While some believe that Nintendo's domination of the handheld market started with the Game Boy, it was in fact the Game & Watch series which really kicked things off for the Japanese firm. The brainchild of Gunpei Yokoi - the same man who created the Game Boy - these simple LCD portables sold millions during the '80s and would influence Nintendo's thinking for generations to come; the concept of using readily-available and cheap tech in unique ways stood the company in good stead during subsequent handheld hardware generations.
Given Nintendo's global fame and the dedicated nature of its fans, Game & Watch units are rising in price all the time on the second-hand market. However, if you're serious about experiencing what these handhelds have to offer but don't want to pay a premium, then perhaps you could follow in the footsteps of Andrew Hannay, who has created his very own DIY Game & Watch using a cheap circuit board, LCD display and a low-cost handheld game casing, purchased off eBay.
Hannay has used his new system to recreate the Game & Watch title Vermin, but he states that it's capable of playing other titles - he just has to program them.
You can view the entire production process here, and let us know what you think of this awesome mod by posting a comment below.
[source tinycartridge.com]
Comments 17
That's very cool, but of course Game & Watches, as well as similar devices like many Tiger Electronic games use screens with fixed sprite cells with binary states.
This is a pixel-based LCD screen meaning you can animate anything you like on it, not necessarily just Game & Watch games but all sorts of games or applications.
I'd rather buy the old than soldering it to make it like gold.
Pixels won't do G&W justice I'm afraid. Unless the DPI is very high. The G&W gallery games were acceptable (but far from optimal). This is not.
Awesome!
@Siskan Oh there you are...I knew you or someone like you would eventually show up. Never fails.
Guess what! This guy didn't make this for you and doesn't care what you think. I know, it hurts. Let it soak in and then go outside for a walk.
Those who can't, comment.
I used to have a thing called the Etch a Sketch Animator 2000. Screen reminds me of that. Good times back in the day
Lemme know when someone makes a Game & Watch edition of Smash Bros...featuring no one other than Mr. Game & Watch. (...and G&W Kirby)
I want to play Crab Grab.
Is the only Game & Watch game I havent played.
People who collect G&W do so for nostalgia and want the legit package. These days there are all kinds of time waster games you can find on smart devices for free. It might be more practical to develop Android/iPhone software to make your own LCD games instead.
@dariusq The problem with that logic is that many of the games still play quite well, especially games like Greenhouse and Donkey Kong. Not to mention that the clones of games are often missing the charm of the original. Some later games like Climber are more complex.
I think this project is pretty cool since it's one person who programmed it on his own, but I think the Game & Watch Gallery collections/recreations for GB and DSi are a good solution for a cheaper version since most of the recreations are pretty accurate (though classic Mario's Cement Factory on Game & Watch 4 was messed up. Thankfully, the DSi version is close to the original).
@Goulash
What's with your disrespectful tone?
While what this person made is quite amazing technically, I have a sense of aesthetics which may more often be a curse than a benefit. Because of that, the the amount of deformation of the original G&W graphics make me unable to appreciate this anywhere near as much as the originals.
It doesn't hurt me one bit that he didn't make this for me and I knew that well enough already. If anything bothers me, it's what I already explained as well as the fact that someone got so upset because I stated my opinion. Take it easy.
@Siskan
Agreed. This is an interesting project for digital electronics hobbyists, but if you can't get an actual G&W, the DSiWare versions are the next best options, for $1.99 each.
I remember playing those horrible Tiger Electronic games at the dentists office in the 90's. I wish my Doc had a Game and Watch because it's brilliance is in it's simplicity.
I was all excited... Then I realized you needed skill to create your own great job dude! I wish I had that level of skill and creativity! (but I do hope they make a DIY Game & Watch!)
@brianvgplayer You should check out the Club Nintendo G&W DS exclusives which featured a cross between Parachute & Octopus.
@dariusq I have the first one with DK, Greenhouse, and Oil Panic and like it quite a bit.
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