Nintendo Power
Posted by: Missing? NO!
Date: 2012-12-21 04:13:30
I still remember the first issue that came in the mail. It featured Luigi on the cover, and the background was a Gamecube. Not coincidentally, Luigi's Mansion and a Gamecube were the first things I went out to buy (or, due to my age, my parents bought) for myself.
I remember, when I first was introduced to Nintendo Power, it was through a guide for Super Mario World Advance. I didn't really understand the concept of it. I thought it was like a pill "Get the Power! Nintendo Power!" that would be taken monthly to gain an edge on a computer or difficult opponent. I thought it'd be a drug to make your fingers move faster or your reaction time quicker or something like that.
Though I was wrong, it was one of the only times where I was glad I was wrong.
Nintendo Power brought me knowledge of products that I enjoyed that I wouldn't have been able to discover without its help. Games like "Little King's Story" or "Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg" were all presented to me through Nintendo Power. All games that I typically wouldn't be exposed to, Nintendo Power broadened my narrowed, Mario-centric view on gaming. I first got interested in Resident Evil due to a review I saw in Nintendo Power.
I missed out on the glory days of the magazine. I was beyond the time where Nester Comics would grace themselves into not only issues, but the hearts of readers. I missed out on where Nintendo Power was purely game tips and tricks and hints and not a cluttered mess of advertisements and interviews. You could say that I missed out on the "glory days" of Nintendo Power, where you could call a tip line and get help with your latest NES or SNES game.
However, while I did miss out, what I experienced was still special. From the writing and the sheer creativity in presentation, you could see that everyone at that magazine loved what they did. Even despite people "Hassling the Hoff", everyone enjoyed what they did and it showed through the product they made. It was a fine balance of facts and entertainment, and that struck me as a kid and stayed with me throughout Nintendo Power's lifespan.
I don't have the last issue, which is painful for me, as, having over 100 others, not having the issue to close out my time with Nintendo Power really hurts. But, from what I saw on Reddit, Nester made an appearance. Despite not having the issue, I can now say that I read a Nester Comic in its entirety, and it really gave me a sense of what this magazine meant to some older than me. People who grew up with Nintendo Power now saw something that probably was with them throughout their childhood come to an end.
I can relate to their feelings, maybe not on their level, but I still feel the same amount of sadness and gratitude that they, the lifelong subscribers, feel.
Thanks for the memories, Nintendo Power.