Is Game and Watch Discontinued?
The Game and Watch series was discontinued on March 31, 2021, following the end of the celebration period, as stated by Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser, and the last game created in the series was Mario the Juggler, released in 1991. The discontinuation was due to the 35th anniversary being a unique celebration that was not intended to be ongoing, with the products being discontinued to maintain their exclusivity and value.
History of Game and Watch
The Game and Watch brand was a series of handheld electronic games developed, manufactured, released, and marketed by Nintendo from 1980 to 1991, with the first game being Ball, released on April 28, 1980, and the series selling a combined 43.4 million units worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following FAQs provide additional information about the Game and Watch series:
- When was the last Game and Watch made?: The last game created in the Game and Watch series was Mario the Juggler, released in 1991.
- What is the new Game and Watch?: The new Game and Watch is a jam-packed tribute to 35 years of the Legend of Zelda series, featuring a retro look and the power to save Hyrule.
- Is Nintendo Game and Watch collectable?: Yes, vintage Game and Watch handhelds can be collectable, with prices ranging from around $50 for unboxed common ones to close to $2,000 for rare variants.
- How many Nintendo Game and Watches are there?: The Game and Watch series consists of a total of 60 handheld video games released between 1980 and 1991.
- Is Game and Watch rare?: Some Game and Watch games can be rare, such as the yellow version of Donkey Kong, which was never available for retail sale and is considered rare due to its limited production of only 10,000 units.
- What was the last Game and Watch?: The last Game and Watch released was Mario the Juggler, which is similar to Ball, but with the added feature of playing as Mario and juggling hearts and stars.
- What is the rarest Game and Watch Game?: Headache could arguably be the rarest Game and Watch game, while Judge features two different color schemes and is also rare.
- What is the most expensive Game Watch?: A special edition Donkey Kong Game and Watch piece sold for $9,000 in an online auction, making it the most paid for a single Game and Watch to date.
- Are older Nintendo games worth anything?: Yes, Nintendo games, especially for the NES, can be extremely rare and valuable due to their vintage and older nature.
- How old is Game and Watch?: The Game and Watch brand was first introduced in 1980 and was discontinued in 1991, making it over 30 years old.
- What was the first game on Game and Watch?: The first Game and Watch game was Ball, released on April 28, 1980, which is a single-screen single-player game.
- How much did the Game and Watch cost at launch?: The Game and Watch had a launch price of $50, which was criticized for only including three games.
- Why was it called Game and Watch?: The product derived its name from featuring a single game as well as a clock on an LCD screen, with models from 1981 onwards featuring an alarm in addition.
- What kind of battery does the Game and Watch use?: The Game and Watch uses LR44 batteries, also known as 76A or A76, which are commonly found in Nintendo Game and Watch retro handheld games and other small electronic devices.
- When did Donkey Kong come out?: Donkey Kong was released in July 1981 and became Nintendo’s first major international success, following Mario as he ascends a construction site to rescue Pauline from Donkey Kong.