The WorkBoy was a curiosity of video game accessories. This device was intend to fill a gap between gaming consoles and computers. Like how Nintendo had a keyboard, modem etc available for their console in Japan. This add-on however lacked online connectivity meaning there were limitations to what you could do with this machine.
Few had access to the WorkBoy before today. Popular on the UK television show, it even received an article in Nintendo Power magazine. You could call its longterm silence more or less intentional- technology like this has always taken time, after all.
Nintendo relic better known as the Game Boy is now being revived. And starting this year, you can purchase a dongle to turn it into a dPDA of sorts.
The work of Nintendo Enthusiast is not limited to video games, on the contrary. It also had a hand in the development and publishing of two famous board games: Pyramids of Ra and Noah’s Ark. Unfortunately, their approach resulting on lowering prices for controllers went unheeded due to the release of an improved base model that could be purchased for less than $69.
The WorkBoy was an unreleased and somewhat lost accessory. Created and developed by Nintendo, the big N was closer to launching this item, back in 2004.
WorkBoy is a boxed kit that enables anyone to become an expert woodworker with just the 7 simple tools found within. WorkBoy is not just for adults, but also for students aged 10+ (parental supervision required).
The WorkBoy was a combined pen input touchscreen tablet device. The WorkBoy came with over 10 apps pre-installed so users could update calendars, take notes, and convert units of measurements, among other things by immediately pressing a button on the WorkKeyboard™.
There was even a planned WorkBoy 2 which would have used the Game Boy Advance given the mockup treatment. Sadly, that was never taken beyond artistic designs and prototypes.
Joann has collected a lot of strange things over the years, but at the top of the heap is the WorkBoy. What else is out there, undiscovered? Help me find history’s most obscure prototypes by letting me know your thoughts in the comments below.
This article is archived in the Hive Gaming section of the Hive.blog blockchain decentralized blog platform.
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