Nintendo is the oldest of the “Big 3”, created way back in 1889. It was a trading card/toy company back then and eventually went on to enter the video games business. Though a lot of people bag on Nintendo for “just making ze marios”, the Big N practically saved the entire industry from the collapse back in 1983.

Right now it’s September 23rd in Japan, meaning Nintendo has finally had its 125th birthday. Obviously, there will be much celebration and badassery.

My first video game system was a handheld, a Gameboy SP. I clocked in almost 100 hours on Mario 2, and even more on Pokémon Emerald. To say that Nintendo has had a big impact on my life is an understatement. Without it, I probably wouldn’t be playing video games or writing for this site.

So Niche Gamer Nation, what are some of your favorite experiences with Nintendo?