Fans Are Only Now Realizing The 'Meaning' Behind Nintendo's Iconic Name

"Leave luck to heaven"

Damjan

• Published in Gaming
• July 19, 2024

Nintendo, a name synonymous with video games, has a history that stretches back over a century. Before the company became known for iconic characters like Mario and Link, it was a small enterprise with a different focus.

The story of Nintendo's evolution from a maker of playing cards to a global gaming giant is a testament to its innovative spirit and strategic adaptability.

Nintendo was founded in 1889 in Kyoto, Japan, by Fusajiro Yamauchi. At that time, the company specialized in handmade playing cards known as "hanafuda." These cards were a popular form of entertainment in Japan, used for various traditional games.

For decades, Nintendo thrived as a playing card manufacturer, with its products gaining a reputation for quality and craftsmanship.

The turning point for Nintendo came in the 1970s when the company decided to venture into the burgeoning field of electronics. This move was driven by a desire to diversify and explore new opportunities beyond playing cards.

The first breakthrough in this new direction came in 1981 with the release of the arcade game "Donkey Kong." This game introduced the world to the character that would eventually become Mario, setting the stage for Nintendo's future success in the video game industry.

Today, Nintendo is a household name known for its innovative consoles and beloved game franchises. As of March last year, the company had sold more than 5.5 billion video games and over 836 million hardware units worldwide. Iconic series like "The Legend of Zelda," "Pokémon," and "Animal Crossing" have become cultural phenomena enjoyed by generations of gamers around the globe.

However, the name "Nintendo" has intrigued many, leading to various interpretations of its meaning. Playbite says the name can be roughly translated to "leave luck to heaven" or "the temple of free hanafuda."

This interpretation ties back to the company's origins in the playing card industry, where luck and skill often intertwine. The phrase reflects a philosophy of entrusting one's fate to higher powers, a sentiment that seems to have guided Nintendo through its many transformations.

However, the exact meaning of Nintendo's name remains a topic of debate. Some gamers on Reddit have discussed its translation, with one user suggesting it means "leave luck to heaven," based on a Japanese friend's interpretation.

Another user pointed out that the company's roots in producing playing cards might connect the name to the balance between luck and skill in gambling.

There are other interpretations to consider as well. According to Kotaku, the "ten" in Nintendo could have a different meaning. While it is commonly translated as "heaven," historical accounts suggest it might also refer to the mythical being "Tengu."

This interpretation dates back to when Nintendo tried to overcome a slump in hanafuda sales. The company president at the time, Yamauchi, considered selling lower-quality cards under the name "Tengu," which was associated with gambling among regular card players.

What is the true meaning behind the brand?

The brand is now widely recognized.

The story of Nintendo is one of remarkable transformation and enduring success. From its beginnings as a maker of playing cards to its current status as a leader in the video game industry, Nintendo has continuously adapted and innovated.

The mystery surrounding its name adds an extra layer of intrigue to its rich history, reflecting the company's blend of tradition and forward-thinking vision. Whether one interprets "Nintendo" as "leave luck to heaven" or connects it to the mythical "Tengu," the name symbolizes a legacy of creativity, resilience, and a bit of fate.

Damjan