Nintendo Game Boy x Air Jordan 1… why hasn’t this collaboration happened before?
Let’s rewind back to the era of vibrant neon hues, the distinctive click of cassette tapes, and beats spilling from blaring boomboxes. Yes, we’re talking about the late 80s and early 90s, a time when the Nintendo Game Boy was an absolute must-have. Perhaps it wasn’t the most cutting-edge technology on the block, but the pure joy that gaming on the fly brought was enough to make it an accessory every kid yearned for.
Now, let’s fast forward back to 2024. This year sees the 35th birthday of the Nintendo Game Boy, a device that truly transformed how we played video games. To rightly honour this sturdy grey gamer with its black, blue, and dark magenta accents, we’ve decided to pay homage to it in the best way we know how: by highlighting a sneaker design inspired by this iconic gaming console! As such we present the Air Jordan 1 Nintendo Game Boy custom by Andrew Chiou. This sneaker design is a nod to the unfading legacy of the handheld console that stole the hearts of a generation of gamers.
Cracking the Charm of the Nintendo Game Boy
As I mentioned, the Nintendo Game Boy wasn’t the most sophisticated portable gaming console of its era. In fact, those green screens and black pixels certainly didn’t intimidate its competitors. However, where it did shine—and oh, how brightly it did—was in the fact that it enabled you to carry gaming legends such as Tetris and Super Mario Land right in your pocket. Suddenly, those tedious car journeys or aimless lazy days had a new hero game to the rescue.
To top it off, its design was practically invincible, a critical feature for a gadget constantly at the mercy of its young, negligent owners who took it wherever their feet led them.
Of course, the reason for the Game Boy’s near-cult status may vary from person to person. For some, it would be the gaming freedom it offered, while for others, it would be the sheer triumph of finally beating a level that had plagued you for days. Simply put, this device has a precious spot in gaming history and pop culture. And the Air Jordan 1 Nintendo Game Boy design is a fun way to remember those good old times.
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The Sneaker Design
This fantastic custom design by Andrew Chiou highlights all the things we remember fondly about the Game Boy. For starters, the pair features a retro-aged look that perfectly captures what one of these little machines might look like after time if it had been well-loved and well-used.
The stunning interplay of light and dark grey on the upper paints a picture of the vintage handheld device’s plastic frame and screen border. Then, in a beautiful touch of detail, Chiou translates the magenta-hued buttons of the Game Boy into the iconic Swooshes on the sides and the Jordan Wings insignia on the ankle flap.
The classic green screen resurfaces on the 8-bit tongue label and the matching swing tag that hangs from the shoelaces (is that MJ leaping in 8-bit?). And to amplify the retro theme? Subtle nods to gaming iconography like the ‘start’ script and the Nintendo Game Boy logo grace the toe box and quarters, respectively.
The final touches to this stunning sneaker are an artfully aged white midsole and a grey rubber outsole, blending harmoniously with the upper’s design. Overall, this design is simply a nostalgic blast from the past for fans of retro gaming and sneaker culture.
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Can You Buy the Air Jordan 1 Nintendo Game Boy?
Andrew Chiou’s unique creation lit up his Instagram feed in February of 2022. It’s uncertain if Andrew is open to new commissions for this specific sneaker design, but if you’re keen on securing a pair, it’s worth dropping him a message on Instagram. The beauty of handpainted designs is that there is always the potential to resurrect, reimagine, and personalise them. So, if this blend of vintage gaming and sneaker style intrigues you, contacting Chiou is worth a shot. And while you wait, keep following us for more nostalgia-steeped sneaker customs and concepts.
What are your thoughts on the Air Jordan 1 Nintendo Game Boy sneakers? Do they take you on a nostalgic walk down memory lane?
Source: CNET
