The Game Watch Zelda is little more than just a collector’s item
As in 2020, Nintendo is remaking us the coup of the tribute to the Game & Watch, this time to celebrate the anniversary of another strong brand: Zelda. The recipe is the same as with the Mario console, with a few new ingredients.
Nobody masters the art of playing on nostalgia, for the pure preservation of their heritage, as well as Nintendo. The Japanese firm, which has existed since the dawn of time (1889) in the video game market, has enough jewels on the shelf to garnish its crown. And everything is a pretext to buy objects reminiscent of sweets of yesteryear. In 2020, for the 35th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., Nintendo had taken out a Game & Watch from its bag to garnish the Christmas tree of older children. In 2021, he does it again with the same product, but this time adapted to another cult license: Zelda, which is celebrating its… 35 years in turn.
The Game & Watch Super Mario Bros. is a nice object with very limited functionality. Its Zelda counterpart is based on similar bases: same format, same promises (access to old episodes), some hidden bonuses, nice packaging … However, Nintendo has revised its copy somewhat so that this Game & Watch can finally become the clock we wanted last year. It should be remembered that Game & Watch were, at the time, electronic games designed to occupy Japanese adults during their daily journeys. In 2021, this philosophy has not changed.
Always a nice object, this time with a crutch (or almost)
If you are motivated and fall for the Game & Watch Super Mario Bros. in 2020 (we promise, we won’t judge you), then you won’t be surprised for a dime. In a pretty golden packaging, magnified by a plastic sleeve revealing overprints, we discover a drawer containing the Game & Watch well packaged. We always find this mention ” Special thanks to you », With Links that replace Mario and Luigi. The storage compartment has just been reworked: it is black, more robust and, above all, can serve as a makeshift support for the small console (to display it, or better take advantage of the clock mode).
Vintage / choupi mix that makes you want
Indeed, the interior of the compartment, also equipped with the Tri Force logo to attract the gaze of purists, displays instructions: they reveal a “mechanism” at the back. to transform the compartment into a display. It is a real evolution compared to the model of last year, unable to stand up, but it remains sketchy compared to a kickstand integrated into the Game & Watch (like the original models). Especially since it remains a semblance of a cardboard crutch, with all that that implies in terms of durability. The evolution is there, and perhaps he will have to wait for the Game & Watch of 2022 to have the hoped-for solution (we recall that Nintendo has trouble with the crutches, evidenced by the pitiful one of the first Switch).
In addition to this difference in packaging, we find exactly the same format and similar design, the red being replaced by a very apple green (the emblematic color of Zelda). The finishes are there, with buttons that click well, a small screen, but well made (with ten steps of brightness to see more clearly on a surface less than 3 inches) and this vintage / choupi mix that gives desire. For a Nintendo fan collector, this Game & Watch will be very desirable. Especially since Nintendo thought of illuminating the Triforce logo on the back – another specificity.
The Game & Watch can therefore become this clock, once wedged on its improvised crutch and after a short passage through the settings to put the automatic standby to OFF (which Game & Watch Super Mario Bros. does not allow, which was necessary always leave plugged in to see the time after 3 minutes). also to reduce the sound – always with a gauge of ten notches – on pain of going crazy at each second elapsed (a sound effect retained). The only limit of this disguised clock, with an animated screen, will be to go for the autonomy side – unless you leave on the mains thanks to the USB-C port located on the edge (the cable is provided, but not the ‘wall adapter).
On the video game side, the Game & Watch Zelda allows you to recall memories on three titles of the saga: THE Legend of Zelda (NES, 1986), Zelda II: Link’s Adventure (NES, 1987) and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (Game Boy, 1993). Please note, if several languages are offered, only the most recent of the three offers the language of Molière. It also offers two display formats (as on the Game Boy, square, or more stretched). Good point, you can switch from one game to another on the fly without losing your progress. Two other experiences are offered: a Vermin replay, where Link must hit moles with a hammer, and an interactive timer (where the hero must get rid of as many enemies as possible in the allotted time).
The photos of the Game & Watch Zelda
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