Happy 125th Birthday, Nintendo!!

On this day in 1889, Nintendo was founded as a humble playing-card company. It has grown and changed throughout the years to become everyone's favorite company in the whole wide world.

As you may know (since I mentioned it just above), Nintendo started out making cards for a game called Hanafuda. It continued making these and other types of cards for decades. In the 60s, they began exploring new ways to make money, which led first to toys (such as the intriguing Ultra Hand), and eventually to video games.

Once Donkey Kong was released, there was no looking back. A hit in arcades, the monkey/plumber platformer led the way for other hits like Punch-Out!! and Mario Bros. Eventually, these games made it into the living room, starting with the legendary Super Mario Bros. The industry has never been the same.

Over the years, Nintendo has created some of the most memorable video of all time. Ocarina of Time, Goldeneye, Super Mario Bros. 3, Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, F-Zero X... the list goes on and on.

Happy Birthday, Nintendo. Here's hoping we can all celebrate your next 125th anniversary.