Features that shocked the electronics companies

The people in attendance at the KiShin press conference were either stunned or excited when Shin introduced the Gameboy. Following this, Shin smiled as the cameras of several media outlets closed in on his face. He then stated, "Now, I'll demonstrate the gameplay on this Gameboy." He reached into his pocket, retrieved a video game cartridge for the Gameboy, and inserted it into the device.

Upon turning the Gameboy on with a switch, the Gameboy logo appeared on the screen. The video from the camera zoomed in on the Gameboy screen that Shin was holding, revealing that it displayed full color. Many attendees were surprised by this revelation.

Shin explained through the microphone, "As you can see, our Gameboy features a built-in backlight, allowing you to see the screen even in bright conditions, as long as you activate this backlight switch," as he presented the switch located on the side of the Gameboy.

Subsequently, the video game booted up, and the title of the game, 'Tetris,' appeared on the screen.

As Shin began to play the video game, it surprised everyone, especially President Taro Ikeda and CEO Nikko Tabata, who were taken aback by the fact that the handheld device, known as the Gameboy, was actually in color.

This revelation greatly alarmed them, and those with expertise in electronics research couldn't help but collectively wonder, "How did they achieve this!?"

The idea that KiShin, a relatively small company in their eyes, could possess the research capability to create such a handheld device in color was inconceivable. It's important to note that current phone technology was not yet in color, and now KiShin was introducing a Gameboy, only slightly larger than a standard phone, in full color.

Chairman Asahi Tanaka glanced at Chairman Shiro, who had secretly attended the press conference, and pondered, "Could it be that the Suzuki Group is secretly assisting KiShin?" However, upon closer examination of Chairman Shiro Suzuki's expression, he too noticed the bewilderment and shock on Chairman Shiro Suzuki's face. As a result, Chairman Asahi Tanaka dismissed that idea for the time being.

Even Shiko and Seki observed the Gameboy with greater seriousness this time. It was worth noting that even the Suzuki Group had not conducted research on handheld video game consoles, as their focus remained on cellular phone research.

Meanwhile, the video game enthusiasts in the audience were completely engrossed as Shin played 'Tetris' on the Gameboy. Although the graphics and color palette couldn't match those of an arcade, it was quite impressive considering the Gameboy's portable design.

After finishing his game, Shin smiled and announced, "Our Gameboy has more video games that won't be revealed at this press conference, but I'll showcase the features of our Gameboy." He paused and looked at Mira, who stepped onto the stage holding another Gameboy. Shin continued, "Our Gameboy can also be linked together using a game link cable." Saying that, Mira brings a cable and connected one end to the pink Gameboy she held, while Shin connected the other end to his Gameboy.

Shin addressed the crowd through the microphone, and his voice resonated throughout the building, "Once the two Gameboys are linked, this enables multiplayer gaming."

Since Mira's Gameboy had a 'Tetris' video game cartridge as well, and it was already up and running, Shin selected the multiplayer option on his Gameboy, and the two engaged in a Gameboy 'Tetris' battle.

This innovative concept captivated everyone in the audience, and those at home hardly blinked as they remained fixated on their television screens.

Kinoshita Yoshi, who was also watching the event on television, saw this as a new opportunity presented by KiShin. It seemed they might have the chance to create video games for the Gameboy if KiShin decided to open the platform, similar to what they had done with the KiShin SKT FamiCom.

While CEO Nikko Tabata carefully examined the features of the Gameboy and its video game, he couldn't help but be genuinely interested in the handheld video game console. However, he reminded himself that it was a product from a competitor.

After Shin and Mira concluded their multiplayer Gameboy session, Shin proceeded to introduce the Gameboy AC Adapter for charging and the Super Gameboy. He explained, "With the assistance of the 'Super Gameboy,' you can enjoy Gameboy games on our SKES, allowing you to play your Gameboy video games on a wider and larger television screen."

The video game enthusiasts both at the press conference and in their respective homes erupted in enthusiastic cheers. 

"Sell SKES and Gameboy, now!" suddenly rang out from the crowd as one individual shouted fervently, the loudness of their voice ensuring everyone heard. Their persistent repetition of these words made them seem somewhat foolish. However, their enthusiasm was infectious, prompting many other video game players to echo the slogan, "Sell SKES and Gameboy, now!!!"

The phrase "Sell SKES and Gameboy, now!" became a rallying cry among the crowd of video game enthusiasts, capturing the attention of both Japanese and foreign media outlets.

Shin couldn't help but chuckle wryly as he observed the enthusiastic crowd's cheers and heard their calls. With a warm smile, he reassured them, saying, "Don't worry, everyone." He paused for dramatic effect and then continued, "KiShin will officially launch the SKES and Gameboy, along with their accompanying accessories, on February 10, 1992."

At the sound of this announcement, the video game players, both in the press conference and in their respective homes, erupted in thunderous cheers.

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[Sazama Mansion]

Sazama watched the TV with intense focus and roared in frustration, "That young Shinro was actually hiding such a treasure from me!" He clenched his keikogi in his teeth and declared, "Now I want one!!!" While he could easily ask his youngest grandson Shinro for the SKES or Gameboy, his disciplined nature prevented him from resorting to such requests unless Shinro willingly offered these coveted treasures.

Kumiko, by his side, smiled faintly and commented, "Oh, dear. You typically care very little for material possessions, yet you desire something that is usually meant for children..."

Sazama blushed and retorted, "It's not just for children!!!"

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The introduction of the SKES and Gameboy quickly became a sensation in Japan. Even before the anticipated date of February 10, 1992, hordes of eager video game players, whether from Tora or Suzuki, began lining up at various KiShin retail stores and sections in malls, hoping to get their hands on the SKES, Gameboy, and their video games ahead of time.

Many even set up tents outside several KiShin retail stores in Tokyo and various cities across Japan. This level of craze had been expected, but it still managed to surprise many.