Nintendo Seal of Quality

Overview

After the 1983 crash, Nintendo controlled everything. The “Official Nintendo Seal of Quality” certified that games met Nintendo’s standards—but also ensured Nintendo controlled what appeared on their platform. Publishers needed approval, paid licensing fees, and accepted manufacturing limits. Quality improved; so did Nintendo’s profits and power.

Fast facts

Introduced: 1985 (US NES launch).
Purpose: Quality assurance, platform control.
Requirements: Licensing agreement.
Evolution: Later “Official Nintendo Seal.”

Post-crash context

Before (Atari)	After (Nintendo)
Open platform	Controlled licensing
Quality varied wildly	Standards enforced
Market flooded	Limited releases
Crash	Recovery

Licensing requirements

Requirement	Purpose
Approval process	Quality gate
Licensing fee	Revenue, barrier
Manufacturing control	Nintendo made cartridges
Release limits	Publishers limited per year
Exclusivity	NES-only periods

Quality standards

Area	Standard
Technical	Must function correctly
Content	No inappropriate material
Branding	Proper Nintendo references
Documentation	Manual requirements

10NES lockout chip

Function	Implementation
Authentication	Chip in cartridge and console
Handshake	Must pass to boot
Purpose	Prevent unlicensed games
Circumvention	Tengen, other workarounds

Publisher restrictions

Limitation	Effect
Five games per year	Limited output
Two-year exclusivity	No ports allowed
Minimum order	Financial commitment
Nintendo manufacturing	No third-party carts

Controversies

Issue	Situation
Tengen	Unlicensed games, lawsuit
Monopoly concerns	FTC investigation
Publisher complaints	Restrictive terms
Content censorship	Religious, violent content

Evolution

Era	Status
NES	”Official Nintendo Seal of Quality”
Later	”Official Nintendo Seal”
Modern	Less restrictive licensing

Certification and control