Lots of studying, thinking, and planning led to the release of the Nintendo 64 on this day in 1996 in Japan.

After three years of development under the code name “Project Reality,” Nintendo unveiled the world’s first true 64-bit home video game console—an innovation that transformed the gaming industry.

The console launched in the U.S. in September 1996. By mid-1999, Nintendo Co., Ltd. of Kyoto, Japan had sold over 19.78 million Nintendo 64 units and 88.66 million games worldwide.

“Nothing succeeds like success,” noted writer Alexandre Dumas.

And success has long been woven into Nintendo’s story. Founded in 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi, the company originally produced Hanafuda playing cards, beloved in Japan, Hawaii, and around the world.

Under the leadership of his grandson Hiroshi Yamauchi—Nintendo’s CEO until 2002—the company evolved into a global leader in video gaming. In the fast-changing industry, Nintendo’s 2004 Game Boy Advance remained dominant in the handheld market.

“Along with success,” said Euripides in Hippolytos, “comes a reputation for wisdom.”