Nintendo's Game Boy Turns 25, Let's Reminisce

By George Fox
@georgejfox

If there's a hall of fame for electronics -- it's a shoe in. Everyone has played a Game Boy right? If not, I'd be surprised, but I probably shouldn't be. The system that ushered in mobile gaming has fallen into some obscurity.

Originally released on April 21, 1989 in Japan, the Nintendo Game Boy portable video game system turned 25 today. It was state of the art when it came out and quickly found a place in many hands in North America.

I never owned one, but I spent enough time ogling over other kids' shoulders to appreciate the Game Boy. When I did get a few minutes to play, giving it back was heart-wrenching.

Do you remember the magnifier light combo accessory? That sort of negated to whole streamlined portable concept. I've got an idea! Let's take a system about an inch thick and the size of an index card and strap a bunch of garbage to it so I look completely ridiculous.

Tetris was the game that did it for me. I honestly can't remember playing another title. It might as well have been a dedicated Tetris machine. My wife brought one to the household when we married. It's in a drawer with dead batteries somewhere right now. Tetris on a 47" HD TV just isn't the same. And remember, without Tetris; Dr. Mario, Candy Crush and Lumines may have never been created.

Now you're playing with power. Portable power.

What was your favorite game?

Where were you the first time you played a Game Boy? I don't remember specifically, but I do know I was super jealous of a middle school classmate who had one on the bus.

George Fox is a Spartan, a Michigander, and Web Producer for CBS 62/CW50 in Detroit. When I'm not working on content for the CBS Local websites, I'm probably hanging out on the boat, at deer camp or spending quality time with the fam. Follow George on Twitter @GeorgeJFox.