Nintendo Research & Development 1 facts for kids

Nintendo Research & Development 1, often called Nintendo R&D1, was a very important part of Nintendo. This team was like a special workshop where many of Nintendo's most famous games and game systems were created. They are well-known for making popular game series like Metroid and WarioWare.

What Was Nintendo R&D1?

Nintendo R&D1 was one of Nintendo's oldest and most creative teams. It was started in 1970 and played a huge role in Nintendo's journey from making playing cards to becoming a global video game giant. The team was led by brilliant designers and engineers who came up with many new ideas.

Early Innovations and Toys

Before video games became popular, Nintendo R&D1 worked on different kinds of toys and electronic gadgets. One of their most famous creations was the Game & Watch series. These were small, handheld electronic games that also told the time. They were very popular and helped Nintendo learn a lot about making portable devices.

The Birth of Handheld Gaming

The success of the Game & Watch led to even bigger ideas. Nintendo R&D1 was key in developing the original Game Boy. This handheld console changed gaming forever. It allowed kids (and adults!) to play games like Tetris anywhere they went. The Game Boy was a massive hit and sold millions of units around the world.

Creating Iconic Game Series

Beyond hardware, R&D1 was also a powerhouse for making amazing games. They created some of Nintendo's most beloved characters and game worlds.

The Metroid Series

One of their most famous creations is the Metroid series. These games are known for their exciting action, exploration, and the brave bounty hunter Samus Aran. Players explore alien planets, find upgrades, and fight strange creatures. The first Metroid game was released in 1986 and became a classic.

The WarioWare Series

Another fun series from R&D1 is WarioWare. These games are full of super-fast "microgames" that you play for just a few seconds each. They are known for their silly humor and quick challenges. The main character, Wario, is a mischievous rival to Mario.

Other Famous Games

Nintendo R&D1 also worked on many other well-known games. These include early Donkey Kong games, Kid Icarus, and even parts of the Mario Bros. series. They helped create many of the characters and ideas that are still part of Nintendo today.

Key People at R&D1

Many talented people worked at Nintendo R&D1. One of the most famous was Gunpei Yokoi. He was a brilliant inventor and game designer. Yokoi-san was the main person behind the Game & Watch and the Game Boy. He also helped create the Metroid series. His ideas greatly influenced how Nintendo made games and hardware.

The Virtual Boy Experiment

Not every idea is a huge success. Nintendo R&D1 also developed the Nintendo Virtual Boy. This console tried to create 3D graphics using red monochrome displays. It was an interesting idea for its time, but it wasn't very comfortable to play and didn't sell well. Even though it wasn't a hit, it showed Nintendo's willingness to try new and different things.

The Legacy of R&D1

Nintendo R&D1 was eventually reorganized into other parts of Nintendo in 2004. However, its legacy lives on. The ideas, games, and systems they created continue to influence Nintendo's products today. Many of the people who worked there went on to lead other important projects within Nintendo. R&D1 helped shape Nintendo into the creative and innovative company it is today.

Images for kids

• 

  Game & Watch: Ball, the first game console in the successful handheld series

• 

  Game Boy, the highly-successful handheld video game console

• 

  The Virtual Boy, developed by R&D1, emulates 3-D visuals by use of individual red monochrome displays for each eye. It was considered a commercial failure.

See also

In Spanish: Nintendo Research & Development 1 para niños