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Nintendo's Game & Watch originated from a calculator and observation of boredom
Key points
- Gunpei Yokoi conceived Game & Watch after seeing a salaryman use a calculator.
- The device used LCD screens and button cell batteries, similar to calculators.
- Nintendo partnered with Sharp, a major calculator manufacturer, for development.
- Game & Watch: Ball was the first model released in 1980.
Origins of Nintendo's Game & Watch
The Game & Watch, a pivotal product for Nintendo, was inspired by an observation made by Gunpei Yokoi. While riding a train, Yokoi noticed a commuter entertaining himself by manipulating a calculator. This sparked the idea that games could be portable and not confined to arcades or home consoles.
Technological Foundation
The technology behind the Game & Watch drew heavily from calculators of the era. Both devices utilized LCD screens and button cell batteries. Visuals were achieved through a system of segments, similar to how numbers are displayed on a calculator. This shared technological basis facilitated the development of the portable gaming device.
Collaboration with Sharp
A fortuitous meeting between Nintendo's then-president Hiroshi Yamauchi and the president of Sharp, the leading calculator manufacturer at the time, led to a collaboration. This partnership was crucial in bringing the Game & Watch concept to fruition, leveraging Sharp's expertise in LCD technology and manufacturing.
Impact on Nintendo
The Game & Watch series, starting with Game & Watch: Ball in 1980, established Nintendo's presence in the portable digital entertainment market. This success laid the groundwork for future portable gaming devices and contributed significantly to Nintendo's transformation into a major video game company.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Nintendo's Game & Watch, a precursor to its portable gaming success, was conceived by Gunpei Yokoi after he observed a commuter using a calculator to pass time. This led to the development of a portable gaming device utilizing similar LCD technology as calculators, marking a significant shift for Nintendo into the digital entertainment market.