Nintendo's Game & Watch tribute handhelds, initially released five years ago, remain on sale as new items, and the user continues to utilize one for impromptu play of Link's Awakening.
In a nod to its Game Boy predecessor, Nintendo has released the latest additions to its line of mini retro console recreations - the Game & Watch handhelds. These compact devices, available in two flavours - Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros and Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda - serve as a tribute to Nintendo's first-ever gaming handheld to feature its iconic D-pad.
Despite being Nintendo's last mini retro console recreations, these handhelds continue to be available for purchase at reasonable prices. This is largely due to several factors. Firstly, as limited but relatively recent merchandise, there is still stock available in the market, keeping prices stable and reasonable compared to older, more scarce retro collectibles.
Secondly, while these handhelds appeal strongly to fans and collectors, they do not have the runaway scarcity or premium aftermarket hype typical of much earlier or rarer Nintendo retro hardware.
Thirdly, Nintendo's focus on modern consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2 and its new lineup of games, such as Mario Kart World, maintains strong interest in its current ecosystem over past mini consoles.
Lastly, the overall demand for the Game & Watch units is balanced by sufficient supply from the original production runs and new availability from retailers.
The Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda edition, priced at $57.95 at Amazon and £44.99 at the Nintendo Store in the UK, includes Zelda and Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link, as well as Zelda: Link's Awakening, which is considered one of the best Game Boy games of all time. In comparison, the Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros, priced at $45.90 at Amazon and £38.16 in the UK, features Super Mario Bros, Mario Bros 2, and an appropriately themed version of the Game & Watch classic Ball.
One of the standout features of these handhelds is their small size, making them a unique way to experience '80s Nintendo hardware without investing in expensive, potentially faulty, 40-year-old tech. Despite their size, the handhelds boast a 2.36-inch LCD display that is remarkably bright and vibrant.
Moreover, the Game & Watch: Zelda handheld can last up to 8 hours on a single charge via USB-C, offering long gaming sessions without frequent charging. This impressive battery life, coupled with their compact size, makes these handhelds an ideal addition to any retro gaming collection, easily displayed on a shelf, carried in a backpack, or kept on a bedside.
While these handhelds were initially criticized for only having three games, with some expecting a Game Boy mini instead, the Game & Watch: Zelda handheld has a better selection of games compared to the Mario version, with games that are considered grander outings. This makes them an attractive option for those seeking a piece of Nintendo's rich gaming history.
In conclusion, the continued availability of the Game & Watch handhelds at reasonable prices is a testament to Nintendo's commitment to preserving its legacy while focusing on its current and future offerings. These handhelds offer a unique and affordable way to experience classic Nintendo games, making them a must-have for any retro gaming enthusiast.
[1] https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/ [2] https://www.nintendo.co.uk/ [3] https://www.polygon.com/2019/11/13/20961974/nintendo-game-and-watch-zelda-gameboy-color-link-awakening [4] https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/11/12/nintendo-game-and-watch-zelda-review [5] https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-game-and-watch-zelda-review-a-tiny-tribute-to-the-classics/1100-6472592/
- Nintendo's Game & Watch handhelds, such as those based on Super Mario Bros and The Legend of Zelda, are an attractive offering for retro gaming enthusiasts, providing a unique and affordable way to experience classic Nintendo games.
- These compact devices, reminiscent of Nintendo's Game Boy predecessor, offer a selection of games like Zelda, Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link, and Zelda: Link's Awakening, considered one of the best Game Boy games of all time, in the Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda edition.
- Despite the criticism that the handhelds initially received for only having three games, the Game & Watch: Zelda handheld features a better selection compared to the Mario version, offering grander outings for players.
- The Game & Watch handhelds, available for purchase at reasonable prices, are a tribute to Nintendo's first-ever gaming handheld to feature its iconic D-pad.
- Despite their size, these handhelds come with a 2.36-inch LCD display that is remarkably bright and vibrant, and the Game & Watch: Zelda handheld can last up to 8 hours on a single charge via USB-C.
- Nintendo's focus on modern consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2 and its new lineup of games, such as Mario Kart World, maintains strong interest in its current ecosystem over past mini consoles.
- The handhelds' availability is balanced by sufficient supply from the original production runs and new availability from retailers, although their prices remain stable due to factors such as limited but relatively recent merchandise status, lack of runaway scarcity or premium aftermarket hype, and overall demand for the Game & Watch units.
