Retro is in, and the gaming industry is far from immune to the burgeoning trend, with morelegal action being takenagainst pirates as mainstream brands are starting to cater to consumers’ demands. Nintendo gamers have always been in a great position to access their old favorites, thanks to the company’s long history and massive catalogue. Likewisehandheld retro gamingfans are probably enjoying the current market, as they can often revisit their earliest games on smartphones and tablets, rather than being tied to a PC or the Switch.
Fromretro Yu-Gi-Oh card packsto the upcoming re-release of the originalLegend of Zeldaanimated series, retro content has been hitting the shelves in droves this year, yet Nintendo has more to offer. Two new entries to theHistory of Nintendoseries have been published for the first time in English:The History Of the Famicom/NESandThe History Of The Game Boy. Written by gaming historian Florent Gorges, the volumes cover decades of Nintendo history, through the lens of these two trailblazing consoles.
The History Of The Game Boy (Unofficial) [ENG]: 1989-1999 The incredible story behind the GB, as the full title reads, promises to give the full story of the Game Boy family, starting with the original and ending with the Game Boy Micro’s release in 2005.
The History Of the Famicom/NES: 1983-2016 The Story Of the Family Computercovers a much longer period of time, yet is fairly focused in its subject. Following the much lesser-known system’s life takes readers from the inception to the Famicom’s final entry: the 2016 Mini. Since the author is French, there is also a ton of niche historical information about the NES in the French market and culture.
Those who are intrigued enough to want to get the whole set of Nintendo history books from Gorges are out of luck though, as his other books were very well-received, yet are out of print. That means the only way to get them is through the used market, where prices are as high as $400 for a single volume.
The History Of the Famicom/NES: 1983-2016 The Story Of the Family Computer
Discover the unbelievable history of Japan’s most iconic console: the Family Computer (Famicom). From the origins of its conception in 1981 to the release of the Famicom Mini in 2016, you’ll learn all about the amazing history of its machine, with countless exclusive revelations, the fruit of over 15 years of research in Japan. As a bonus, you’ll also discover a totally unknown part of NES history, with the totally incredible story of the NES in France.
The History Of The Game Boy: 1989-1999
The History Of The Game Boy is a non-fiction book packed with heavily-researched information about one of the greatest handheld console lines ever. Including interviews with the key players behind Nintendo’s family of Game Boy consoles, this book offers an in-depth look back at the history of Nintendo, celebrating the decades-long legacy of the Game Boy.
The History of Nintendo 1889-1980
This highly detailed publication delves into the rich and varied (and often forgotten) 120-year history of the world’s leading video game company. For the very first time, Nintendo’s historical product portfolio is catalogued in painstaking and loving detail, with over 500 card games, tabletop games, toys,electronic, and arcade games, all compiled into one superbly crafted book. Thisbook details Nintendo’s humble beginnings as a playing card manufacturer,charting progress through the entire range of toys and games, including such legendary products as Love Tester, Ten Billion, Ultra Hand,Custom Gunman, and hundreds more, progressing up to the first video arcade games, home consoles, and Game & Watch series.
The History of Nintendo 1980-1991
The second volume of The History of Nintendo is dedicated entirely to the fabulous Game & Watch games, a famous line of electronic LCDgames which was very popular in the early 80’s. You’ll find the detailed and exclusive chronicles of how this invention, which revolutionized the whole entertainment industry, came to be. You’ll also uncover the difficulties encountered during their development, the secrets behind this new concept at the time, and dozens of unexpected documents.
However, for Game Boy and Famicom mega-fans, these books are the perfect addition to a gamer library. The new history of Nintendo books are currently available through Amazon for less than $30, making them ideal as fall reads or even gifts for the upcoming holidays!
