For gamers old enough to remember the original Nintendo GameBoy and Sega Game Gear — yes, our editor had both — today’s news out of Sega HQ regarding the Nintendo 3DS will be a pleasant surprise: Sega’s most revered games from the Game Gear handheld will be making an appearance on the Nintendo 3DS later this year.
Although specific timing was not unveiled, and for that matter, neither were specific games, Sega did announce that a series of fan favorites from the Game Gear will be available for download on the Nintendo eShop service for the Nintendo 3DS.
Sega’s favorite classic games will be among the first titles to be offered exclusively for download on the new platform.
Five releases are planned for the launch of the Nintendo eShop, with more to be announced later this year
“This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Game Gear system, and we believe that releasing these titles on the groundbreaking Nintendo 3DS is a great way to commemorate the occasion,” said Haruki Satomi, vice president of Digital Business at SEGA of America. “Both new fans and those with fond memories of time spent playing their Game Gear will surely find something to love in our upcoming lineup of Nintendo eShop titles.”
Having the Game Gear classics available on the Nintendo 3DS is sure to be a boon to “old school” gamers who may otherwise be on the fence about a 3D handheld. If Nintendo and Sega can successfully help tap into our nostalgic sides, while also delivering fresh gameplay experiences, older gamers may end up being the most-penetrated market for the 3DS. Time will tell, of course, but this news out of Sega could be a step in that direction.
