In the world of gaming, there are few devices that hold the nostalgic charm of the Gameboy. Released in 1989 by Nintendo, the Gameboy was a handheld game console that changed the gaming industry forever. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Gameboy, including its launch, sales figures, best-selling games, and its eventual discontinuation.
When it was launched:
The Gameboy was first released in Japan on April 21, 1989, followed by a North American release later that year in July. Initially, the handheld device was only available in two colors: gray and white. However, in the following years, different color variations were released to the market.
How many sold:
At the end of its production life, over 118 million Gameboy units were sold worldwide, making it one of the most successful gaming consoles of all time. Despite its humble beginnings, when the Gameboy was released, it quickly became a popular device, and its influence can be seen in the culture of today.
Best-selling games:
The Gameboy’s library of games spanned across multiple genres, from side-scrolling platformers like Super Mario Land to puzzle games like Tetris. The best-selling titles such as Super Mario Land, Pokemon Red & Blue, and Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening were hugely popular titles that set the standard for the console’s library.
Discontinued:
The Gameboy was a popular device and its popularity remained stable throughout the years. However, after releasing several updates including the Gameboy Color and Gameboy Advance, Nintendo ultimately discontinued production of the original Gameboy in 2003.
In conclusion, the Gameboy was a console that changed the gaming industry forever. With its portable design, it paved the way for handheld gaming, and its influence can still be seen in modern-day consoles. It’s a system that holds a special place in the hearts of retro gamers, and it will always be remembered as an iconic piece of gaming history.