The 1980s began as a particularly dark time for the video game industry in the West. Even the biggest names were falling like flies, and some high-profile failures sealed their fate. On the other side of the Atlantic (and of the world, I should add), the situation was healthier, with very popular arcades and robust home options. Part of that “Japanese optimism” is reflected in the advertising, and as expected, no one hesitated to photograph young ladies in light clothing to compensate for the graphic restrictions of the era.
Leaving aside the female presence, the historical value of these ads is remarkable. Among the images we can find two variants of the Sega SG-1000 console, the original Famicom, the Sharp Twin Famicom, the Game Boy, and the Sega Mega Drive. Another very relevant fact emerges through the prices: 12,500 yen for a Game Boy, 15,000 for the SG-1000 II, and 21,000 for the Mega Drive with a gamepad. Expensive, yes, but not impossible to obtain.
