The Angry Video Game Nerd reminisces about Nintendo Power, a magazine that was a crucial source of information for gamers before the internet. He fondly remembers the magazine's features, such as game reviews, tips, and tricks, as well as its iconic illustrations and comics. However, he also criticizes some of the magazine's later decisions, such as the lack of numbering on the spines and the inclusion of weird and disgusting ads. The Nerd also reads some letters from readers, including complaints about games and suggestions for improvement. Throughout the video, the Nerd's signature humor and sarcasm are on full display.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Nintendo Power was a magazine that provided information about Nintendo games.
2. The magazine was first published as issue one, which was considered groundbreaking.
3. The magazine included maps, tricks, and codes for various games, including Metroid and Super Mario Brothers.
4. The magazine had a section called NES Achiever, where readers could submit their high scores.
5. To submit their high scores, readers had to take a photo of their screen, which was difficult to do without digital cameras.
6. Nintendo Power printed guidelines on how to take a good photo of the screen.
7. The magazine included a Top 30 list of the most popular Nintendo games.
8. The Top 30 list was initially only for NES games but later included SNES and Game Boy games.
9. The magazine also had a Top 5 list for Virtual Boy games.
10. The covers of the magazine were often exciting and featured various Nintendo characters.
11. The magazine included illustrations, comics, and ads, some of which were considered weird or disgusting.
12. Each issue came with a poster, which was often difficult to remove without ripping.
13. The magazine included scratch-and-sniff inserts, iron-on transfers, and other bonus items.
14. There were contests in every issue, with grand prizes such as a sneak showing of the Ninja Turtles movie or a chance to meet Arnold Schwarzenegger.
15. Readers could submit their own ideas for enemies in future Mega Man games.
16. The magazine included a section for reader mail, where readers could submit their complaints, jokes, and other letters.
17. Some readers complained about the names of Nintendo 64 games, which often included the number 64.
18. The magazine's marketing strategy was criticized for targeting elementary school gamers and potentially alienating older gamers.
19. The magazine's response to this criticism was to target more teens with their marketing.