8 Reasons Why the Nintendo Power Glove Was Actually Awesome

The Nintendo Power Glove has an absolute terrible reputation. Released in 1989, it was discontinued a mere year later. The Power Glove promised to replace joysticks by using 3D sensor technology that would instantly respond to the movements your hand made. It was supposed to make you feel like you were actually knocking out Mike Tyson or grabbing a steering wheel. But the 1989 movie The Wizard summed up the reality of the Power Glove in three short words: “It’s so bad.”

However, there is more to the story than you might think. Secretly, the Power Glove was an awesome bit of tech that predicted the next several stages of gaming evolution. And without this accessory, we may have never enjoyed some of Nintendo’s greatest innovations.

Don’t believe us? Here are our favorite reasons why the Nintento Power Glove was actually awesome!

1. It Was Part of an Early VR Experiment

Nowadays, virtual reality (VR) is everywhere that you look. PlayStation users are enjoying an increasing library of PSVR games. Meanwhile, PC users have options such as the Oculus Rift to really place them inside the game. However, it’s possible we would have none of this if not for the Power Glove.

Some of the original Power Glove designers were initially focusing on VR and 3D environments. They even considered offering VR goggles at one point. And while the final offering was much simpler, it served as a blueprint (even in its failure) to future advances in haptic glove technology.

2. Classic Design

Say what you will about the Power Glove’s performance. But the design of this baby is the epitome of 1980s sexy technology.

It is actually beautiful in its simplicity. The mixture of glove and buttons makes it clear that this is a video game glove while giving it some surprising versatility. At the same time, the colors coordinate perfectly with your original Nintendo Entertainment System.

In terms of that NES aesthetic, the Power Glove actually fits in much better than older accessories such as the orange Zapper gun or the Track and Field pad you threw in the attic after only one use.