We take wireless networking for granted nowadays, especially regarding our handheld devices. Modern phones, music players, tablets, and yes, even handheld game consoles all come equipped with WiFi support and connectivity. There was a time, however, when any company introducing wireless connections to their device was cutting edge technology, especially regarding video game consoles. That brings us to the Nintendo Page Boy, a canceled add-on for the Game Boy that would have allowed for users to communicate with each other wirelessly.
The add-on never saw the light of day and was considered lost with little information about it coming to light over the years. However, video game historian Liam Robertson unveiled the history behind the Nintendo Page Boy in a video for DidYouKnowGaming? on YouTube. It details how the add-on came to be, what it did, and why it was shelved.
Learn all about the Nintendo Page Boy below, courtesy of DidYouKnowGaming? on YouTube.
All about the cancelled Nintendo Page Boy
Robertson’s deep dive on the Nintendo Page Boy includes details on the add-on’s features and cancellation. Beginning development in 1999, users would have been able to wirelessly connect to radio transmissions and search for content like news, weather updates, and magazine articles. The Page Boy would also allow users to watch live television broadcasts. In addition, the add-on would let users send messages to each other, including pictures taken with the Game Boy Camera.
In essence, the Page Boy would act similarly to a modern smartphone — years before the iPhone hit store shelves. Its messaging, picture sharing, and Internet connectivity features would have been groundbreaking for the time. Had it gone to market, it could have revolutionized modern communication technology as we know it today.
However, it wasn’t meant to be. While Nintendo was initially excited about the project, it later realized that it had limited international appeal. The add-on’s reliance on radio networks that only existed in certain areas of the world severely limited its compatibility in many regions. North America would have seen decent coverage, for example, but Japan and Europe would’ve had very little support. Consequently, Nintendo canned the add-on in 2002.
We highly recommend you check out Robertson’s video to learn more about this fascinating project. It’s a piece of gaming history that deserves more attention.
Do you wish the Nintendo Page Boy saw the light of day? Let us know!
Via Kotaku.
