The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is an 8-bit third-generation home video game console produced, released, and marketed by Nintendo. It was launched in 1983 in Japan and in 1985 in New York City as initial test market, followed by a full launch across North America and Europe between 1986 and 1987. As one of the best-selling gaming console of its time, the NES helped revitalize the video game industry following the video game crash of 1983. With the NES, Nintendo introduced successful higher standard titles and a now-standard business model of licensing third-party developers, authorizing them to produce and distribute games for Nintendo's platform. In August 1995, when it was definitively withdrawn from the market, it nearly reached 62 million units sold becoming the best-selling game console of its time.