Why the NES is Still My Favorite Video Game Console

It was the year 1985 when the Nintendo Entertainment System (lovingly known as the NES) emerged in the United States. I wasn't even born yet, though I can easily say that it's my favorite video game console of all time. Fast forward 26 years later. Now you have modern video game consoles such as the: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii and most recently, 3DS. Clearly, the NES doesn't compare in terms of power, graphics and other cool things, but that's beside the point.

Just like my favorite classic sitcom, "I Love Lucy," the NES carries a deep nostalgia, reminiscent of my childhood-a time of innocence, Pac-Man and schoolhouse rock. The iconic black-and-gray 8-bit console was revolutionary for its time; revitalizing the U.S. video game industry and setting the standard for the future of video game consoles. Even to this day, the NES was named the single greatest video game console in history by IGN, a video game entertainment news website.

The NES was the best-selling video game console of its time, measuring at 10 inches wide, eight inches long and three and a half inches tall. The game controller featured a killer vintage, brick-like design with four simple buttons and a cross-shaped joypad. Talk about simplicity at its best.

Of course, I can't forget to mention the awesome video games that define the NES for what it is. To name just a few, my favorites were Super Mario Bros., Mega Man, The Legend of Zelda and Metal Gear. But of all the video games released by Nintendo, Mario is hands down, the most renowned character in video game history. The man is legend. The pudgy plumber has appeared in over 200 video games, has his own wax figure at the Hollywood Wax Museum and is arguably more recognizable to American children than Mickey Mouse. Oh, sweet lord.

Video game consoles have been around for quite a long time, but it was the NES that not only pioneered but salvaged the gaming industry after the crash of 1983. Fortunately, the NES lives on today as many of its classic games are available to purchase on the Nintendo Wii. But, let's face it; it'll never be the same as having that boxy, black-and-gray video game console. This is why the NES is my favorite video game console of all time. It will always hold a special place in my geeky heart.