Tag Archives: nintendo

Donkey Kong Lands on the ZX Spectrum in a Brilliant New Conversion

Donkey Kong, Nintendo’s legendary 1981 arcade classic, has made its way to the ZX Spectrum in a great conversion by developer Artonapilos. This faithful recreation brings the barrel-dodging, hammer-swinging action of the original to the beloved 8-bit home computer, offering a nostalgic blast from the past for enthusiasts of classic games.

Credit: Indie Retro News

For those unfamiliar, Donkey Kong marks a pivotal moment in gaming history. Launched in arcades over 40 years ago, it introduced players to Mario—originally dubbed Jumpman—as he battled the titular ape to rescue a damsel in distress. The game’s simple mechanics, challenging platforming, and quirky charm turned it into an instant hit, laying the groundwork for Nintendo’s dominance in the industry. It also spawned a legacy that includes the Super Mario Bros. franchise, cementing its place among the most influential titles ever made.

The ZX Spectrum, a cornerstone of 1980s computing in Britain, is the perfect platform for this revival. With its distinctive rubber keys and vibrant library of games, it remains a fan favourite among retro gamers. Artonapilos has tapped into this affection, delivering what many are calling an “amazing clone” of the arcade original. The developer’s attention to detail shines through, with enhancements like AY sound support for Spectrums equipped with an AY chip—or external devices like the Melodik—adding richer audio. Players can even toggle background music, which plays alongside sound effects, a rare treat for an 8-bit title.

This isn’t just a straight port, either. Artonapilos has polished the experience with fixes to Mario’s animations, adjusted barrel behaviours to match the arcade version, and sped up lifts in later levels for a tougher challenge. The game now runs smoothly on a wider range of systems, including the Timex TC 2068 and TS 2068, and supports various joysticks, making it more accessible than ever. A free version, complete with these upgrades, is available now, ensuring everyone can enjoy this retro gem.

Interestingly, Donkey Kong has seen other recent conversions, like JOTD’s effort for the Commodore Amiga, proving its enduring appeal. Yet, this ZX Spectrum release stands out for pushing the hardware’s limits while staying true to the 1980s arcade spirit. It’s a testament to the passion keeping classic games alive.

Keen to preserve your retro treasures? Check out RetroShell for top-notch protection for your classic cartridges. For the latest on retro gaming, subscribe to our free Substack newsletter at Retro Gaming News, landing in your inbox every Monday.

Nintendo Alarmo: Now Available at Best Buy for $99

Consumers with a taste for nostalgia have a new reason to celebrate as Best Buy recently listed the Nintendo Alarmo, an innovative alarm clock that pays tribute to the iconic Nintendo legacy. The device artfully marries modern technology with vintage gaming aesthetics, promising to appeal to both devoted Nintendo fans and collectors of retro tech. Previously only available from the Nintendo Store, and if you had a Nintendo subscription, it is now available for everyone.

Credit: Nintendo.com

Developed by Nintendo, the Alarmo features design cues that evoke memories of classic gaming consoles. Its customizable alarm tones include chiptune sounds reminiscent of early video game soundtracks, offering users a playful wake-up experience steeped in nostalgia. Alongside its retro styling, the clock boasts a clear digital display and intuitive controls, ensuring functionality is never sacrificed for form.

The strategic release of the Nintendo Alarmo is seen as a smart move by Best Buy, targeting a niche audience that values the charm of retro gaming alongside everyday functionality. With demand for nostalgic gadgets on the rise, the product is expected to become a coveted addition to any retro collection.

Keep your vintage game collection secure with RetroShell – your trusted partner for safeguarding classic titles. For the latest updates and insights into retro gaming, subscribe to our free Substack and get news delivered directly to your inbox every Monday!

Forgotten Feature: The Unused Terminal of the NES Disk System

39 years ago on 21 February 1986, Nintendo’s innovative Disk System was released for the Family Computer (NES), promising a revolution in home gaming. Boasting a 1M capacity—far exceeding that of traditional game cassettes—the system enabled players to save progress and even rewrite games for a modest fee. However, as much as it broke new ground, it also left enthusiasts with a few enduring curiosities.

Among these is the so-called “mysterious terminal” concealed behind the RAM adapter. Originally designed to support additional peripherals, this terminal was covered by a sliding shutter and intended for a communication adapter that would have enabled downloads, animated messaging, and even early forms of online services. Unfortunately, the planned accessory was never released, leaving behind an enigmatic relic of what might have been a pioneering network feature.

For many children of that era, the Disk System was both a marvel and a mild frustration. The novelty of saving game progress was often overshadowed by lengthy loading times—displaying nothing more than a stark “ADING” on a black screen—contrasting sharply with the near-instantaneous transitions seen in earlier cassette-based games. Despite this, the system gave birth to timeless classics such as The Legend of ZeldaDracula, and Metroid, each contributing to the rich tapestry of gaming history.

While large-capacity cassettes soon eclipsed the Disk System’s advantages, its legacy endures among retro gaming aficionados. It remains a poignant reminder of an era when technical limitations and bold innovation walked hand in hand, leaving a legacy that continues to influence modern game design.

Keep your cherished retro collection secure with RetroShell – your dependable protector of classic games. For the latest updates and deep dives into retro gaming, subscribe to our free Substack and receive insights straight to your inbox every Monday!

👾 Retro Gaming Weekly News #0137

I will not bore you with more tales of Elden Ring and my Marvel Snap woes, so straight on with the news.

This week we have 45 stories and cover news of the Lego Gameboy, reviving the Game Boy e-reader, the Dreamcast getting cloud saving, lots of speed running shenanigans and a load more. Thanks for reading!

Subscribe now

News

🎮 Limited Run Games Faces Backlash Over Faulty NES Cartridges – Customers report issues with Limited Run Games’ NES cartridges, including non-functioning copies and poor build quality. Retroshell

🧩 ‘Black Tower Enigma’ Aiming for Game Boy Release – A new puzzle adventure, Black Tower Enigma, is set to launch on the Game Boy, offering a retro-inspired experience. GoNintendo

🤖 ‘Mobile Suit Gundam’ for Sega Saturn Receives English Patch – The long-awaited fan translation of Mobile Suit Gundam for the Sega Saturn is now available, bringing the game to English-speaking audiences. Retroshell

🎥 Amazon-MGM Takes Full Control of James Bond Franchise, Including Games – Amazon has secured full rights to the James Bond franchise, expanding its control over future films, TV, and video game adaptations. Gameranx

🧱 LEGO Nintendo Game Boy Set Launching This October – LEGO is set to release a Game Boy-inspired set in October, blending nostalgia with brick-building creativity. Retroshell

🎬 Legendary’s Live-Action ‘Street Fighter’ Movie Finds Its Director – The upcoming live-action Street Fighterfilm has officially secured a director, signalling progress on the anticipated adaptation. Time Extension

🕹 ‘Mouthwashing’ Brings Classic PS1-Style Horror to Consoles in 2025 – Mouthwashing, a new horror game inspired by classic PS1 aesthetics, is set to terrify players on modern consoles next year. Retroshell

🎮 Blaze’s Next Evercade Cart Features 10 Atari & Stern Games – The upcoming Evercade cartridge will bundle ten classic games from Atari and Stern Electronics. Time Extension

💾 ‘Manic Miner’ Returns with a New Fan-Made Port – The classic platformer Manic Miner has been revived with a new fan-made version, bringing fresh life to the retro favourite. Retroshell

🇯🇵 Super Real Mahjong VS for N64 Gets English Patch – The obscure N64 game Super Real Mahjong VS has received an English translation, making it more accessible to global players. Time Extension

🦖 ‘Jurassic Park 2’ for SNES Gets an Overhaul After 30 Years – A major fan-made overhaul breathes new life into the SNES classic Jurassic Park 2, enhancing graphics and gameplay. Retroshell

🎮 ‘Ecli’ is a Puzzling New Platformer Coming to Game Boy Color – Ecli, an upcoming Game Boy Color game, blends puzzle and platforming elements in a unique adventure. Retro Dodo

✨ Final Fantasy Joins Magic: The Gathering in an Epic Crossover – The Final Fantasy universe is set to collide with Magic: The Gathering in a newly announced crossover set. Retroshell

📀 Gold Master Series Brings Classic Games to Physical Form, Including an Exclusive Handheld – A new collection called Gold Master Series will offer physical releases of classic games, including Tetris Forever and a new handheld console. Retroshell

🃏 Mario Hanafuda: Nintendo’s Latest Fusion of Tradition and Nostalgia – Nintendo is reviving its traditional Hanafuda roots with a new Mario Hanafuda product. Retroshell

📀 ‘Ravi & Navi’ Becomes the First New Famicom Disk System Game Since 1992 – The Famicom Disk System is getting a new game after more than 30 years with the release of Ravi & NaviRetroshell

🔥 Karnov Returns on Neo Geo Platforms – The classic arcade hero Karnov is returning with a new release on Neo Geo systems. Retroshell

🔧 Introducing Game Bub: An Open-Source FPGA Handheld for Retro Gaming – Game Bub is a new open-source FPGA handheld designed for retro gaming enthusiasts. Retroshell

🥷 ‘Special Ninja Squad’ Brings 16-Bit Action to TurboGrafx-16 – A new side-scrolling action game, Special Ninja Squad, is heading to the TurboGrafx-16. Retroshell

☁️ Sega Dreamcast Receives Cloud Save Support in 2025 – The Sega Dreamcast is getting modern functionality with newly introduced cloud save support. Retroshell

📜 Reviving the Game Boy Advance e-Reader with New Games – Developers are creating new content for the Game Boy Advance e-Reader, giving the accessory a fresh purpose. Retroshell

🧩 New 4-Player Puzzle Action Game ‘Block Panic DX’ Arrives on Neo Geo – Block Panic DX, a multiplayer puzzle-action title, is launching on Neo Geo. Retroshell

🌍 Argos no Senshi Gets Full English Translation for NES – The NES classic Argos no Senshi has been fully translated into English for modern players. Retroshell

🛹 New ‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater’ Remaster Possibly in the Works – A potential remaster of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater has been hinted at, sparking excitement among fans. Retroshell

🏊 Super Mario 64 Speedrunners Discover Bizarre Underwater Standing Trick – Speedrunners have found a strange new glitch in Super Mario 64 that allows Mario to stand underwater. Retroshell

Features

🎬 The Legend of Zelda Movie Trailer (Fan Video) – A fan-made trailer envisions what a Legend of Zelda movie could look like. ScreenRant (below)

🕹 Retro Gaming Thrives Among Gen Z in the UK, New Study Finds – A recent study highlights the growing popularity of retro gaming among Gen Z players in the UK. Retroshell

💻 Programmer Gets NES to Emulate a PC with Ridiculous Sounds – A programmer has managed to run a PC emulator on an NES, producing bizarre and unexpected audio glitches. TechSpot (below)

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/OooHTDMUSGY?rel=0&autoplay=0&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=0

🎮 Former Xbox Designer Says Console Power Is No Longer the Priority – A former Xbox hardware designer argues that raw power is becoming less important in modern console development. Retroshell

🥷 How Sega’s Shinobi Games Have Evolved Through the Ages – A retrospective explores the evolution of Shinobi, from its arcade roots to modern reimaginings. Kakuchopurei

🏆 Blindfolded Super Mario 64 Speedrunner’s Near-Record Run Invalidated by Webcam Failure – A blindfolded Super Mario 64 speedrun was disqualified after a critical webcam malfunction. Retroshell

🔄 Mega EverDrive Pro: The Best Flash Cart for Your Genesis/Mega Drive – A review of the Mega EverDrive Pro highlights its features and why it’s a must-have for retro gaming fans. Time Extension

🛠 Building the Ultimate Xbox 360: A Modder’s Dream Console – A deep dive into extreme Xbox 360 modding, showcasing custom hardware and software enhancements. Retroshell

💰 Got $13,000? You Could Own This One-Off ‘Dream’ Copy of Harry Potter on PS1 – A rare, unique copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone for the PS1 is up for auction at a staggering price. Time Extension

🌟 Legendary Star Fox and Zelda Developer Emphasizes Creativity Over Budget – A veteran game developer stresses that creativity, not massive budgets, leads to great games. Retroshell

🎥 Sony Canceled a Video Game Movie After Trailer Backlash – Sony reportedly scrapped a planned Sly Cooperfilm after poor reactions to its early trailer. SlashFilm (below)

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/nbXEKZVonko?rel=0&autoplay=0&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=0

👟 Nike’s Latest Shoe Design Pays Homage to Donkey Kong Country – Nike’s newest sneaker takes inspiration from Donkey Kong Country, featuring a design reminiscent of the classic platformer. Retroshell

🔍 Did You Know the Dreamcast Has a Hidden Menu System? – A newly discovered menu system hidden within the Dreamcast has surfaced, revealing unknown features. Time Extension

🎯 Super Mario 64 Speedrunners Achieve the Impossible Blindfolded – A group of speedrunners has managed to complete nearly impossible feats in Super Mario 64 without sight. Retroshell

🚦 GTA 3 Almost Penalized Players for Running Red Lights – An early concept for GTA 3 included a penalty system for traffic violations, but it was ultimately scrapped. Retroshell

📀 Squaresoft’s Push for CDs on the N64: A Lost Opportunity – A look at how Squaresoft’s efforts to bring CD-based gaming to the N64 could have changed gaming history. Retroshell

Lists & Rankings

🎮 The Rarest Dreamcast Games and Their Prices – A look at the rarest and most valuable Sega Dreamcast games, with some fetching high prices in the collector’s market. CBR

📖 The Best Stories in Sega Games, Ranked – A ranking of the most compelling narratives in Sega’s gaming history, highlighting standout storytelling moments. GameRant

🕹 Best Third-Party GameCube Games, Ranked – A ranking of the best third-party titles released for the Nintendo GameCube, showcasing must-play experiences. CBR

🔥 The Best Sega Franchises of All Time – An in-depth ranking of Sega’s greatest gaming franchises, from classic arcade hits to modern legends. Hardcore Gamer

LEGO Nintendo Game Boy Set, Launching This October

LEGO has partnered with Nintendo to announce a new LEGO set modelled after the iconic Nintendo Game Boy, revealed on January 9, 2025, via Nintendo’s social media channels. According to a leak from Falcon Brick Studios—a renowned LEGO news source known for accurate leaks—on February 20, 2025, the set, identified as LEGO Nintendo Game Boy (72046), is scheduled for release on October 1, 2025, with a price of $59.99 and 421 pieces. This brick-built tribute taps into the nostalgia of retro gaming fans and LEGO collectors.

This isn’t LEGO’s first collaboration with Nintendo, as previous sets have featured everything from a fully interactive NES console to Super Mario-themed playsets. However, the Game Boy holds a unique place in gaming history as one of the most successful handhelds of all time, making it a particularly exciting addition for collectors and nostalgic gamers alike.

Given the popularity of past LEGO gaming collaborations, this one is likely to sell out quickly when it hits shelves later this year.

For longtime Nintendo fans and LEGO enthusiasts, this Game Boy set is a perfect blend of two beloved brands. Whether you grew up with the classic handheld or just appreciate well-crafted LEGO designs, this is one retro gaming tribute that’s worth keeping an eye on.

Protect your collection! If you’re a retro game collector, safeguard your treasures with RetroShell, the world’s finest game protector. And if you’re just here for the latest retro gaming news, subscribe to our free Substack—delivered fresh every Monday!

👾 Retro Gaming Weekly News #0136

My week in gaming has been dominated by Elden Ring, it has been a while since I have been this involved in a game and I am enjoying the difficulty and the world.

39 stories this week across the word of retro gaming including some new F-Zero courses, a new Punch Out speedrun record, mapping out the entire Mario planet, GTA 8-Bit and lots more.

News

🎮 Glover is set to launch on Nintendo Switch, bringing the cult N64 platformer to modern audiences. Retroshell

🥷 Justice Ninja Casey, a Super Famicom game, is receiving an official English release for Nintendo Switch. GoNintendo

🦊 Star Fox artist is advocating for Star Fox Assault to be released on the rumoured Switch 2. Retroshell

🕹️ Märchen Maze, a classic arcade game, is getting a modern re-release. NicheGamer

🤖 A remastered version of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Battle Destiny has been announced for Switch and PC. Retroshell

🥋 Shinobi: Art of Vengeance is set for an August release, continuing the legendary ninja franchise. Retroshell

🪓 A revitalised Neo Geo port of Golden Axe is now available for players. Retroshell

🕊️ Peter Navy Tuiasosopo, known for portraying E. Honda in the Street Fighter movie, has passed away at age 61. Retroshell

🐄 Save Me Cows, a new action-puzzle adventure for the Game Boy, has been announced. Retroshell

🏎️ F-Zero SNES has received a fan-made Bower League expansion, adding new tracks and challenges. Retroshell

🧱 A massive Mario Kart LEGO set is rumoured to be in development. Retroshell

⚡ Speedrunner Summoning Salt has broken the two-minute barrier in Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!Retroshell

🏙️ Hudson Soft’s lost SimCity mobile game for Japanese phones has been preserved. Retroshell

Features

🎂 Happy Birthday to the Game Boy Advance SP, the stylish handheld that revolutionised portable gaming. Retroshell

🎮 Grand Theft Auto 6 gets an 8-bit NES-style demake TechEBlog

📝 Final Fantasy’s creator acknowledges Dragon Quest as a key influence on the franchise’s development. The Popverse

💰 Berkshire Hathaway once considered acquiring both Nintendo and Activision. Retroshell

🌍 A dedicated fan spent 100 days mapping Super Mario’s entire planet (CreativeBlog)

🧝 Zelda’s Marin set the standard for compelling side characters in gaming. CBR

🏁 Diddy Kong Racing is hailed as the true king of N64 mascot racers. VICE

💎 A broken GameCube was sold for $100,000 due to its rarity and history. Jason Deegan

🚐 A Chevy work van features a custom in-dash Nintendo 64 setup for gaming on the go. The Drive

⭐ Ristar should have been the Sega Genesis mascot instead of Sonic, according to some fans. GameSpot

📈 Retro gaming is experiencing a resurgence, with growing interest in classic consoles and games. COGConnected

🦖 Bobby Kotick aggressively pursued Jurassic Park game rights from Steven Spielberg. Gameranx

🏎️ Mario Kart 64 celebrates 28 years of friendship-ruining races. Nintendo Wire

🎥 An artist recreates classic movies with PlayStation 1-style graphics. eBaum’s World

🎨 A debate emerges over whether a classic Nintendo console logo is the best ever. Creative Bloq

📺 The Sega Dreamcast has a hidden menu system that many fans never knew about. Time Extension

🌐 A deep dive into the online past of the Sega Dreamcast reveals a fascinating glimpse into its early internet features. Forbes

Lists & Rankings

💰 Retro video games are becoming highly valuable, and collectors should know what makes certain titles rare. SlashGear

📱 The best simulation games on Game Boy Advance are ranked by fun and depth. GameRant

🎮 Every Sega console launch lineup is ranked, comparing the strongest and weakest debuts. CBR

🕹️ 20 legendary video game consoles that revolutionised the industry. Go2Tutors

⚔️ The best turn-based combat systems in Sega games are ranked. GameRant

🤼 The weirdest WWE games that most players overlooked. TheSportster

🔥 The best Capcom games of all time are ranked, celebrating the studio’s greatest hits. Hardcore Gamer

‘Ravi and Navi’: First New Famicom Disk System Game Since 1992

‘Ravi and Navi’ has been unveiled as the first new title for the Famicom Disk System (FDS) since 1992. This release breathes new life into Nintendo’s classic console peripheral, which was originally launched in 1986.

Credit: GameSpark JP

The FDS, an attachment for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), utilised proprietary floppy disks for game storage, offering expanded memory and the ability to save game progress—features that were groundbreaking at the time. However, with the advent of more advanced gaming technologies, production of FDS games ceased in the early ’90s.

Credit: Gamespark JP

‘Ravi and Navi’ is set to be released on vibrant orange 3D-printed disks, a modern twist that pays homage to the original FDS media. This innovative approach not only captures the nostalgia of the era but also showcases the dedication of the retro gaming community to preserving and revitalising classic gaming experiences.

The game’s development and impending release highlight a growing trend among enthusiasts to create new content for vintage gaming systems. This movement not only honours the legacy of classic consoles but also introduces these timeless experiences to new generations of gamers.

As ‘Ravi and Navi’ prepares to make its debut, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of retro gaming and the passion of its community. This release is poised to inspire further interest and development in classic gaming platforms, ensuring that the legacy of consoles like the Famicom Disk System continues to thrive.

Protect and display your retro games with RetroShell, the world’s finest video game protectors. If you are a fan of retro gaming, get all of the news delivered to your inbox each Monday with our free Retro Gaming Substack.

Mario Hanafuda: Nintendo’s Latest Fusion of Tradition and Nostalgia

Nintendo is blending history with its beloved Mario franchise in a new collection of “Mario Hanafuda” goods, launching on February 17, 2025. The lineup, available at Nintendo TOKYO, OSAKA, KYOTO, and the My Nintendo Store, celebrates the rich heritage of Hanafuda—a traditional Japanese card game—with a Super Mario twist.

Credit: Nintendo

The collection features intricate designs inspired by classic Hanafuda cards, each reimagined with iconic Mario characters. Yoshi is represented in the “February Plum” pattern, Donkey Kong takes the spotlight in “April Wisteria,” while Princess Peach is beautifully depicted in “March Cherry Blossom.” Other designs include Mario’s “June Peony” and Boo’s hauntingly elegant “August Mang.”

Beyond the stunning card designs, Nintendo is offering a range of stylish merchandise incorporating these unique motifs. The collection includes:

  • T-Shirts (Black) – 3,960 yen
  • Half Towel Handkerchiefs – 715 yen
  • Face Towels – 1,375 yen
  • Reversible Azuma Bags – 3,520 yen
  • Mini Letter Sets – 770 yen
  • Pair Glasses (Moon Viewing & Cherry Blossom Viewing Editions) – 3,080 yen

This collection is a nod to Nintendo’s deep roots in Hanafuda manufacturing before it became a global gaming powerhouse. It’s a perfect fusion of classic artistry and modern gaming nostalgia, making it a must-have for collectors and fans alike.

For those interested, these goods will be available in limited quantities. Be sure to check Nintendo’s stores or online marketplaces like Amazon and Rakuten to secure your favourites.


Protect your collection! If you’re a retro game collector, safeguard your treasures with RetroShell, the world’s finest game protector. And if you’re just here for the latest retro gaming news, subscribe to our free Substack—delivered fresh every Monday at Retro Gaming News.

Happy Birthday to the Game Boy Advance SP: The Stylish Handheld That Changed Portable Gaming Forever

On February 14, 2003, Nintendo released the Game Boy Advance SP, a revolutionary update to its popular Game Boy Advance. Marking its 22nd anniversary today, this sleek, foldable console not only redefined handheld gaming but also set the stage for future designs like the Nintendo DS and 3DS.

A Compact, Stylish Redesign

One of the most striking changes was the clamshell design. Unlike its predecessor’s horizontal form factor, the SP introduced a vertical flip-open style, protecting the screen and making it more compact—a game-changer for portability. It was the first handheld from Nintendo designed with adult users in mind, aiming for a sleek, pocket-friendly form that could be carried without hesitation in a jacket or bag.

Another notable design choice was the cartridge slot placement at the bottom rather than the back, an unusual but practical decision. It ensured that inserting games felt more natural, reminiscent of sliding a cassette into a Walkman.

A Brighter Future: The Introduction of Front Lighting

Perhaps the most celebrated feature was the built-in front light, allowing players to enjoy games in low-light conditions. The original Game Boy Advance suffered from a dim, reflective screen, making gameplay difficult without direct lighting. The SP’s illumination feature was a blessing, bringing clarity to classics like Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire and Final Fantasy Tactics Advance.

It also gave players control over brightness, with an on/off toggle—a simple but welcome addition. This move was so well received that Nintendo later introduced backlit screens with improved visibility in later SP revisions.

Goodbye, AA Batteries—Hello, Rechargeable Gaming

Before the Game Boy Advance SP, handheld gaming meant constantly buying AA batteries. The SP revolutionized this with a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery, offering up to 10 hours of gameplay (18 with the light off) on a single charge.

This shift saved gamers money and hassle, eliminating the need to carry spare batteries. At the time, rechargeable technology wasn’t mainstream, making this feature a game-changer—years ahead of its time.

Colour Variations & Limited Editions

The Game Boy Advance SP launched with six colours, including Platinum Silver and Azurite Blue. But the most nostalgic model came a year later: the NES Edition, a tribute to the original Nintendo Entertainment System.

Other rare editions included:

• Pokémon Center’s Achamo Orange (Torchic-themed)

• Boktai’s Django Red & Black (for Hideo Kojima’s “Boktai” series)

• The Famicom 20th Anniversary SP, celebrating Nintendo’s classic console

Each edition added collectability to an already iconic handheld, making the SP one of the most desirable models in Nintendo’s lineup.

A Legacy That Lives On

The Game Boy Advance SP paved the way for future folding handhelds, influencing everything from the Nintendo DS to today’s Nintendo Switch OLED case designs. Its style, practicality, and durability made it a favourite among gamers of all ages.

Two years after its launch, in 2005, Nintendo released the Game Boy Micro, a smaller, ultra-portable version of the GBA. While it never achieved the SP’s level of success, it showed Nintendo’s dedication to compact and stylish handhelds.

Today, February 14, isn’t just Valentine’s Day—it’s a day to celebrate one of the greatest handheld consoles ever made. Happy birthday, Game Boy Advance SP!

Protect and display your retro games with RetroShell, the world’s finest video game protectors. If you are a fan of retro gaming, get all of the news delivered to your inbox each Monday with our free Retro Gaming Substack.

Berkshire Hathaway Considered Buying Nintendo (and Activision)

In a recent episode of the Grit Podcast, former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick revealed that Berkshire Hathaway, led by vice chairman Charlie Munger, once contemplated acquiring Nintendo. Kotick recounted a conversation where Munger suggested purchasing both Activision and Nintendo, noting that Nintendo was valued at $13 billion with $7 billion in cash at the time. Munger humorously remarked that if the investment turned sour after his passing, it could be attributed to “the folly of an 82-year-old.”

This revelation adds to the list of companies that have considered acquiring Nintendo. Notably, Microsoft once approached Nintendo with a buyout offer, which was reportedly met with laughter.

While these discussions never materialized into actual deals, they highlight the gaming industry’s allure to major conglomerates. Nintendo’s enduring success and unique position in the market continue to make it a subject of interest for potential acquisitions.

Preserve your gaming history! Protect your collection with RetroShell, the world’s finest game protector. And for a weekly dose of retro gaming news, subscribe to our Substack—it’s free!