1992, Super Scope 6
While the Super Scope sold itself--I mean, the thing looks like a bazooka after all--pay close attention to the camera angles going on in this ad. By putting the player "inside" the game, the reflective glass makes it appear as if the gun is actually firing something.

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

1993, Super Mario Kart
Whoever directed this spot deserves a retroactive raise. Done in the style of monster truck rally commercials, goofy little Super Mario Kart never seemed so extreme.

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

1994, Super Metroid
Warning: Approaching the Play It Loud era.

Continuing both the lab-coat and "dogs can play videogames, too" themes, Nintendo took a decidedly Taco Bell approach in this one.

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

1994, Donkey Kong Country
On more than one occasion, Nintendo Power distributed specially produced infomercials for big games, bypassing the airwaves and shipping straight to the kids. Donkey Kong Country got this treatment, complete with a Pauly Shore-wannabe host and an army of hip game-testing tipsters. The full tape follows.

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

1994, Play It Loud
Alert. Alert. We have now entered the Play It Loud era. Take cover.

My god. They've turned Mario into a jewelry-wearing pimp. Beavis and Butthead is on screen longer than the company's stalwart mascot. Speaking of butts, is that the Butthole Surfers?

"I lived in 1994," adds Shacknews staffer Aaron Linde. "It was never that cool. It was me and two friends in a basement, making maps."

We can only blame Sega's stiff competition and edgy marketing for this painful, reactionary campaign.

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Tune in next time, as Nintendo enters the 64-bit age with a slew of memorable commercials--along with some painful clips that had previously been wiped from our memories. And be sure to share your favorites in the comments.