---
product_id: 34769976
title: "Power-Up: How Japanese Video Games Gave the World an Extra Life"
price: "¥8178"
currency: JPY
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 12
url: https://www.desertcart.jp/products/34769976-power-up-how-japanese-video-games-gave-the-world-extra
store_origin: JP
region: Japan
---

# Power-Up: How Japanese Video Games Gave the World an Extra Life

**Price:** ¥8178
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

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- **What is this?** Power-Up: How Japanese Video Games Gave the World an Extra Life
- **How much does it cost?** ¥8178 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.jp](https://www.desertcart.jp/products/34769976-power-up-how-japanese-video-games-gave-the-world-extra)

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## Description

Power-Up: How Japanese Video Games Gave the World an Extra Life [Kohler, Chris, Yoshida, Shuhei] on desertcart.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Power-Up: How Japanese Video Games Gave the World an Extra Life

Review: Informative, entertaining, and highly recommended - [Disclaimer: A full review will be forthcoming after I finish the book]. I recently purchased this book and, in one day, have gotten about 40 or so pages in. I can easily say that I am greatly enjoying my time with it so far. Kohler writes very clear and concise. It has been very informative to read on the Japanese side of the video games industry, especially regarding its origins and both some of the significant people and companies that made it happen. Kohler's pacing for the two chapters I have read so far seems to be very balanced; just enough side information, fun facts, pictures, and minor variations throughout that make this so much more than a dry history book or thesis paper (which, ironically, this book started out as). It has been entertaining as well to read more in depth on Shigeru Miyamoto's beginnings (i.e., childhood interests, novel and academic/technical experiences, first encounters with Nintendo). As Kohler puts it in the introduction, what you are getting here is a snapshot from his perspective and research of how the Japanese contributed to the video game industry as a whole. I noticed other reviewers stating things such as: "there were other companies other than Nintendo", it is "too narrow in scope", and it is "too short and too shallow", but would like to remind you that Kohler never claims his intent is to provide an all-in-one, comprehensive book on the subject matter. I believe, if you go in with this knowledge, it won't disappoint. Even though I have a long way to go before I'm able to provide my definite thoughts, I feel confident in saying that I'd highly recommend this book to any gamer that has an appreciation for not only the games that they play, but the companies and individuals that started the games industry as well. I hope this helps you in making a decision. I'm glad I chose to give this one a try.
Review: articles on top - this is a good life-long journey in the vein of nintendo power and more. how did i know? cuz' i used to grade this guy. his father wrote most of the book but he handled the final edit. it's like a real family writing together. i was over at gamefaqs typing reviews for fun and believed this book to be pretty accurate. i like it and found that some developing can lead to more. i was a dos instructor with published software, he was a pupil of mine. fun read, fun time, thumb up big.........

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | #1,450,279 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #2,343 in Video & Computer Games #2,735 in Computer & Video Game Strategy Guides |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (120) |
| Dimensions  | 5.4 x 0.9 x 8.4 inches |
| ISBN-10  | 0486801497 |
| ISBN-13  | 978-0486801490 |
| Item Weight  | 1.04 pounds |
| Language  | English |
| Print length  | 336 pages |
| Publication date  | October 21, 2016 |
| Publisher  | Dover Publications |

## Images

![Power-Up: How Japanese Video Games Gave the World an Extra Life - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/618SDmOSoxL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Informative, entertaining, and highly recommended
*by D***L on May 27, 2017*

[Disclaimer: A full review will be forthcoming after I finish the book]. I recently purchased this book and, in one day, have gotten about 40 or so pages in. I can easily say that I am greatly enjoying my time with it so far. Kohler writes very clear and concise. It has been very informative to read on the Japanese side of the video games industry, especially regarding its origins and both some of the significant people and companies that made it happen. Kohler's pacing for the two chapters I have read so far seems to be very balanced; just enough side information, fun facts, pictures, and minor variations throughout that make this so much more than a dry history book or thesis paper (which, ironically, this book started out as). It has been entertaining as well to read more in depth on Shigeru Miyamoto's beginnings (i.e., childhood interests, novel and academic/technical experiences, first encounters with Nintendo). As Kohler puts it in the introduction, what you are getting here is a snapshot from his perspective and research of how the Japanese contributed to the video game industry as a whole. I noticed other reviewers stating things such as: "there were other companies other than Nintendo", it is "too narrow in scope", and it is "too short and too shallow", but would like to remind you that Kohler never claims his intent is to provide an all-in-one, comprehensive book on the subject matter. I believe, if you go in with this knowledge, it won't disappoint. Even though I have a long way to go before I'm able to provide my definite thoughts, I feel confident in saying that I'd highly recommend this book to any gamer that has an appreciation for not only the games that they play, but the companies and individuals that started the games industry as well. I hope this helps you in making a decision. I'm glad I chose to give this one a try.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ articles on top
*by A***R on February 3, 2021*

this is a good life-long journey in the vein of nintendo power and more. how did i know? cuz' i used to grade this guy. his father wrote most of the book but he handled the final edit. it's like a real family writing together. i was over at gamefaqs typing reviews for fun and believed this book to be pretty accurate. i like it and found that some developing can lead to more. i was a dos instructor with published software, he was a pupil of mine. fun read, fun time, thumb up big.........

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent overview of japanese gaming history
*by M***O on August 19, 2022*

Author Chris Kohler has writtenna superb volume covering the rose of Japanese gaming culture. Unique insights from premier developers including Miyamoto. Well-written and concise. A must-read for classic gaming aficionados.

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*Product available on Desertcart Japan*
*Store origin: JP*
*Last updated: 2026-01-25*