Key Takeaways
1. Pokémon Company celebrated its 30th anniversary by launching the mini Game Boy Juke Box that plays chiptune soundtracks from Pokémon Red and Blue.
2. The Game Boy Juke Box includes 45 interchangeable mini cartridges, each playing a classic soundtrack or sound effect from the original games.
3. The device is a third the size of the original Game Boy, available in red or blue, and features a faux dot-matrix screen that displays images from the games.
4. Priced at $69.99 in the U.S. and £59.99 in the UK, the Juke Box is limited to one unit per customer to prevent scalping.
5. It is available for purchase online and at select physical Nintendo Stores, with reports of quick sell-outs due to its nostalgic appeal.
Along with the launch of Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, the Pokémon Company marked the 30th anniversary of the franchise by introducing a mini Game Boy that also functions as a music player. This device includes cartridges that play the classic chiptune soundtracks from Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue.
New Music Collection
During the Pokémon Presents livestream event, the Pokémon Company showcased the Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue Game Music Collection. This features the Game Boy Juke Box, which is now available for sale and comes with 45 interchangeable cartridges.
Design and Features
This small-scale Game Boy Juke Box is about a third the size of the original device and is offered in red or blue colors. Each kit includes 45 vibrant, colorful mini cartridges that are sure to catch the eye.
To use the tiny Game Boy Juke Box, simply insert a soundtrack mini-cartridge, which will then show a static image from either Pokémon Red or Pokémon Blue on the faux dot-matrix screen of the mini Game Boy.
Soundtrack Selection
Each cartridge is designed to play either a single soundtrack or a sound effect. Fans of the initial Pokémon game can listen to the Title Screen theme, “Pallet Town,” “Professor Oak,” or the haunting Lavender Town theme. Other classic tunes from the original game such as “Pewter City,” “Rocket Hideout,” Jigglypuff’s Song, and the Ending Theme are also included.
Junichi Masuda, who created and managed sound effects for the first Pokémon games, mentioned, “We made sure to capture the audio just like the Game Boy. I hope you have fun listening while changing out the cartridges.”
Sound Quality and Pricing
The Game Boy Juke Box features speakers that mimic the tinny sound of the original, trying to recreate the audio quality of Nintendo’s first handheld device. Just like the original Game Boy, it requires batteries, which are sold separately.
In the U.S., the Game Boy Juke Box is priced at $69.99, while in the UK, it’s available for £59.99. Pokémon enthusiasts can purchase it directly online through the official Pokémon Center store. To prevent scalping, each customer is limited to one unit.
Availability and Nostalgia
The mini Game Boy music player is also said to be sold at physical Nintendo Stores, providing a special opportunity for gamers who can visit in person. It’s advisable to act fast, as reports indicate that this 30th-anniversary collectible is quickly selling out. For those feeling nostalgic, Amazon has sellers offering refurbished versions of the original Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue games, although they come at a higher price.
Source:
Link