On the TV screen, Shigeru Miyamoto bowed deeply, flashbulbs weaving a blinding glare across his face. Takuya Nakayama exhaled, his breath forming mist in the cold air. Sweat soaked his shirt collar.
Thankfully, Hiroshi Yamauchi's impatience led to *Dragon Quest III*'s weekday launch. What could have been a crushing dual masterpiece attack became Nintendo's PR disaster, giving Sega breathing room. Without this misstep, Sega's *Pokémon* ace might have faced a brutal 1,000-enemy, 800-self-inflicted-damage outcome.
Nintendo's vanguard faltered, weakening their follow-up. Over two years since穿越 (transmigration), Takuya's memories of his past life blurred under his influence, relying on a notebook for rough reminders of timelines and events.
His brief fear faded. External factors were fleeting—Sega's robust, fun game lineup was the true path. With proven future marketing tactics, success was assured. He banished lingering luck, turning to the imminent battlefield.
The night before launch, Takuya walked Akihabara's streets, a meticulous director inspecting his set. From giant inflatable models' angles on Central Avenue rooftops to sign font sizes, from staff contingency plans to security around Ueno Park's Shinobazu Pond plaza, he checked everything, ensuring perfection.
February 13, 1988, arrived. Cold dawn wind stung his collar. Takuya inhaled, his chest filled with icy excitement. All emotions settled into absolute faith in his bold vision.
At Shinobazu Pond's south shore, atop a luxury hotel's observation deck, Hayao Nakayama and Sega executives stood ready. Hayao's face, rock-steady, hid a flicker of anticipation in his sharp eyes, peering through binoculars at the gathering crowds and faint rooftop silhouettes below.
Takuya, after final site checks, jogged to the deck, standing beside his father. Their wordless glance exchanged pressure and expectation.
At 8 a.m., crowds flooded from Akihabara Station's exits like a breached dam. As they looked up, from the station's west plaza to Electric Town and along Central Avenue's rooftops, a breathtaking sight froze the air for a second, then erupted in awe.
Giant Bulbasaur, Charizard, and Blastoise—creatures that "invaded" Tokyo days prior—loomed over the street. From Bulbasaur (No. 1) to Dragonite (No. 149), these massive inflatables, aligned by Pokédex order, formed a two-kilometer "Pokémon Boulevard" to an unknown paradise. Crowds, cameras snapping, moved as if drawn by an unseen force toward one destination.
Mario's vibrant *Super Mario Bros. 3* posters lined walls, with demo stations drawing some players. But the sky-spanning Pokémon spectacle stole all attention. Many Mario-bound fans, caught by curiosity, joined the dragon-like queue.
On the observation deck, Takuya's heart eased halfway.
By 10 a.m., at Shinobazu Pond's open-air plaza, the crowd's vanguard turned from Central to Shinobazu Avenue, reaching a *Pokémon Park*-themed stage. Cosplayers of Sega's iconic characters, even staff in elaborate costumes, surrounded it. In the center, actors in bulky Pikachu, Snorlax, and Squirtle suits performed a wordless skit, their exaggerated moves and sound effects sparking laughter from kids and young women.
The joyous atmosphere contrasted starkly with the tense, violent "DQ Uproar" news. Morning strollers in Ueno Park and pondside onlookers were drawn to the lively scene.
The demo area, with 60 new Mega Drives, was mobbed, offering *Pokémon Park: Adventure* and other launch titles. Staff guided players, hyping hourly events, fueling the frenzy. The purchase zone's queue sprawled across the plaza, stretching endlessly along the road. The *Pokémon Park: Adventure* MD bundle was the hottest prize. Exit paths showcased trailers and posters for unannounced games, stoking anticipation. Free hot coffee warmed players and passersby, encouraging them to stay for events.
Police riot vans flanked the plaza. Hayao lowered his binoculars, his clenched fist relaxing, a genuine smile breaking his stern face.
Within an hour, a sales manager, ecstatic, rushed to the deck. "President! All Akihabara shops sold out Pikachu limited bundles! Restock calls are flooding—our nearby warehouse will resupply in 30 minutes! The plaza's Pikachu bundles sold over 1,000, with 3,000 total MDs sold, including standard units!"
Media swarmed like sharks, capturing the vibrant launch. "DQ Uproar" versus "Pokémon Mania"—dark versus light, oppression versus joy—made irresistible news.
A marketing staffer approached, face grim, handing Hayao a report. "President, *Super Mario Bros. 3* sales are also explosive. Without our spectacle, Nintendo's brand and pervasive channels have sparked a terrifying buying surge nationwide."
Nintendo's core remained formidable. Hayao's smile faded. He turned to Takuya. "Well done, Takuya. But it's too early to celebrate. Yamauchi won't sit idle. The real fight's just begun."
Takuya nodded firmly. "I understand, Father." Gazing at cheering players clutching their games, he planned his next move. "Our *Pokémon* has more surprises, and Nintendo isn't flawless."