Fall into nostalgia with Nintendo's 'Parachute' and other Game & Watch classics

Before the age of modern consoles and high-definition graphics, handheld fun came in simpler forms — like Parachute, a classic title from Nintendo’s Game & Watch series.

Released in 1981 and developed by Nintendo, Parachute puts players in control of a boatman tasked with rescuing parachuting figures falling from a helicopter. The goal is simple: catch them before they plunge into shark-infested waters. With its minimalist visuals and repetitive beeps, the game remains a charming reminder of the early days of portable entertainment.

Parachute belongs to Nintendo's Game & Watch line, a pioneering series of handheld electronic games that ran from 1980 to 1991. These pocket-sized devices introduced many innovations, including the first use of a D-pad and the idea of carrying a single video game around. For many gamers, these were the first steps into a lifetime of interactive play.

More Game & Watch classics worth revisiting:

1. Ball (1980)
   The very first Game & Watch title. Players juggle balls in the air with precise timing — a simple yet addictive challenge that set the tone for the series.

2. Fire (1980)
   Players control a pair of firemen catching people jumping from a burning building. It’s frantic, fast-paced, and surprisingly tense for a single-screen game.

3. Octopus (1981)
   Dive for treasure while avoiding the tentacles of a giant octopus. This one stands out for its suspenseful gameplay and memorable character design.

4. Chef (1981)
   You’re a chef flipping food into the air while keeping it from falling—kind of like a culinary Parachute. It’s quirky and fun, just like the rest of the series.

5. Donkey Kong (1982)
   A standout title that introduced the D-pad and laid the groundwork for future platformers. You guide Mario through a series of jumps and obstacles to rescue Pauline.

These early handheld games may seem primitive today, but they were the building blocks of modern gaming. Their simplicity is part of their enduring appeal — and Nintendo has embraced nostalgia in recent years by re-releasing updated versions of its classic Game & Watch titles. In 2020, Nintendo launched a limited-edition Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. handheld to celebrate the franchise’s 35th anniversary, featuring the original Super Mario Bros., The Lost Levels, and a Mario-themed version of Ball, all displayed on a full-color LCD screen with a built-in digital clock. The following year, in 2021, Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda was released to mark that series’ 35th anniversary, bundling together three iconic Zelda titles along with a themed version of Vermin.