Pocket Gamer takes a look at the history of portable gaming through the company that's sold more handheld game systems than any other in history - Nintendo. This multi-part article begins by remembering the inspiration behind the DS, the wonderful Game & Watch series.

Back in the late '70s hotshot designer Gunpei Yokoi was one of Nintendo's leading lights. Starting as an assembly operative in 1965 he managed to gain the attention of Nintendo bigwig Hiroshi Yamauchi by creating a simple 'grabbing' toy which he used to entertain himself on long shifts.

Desperate for a killer product to turn around the ailing fortunes of the company (prior to video games, Nintendo produced playing cards), Yamauchi took a massive risk and brought this unusual item to retail.

Hobgob1in via pocketgamer.co.uk »