The Game & Watch series of handheld consoles from Nintendo was first released in April 1980 with the release of Game & Watch: Ball. The last console in the original run was released in 1991. Special anniversary re-releases in 2020 and 2021 were later released. The Game & Watch console was designed by Gunpei Yokoi who had the idea for a miniature handheld console after watching a bored train passenger playing with a calculator's buttons to pass the time. The consoles also include a clock which display on the LCD screen, providing the watch part of Game & Watch. The original Donkey Kong version of the Game & Watch, released on 3rd June 1982, was the first console/controller to feature Nintendo's cross-shaped d-pad.

This example in our collection is the Donkey Kong II model which was released on 7th March 1983 as part of the Vertical Multi Screen series. In this sequel to Donkey Kong, it is Donkey Kong who is captured by Mario. Donkey Kong Jr. wants to rescue his Dad, so he braves snapjaws, sparks, and birds using the key he collects to unlock the locks. After unlocking all four locks Papa is freed and the game starts from the beginning.

This boxed example in our collection also has 'CGL' branding on it. CGL (Computer Games Limited) were a British company who imported games from companies including Tomy and Gakken, and also imported Nintendo's Game & Watch series.

Manufacturer: Nintendo
Date: 1983

This exhibit has a reference ID of CH71130. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.

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