The trend continues

While Celeste is gaining popularity among video game players, Robert Johnson came to Japan, not for a business trip this time. He and his friend Anthony came to Japan to purchase an SKES and a Gameboy.

Faced with yet another long line, Anthony couldn't help but complain, muttering, "Here we go again…" as he glanced at the seemingly endless queue.

Robert couldn't stifle a wry chuckle and remarked, "Well, SKES and Gameboy are incredibly popular, even in the United States. Just imagine what it's like for Japanese gamers who have direct access to KiShin's new products."

Anthony had to concede, saying, "You're right... If it had been initially released in the US, we might be facing an even longer line."

Robert couldn't help but let out a faint laugh and added, "Funny thing is, I heard that when KiShin first released SKES and Gameboy here in Japan, the lines were even longer than what we're experiencing now."

Anthony simply shrugged, and after waiting for at least half an hour, they finally managed to enter the store.

"Finally!" Anthony couldn't contain his excitement, celebrating with Robert as they purchased the SKES and Gameboy. The store was notably crowded.

Robert and Anthony then headed to the video game section to pick out some games.

As Robert leisurely explored the store, swiftly grabbing any KiShin video games for SKES and Gameboy he came across, Anthony, who was nearby, immediately called out, "Robert, come check this out!"

Robert heard Anthony's call and promptly joined him, inquiring, "What is it?"

Anthony then presented the video game 'Celeste' along with its special controller, unable to contain his excitement as he exclaimed, "Bro, have a look at this!" He gestured toward the video game's title, which was displayed on the cover box featuring a red-haired girl in a snowy mountain setting, with the SKES and KiShin logos in the bottom left corner.

Robert quickly responded, "Oh, it's a SKES video game! Alright, let's get it." He reached for the box containing the 'Celeste' video game. However, Anthony couldn't resist giving his friend's shoulder a gentle pat.

Anthony remarked, "Dude, didn't you notice something off about it?"

Robert furrowed his brows, clearly puzzled, and asked, "What's wrong?"

Anthony couldn't help but shake his head, realizing that his friend hadn't noticed the issue. He pointed out, "Dude! This video game has an English title written in English alphabet!"

. Robert couldn't help but scratch the back of his head, responding, "So, what's the issue?"

Anthony, who had overheard Robert's comment, found himself at a loss for words and simply remarked, "Dude, this video game must have been influenced by America! Look at the snowy mountain on the cover; it could be Alaska, bro! And see, doesn't 'Celeste' have a larger box compared to other SKES video game units?"

Observing Anthony's misguided enthusiasm, Robert examined the 'Celeste' video game box and calmly stated, "The box does appear larger, but that's because it includes its special controller." He pointed to a smaller 'Celeste' video game box nearby and added, "The same 'Celeste' game without the special controller comes in a smaller box, just like the other SKES video game units." With these words, Robert deflated his friend's misplaced pride.

Upon taking a closer look, Anthony conceded, "Fair enough, dude. Let's just buy 'Celeste'... I mean, it has an English title, so it's probably interesting, right?" Shifting the conversation, he continued, "Oh, look, a new 'The Legend of Zelda' series!" He then made his way to the shelves showcasing 'The Legend of Zelda' video games, even spotting a tape of 'The Legend of Zelda' anime...

. Robert could only shake his head in response to his friend's comments and continued his search for more video games.

He soon came across 'Super Mario World' and couldn't contain his excitement, promptly purchasing it. The Super Mario Bros. series had always been a favorite of his, so there was no hesitation.

After Robert and Anthony had each obtained their SKES and Gameboy, they left the store with smiles on their faces.

As they walked through the crowd, they spotted other foreigners holding KiShin's logo-emblazoned bags, suggesting that they too had purchased KiShin's new products.

Anthony couldn't help but remark to Robert, "Are these other foreigners here just to buy KiShin's new products? They must have a lot of money..."

Robert, wearing a slight frown, retorted, "Idiot, aren't we doing the same thing?" He glanced at the KiShin bags in Anthony's hands and continued, "You've even bought multiple SKES and Gameboy units, along with a slew of video games. You're the one with too much money..."

Upon hearing Robert's comment, Anthony snorted and proudly displayed the several SKES and Gameboy units, along with numerous video game cartridges stored in one of the KiShin bags. He explained, "Dude, I'm not like you. I bought all these SKES and Gameboy units and their games, so I can sell them back home for double the price!" He paused, smirking, and added, "I'm not wasting my money; I'm doubling it."

Robert was left speechless upon hearing Anthony's reasoning and couldn't help but think, "Why didn't I do the same?"

Observing the expression on Robert's face, Anthony couldn't resist feeling a sense of satisfaction as they made their way to their rented apartment.

Once inside, Robert suggested, "We still have a week here, so we might as well play the new sequel of 'The Legend of Zelda.'"

Anthony nodded in agreement and replied, "Well, I'll order some ramen first..." He then asked, "Is it 'The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past'?"

Robert affirmed, "Hmm... I've actually already played 'The Legend of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link' back home, so I'm quite excited to see the sequel..."

Anthony nodded and said, "Wait for me! I'll order the ramen first!"

Robert acknowledged as he unboxed the SKES and connected it to the television. Subsequently, he inserted the 'The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past' video game cartridge into the cartridge slot of the SKES.

Robert proceeded to unbox the 'Celeste' video game. This video game had set him back at least 9,000 yen, and that was just for 'Celeste' itself, excluding the special controller.

Sighing, Robert commented, "This 'Celeste' video game, along with its compatible controller, set me back about 12,800 yen... That's roughly 96 dollars. It's quite pricey..." He then added with a smile, "But it better be worth it..."

As Robert waited for Anthony, his friend returned having ordered ramen. Robert initiated 'The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past' on the SKES.

Both Robert and Anthony were thoroughly impressed with the SKES's graphics and sound quality. In terms of performance and quality, it already surpassed Tora and Suzuki's 16-bit console.

While Robert started the game, Anthony, holding the 'Super Metroid' video game cartridge, suggested, "Let's play this one later..."

Robert reminded him, "Don't forget, we'll play 'Metroid II' on the Gameboy first, then this one."

Anthony agreed, "Alright."

Robert and Anthony welcomed the two-minute introduction of 'The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past,' and after that, with Anthony offering suggestions, they dove into the game.