Retro Nintendo Fans Won't Want To Miss Newly Translated Game Boy And NES Books

As a seasoned gamer with decades of pixels and controllers under my belt, I can confidently say that delving into the history of our beloved industry is as rewarding as completing a challenging quest. The recent translations of Florent George’s Nintendo books are like discovering long-lost artifacts from the golden age of gaming. These tomes aren’t just about NES and Game Boy, they’re about unearthing the business secrets that shaped Nintendo into the titan it is today.


If you’re intrigued by gaming history or eager to uncover lesser-known tales about Nintendo’s NES and Game Boy systems, these two books are worth your attention! Written by renowned gaming historian Florent George, they’re the much-anticipated translations of volumes 3 and 4 in The History of Nintendo series. You can now get them on Amazon for $28 each. For a comprehensive read, grab The History Of the Famicom/NES, while its companion piece, The History Of The Game Boy, is also available at the same price.

As a gaming enthusiast myself, let me tell you what sets these books apart: Gear’s unofficial Nintendo histories delve deep into the business saga of this iconic company, tracing its roots back to when it was just selling playing cards, and then charting its meteoric rise to become a titan in the video game industry. Unlike other sources that merely regurgitate common facts, Gear uncovers hidden secrets and jaw-dropping revelations to paint a vivid picture of Nintendo’s clandestine past.

If you’re interested in finding a complementary book to your Nintendo books, consider taking a look at The Game Boy Encyclopedia. This book, penned by experienced video game journalist Chris Scullion, delves into the multitude of games released for the Game Boy and its successor, the Game Boy Color, throughout their lifetimes. With approximately 1,150 games covered, it offers an extensive exploration of the gaming libraries available for both systems in the Western region. Additionally, you might find Scullion’s other encyclopedias useful for learning about the game libraries of the NES, SNES, and N64.

It’s important to note that Gorge’s earlier publications have been widely acclaimed and considered must-reads for anyone curious about Nintendo’s history. Unfortunately, their English translations are no longer in print, making them quite costly on the secondary market, with prices reaching as high as $400 for a used copy.

  • The History of Nintendo 1889-1980 — $100
  • The History of Nintendo 1980-1991 — $400

Additionally, Bitmap Books offer intriguing reading options for those interested. If you appreciate high-end historical tours related to gaming, these books make a great addition to your library. They are not only packed with valuable information but also boast an appealing aesthetic, delving into topics ranging from pixel art to horror games.

More gaming history books

  • From Ants to Zombies: Six Decades of Video Game Horror — $41.64
  • N64: A Visual Compendium (Hardcover) — $50
  • NES/Famicom: A Visual Compendium (Hardcover) — $47.11
  • Super NES/Super Famicom: A Visual Compendium (Hardcover) — $47.60
  • The SNES Pixel Book (Hardcover) — $46
  • Game Boy: The Box Art Collection (Hardcover) — $62
  • The Secret History of Mac Gaming: Expanded Edition (Hardcover) — $50.32
  • Commodore 64: A Visual Compendium (Hardcover) — $48.31
  • Commodore Amiga: A Visual Compendium (Hardcover) — $49
  • Artcade: Book of Classic Arcade Game Art (Hardcover) — $55.42
  • Metal Slug: The Ultimate History (Hardcover) — $59

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2024-09-16 16:08