Reasons Why Game Boy is Still the Best
It’s been four years since they have discontinued Game Boy Micro and since then we have seen the emergence of countless gaming consoles that boast of various features from motion sensors to touchscreen.
This iconic console did not only pave the future for the likes of PSP, Game Gear and Nintendo DS but also saved the gaming industry from coming to a halt in the 1980s with its release. This made playing video games portable enough to be carried in bathrooms, airport lounges, doctor’s waiting room and the car.
During the initial release in 1989, the one million units sent to the United States met only part of the demand and was completely sold out within weeks. The Game Boy was initially bundled with the incredibly addicting game of Tetris that cemented both as all-time favorites. It did not only attract the younger generation but appealed to the older generation as well with the wide variety of games available in its library. The Game Boy found itself inside school backpacks, handbags and briefcases.
The Game Boy further revolutionized portable gaming with its cartridge-based games inspiring game developers worldwide. This allowed Game Boy to maintain its dominance over the handheld gaming devices like Sega’s Game Gear and Nomad, NEC TurboExpress and Atari Lynx. Let’s reminisce on the reasons that made Game Boy a force to reckon with, even after four years since it was discontinued.
1) The Brand – Nintendo has been a brand to reckon with and has continued to dominate the video console market since the 1980s and Nintendo keeps proving over and over again why they are on top. Consumers have trusted Nintendo to provide quality gaming consoles and third party game developers. It has even rendered Atari a shadow of its former glory.
2) Price – Nothing beats the Game Boy especially in terms of price. At an affordable launch price of $89.99, the Game Boy definitely is cheaper than its competitors who have been retailing their handheld consoles for at least $100.00. The monochromatic backlight-deficient device helped make it more economical and it didn’t hurt that Nintendo steadily brings down prices as production costs decreases.
3) Battery Life – The first Game Boy console had an 8-bit processor and utilizes a monochromatic backlight-deficient console that made it energy efficient with at least ten hours of battery life and has been reported to reach 30 hours at its optimal state. Although it seems silly that Nintendo didn’t venture into colored backlit display consoles like its competitors, it proved to be what kept Game Boy afloat with its reliable battery life. Nintendo didn’t rush into developing Game Boy Color until it could offer the same features including a long battery life without being expensive.
4) Continuous Development – Nintendo definitely did not sit on their laurels after the success Game Boy achieved. Over the course of its business, Nintendo came out with seven models each improving on a particular facet of its predecessor while ensuring that none were compromised in favor of the enhancement.
5) Tetris – Game Boy and Tetris was the perfect partnership and probably still is. It simple and yet addictive game presents the user with challenge and entertainment that is expected of game consoles.
The Game Boy presents the typical family with another avenue to spend quality time with each other. The Game Boy did more than just entertain us; for the most of us, the Game Boy is our childhood.
