Game & Watch: The Pioneer of Portable Video Games

In 1980, Nintendo revolutionised the world of handheld video games with the launch of Game & Watch, the series of consoles that ushered in a new era in portable entertainment. Designed by Gunpei Yokoi, the Japanese engineer who would later create the famous Game Boy, these small, simple machines became a phenomenon that paved the way for future generations of handheld consoles.

Game & Watch was a compact device that combined an LCD (liquid crystal display) set with a clock and alarm. Hence its name, which reflected this dual function. Although their hardware was basic compared to today's systems, the gameplay and addictiveness of their titles endeared them to millions of gamers. The series consisted of 59 different models, each with a unique game, and many of them featured characters that would later become iconic, such as Mario and Donkey Kong.

The design of the Game & Watch was simple but effective. The LCD screen displayed static images that moved intermittently, creating a sense of constant action. The controls were also minimal: a couple of buttons and, on some models, a stylus to move the character. Despite the graphical limitations, games like Ball, Fire and Donkey Kong captured the player's attention with challenging mechanics and a simple but immersive gameplay style.

One of the greatest achievements of the Game & Watch was its impact on the design of future handheld consoles. The anywhere, anytime gaming concept that these consoles represented would be taken further with the launch of the Game Boy in 1989.

Today, the Game & Watch remains a symbol of nostalgia for collectors and a staple in the history of video games. In 2020, Nintendo celebrated the 35th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. by releasing a special edition Game & Watch, which included several classic games, demonstrating that the legacy of these early consoles lives on.