What Magazine Did Nintendo Publish for NES Games?

This article examines Nintendo Power, the official publication released by Nintendo to market and support NES titles. Readers will learn about the magazine’s debut in 1988, its comprehensive guides and previews, and its significant role in shaping gaming culture throughout the console’s lifespan and beyond.

Launched in July 1988, Nintendo Power replaced the previous Nintendo Fun Club News. It quickly became an essential resource for subscribers seeking walkthroughs, cheat codes, and exclusive previews of upcoming software. The magazine was instrumental in promoting the Nintendo Entertainment System during its peak popularity in North America.

Beyond simple advertisements, the publication featured editorials, player polls, and comic strips based on popular franchises like The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Bros. It served as a direct communication channel between the company and its fanbase, fostering a strong community around the brand.

Nintendo Power continued publication through the SNES and N64 eras before eventually ceasing regular print issues in 2012. Although the original run ended, the brand saw a revival in 2017 as a podcast and later returned as a print magazine in partnership with Future US, cementing its legacy as the definitive voice of Nintendo gaming history.