The success of the 3DS has vindicated Gunpei Yokoi and the Virtual Boy

[S.Peelman]

Mandalore76 said:

S.Peelman said:

Nice read.

I don't really think Gunpei Yokoi needed vindication, with him being responsible for the Game & Watch, the D-Pad, Metroid and not to forget the GameBoy itself I'd say he'd earned his stripes. Virtual Boy doesn't really diminish his accomplishments. Besides, wasn't he opposed to the release of the Virtual Boy as it was, because he didn't think it was ready yet?

About the 3DS, I think you're right to say it's the culmination of earlier ideas, but Nintendo did probably think it would be the right thing at the right time. Beside 3D not really being a vital part of playing the system's games, that inherently makes it kind of a gimmick. I like it though. I always play with the 3D on, it makes me better at things and infact it made me worse at jumping for example on a regular screen!

Gunpei Yokoi's resume of success definitely outweighs the failure of the Virtual Boy.  I just think that his end with Nintendo was on a sour note.  If the technology and price point had been then where they are now, it wouldn't have been such a disaster.

This is sadly true.