Final answer:
Nintendo changed the nature of home console play with the release of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), which introduced innovative features, popular game franchises, and set the standard for future consoles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The company that changed the nature of home console play was Nintendo. In the 1980s, Nintendo released the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), which revolutionized the gaming industry. The NES introduced a unique controller design, popular game franchises such as Super Mario Bros., and the concept of saving game progress with passwords. It set the standard for future home consoles and paved the way for the success of companies like Sony and Sega.