217 KS1 release

The KS1 video game console will be initially released in the Akihabara District in Japan.

Consequently, on April 19, 1994, there was an influx of people into the Akihabara District, and the hotels in the vicinity profited the most.

In Electric Town, a KiShin physical store was situated, and some people had already lined up there.

The first people in line had even set up tents.

Various Japanese media outlets went to the Akihabara District to capture these events, preparing to report anything that might be detrimental to the company, such as potential chaos.

Simultaneously, foreigners were also heading to the Akihabara District for the same reason – to purchase the KS1.

Many people, including Japanese locals, opted to travel to the Akihabara District because the KiShin physical store there would be the first to sell the latest KiShin products.

The KiShin physical store in Akihabara would open at 6:00 am, but other KiShin stores and malls where the products would be available had delays. In each of these locations, the delay ranged from a few hours to even a potential day.

Consequently, a significant number of people opted to visit the KiShin physical store in Akihabara to purchase the KS1. This influx of people not only increased the footfall in Akihabara but also boosted business in the surrounding Electric Town.

The popularity of the Akihabara District saw a considerable rise, prompting some individuals in the Japanese business world to discern KiShin's strategic move of acquiring a substantial amount of land in Akihabara.

"No wonder... Now, with the release of KS1, KiShin is also enhancing the appeal of Akihabara Electric Town," mused a real estate businessman, contemplating, "I suppose KiShin has some ambitious plans. Well, I'm no stranger to bold moves; perhaps I should consider acquiring some land in Akihabara as well."

His business partners were somewhat surprised when they heard that. However, it made sense, considering KiShin was a company gradually gaining recognition worldwide.

As time passed, people in line at the Akihabara District KiShin Store were now even eating there. They had brought friends along, allowing each person to take turns going to the bathroom or buying food while their friend guarded the line. This coordinated approach helped them manage the wait more efficiently.

Certain media outlets captured scenes in the line where people, especially men, were developing stubbles of beard after being in line for just a few days.

When some viewers in Japan, who weren't fans of video games, witnessed this scene, they couldn't help but comment, "Oh, this is purely disgusting. Why do they engage in such childish behavior?"

"There are even some foreigners... Are they really so obsessed with this stuff?"

"Phew... I'm glad I'm not obsessed with video games," said a man watching at home who was a fitness enthusiast.

"Hahaha, someone brought a toothbrush in the line..." Some viewers observed that some men were using a toothbrush while waiting.

"Ew..."

When a reporter interviewed a man showcasing a bottle filled with urine, whether they were video game fans or not, they were disgusted.

Casual video game players watching couldn't help but comment.

"These guys... Couldn't they wait just a few more weeks after the release of KS1? It would not only be convenient, but there would also be no more troublesome lines..." a guy remarked.

"There will still be lines..." his friend added.

"Well, maybe after a month, I guess? As long as the trend cools down," the guy responded to his friend's words.

Time passed, and each day for the video game players currently in line in some stores and malls in Japan felt like time was gradually getting longer.

In the Akihabara District KiShin Store, as the release date of KS1 on May 1, 1994, approached, the lines also grew significantly longer.

Within the line, some foreigners were present, and as they waited, they noticed construction in progress in the distance.

When boredom set in for those in the line, they would pass the time by observing the construction taking place nearby.

When the people in the line saw a truck bringing a statue of Mario and setting it up in front of the building under construction, they were a bit surprised.

"Oh! Look, it's Mario!"

"Hmm... What's a Mario statue doing there?"

"I think that building should belong to KiShin as well, right?"

"I think so too, considering KiShin already established some Pokemon cafes around Tokyo..."

"I guess this time, they're trying to build a cafe themed with Mario?"

"I guess..."

The video game players discussed among themselves as they observed the construction site.

In fact, there are a few construction sites in various places in Electric Town. While many people wonder about them, they do not care; their primary focus is on the impending release of the KS1.

Kinoshita Yoshi, also in the line, stood up with his hands in his pockets. Some people glanced at him due to his attire – an expensive black American suit, a golden watch, and black sunglasses, giving him an affluent appearance.

"There's still a few hours..." Kinoshita Yoshi muttered as he settled into the foldable seat he had brought. He had also set up a tent for staying in the line, and his friends accompanying him slept in the tent.

After a while, Kinoshita Yoshi's friends, dressed in summer clothes, engaged in conversation while sipping cola. There were still a few hours before the release, and it was currently 3:00 am on May 1, 1994.

"There's still three hours, and I'm already filled with excitement..." Noya Kunio exclaimed.

Ogino Kichiro shook his head and said, "You're not the only one, Kunio..."

Kinoshita Yoshi also smiled as he observed Noya Kunio's furrowed brows. He pointed at some people who were even trembling with excitement.

Whether they were trembling due to the cold or excitement was unknown, but Kinoshita Yoshi and his friends assumed it must be because of excitement.

Soon, after three hours, it was finally 6:00 am. Satoru, the first in line, felt obvious excitement as he entered the store.

He realized he was the first person in the KiShin store after weeks.

"Good morning, sir," a saleswoman bowed as she greeted.

"As you know, I'm here for KS1..." Satoru nodded and said.

"Of course, we know. And since sir is the first to buy a KS1, you'll be able to get a freebie," the saleswoman said with a smile.

"Really!?" Satoru exclaimed in a bit of surprise.

The saleswoman nodded and then led Satoru to a specific section of the store, where a KS1 was displayed. Satoru immediately took it.

"I know that it was bundled with the video game 'THE NEED FOR SPEED,' but are there more video games?" He asked the saleswoman who gave him the freebie.

The saleswoman nodded and then took Satoru to the video games section. When Satoru saw the video games for KS1, he couldn't help but furrow his brows. As he examined and picked up the video game CD covers one by one, Satoru couldn't help but frown.

"There are only two video games for sale for KS1?" Satoru couldn't help but say.

In the video games section, labeled for KS1, there were only two titles, filling the lineup with just two video game titles.

The saleswoman bowed and said, "That's right, sir. Unlike before, KS1's video game lineup consists of only three, including 'THE NEED FOR SPEED.'"

Satoru couldn't help but lament a little. He was expecting a lineup of video games for KS1 and had brought a lot of money for a buying spree, but now, there were only three video games.

But he wasn't too disappointed. He proceeded to buy the other two video games—one he knew was the video game called 'KiShin All-Stars Racing,' and the other was called 'Resident Evil.'