The creator of DOOM, John Romero, is photographed with a Nintendo Game Boy Camera, causing many users on the Nintendo Switch forum to reminisce about the digital camera and its role during the early days of handheld gaming. The iconic shooter creator is affectionately dubbed “Nintendoom Gametheman” by forum members and shares lighthearted stories about his connection to Nintendo.
Game Boy Camera: A Digital Photo Relic
“Nintendoom” is a fitting moniker for Romero, as the creator of some of the most iconic and influential video games of all time was photographed with a device that, while not a Nintendo creation, was incorporated into some of the company’s handhelds.
“The Game Boy Camera is a relic of an era past,” one user writes. “An era where we used film to capture life and moments. We no longer use film, but I feel that the Game Boy Camera is a digital photo relic from that bygone era.”
The Game Boy Camera serves as a symbol of nostalgia for many users, evoking a sense of fondness and appreciation for the past. Some users believe that the Game Boy era was Nintendo’s heyday of innovation and creativity, as the company was able to release a device that could take digital photos and connect to a television.
“Nintendo has continued to revisit and perfect their past ideas,” another user replies. “Game & Watch games evolved into the Nintendo DS, and the utilization of the Game Boy Camera technology in various ways (Pokémon games, etc.) proves that.”
The conversation then turns to other Nintendo innovations, namely the utilization of motion controls, which are still present in the company’s current consoles. “Nintendo has used the microphone feature in their games since the 1980s,” one user replies, “but it’s not as widely used now due to practical limitations.”
The discussion also touches on Nintendo’s commitment to other features such as motion controls, which some users feel the company has abandoned for gimmicky features. “While I do think Nintendo has taken a turn for the gimmicky in recent years,” one user replies, “I do believe they still have a commitment to other features like motion controls, which are still present in their current consoles.”
Throughout the thread, users share lighthearted anecdotes about their experiences with Romero’s games, with one user playfully referring to him as “Nintendoom.” One user mentions that they worked at a McDonald’s when Doom was released in 1993 and had to deal with a constant barrage of customers playing the game on the fast food joint’s premises.
“I am a long-time Nintendo fanboy,” Romero writes in the comments section. “I was inspired by the first Zelda game and worked on the legendary PC prototype of Super Mario Bros. 3.”
Check out the full discussion below:
While some users mention that Nintendo has used the microphone feature in its games since the 1980s, others note that the feature is not as popular nowadays due to practical limitations.
It’s also revealed that Romero is a long-time Nintendo fan, which should come as no surprise given his pedigree in the game development industry. It’s amazing to think that the first Super Mario Bros. game was the reason he began making video games.
Romero’s love for Nintendo shines through in the comments, and it’s clear that he’s inspired by the company’s legacy. *Featured image credit: Adam Quigley via Twitter.
Check out our guide to the Nintendo Game Boy Camera if you’re interested in learning more about one of Nintendo’s most underrated handheld devices.
