Rare 2000 Nintendo Company Guide Offers Fascinating Glimpse into Gaming History

A newly surfaced piece of gaming history is capturing the attention of Nintendo fans and industry historians alike.

Andrew Wolf, known in the community as the 'Nintendeal guy,' has digitized and uploaded a rare 44-page Nintendo company guide from the year 2000, drawing renewed interest to a formative era for the legendary developer.

As the world of Pokémon dominated headlines, the Game Boy Color reached new popularity, and The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask challenged players with its innovative gameplay in the late '90s and early 2000s, Nintendo was simultaneously preparing for the future. This company guide, now accessible online thanks to Wolf’s preservation initiative, serves as a visual time capsule.

Though the text is primarily in Japanese and relatively sparse, the guide brims with compelling imagery, historical iconography, and unique design details.

Among the highlights are intriguing photos of individuals holding the iconic Nintendo logo as if it were a pair of binoculars, providing both a whimsical and symbolic peek into Nintendo’s marketing style twenty years ago. Of particular note in the guide is a rare early depiction of the Game Boy Advance.

Included on page 8, the handheld is presented through a basic, conceptual illustration, accompanied by text describing it as Nintendo’s visionary gaming device—a next-generation model transformation developed for the 21st century.

This early look sheds light on Nintendo’s forward-thinking strategy at the turn of the millennium, as the company transitioned between hardware generations. The guide also features an introduction from the late Hiroshi Yamauchi, Nintendo’s influential former president.

Such messages underscore the company’s values and vision during one of its most creative periods.

Additionally, there are dedicated segments on Rare, the acclaimed development studio renowned for its collaborations with Nintendo, plus a showcase of contemporaneous consoles and hit titles like Pokémon and The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask. Wolf’s undertaking stands out as a remarkable act of preservation, ensuring that important primary materials like this company guide remain available for study and appreciation.

For industry observers, collectors, and long-time fans, the scanned document is not only a nostalgic artifact but also a valuable reference for understanding how Nintendo presented itself during a pivotal juncture in gaming history. As Nintendo continues to evolve—now shaping the gaming landscape with the Nintendo Switch and expanding its library on the eShop—these glimpses into its storied past are ever more significant.

Thanks to efforts like Wolf’s, the enduring legacy of Nintendo’s innovation and creative direction will continue to inspire scholars and players for years to come.

Nintendo Game Boy Rare Game Boy Advance Andrew Wolf Nintendeal Pokémon The Legend of Zelda Majora's Mask Game Boy Color Hiroshi Yamauchi