Sony’s PlayStation and Microsoft’s Xbox may dominate the console market, but the Nintendo net worth proves that the Japanese video game company can still complete.

Titles such as Minecraft, Grand Theft Auto and Halo now dominate the gaming world.

However, Nintendo’s ancient creations, such as Mario, Link, Yoshi and Donkey Kong, remain the most popular characters around. It is them that cemented Nintendo’s place in history.

Nintendo net worth - Compelo

The company’s games were among the first to feature actual narratives and recognisable characters. As a result, Mario and the likes are still the driving force behind Nintendo’s console sales more than 30 years later.

Yet, Nintendo wasn’t always known for games and consoles. Prior to entering the video game market, Nintendo was a playing card maker, a taxi firm, a rice producer and a ‘love hotel’ chain.

Nintendo net worth - Compelo

While the company’s many ventures ultimately failed, they eventually found their market and have thrived ever since.

They have released a number of hugely popular consoles over the years, such as the SNES, N64 and Wii, and developed record-breaking franchises such as The Legend of Zelda and Pokémon.

As a result of their prolonged success, the Nintendo market cap currently stands at $36.19 billion. That figure puts Nintendo ahead of Sony, but miles behind Bill Gates’ Microsoft empire.

3 video games that caused the Nintendo net worth to spike

There have been plenty of slip-ups and low points along the way, which have caused the Nintendo net worth to drop. Yet, the gaming giants always seems to find a way to bounce back. These three iconic video games helped them to do just that.

Donkey Kong (1981)

Donkey Kong was one of the first platform games to hit the market. It is best known for introducing Mario, who was originally known as ‘Jump Man’.

Nintendo had been trying to crack the North American market for some time and Donkey Kong helped them to achieve their goal.

There is no record of Donkey Kong causing Nintendo’s stock price to increase. Although, the title helped to set Nintendo up as a leading video game company.

Nintendo net worth - Compelo
Flickr/Microsiervos

Wii Sport (2006)

Nintendo’s stock price hit an all-time high in 2007 following the release of the Wii.

Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Sony’s PlayStation 3 were far more powerful than Nintendo’s console. Yet, the Wii appealed to a far larger audience and offered new features such as motion control.

As a result of the console’s success, Wii Sports, which came bundled with the console, became the second most popular video game of all time.

Pokémon Go (2016)

Pokémon is owned by The Pokémon Company and Pokémon Go was created by Niantic, Inc. Nintendo played no part in making or releasing the hit mobile game. Yet, Nintendo’s share price doubled following the release of Pokémon Go.

The price dropped again when investors realised their mistake. However, Nintendo made $115 million in licensing fees from the game, while console sales increased by 19%.

Did you enjoy reading about the Nintendo net worth? Read more:

Sony net worth: The real story behind the brand

Microsoft net worth: Why it’s such a big deal

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