Published on: June 03, 2025
‘The NES-ential Celebration’ Hardcover Book Launches on Kickstarter as an Ultimate NES Tribute
Playbug Books has officially unveiled ‘The NES-ential Celebration’, a comprehensive hardcover book devoted to chronicling the legacy of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
Celebrating the achievements of Nintendo’s iconic 8-bit console, this 300-page volume aims to serve as a definitive homage for fans and historians alike.
The project is currently seeking support via Kickstarter, with an array of reward tiers to entice both casual readers and die-hard enthusiasts of retro gaming culture.
The NES, released in North America in 1985, forever changed the video game landscape and remains a touchstone for generations of gamers.
Capitalizing on this storied legacy, Playbug Books’ new publication promises a curated mix of in-depth retrospectives, personal anecdotes, and exclusive visual art from some of the most respected names in the gaming industry and media.
Among the notable contributors are influential game creators such as Jordan Mechner (known for Prince Of Persia), Takaya Imamura (co-creator of Star Fox and F-Zero), and Gavin Price (Viva Piñata, Yooka-Laylee).
The editorial perspective is further enriched by respected journalists and media veterans, including Andy Robertson (VGC), Alex Donaldson (RPG Site, VG24/7), Jen Glennon (Inverse), Andy Kelly (Edge, PC Gamer), Matthew Castle (Official Nintendo Magazine, The Backpage Podcast), Mark Brown (GameMaker’s Toolkit), and Patrick Klepek (Waypoint, Remap).
Steered by freelance journalist and former Fandom Games editor Tom Regan, ‘The NES-ential Celebration’ will also showcase original artwork inspired by classic Nintendo titles.
According to Playbug Books, readers can expect thoroughly researched essays examining the pivotal moments in gaming and uncovering hidden narratives from the NES era.
The book will offer unique behind-the-scenes perspectives on classic titles, insightful genre analysis, and an exploration of the technological innovations that made the NES a household name—including hardware staples like the R.O.B.
robotic operating buddy and the NES Zapper.
Personal reflections from gaming veterans and fans aim to strike a nostalgic note, while dedicated features delve into the cultural impact and enduring legacy of Nintendo’s breakthrough system.
‘The NES-ential Celebration’ comes in both digital and physical formats.
A digital edition is available for a pledge of $30 CAD (approximately £17), while the hardcover is priced at $70 CAD (about £38).
Higher backing tiers offer collectors items such as a NES-inspired slipcase and supplementary volumes like ‘NESVault,’ an archive of every game released for the platform.
With its blend of expert commentary, rare insights, and visual retrospectives, ‘The NES-ential Celebration’ aspires to distinguish itself in the crowded field of NES-centered literature.
Backers can view all pledge options and learn more about the project by visiting its official Kickstarter page.
For enthusiasts of Nintendo history and retro gaming, this new book promises to be both an authoritative resource and a heartfelt tribute to the system that defined an era.
Nintendo NES Nintendo Entertainment System Xbox Series X|S Kickstarter Playbug Books Jordan Mechner Tom Regan Andy Robertson Alex Donaldson Jen Glennon Andy Kelly Matthew Castle Mark Brown Patrick Klepek