Looking Back on the Game Boy Color

A Nintendo fan roots for the power of simplicity to keep Nintendo special.

The Game Boy Color was an exceptional mid-generation upgrade.

While the majority of the gaming market is looking forward to things like Nintendo’s move into mobile and their upcoming NX console, I wanted to take a minute to look back.  As I turn 30, I see the world around me continue to change in dramatic ways.  Tech devices, while making life much simpler, tend to get more and more complicated.  The days of single purpose electronics are long gone.  Even with the relative success of the 3DS, with it’s online game shop and camera functionality, it should come as no surprise that Nintendo’s most successful device today is still the DS.  

Making a Case for New Nintendo IP

Nintendo Love Affair contributor Matt Hauenstein discusses Nintendo's history with new IP, and how it is beginning to handle introducing new franchises into the Nintendo universe.

The main man Reggie

Make Amiibo Great Again

I love my amiibos.  Many people leave them in the box, they are collectables after all.  Not me.  I can’t.  They look too awesome and are too well made.  My son and I play with them even with the Wii U turned off.  Sure, they may get dirty or scratched but that’s ok.  I’ve even had to glue Donkey Kong’s foot back to the base at one point, finally making perfect use out of that Gorilla Glue.  Every day the value of my small amiibo collection goes down, but you can’t put a price on fun.

Smash Bros. Bowser

Pearler Bead Pixel Art by Carl Williams

Whether you are lucky enough to have lived through the golden age of gaming, or are part of a new generation of pixel art fans, perler bead creations will certainly make any game room pop!

NLA: When were you introduced to pearler bead art? 

Carl: I was introduced to Perler bead art when I went to a local video game convention here in Arkansas. It was in 2014 at the River City Comic Expo, I think that is the name of it. There was a bead artist there who was selling art work. He had some great stuff - nothing Mario related though. He had stuff like a 3D Tardis and a bunch of flat pieces that were magnets and the like. I was interested in the stuff from that point. His prices at the show were fine, he just didn't have anything I was interested in.

Variety of mushrooms

Meet the Voice of Star Ghost

Nintendo Love Affair was able to catch up with Michelle Sundholm, the voice behind Star Ghost. She gives us the inside scoop on what it was like to work for Squarehead Studios.

Michelle Sundholm 

Michelle Sundholm, a singer/songwriter from Portland, Oregon, has been singing professionally for the past twenty years.  Her career has brought her many unique experiences including becoming the voice of Maggie in the recently released Wii U eShop title Star Ghost.  

Amazing Metroid Artwork

After wrestling with the idea that Metroid should become an RPG, Nintendo Love Affair scoured the internet to bring you some of the coolest Metroid artwork we could find.  We love to celebrate all of the amazing things that Nintendo inspires.  Be sure to give the artists some love and click over to their page.

Metroid by ImmarArt

Making the Case for a Metroid RPG

It's time for Metroid to transcend, leave action platforming behind and embrace the action RPG genre.

With Nintendo giving Samus Aran the cold shoulder, Matt Hauenstein of Nintendo Love Affair tells us why the dark, suspenseful Metroid series is screaming to be made into an RPG. The pieces are all there and the time is right Nintendo.

Sweet Metroid artwork by Rob Duenas

Cartridge Gaming Brings Retro Home

Just when you thought the good old days were gone, Cartridge Gaming brings them back

The store's Castlevania inspired logo depicts an obvious love for the classics.

It was January, 2015 when Will Long decided to make a big decision.  Up until that point he held his business at the local flea market.  Diligently manning his table, Will bought and sold novelty and antique toys.  Business wasn’t too bad but he knew it could be more.  After he began to dabble in used games he realized there was a lot of potential there for growth.

Will told Nintendo Love Affair, “I realized that there wasn’t anyone else doing it in Lima, so I jumped in.”  

Making a Case for a Metroid RPG Part 2

It's time for Metroid to transcend, leave action platforming behind and embrace the action RPG genre.

In part one, Matt relived the history of the Metroid series setting the stage for why it's time Metroid becomes an RPG title. For part two of this story, Matt dives into how the pieces are there for an easy transition and looks at other games as precedence for the move.

A game that may actually stir the dark side in people

Before I continue I want to preface the rest of this piece by saying that I’m not acknowledging the abomination that is Metroid Prime: Federation Force. The game bears literally no connection to past Metroid titles and features a poorly made Rocket League clone in Blast Ball. It also doesn’t feature Samus Aran as a playable character. The fact that the Metroid name is brazenly attached to it makes me sick. The game itself looks terrible. Its also about as serious as a Rachet and Clank game. The box art looks like it was created by someone who partook in illicit drugs and then watched too many episodes of Voltron. I’ve even located a petition on Change.org calling for the cancellation of the game. Within a single day of its announcement the youtube trailer had a 90% dislike ratio. It’s become so bad that after the latest gameplay footage was released, Nintendo had to disable the like/dislike feature on the video.

Making a Case for a Metroid RPG Part 1

It's time for Metroid to transcend, leave action platforming behind and embrace the action RPG genre.

With Nintendo giving Samus Aran the cold shoulder, Matt Hauenstein of Nintendo Love Affair tells us why the next iteration of the Metroid series should be an RPG. For the first part of this two-part series, Matt relives the history of Metroid and lays a foundation for why it has the making for a perfect RPG. The time is right Nintendo.  

Meet Multivarious Games, an Ohio Indie Dev Company

Multivarious Games to put Columbus, Ohio on the map for independent game development

If you were to ask the average gamer what they thought of the Ohio indie developer scene, they probably wouldn’t have much to say.  In fact, they may just ask, “What Ohio indie dev scene?”  Chris Volpe, President of Multivarious Games, hopes to change all of that.  

Power of the Pokemon Community

Building Relationships, Self Confidence, and How Pokemon Made It Happen

Guest Contributor Peter Ortiz (@Shellshock929) tells his story of how Pokemon helped him get through some tough times, build self esteem, and become a leader in his community.

I grew up with Pokémon since it launched in 1998 in North America. I found out about it when my brother was watching the episode where Ash caught Caterpie and Pidgeotto. Once Ash fought Team Rocket (and won) in a Pokémon battle, I was hooked. Not long after, I got to try out a friend’s copy of Pokémon Red Version in school, and I couldn’t put it down.

Pokemon Sun & Moon Points Toward NX Handheld

Pokemon Sun & Moon, Historical Precedence, and What It All Means for the Nintendo NX

There are many theories and rumors surrounding the upcoming platform, NX. Nobody knows for sure what it will be but for now let’s stick to the traditional handheld/home console theory. Nintendo Love Affair posted an article that said Pokemon Sun and Moon on the 3DS almost confirms that the NX will “in fact” be a home console. However, that statement could possibly be wrong. Remember when Black and White came out (on the DS) in 2010. The 3DS, which it was anticipated to come out on, came out in 2011. Sun and Moon will come out Holiday 2016. If my theory is correct, and the NX is a handheld, it will come out sometime in the second half of 2017, at least 6 months after Sun and Moon.

Retro Video Game Systems Kills the Chameleon Kickstarter

Coleco a No Go, Retro Video Game Systems Retreats, and Anticipating E3

The morning of February 26, 2016 was supposed to be D-Day for Retro Video Game Systems and the the retro gaming community. The repeatedly hyped date when retro gamers across the globe expected to secure their order on Kickstarter for a certain cloaked console they crave called the COLECO Chameleon. But that date turned out to be less electric and more reptilian than anticipated with this well-camouflaged Chameleon being impossible to detect.

How to Make Better Super Mario Maker Levels

Four Step Level Design, Game Design Principles, and Why Your Mario Maker Levels Suck!

Super Mario Bros.

It is no secret that Miyamoto has had many inspirations for his creative genius.  Nintendo's Mario franchise is designed to be a great gateway game for would be gamers.  But did you know what was behind that design genius?  

Pokemon Sun & Moon Means NX to be Home Console

A late Nintendo 3DS game release means NX to be a home console?

Don't agree?  Neither did guest contributor Jason Donnelly.  Check out his response here.

On February 26 Nintendo released a brand new Pokemon Direct for the masses.  Immediately afterward the internet went ablaze with the announcement of Pokemon Sun and Moon for the Nintendo 3DS.  A hard date was not set for the release of Pokemon Sun and Moon but it was confirmed that The Pokemon Company's next installments will be out for the 2016 holidays.  But what does this mean for Nintendo, and more specifically, the Nintendo NX?

Coleco Chameleon: Predator in a Growing Retro Market

Nostalgia Becomes Marketable, Attempts at Easy Money

Thank you Mr. Nillo for a fantastic job explaining how the appearance of people like Mike Kennedy and projects like the Coleco Chameleon are actually a good sign for the retro gaming community.  The problem is that as the retro gaming market grows more casual gamers get involved.  The consumers who get bitten by the nostalgia bug become prey for predators who want to make a quick buck.  If you are interested in the Coleco Chameleon, or any other crowdfunding effort, please stay informed!  Ask questions.  Make sure your hard earned money is going towards something that will have a good return.

COLECO CHAMELEON AT NEW YORK TOY FAIR – SNES MINI UNDER GLASS? (Cross Posted)

As soon as the Coleco Chameleon's prototype was unveiled by Retro Video Game Systems, the internet went a flurry with speculation.  Accusations and discussions began popping up in many different forums about the legitimacy of Retro Video Game System's debut.  Our friends over at Retro Gaming Magazine have been working hard to put together all the bits and pieces of the Coleco Chameleon's disastrous Toy Fair exhibition.  

6 Crowdfunding Projects Every Retro Gamer Will Love

More Than Coleco Chameleon Available

Coleco Chameleon Kickstarter has come and gone.  The RETRO Video Game Systems has went dark and whisper's of financial backing from investors still hanging in the air.   No one knows exactly when the console would actually be available now, if ever.  With the Chameleon soaking up so much of the limelight, below are six crowdfunding projects that every retro gamer can enjoy.  With that in mind, the backer minimum is pretty low but you still get something cool.  The due dates are not a year away, some are completed and will be available to fans as a finished project.  One could argue that these projects may be a better investment for your dollars.

Wii U: The Best Nintendo Console Yet

Salmonella, Off Screen Play, and Timeless Games

We crowned the 3DS best system of this generation!  We also determined the very best games on Nintendo's handheld. Now, Matt McCrery tells us why the Wii U may just be the best system period.

Nintendo Through and Through

Let me preface this by saying that I am a Nintendo loyalist.  I don’t own Sony or Microsoft Consoles and if I’m at a friend’s house who does own them, I always make a joke about having to put on gloves before I touch the controller.   I’ve bought every console the big N has put out on day one since the NES.  So I don’t have to know anything about the NX, they’ve already got my money, but to be honest, when I slide my credit card and watch them bag up my new console part of me will feel different than I usually feel in that exciting moment.  Why?  Because for my money, the Wii U is the BEST console I’ve ever owned.