A new music streaming app has burst onto the bustling market, capturing the attention of gaming enthusiasts and music lovers alike.
Dubbed Nintendo Music, this innovative platform allows users to immerse themselves in dozens of hours of iconic music from beloved games such as Mario, Zelda, and Donkey Kong.
Since its launch on October 30, the app has remarkably racked up over a million downloads, signaling its immediate popularity among fans of all ages.
The early success, coupled with the enthusiastic response from the community, underscores the enduring legacy and widespread appeal of Nintendo’s distinctive music catalog.
Nintendo: a melodic history
Ben Kidd, a well-known video game music analyst on his YouTube channel, 8-bit Music Theory, delves into the nuances of jazz-infused video game music, exploring themes in videos such as “Why Animal Crossing Music Sounds Nostalgic” and “Why Does Mario Music Sound ‘Fun’?“
Kidd observes that the popularity of his content reflects the deep emotional connection many individuals have with video game music. He points out specific characteristics inherent to Nintendo’s music that resonate profoundly with audiences.
“I think the strength of Nintendo’s music really has to do with the strength of their early composers,” he elaborates. “These composers established a legacy that continues to enchant listeners.”
Composers like Koji Kondo have played a pivotal role in this evolution, having not only pioneered video game music but also crafted the unforgettable melodies that define games like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda.
Over the years, these memorable motifs have gone through myriad remixes and reinterpretations, enhancing the nostalgia factor for countless players.
“It’s a bit of a chicken and egg situation,” Kidd notes. “The melodies are so strong that they’re easy and effective to reuse, and the more frequently these melodies are incorporated into new titles, the more impactful they become.”
The broad appeal of video game music
The early triumph of the Nintendo Music app can be attributed to more than just the allure of Nintendo’s scores alone.
For years, fans have sought out video game music on multiple platforms like YouTube, where playlists curated around specific moods, such as studying or relaxation, proliferate.
As an example, a video titled “90 Minutes of Nintendo Music for Studying/relaxing/calming” captures the essence of this trend.
“Video game music is often designed to fill a background space without taking too much of the listener’s attention away,” explains Harvey Jones, a musician known for creating tunes inspired by video games under the name Pizza Hotline.
Jones is also a dedicated member of the YouTube community that actively shares and archives video game music for enthusiasts.
“Around 2022, I began digging deep into ’90s and naughties video game soundtracks from consoles like the N64, the GameCube, the PS1, and the Dreamcast, and I discovered so many hidden gems,” he recalls enthusiastically.
Video game playlists curated by fans have the potential to rack up millions of views, indicating a robust demand for this genre. Jones believes that Nintendo is responding to this appetite.
“They’ve legitimized the video game music listening experience with this app,” he affirms, noting its significance in the broader context.
Yet, the app is not without its dissenting voices. Kidd points out a notable critique surrounding the lack of composer credits.
“It would be nicer for the composers if people associated these beloved soundtracks with the individuals who crafted them, rather than just the company they represent,” he observes.
He argues that this type of recognition would significantly enhance the user experience, allowing listeners to appreciate the unique styles of various Nintendo composers.
Inquiries from NPR regarding potential updates to the app addressing this concern have not yet elicited a response from Nintendo. However, the company has already begun adding additional tracks to the app since its debut, including notable pieces from the iconic Donkey Kong Country 2 soundtrack.
Inherently designed to be engaging and often serves as a backdrop for activities like studying or working,” says Kidd. “It’s peaceful, yet it stirs up nostalgic feelings, making it perfect for anyone looking to find a little motivation.”
—
**Interview with Ben Kidd, Video Game Music Analyst**
**Editor:** Today, we have Ben Kidd on the line, renowned for his insights into video game music through his YouTube channel, 8-bit Music Theory. Ben, thank you for joining us!
**Ben Kidd:** Thank you for having me!
**Editor:** Let’s dive right into it. What are your thoughts on the recent launch of the Nintendo Music app?
**Ben Kidd:** It’s a brilliant move by Nintendo. With its impressive library of timeless tracks from franchises like *Mario*, *Zelda*, and *Donkey Kong*, it taps into a nostalgic vein that many gamers have cherished for years. The million downloads in such a short period is very telling of its significance.
**Editor:** It seems like this is more than just a streaming service for you. You focus on how video game music elicits strong emotions. Can you elaborate?
**Ben Kidd:** Certainly! Nintendo’s music, created by icon composers like Koji Kondo, has an unparalleled ability to evoke nostalgia and emotion. Their compositions set a standard that resonates deeply with players, enhancing the immersion of gaming experiences.
**Editor:** You’ve mentioned the “chicken and egg” situation concerning remixes and reinterpretations of classic melodies. Can you explain that further?
**Ben Kidd:** Sure! The original melodies are so strong that they are frequently repurposed in new games. As players hear these melodies again and again, they attach more memories and feelings to them, increasing their impact. It’s a cycle that strengthens the connection between the music and the gaming experience.
**Editor:** With the popularity of video game music on platforms like YouTube, do you think the Nintendo Music app fills a gap in the market?
**Ben Kidd:** Absolutely. There’s been a growing demand for video game music playlists for various activities, such as studying or relaxing. Nintendo Music not only provides that easily but also curates tracks specifically from its beloved series, which is incredibly appealing to both gamers and music lovers.
**Editor:** Before we wrap up, what do you think the future holds for apps like Nintendo Music and the video game music genre in general?
**Ben Kidd:** I believe we’ll see continued growth in this area, especially as more fans engage with video game soundtracks. The emotional connections people have with these tunes will drive innovation and new platforms for discovery. It’s an exciting time for video game music!
**Editor:** Thank you, Ben, for your insights. The intersection of music and gaming is truly fascinating, and with apps like Nintendo Music leading the way, we can only expect more captivating tunes to come!
**Ben Kidd:** Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss this topic.
