Game Boy and video game handhelds are practically synonymous. Many people not in the know today still refer to any portable, whether the DS or the PSP, as a "Game Boy." The handheld changed everything when it launched in 1989. It didn't even have color graphics at first, but people didn't care. The Game Boy and Game Boy Color went on to sell nearly 120 million units worldwide. Today the Game Boy is getting much deserved recognition as it's inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame at Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY.
"The secret to Game Boy’s success was not driven by advanced graphics or processing power, but rather by simple and efficient design, head-to-head connectivity, and scores of intriguing games. Game Boy’s Game Link cable allowed simultaneous multiplayer gaming—a first for a portable system. The classic puzzle game Tetris came bundled with Game Boy and it appealed to a diverse audience, ranging from children to grandparents," said the Toy Hall of Fame. "Additional launch titles included Super Mario Land, which featured Nintendo’s already-iconic character Mario. The hit titles kept coming as the system evolved."
Other inductees this year included the ball (yes, as in any ball, which the Toy Hall of Fame said follow's last year's stick... please hold back your laughter) and the tricycle-like Big Wheel, which basically every kid in this editor's generation had at one point. Other finalists that were not inducted this year were Cabbage Patch Kids, Game of Life, Hot Wheels, Paper Airplane, Playing Cards, Rubik’s Cube, Sidewalk Chalk, Toy Tea Set, and Transformers. We better see Hot Wheels and Transformers in there next time!
