Punch-Out!!, the iconic boxing video game, was first released on February 17, 1984. As of October 26, 2023, the game is precisely 39 years, 8 months, and 9 days old.
The Genesis of Punch-Out!!
The original Punch-Out!! arcade game, developed by Nintendo's Research & Development No. 3 team, made its debut in 1984. This marked the beginning of a beloved franchise renowned for its distinct character designs, challenging gameplay, and memorable opponents. The game was created by Genyo Takeda and Makoto Wada.
Key Release Dates in the Punch-Out!! Franchise
The Punch-Out!! franchise has evolved through various iterations across different platforms since its inception. Below is an overview of its most significant releases:
| Release Type | Date | Platform(s) | Creator(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Release (Original) | February 17, 1984 | Arcade Game | Genyo Takeda, Makoto Wada |
| NES Version | October 1987 | NES | Genyo Takeda, Makoto Wada |
| Super Punch-Out!! | September 14, 1994 | SNES | Genyo Takeda, Makoto Wada |
| Latest Console Release | October 27, 2009 | Wii | Next Level Games |
Note: The original arcade version is considered the foundational entry of the series.
Calculating the Exact Age
When inquiring about the age of a video game franchise like "Punch-Out!!", it typically refers to the launch date of its very first installment to determine its foundational age. Based on its first release date of February 17, 1984, we can perform a precise age calculation:
As of today, October 26, 2023:
- Full Years Completed: The game completed 39 full years on February 17, 2023 (2023 - 1984 = 39 years).
- Months Completed since the last anniversary (February 17, 2023): 8 months have passed, bringing us to October 17, 2023.
- Days Completed in the current month: From October 17, 2023, to October 26, 2023, there are 9 days.
Therefore, the original Punch-Out!! game is precisely 39 years, 8 months, and 9 days old.
Evolution and Legacy
Over nearly four decades, Punch-Out!! has maintained its status as a significant title in video game history. Its blend of straightforward yet deep gameplay mechanics, coupled with iconic characters such as Little Mac and the legendary Mike Tyson (featured in the NES version), has firmly established its enduring legacy and influence on subsequent boxing and arcade games.
