For anime fans who grew up in the 90s, Nintendo games were a huge part of the experience. Many iconic anime series got their own Nintendo video game adaptations or crossovers that are still fondly remembered today. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and look at 5 of these nostalgic anime-related Nintendo titles from the 90s and early 2000s!
Pokémon Red/Blue (1996)
No anime-inspired Nintendo list would be complete without Pokémon Red/Blue/Green/Yellow. These iconic Game Boy RPGs started the Pokémon craze and launched the entire franchise. Catching Pikachu and training your squad of Pokémon while watching the anime was a perfect combo. The games created a dynamic world of monster collecting, trading, and battling that fans could dive into.
Super Smash Bros (1999)
This Nintendo 64 all-star fighter featured anime/manga icons like Pikachu, Jigglypuff, and Captain Falcon as playable characters. It took characters we knew from shows and put them together in outrageous crossover battles. Seeing our favorite anime characters duke it out in stadiums mashed up nostalgia and silliness in a way only Smash Bros could.
Dragon Ball Z: Legendary Super Warriors (2002)
DBZ fans were hyped to play through the Saiyan Saga in this Game Boy Color RPG. With anime-inspired graphics and abilities referencing moves from the show, it captured the look and feel of the anime. The story mode, side quests, and customization options made us feel like we were a part of the DBZ world.
Kirby: Right Back at Ya! (2002)
Based on the Kirby anime series, this Game Boy Advance platformer lets us guide Kirby through Dream Land on adventures with his friends from the show. It followed the fun, lighthearted tone of the anime with familiar enemies and copy abilities. The colorful, energetic platforming matched the spirit of the TV show.
Digimon World (2003)
No list would be complete without a Digimon World game. This PS1 RPG let you raise your personal Digimon partner from rookie to ultimate level just like the anime. Caring for your Digimon, training them for battles, and exploring the digital world made it feel like you were on your own Digimon adventure. The immersive life sim aspects paired with Digimon nostalgia made this game special.
How to play all this games on your phone on the go?
The First Step is to Download a Game Boy Emulator on your Phone
There are several good Game Boy emulators available for Android and iOS devices. Some popular options are My Boy! (Android), GBC.emu (Android), and Delta Emulator (iOS). These apps emulate the hardware of the original Game Boy and Game Boy Color portably on your phone.
Next, you Need to Acquire the Game ROM Files
ROM stands for “read-only memory” and is essentially a file copy of a game cartridge. You can find ROMs for most classic Nintendo games online through ROM sites and databases. However, downloading ROMs for games you don’t already own is legally questionable. You can download the rom files here.
Once you have emulator and ROMs, Load the ROM File into the Emulator App
In the emulator app, there is usually an option to load or import ROM files from your phone’s local storage or SD card. Select the Nintendo game ROM you downloaded and the emulator will boot it up.
Finally, Enjoy Playing the Game on your Phone!
The emulator will launch the game and you can play just like you remember on the original Game Boy hardware. On-screen buttons or overlays allow you to control as if it was a real handheld. Save, load, and resume your game progress at any time. Just like that, you can relive retro Nintendo classics on your smartphone!
With some simple setup, Game Boy emulators give you portable access to all your favorite Nintendo games from back in the day to play anytime, anywhere. It’s a great hit of 90’s/2000’s nostalgia.
Reliving these classic Nintendo anime games is a blast from the past for 90s kids. The memorable characters, stories, and gameplay shaped our childhoods. These games will always hold a special place in our hearts and gaming history. Do you have any other favorite retro Nintendo anime titles? Share your picks in the comments!
till then checkout the top Top 7 Saddest Anime Series which will make you cry
