KS2

The KSP's versatility and power were undeniable. Whether it was tackling casual games or complex RPGs like The Elder Scrolls: Arena, the handheld impressed with its capabilities. It quickly carved a significant niche in the market, leaving rivals shelves that once proudly displayed Tora and Suzuki's handhelds now felt sparsely populated. While KSP reigned supreme, its competitors still clung to a loyal fanbase, drawn by the significantly lower price tag and familiar comfort of their established platforms.

Then, in a surprise move, the announcement of the highly anticipated KS2 console arrived, slated for a December 1999 release. The industry buzzed with excitement. But amidst the hype, a ripple of shock spread as Tora and Suzuki, seemingly spurred by the KS2's launch date, announced their own consoles, both aiming for a January 2000 release.

The sudden shift in the landscape was intriguing. Had the KS2's ambition inadvertently triggered a premature response from its rivals? Was this a desperate bid to stay relevant, or a calculated move to capitalize on the holiday season's buying frenzy? Only time would tell the true motive behind this unexpected early launch race.

As the December chill nipped at Tokyo, excitement crackled in the air outside the KiShin store on December 10th, 1999. A snaking line of gamers buzzed with animated chatter, a chorus of anticipation swirling around the highly-awaited release of the KS2 console. Television commercials had teased glimpses of the opening games, fueling the fire of their eagerness.

Television commercials had unleashed a torrent of anticipation for the KS2's launch titles, and these early birds were already dissecting the lineup. "Did you see Celestia?! Remember its debut on the SKES? Now on the KS2... it's gonna be amazing!" one declared, his voice tinged with nostalgia.

"Man, can't wait to get my hands on 'Celestia'!" one chimed in, their voice tinged with excitement. "Remember how good it was on the SKES launch? Like a nostalgia bomb."

"Yeah, but honestly, I'm all about 'Resident Evil 3'," another retorted. "Wasn't 2 just released several month ago?"

"They must've cooked up something special for the 128-bit."

"Makes sense," a third agreed, nodding. "But for me, the real mystery is 'Undertale'. Tucked away at the end of the list, like a secret hidden in plain sight. Feels special, somehow."

A skeptical chuckle followed. "Last on the list usually means bottom of the barrel, no? Probably just not worth an attention."

"Nah, last in this case just means surprise," another gamer countered, a mischievous glint in their eye. "Fresh title, unexplored territory – that's worth getting amped about. Something new deserves a chance, right?"

The line murmured in agreement, the prospect of a hidden gem adding another layer of excitement to the already electric atmosphere. As the sun climbed higher, the buzz grew louder, fueled by anticipation and the unspoken promise of new worlds waiting to be explored within the polished shell of the KS2.

---

As the doors of the KiShin store swung open, a surge of excitement propelled Kondo Ichirou forward. He wasn't a techie, not particularly enthralled by the buzz surrounding the KSPs groundbreaking features. For Ichirou, the allure was simpler, purer – the thrill of a brand-new console, the door to countless virtual worlds waiting to be explored.

After months of anticipation, the KS2 was finally within his grasp. He navigated the bustling store with practiced ease, a familiar path from countless KiShin visits. Reaching the console section, he snagged a coveted KS2, the sleek black box sending a shiver of anticipation down his spine.

Next came the games. Rows upon rows of pixelated landscapes and fantastical creatures beckoned. Nostalgic titles like "Super Mario" and "Celestia" gleamed under the lights, while his personal holy grail, "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time," sat nestled amongst them, another nostalgic series for opening video games of KS2.

Without hesitation, Ichirou reached for his wallet. The opening titles, those familiar comfort food games, found their way into his basket with minimal deliberation. He knew these worlds, trusted them to deliver an evening of pixelated bliss. But a small part of him, the part that craved the unknown, flickered with a different desire.

But amidst the familiar comfort, a spark of curiosity ignited. Tucked away on a corner shelf, "Undertale" whispered with an unknown allure. The box art, a pixelated skeleton grinning maniacally, hinted at something different, something fresh. Ichirou, usually a creature of habit, surprised himself by adding it to his stack. Finally, a copy of "Resident Evil 3" completed his haul, a promise of adrenaline-pumping thrills.

Emerging from the store, sunlight filtering through the excited crowd, Ichirou held his treasures close.

The weight was more than just plastic and circuits; it was a portal to countless worlds, each promising an escape from the ordinary. As envy-tinged glances followed him, a quiet satisfaction settled within him.

---

Shin sank into his plush office chair, the crisp hum of the KS2 a comforting serenade to his fingers dancing across the controller. "Undertale," the pixelated world flickering on the screen, wasn't just a game; it was a portal to a memory of another life, another time. He wanted to see, to feel, if this console rendition could capture the same magic that once captivated him on his old PC.

Hours, or perhaps minutes, bled into one another as he navigated the quirky charm of Snowdin, battling Froggits and befriending Papyrus. Time became a phantom limb, forgotten in the face of pixelated determination and heartwarming humor. Only the gentle chime of his secretary's voice, announcing his afternoon appointment, dragged him back to reality.

With a wistful smile, Shin paused the game, the echoes of its music still clinging to the air. The essence, the intangible charm that drew him to "Undertale" years ago, seemed to shimmer through the KS2's vibrant pixels. Whether the gamers of this world would feel the same pull, that spark of connection, remained a delicious mystery. He couldn't wait to see them stumble through Snowdin, their laughter and tears painting their own tales onto the familiar canvas of this beloved game.