File:Japanese Game Boy Launch Commercial 1 1989

Description
STOP THE VIDEO PLAYER! READ THE DESCRIPTION FIRST!

Just in time for the 25th anniversary of the world premiere of the Game Boy, here is one of two of the original launch commercials for the legendary handheld in Japan.

The Game Boy was designed by Gunpei Yokoi, and was based on the Game & Watch, which he also designed. Successors included the Game Boy Pocket, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Advance SP, and Game Boy Micro. They have sold 200.20 million units, and Nintendo continues to be the most successful manufacturer in handheld gaming, with the Nintendo DS (including Lite and DSi), and Nintendo 3DS (including XL and 2DS).

The world premiere of the Game Boy was on Friday April 21, 1989 in Japan. Four different games were also released on that day: Super Mario Land, Alleyway, Baseball, and Yakuman. The handheld retailed for 12,500円 (about $94 in American money for 1989) and the launch titles each retailed for 2,600円 (about $20 in American money for 1989).

I love these two commercials. Simple, but they perfectly set the tone for the handheld's enduring legacy: A mobile NES/Famicom that you can take with you on a long adventure, with plenty of battery lifespan. And yes, those are three Australian young boys.

If anyone knows the names of the song/artist, and can properly translate what the announcer is saying, as well as the on-screen text, I will be eternally grateful.

(C) 1989 Nintendo