We love highlighting a good retro book, and NES-ential Celebration is the latest to launch a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. The book is the first from new publisher PlayBug Books, and it’s starting with one of the best retro topics. NES-ential Celebration is aiming to cover everything we need to know about Nintendo’s 80s legend through 300 pages of “insightful retrospectives and personal stories from legendary developers, acclaimed gaming journalists, and dedicated superfans.”
NES-ential Celebration will come in a hardcover collector’s edition and be made with “archival-quality materials and meticulous care,” according to PlayBug Books. There are also options to pre-order a digital copy of the book or add an extra slipcover that sports a rather fancy NES-style design. Anyone worried about backing projects such as these need not worry; the book has been written by lots of industry veterans, journalists, and well-known folks in the video game scene.
The book is due to be shipped to backers in December 2025, and the campaign has already reached its initial goal of just over £3,000. Since it launched, it has gone above and beyond to hit over £50,000 at the time we put this news out. It just goes to show that the NES still has a huge following and there is an appetite for this kind of book.
Features:
- Deeply researched essays on gaming’s groundbreaking moments and hidden history.
- Behind-the-scenes insights into iconic NES titles and untold gaming lore.
- Personal reflections from gamers and industry insiders, sharing nostalgic and inspiring stories.
- Visually stunning retrospectives featuring original artwork and photography.
- Insightful analysis of genre-defining innovations, from platformers to RPGs.
- An exploration of Nintendo’s revolutionary hardware, including R.O.B. and the Zapper.
- Thought-provoking discussions on the cultural impact of the NES and its legacy.
- Special features on iconic NES games, behind-the-scenes stories, and lost treasures from gaming history.
