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Decoding the Charm of Japanese Video Games (Part Two)

  • Game & Watch (1980, Nintendo) Nintendo’s first handheld LCD-screen game device. Its designer came up with the idea for this calculator-size device when he saw a commuter killing time on a train by playing around with the buttons on his calculator.

    Game & Watch (1980, Nintendo) Nintendo’s first handheld LCD-screen game device. Its designer came up with the idea for this calculator-size device when he saw a commuter killing time on a train by playing around with the buttons on his calculator.

  • Family Computer (1983, Nintendo) Equipped with an 8-bit microprocessor for its CPU, this console let players enjoy a variety of games by inserting different cartridges in the game slot.

    Family Computer (1983, Nintendo) Equipped with an 8-bit microprocessor for its CPU, this console let players enjoy a variety of games by inserting different cartridges in the game slot.

  • PlayStation (1994, Sony Computer Entertainment) This console won out against the Nintendo 64 and Sega Saturn thanks to its full-fledged 3D graphics and incredibly inventive software.

    PlayStation (1994, Sony Computer Entertainment) This console won out against the Nintendo 64 and Sega Saturn thanks to its full-fledged 3D graphics and incredibly inventive software.

  • Nintendo DS (2004, Nintendo)A handheld video-game device that expanded the number of game users with its novel double screen, touch-screen functionality, and voice recognition feature. Cumulative sales topped 100 million units worldwide in 2009.

    Nintendo DS (2004, Nintendo)A handheld video-game device that expanded the number of game users with its novel double screen, touch-screen functionality, and voice recognition feature. Cumulative sales topped 100 million units worldwide in 2009.

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