroom Kingdom, and endless hours of pixelated fun.

Deluxe Dreams: The Price of the NES Deluxe Set

Before the national launch, Nintendo tested the waters in 1985. They offered a Deluxe Set. This premium version cost US$179.99. Early birds could grab a slightly cheaper entry into the NES world.

Inflation Inflation: What’s $199 in 1985 Worth Today?

Today, $199 in 1985 looks pretty good. Modern buyers often spend more on gadgets. But inflation gives us better context. According to the Inflation Calculator, it amounts to about $587.51 today. That price tag feels high, huh? It’s like time traveling for a new console at over half a grand.

Bundles of Joy? Control Deck and Action Sets

You might want to know about NES bundles like the “Control Deck Bundle” or “Action Set.” Specific 1985 prices aren’t listed, but we understand the launch prices set a good base for the cost of experiencing NES gaming.

NES 101: More Than Just a Gray Box

For newcomers or those with hazy memories, let’s clarify things. NES means Nintendo Entertainment System. It was Nintendo’s big entry into the US console market, an 8-bit console that revived the video game industry after rough times in the early 80s. In Japan, it was known as the Family Computer, or Famicom. Famicom refers to its Japanese counterpart.

NES Timeline: From Launch to Last Call

The NES debuted in Japan as the Famicom on July 15, 1983. It launched in America as the NES on October 18, 1985. But the journey had to end at some point. Nintendo stopped the NES in North America and Europe on August 14, 1995. That makes for a solid decade of 8-bit joy!

Sales Stats: NES Mania Sweeps the Nation (and the World)

Did the NES find success? Absolutely! North America bought 1.1 million NES consoles in 1986 alone. Worldwide sales reached an impressive 3 million units in 1986. Clearly, people wanted to dive into gaming.

The Last Hurrah: The Final Official NES Game

Even consoles have their final moments. The last official NES game for PAL regions was The Lion King, released on May 25, 1995. It marked a fitting farewell for an era, graced by a Disney classic.

King of the Cartridges: The Best-Selling NES Game

Which NES game was the best seller? Drumroll… Super Mario Bros.! It launched in Japan on September 13, 1985, and sold over 40 million copies worldwide. It’s not only a top NES title but one of the best-selling games ever. Impressive feat for a plumber and a princess!

PRG? Huh?: Decoding NES Cartridge Lingo

You’ve probably seen letters on NES cartridges and wondered what they mean. Each cartridge housed at least three chips. One held the essential program code, abbreviated as PRG. Now you can share this tidbit at retro gaming nights.

NES Lifespan: A Long and Prosperous Run

The NES officially lasted from 1983–2003. Yes, you read that correctly. Even post-production stoppage in 1995, people kept enjoying NES games for years after. That’s impressive staying power for a console!

5-Screw NES: A Collector’s Quirky Quest

Some collectors seek out the “5 screw NES.” This refers to early NES game cartridges with five screws on the back. It’s quite the thing for vintage enthusiasts. Interesting fact for sure!

What’s a Used NES Worth Today? Spoiler: More Than Dust Bunnies

If you have an older NES collecting dust, it might still hold value. The worth of a used NES depends on condition and where you sell it. Here’s a brief summary from a recent Investopedia article:

• Decluttr: Around $54. Quick transaction, but not top dollar.
• Best Buy: Up to $90, based on specific model type.
• GameStop: Between $143 and $154, depending on version. Not bad overall.
• Swappa: Wider price range, from $128 to $288. Be patient and you could find good deals.
• Mint Condition Dream?: Pristine units could fetch prices up to $300. Time to check your storage!

Console Price Throwdown: NES vs. The Competition (and Beyond!)

To truly appreciate the NES price, let’s compare it to other consoles from that era and later:

The $199 launch price was common for consoles in the late 80s and early 90s. The Atari 2600 in 1980, SNES in 1991, and N64 and Dreamcast all matched this price. Later consoles like PlayStation, PS2, Xbox 360, and PS3 increased significantly. And the PS5? Inflation does impact pricing!

Ultimately, was the NES worth $199 in 1985? Given the fun times, cultural importance, and its role in saving gaming, many would say it was a bargain at twice that price. Now excuse me while I dust off my old NES and revisit that Mushroom Kingdom adventure. Who has a spare $587.51 in 1985 money?