What Is Nintendo?

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

The game is on! Get your hands on this book about one of the most influential companies in the video game industry.

Founded in 1889, Nintendo started out as a small playing card company in Japan. Though the cards sold well, Nintendo really became popular when it began creating toys in the 1960s, and then became internationally renowned after developing video games and consoles in the 1970s and ’80s. After introducing the world to some of the best-known and top-selling video game franchises of all-time, such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, and Pokémon, it’s clear to see why Nintendo is beloved by parents as a company that creates nonviolet, family-friendly entertainment for kids.

With fun black-and-white illustrations and an engaging 16-page photo insert, readers will be excited to read this latest additon to Who HQ!

Series Overview: A natural expansion of the exceptional Who Was? series, What Was? focuses on compelling historical events, great battles, protests, and discoveries.

About the Author

Gina Shaw is a writer and editor who has taught children’s book writing at Hofstra University. She is the author of some Smithsonian books, including Curious About Orangutans and Curious About Snow. This is her first Who HQ book.