Nintendo first published Nintendo Power magazine in 1988. The magazine replaced Nintendo’s earlier promotional newsletter, Nintendo Fun Club News, and became one of the most influential sources of video-game information in North America.
The first issue featured Super Mario Bros. 2, the North American version of a game known in Japan as Doki Doki Panic. Nintendo Power combined game news, previews, reviews, maps, strategy advice, and reader letters. Its guides helped players discover secrets before online walkthroughs were common.
Nintendo initially produced the magazine through Nintendo of America. The publication’s early strategy content, including detailed maps and large game guides, made it especially important for games such as The Legend of Zelda and Metroid. It also helped Nintendo communicate directly with its audience during the NES era.
The original North American magazine ended in 2012 after 285 issues. Nintendo Power later returned as a podcast in 2017, but that audio series was separate from the original print magazine.