Welcome home, soldier. A popular Game Boy was recently removed from the New York Nintendo Store display and returned to Nintendo US HQ. But why was it so famous?
It literally survived a bombing during the Gulf War.
The legendary (and hardcore) Game Boy had been on display in the store for over three decades. However, the Gulf War survivor was finally removed from the New York City Nintendo Store. It had been an attention-grabbing attraction at the store for over 30 years, but it returned home just a few days ago.
Considering its deformed exterior due to Operation Desert Storm, it is a miracle that it is still functioning. So, let’s look back at its inspiring journey and everything that it went through to reach this point.
A Brief History of the Gulf War Game Boy
The Nintendo Game Boy was initially owned by a US Army medic, Dr. Stephan Scoggins, during the Gulf War in 1990-91. Naturally, like a true gamer, he brought his Game Boy along for the dangerous ride. Of course, it wasn’t going to end well, as the console was tragically damaged at some point during the war.
Burned in a fire, the front part of the device was brutally melted. But a blessing from the gaming gods came through. Even after all that, Scoggins found out that the Game Boy was still functioning.
When Scoggins returned home, he gave back the device to Nintendo. As a “special ‘Desert Storm’ courtesy,” the company offered him a replacement unit in exchange for the veteran console. The heroic Game Boy was then displayed in all its glory at the New York City Nintendo Store.
This amazing durability was one of the major reasons why the Game Boy became a popular collector’s item.
For the next three decades, the Gulf War Game Boy remained a popular attraction at the store. There were barely any modifications aside from replacing the screen and occasionally changing the battery. Nintendo fans used to visit the store for nostalgic purposes to pay their respects to the war hero.
But during a recent visit, Twitter user VideoGameArt&Tidbits didn’t find the Game Boy Original at the New York City Nintendo Store. They found out from a staff member that the console was removed and sent back to the Nintendo US HQ. The headquarters are situated in Redmond, Washington, which is hopefully the last time the iconic console has had to travel.
The Gulf War Game Boy has officially been retired from @NintendoNYC
After not seeing it on display for a while, I asked one of the workers about it. He told me it was returned to Nintendo’s headquarters in Redmond Washington. pic.twitter.com/wCPJDa3vlp
— VideoGameArt&Tidbits (@VGArtAndTidbits) June 29, 2023
Also Read: Nintendo Direct: Super Mario RPG – Remake of Beloved SNES Classic Announced
The Fate of the Iconic Console
Unfortunately, the staff member didn’t know if the iconic console would ever come back to the store. Nintendo has also not made any official statement about it. Fans, who have been hoping for more Game Boy Advance games on Switch, are eagerly waiting for an update.
Moreover, people are speculating that the console could be going through required maintenance. There could also be ongoing preparations to display it as part of a greater exhibit to showcase its unmatched impact. We’ll just have to wait to find out about the Gulf War Game Boy’s ultimate fate.
Also Read: Nintendo Direct: Brand New 2D Mario – Super Mario Bros. Wonder Coming this October
While we’re on the subject, what are your fondest memories of the Game Boy? Let us know in the comments below!
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