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You are here: Home / Archives for Nintendo Entertainment System

Nintendo Entertainment System

The Nintendo Power Glove: A Blast from the Past

June 20, 2024 By ausretrogamer

I love the Power Glove. It’s so bad

Ah, the 1980s. A time of big hair, neon colors, and the birth of some of the most iconic video games and gadgets. Among these was the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), which captured the hearts of gamers everywhere. But let’s not forget one of the quirkiest and most ambitious peripherals of its time: the Power Glove.

A Revolution in Gaming

In 1989, the Power Glove hit the market, promising to revolutionize the way we played games. It was a bold statement in the gaming world, offering players a taste of the future with its motion-sensing technology. This wasn’t just a controller; it was a way to physically interact with your favorite games.

The design was straight out of a sci-fi movie, with its sleek black and grey exterior, and buttons spread across the forearm. Strapping on the Power Glove felt like gearing up for an epic adventure. The idea was simple: wear the glove, move your hand, and your in-game character would mimic your movements. It was the stuff of dreams for any young gamer.

The Reality Check

However, the reality didn’t quite match the hype. The Power Glove’s motion controls were far from perfect, often leading to frustration rather than seamless gameplay. The calibration process was complicated, and the games that were compatible with the glove didn’t always provide the best experience.

Despite its shortcomings, the Power Glove became a cult classic. Its appearance in the 1989 film “The Wizard” cemented its place in pop culture history. The scene where the character Lucas Barton declares, “I love the Power Glove. It’s so bad,” is iconic and resonates with fans to this day.

Why the Power Glove Matters

The Power Glove might not have been the game-changing device it set out to be, but its impact on the gaming world is undeniable. It paved the way for future innovations in motion-sensing technology, inspiring the development of devices like the Nintendo Wii Remote and VR controllers.

Looking back, the Power Glove represents a time of experimentation and bold ideas in the gaming industry. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how important it is to dream big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

A Collector’s Treasure

Today, the Power Glove is a sought-after collector’s item. Its legacy lives on as a symbol of innovation and the 80s’ fearless approach to new technology. Whether you’re a retro gaming enthusiast or just a lover of all things nostalgic, the Power Glove is a fascinating piece of gaming history.

So, next time you’re reminiscing about the good old days of gaming, don’t forget to give a nod to the Power Glove. It’s quirky, it’s iconic, and it’s a testament to the imaginative spirit that continues to drive the gaming industry forward.

The Power Glove: it may not have been perfect, but it was undeniably cool. And sometimes, that’s all that matters.

“Go ahead, make my day”

Filed Under: History, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: 80s, 8bit, 90s, Classic Games, I love the Power Glove - it's so bad, it's so bad, Lucas Barton, NES, nintendo, Nintendo Entertainment System, Nintendo Power Glove, Power Glove, Punch-Out!, Rad Racer, Retro, Retrogamer, retrogaming, The Nintendo Power Glove, The Wizard

Our Favourite Nintendo Game That We Still Play Today

November 9, 2020 By ausretrogamer

Asking a gamer to nominate their favourite Nintendo game is like asking a parent to pick their favourite child. Well, guess what, we are going to do the unthinkable!

But before we crown our favourite, let us tell you about the top 3 contenders (that we still love playing till this day!):

First contender, Wave Race 64 (N64) – yes, we did pick Wave Race 64 above Super Mario 64, Mario Kart 64 and Goldeneye 007. Don’t get us wrong, the aforementioned games are superb, but nostalgia draws us to Wave Race 64. What wasn’t there to like – realistic water physics, challenging courses and an absolutely cracking 2 player challenge – ‘Bonsai!’. We lost a lot of hours playing this game head to head. Oh yeah, the N64 controller was perfect for this game.

The second contender is none other than Super Mario Bros. (SMB) on the NES. This 2D platformer catapulted the Mario franchise into the stratosphere for good reason. The game had great level design, matched by awesome gameplay, a mesmerising Koji Kondo tune and most importantly, intuitive control – what more could you want!

Well, if it wasn’t for the next game, I guess the choice would have been easy and SMB would have walked away with the prize. Let us tell you about a 16-bit platformer that took the SMB ingredients, gave them a fair shake and then poured the contents into the SNES for a game we call (drum roll please), Super Mario World (SMW)! With SMW, the 2D platformer reached its pinnacle – sublime level design, 16-bit aesthetics that were an absolute feast for your eyes and the sound was perfectly atmospheric. This was a game that you could lose yourself in. SMW is one of those games you can either pick up and play for half an hour to get your Mario fix, or play till the wee hours of the morning. SMW walks away with the prize of our favourite Nintendo game of all time. Thank you Mr. Miyamoto for creating the definitive 2D platformer.

Phew, that was hard!

 

Filed Under: History, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: 16bit, 8bit, Classic Games, Favourite Nintendo Games, Gametraders, GT Live Magazine, N64, NES, nintendo, Nintendo 64, Nintendo Entertainment System, Old School, Retro Games, Retro Gaming, retrogaming, SNES, super mario, Super Mario Bros, Super Mario World, super nintendo, throwback, top 3 Nintendo games, Video Games, Wave Race 64

LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System Set

July 15, 2020 By ausretrogamer

Whoa, LEGO and Nintendo have given us a one two punch of sets – first with their LEGO Super Mario, and now, the awesome LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System set!

This awesome LEGO NES set will be available from August 1 and will retail for AU$349.99. You’ll now be able to assemble your own console and retro CRT TV, then turn the crank to make 8-bit Super Mario move across the screen! We are excited 🙂

source: LEGO

 

Filed Under: Announcements, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: 8-bit, ausretrogamer, gamers, gaming, Geek, Lego, LEGO NES, LEGO NES set, Lego Nintendo, LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System, LEGO Nintendo Entertainment System set, LEGO Nintendo sets, LEGO sets, Lego Super Mario, NES, nintendo, Nintendo Entertainment System, Retro Gamer, Retro Gaming, retrogaming, super mario

NES Classic Hoodie: Now You Can Wear The Power!

July 14, 2017 By ausretrogamer

Merchoid, the videogame merchandise specialist, has revealed their new official ‘Nintendo NES Classic Hoodie’.

Inspired by the classic gaming console, which saw a limited re-release last year, the hoodie is available to preorder from Merchoid now for £44.99/€54.99/$54.99 and ships in September (shipping is free to anywhere on the planet!). Featuring clean lines, body panelling, two front pockets and NES button detailing on the front, its elegant design will ensure it becomes an instant classic.

Merchoid’s Community Manager Jessica Adams says of the new hoodie “Re-enter an 8-bit 80s wonderland, where Mario is king, gloves are controllers and some of the best gaming experiences are a cartridge push away. And what better way to embrace your 80s nostalgia than representing your favorite console in one stylish hoodie? Now you’re playing with power!”

The ‘Nintendo: NES “Console Inspired Hoodie’ is available to preorder from Merchoid.com now.

Key features of ‘Nintendo: NES Console Inspired Hoodie’.

  • New design based on the NES Console
  • Available to preorder from Merchoid.com now for £44.99/€54.99/$54.99
  • Officially licensed by Nintendo
  • Releases September 2017

source: Merchoid

 

Filed Under: Announcements, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: gaming attire, Merchoid, NES, Nintendo Entertainment System, Nintendo hoodie, Nintendo NES Classic Hoodie, Official NES Classic Hoodie, Old School, Power Glove, Retro Gamer, Retro Gaming

Tips And Tricks To Get The Most Out Of Your NES Console

June 6, 2017 By ausretrogamer

Be warned peeps, this tips and tricks video will void your old console’s warranty!

The Ben Heck Show team go under the hood of the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) for a complete teardown with tips and tricks on how to breathe new life in the venerable Ninty console.

The team start by disabling the lockout chip (yay!) and also give the cartridge loading bay care and attention as it’s one of the common failures, partly because it functions like an old VCR player! Ben also provides anecdotes from his time at Funcoland (now Gamestop) and also gives us other possible mods for the NES.

So what are you waiting for, grab the screwdriver and start taking apart that grey Nintendo shoe box!


source: The Ben Heck Show


Filed Under: Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: 10NES, 10NES CIC, Ben Heck, classic gaming, element14, Lockout Chip, NES, NES tips and tricks, Nintendo Entertainment System, Retro Gamer, Retro Gaming, The Ben Heck Show

NES Classic Mini: Second Australian shipment will be available in December

November 10, 2016 By ausretrogamer

nes-classic-edition_titleHey peeps, did you miss out on the first batch of Nintendo’s NES Classic Mini? If you did, don’t stress, as Nintendo have announced that a second Australian shipment will be made available in early December. As Nintendo have stated, check the details with your local retailer!

Nintendo Classic Mini: Nintendo Entertainment System 2nd shipment available early Dec

Please check your local retailer for more information pic.twitter.com/jcbUIuktWk

— Nintendo AU NZ (@NintendoAUNZ) November 9, 2016

Filed Under: Announcements, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: NES, NES Classic Mini, NES console, NES Mini, Nintendo Entertainment System, retrogaming

1988 Nintendo Employee Sales Manual

September 23, 2016 By ausretrogamer

nes_sales_1988_hdrIf you wanted to know why Nintendo became successful in the video games industry, then this ’employee sales manual’ from 1988 will go some way in showing how the Kyoto giant ensured it’s image and products were always front and centre in your nearest store.

Nintendo’s merchandising, ranging and point of sale displays managed to catch the eye of their target market (the kids of the 80s) and extract money out of their parents wallet. This may be sale and marketing 101, but Nintendo showed the rest of the video games market how it should be done.

Each Nintendo sales representative was issued their sales manual, covering all aspects of their day-to-day associations with authorised Nintendo dealers, merchandisers and distributors.

Inside the binder, there were colour brochures and pamphlets showcasing Nintendo’s systems, games, and information on Nintendo displays/kiosks that were featured in stores, like the M82 playable games demo unit.

Also inside, the Nintendo representative had information on the different gaming categories/series, like the ‘Black Box’ NES games in the ‘Action’, ‘Sports’ and ‘Robot’ series, to name a few.

If you can’t get your hands on this Nintendo sale manual binder, then here are the contents in full colour glory!

If you worked for Nintendo in the late 80s, then this was your bible!
nes_sales_1988_1

Divide and conquer!
nes_sales_1988_2

Yep, that kid understands the POWER of the Big N!
nes_sales_1988_3

Oh wow, look at that NES display case!
nes_sales_1988_4

This is effective merchandising
nes_sales_1988_5

Planning to the Nth degree
nes_sales_1988_6

Nintendo knew their consumers intimately
nes_sales_1988_7

Nintendo owned the 8-bit console market in North America
nes_sales_1988_8

Clever play on words! Boxing was huge and Punch-Out!! capitalised on it
nes_sales_1988_9

The NES Advantage
nes_sales_1988_10

Legendary games!
nes_sales_1988_11

Nintendo knocked out the 8-bit console opposition!
nes_sales_1988_12source: ebay

Filed Under: History, Retro Gaming Culture Tagged With: NES sales material, Nintendo 1988 sales, Nintendo employee, Nintendo employee manual, Nintendo employee sales material, Nintendo Entertainment System, Nintendo merchandising information, Nintendo Sales Manual

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