A Humble Beginning
Not all legends start in the spotlight. Gunpei Yokoi, the creator of the Game Boy, is proof of that.

He began as a janitor on Nintendo’s factory floor. His story shows how hard work and creativity can lead to incredible opportunities.


Nintendo in the 1960s
In the 1960s, Nintendo wasn’t the gaming giant it is today. It was a modest playing card company searching for new directions.

Yokoi, a fresh electronics graduate, was hired to fix machines and clean the factory. But he spent his spare time tinkering with equipment, driven by curiosity and a strong work ethic.


An Accidental Invention
One day, he created a toy out of spare parts: a simple extendable arm he called the Ultra Hand. It caught the eye of the company president who saw its potential.

The toy became a national hit—and Yokoi was promoted into Nintendo’s R&D department.


Innovation Through Simplicity
Yokoi’s genius wasn’t in high-tech innovation. It was in his belief in “lateral thinking”—using old, inexpensive tech in clever ways.

This approach led to the Game & Watch series and, most famously, the Game Boy in 1989.


The Rise of the Game Boy
Yokoi saw a gap in the market. He wanted the Game Boy to focus on fun, simplicity and accessibility. It launched with Tetris, a game anyone could play.

The Game Boy became a global success, selling over 100 million units. It changed handheld gaming forever.


A Journey of Innovation and Perseverance
Gunpei Yokoi’s journey is proof that creativity, innovation and hard work don’t go unnoticed.

It serves as a reminder to stay curious and seize the moment—even the smallest start can lead to something legendary.