When the Nintendo 64 launched in the United States in 1996, it had sold over 1.6million units worth $200 each in its initial quarter. The closest rival for holiday season was the $30 Tickle Me Elmo doll. SoldAround a million units were sold in one window. More than 20 years later, when Nintendo’s $300 Change (NYSE): The stock company has sold 1.5million units within its first week. This was not only for the holiday season, but also because there was plenty of competition.

Since its inception, the business of gaming is changing dramatically. The widespread use of the internet has led to a significant shift in the game industry. It is now possible to monetize your games through digital and physical copies, as well as microtransactions. While the previous millennium’s video game studios depended on revenue from selling games and gaming hardware, today’s goliaths don’t expect you to buy their games at all.