There’s a distinct trend taking place at the moment. If you are unaware of what I’m talking about, it’s the hate that is being directly aimed at Nintendo from gaming press outlets such as IGN and Gametrailers. I can see where they are coming from; Nintendo is stubborn, lazy, and they make plenty of mistakes. It’s our right to bitch and complain when we aren’t getting what we want, and I won’t hesitate to say that the Wii is wasted potential. Despite the negative introduction, I am here to share the love. Why? Because it’s so easy to forget what Nintendo have achieved over the last 3 years and concentrate on their mis-haps.

Whoever thought that old people could enjoy videogames? Nintendo did.

After launching across the world, the Wii was quickly finding it’s way into old people’s homes. The older generation have found their place in the industry, and there’s no doubt in my mind that Nintendo will continue to provide experiences that can be enjoyed by everyone. No other company has pulled this off before.

Nintendo started the motion sensing revolution.

Let’s be honest, without the Wii, Project Natal and that Sony Wiimote probably wouldn’t exist. A lot of people thought Nintendo were crazy and it would never catch on. But here they are, 3 years later, dominating the industry and providing even more precision with Wii Motion Plus.

Gaming now has no gender boundaries thanks to Nintendo.

Along with bringing all age groups into the gaming craze, Nintendo has also managed to bring the joy of gaming to all genders. No long is video games a male only hobby, but girls now are also able to have fun with games such as Animal Crossing, Wii Sports, New Super Mario Bros, and even Legend of Zelda. With the Wii and DS, the gaming community has grown as a whole bringing in new and old gamers from all different genders, ages, and backgrounds.

Nintendo has created games that are meant for just having fun.

Nintendo has also managed to revolutionize the term ‘gamer.’ No longer the phrase depicts a guy sitting at home playing Halo or Call of Duty for hours on end. People can be exercising their brain, or even their body with Brain Age and Wii Fit. Why do video games need to be all about winning and proving yourself in some virtual way? Nintendo asked themselves this question, and ended up with some of the best selling games on their console. Nintendo has created games that bring people together to enjoy what gaming was really made for. Having fun.

So here we are today. Nintendo has been losing sight at what they originally planned with the release of the Wii. Possibly the machine that prints money went to their head, but who can blame them? The fact of the matter though is that the industry needs Nintendo. Nintendo has shaped the market, and introduced thousands to the hobby that they might have never even dreamed in taking part in. But no matter your opinion of Nintendo you have to agree that without the little red plumber, video games would never have been the same.