The Nintendo World Championships and 'The Wizard' Reignite 80s Esports Glory

Reliving the Magic: The Nintendo World Championships and 'The Wizard' Reignite 80s Esports Glory

The Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition on the Switch brings a nostalgic wave for early esports enthusiasts, celebrating the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) era. This release coincides with the 35th anniversary of "The Wizard," a cult classic film that captures the essence of early gaming competitions.

In the 1980s and early '90s, Nintendo played a pivotal role in shaping the esports landscape. The 1990 Nintendo World Championships, an iconic event, toured 29 cities and culminated in a grand finale at Universal Studios Hollywood. Contestants competed on a special NES cartridge featuring remixed versions of "Super Mario Bros.," "Rad Racer," and "Tetris."

"The Wizard" movie, though fictional, mirrored this excitement by showcasing a tournament centered around "Super Mario Bros. 3." The film and the real-life championships represented a time when gaming competitions were driven by passion and the dream of young gamers.

As esports evolved, Nintendo shifted its focus, leaving a legacy cherished by many. Today’s esports scene is vast and diverse, yet the magic of the original Nintendo World Championships and "The Wizard" remains unmatched. With the NES Edition on the Switch, gamers can relive those cherished moments and experience the early days of competitive gaming.

For more details, check out the full article on Den of Geek here.

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