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We here at Bored Panda love different nostalgic eras. And we cover a wide variety of decades: the '70s, the '80s, the '90s, and even the 2000s. It's nice to delve into the past sometimes, and not always for nostalgia reasons. The past is what forms us; after all, we exist in the context of all that came before us, right?

Today we're featuring the Facebook page "The 90's Guyz," a popular account that serves its fans nostalgic memories daily. Do you miss the candy-colored Mac computers and writing with a sharpie on a CD? Then this list is probably for you!

We also got in touch with Donna Moritz, visual content strategist and founder of Socially Sorted and Canva verified expert. We chatted with Donna about the power of nostalgia in creating visual content, some cool '90s commercials, and how even Boomers can love the '90s.

More info: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Donna Moritz: Instagram | X | YouTube

#2

Nostalgic-Memories-90sguys

the90sguyz Report

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SCP 4666
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Me. I loved to listen to Genesis and Annie Lennox and follow the lyrics

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Owen
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I recently bought quite an expensive polaroid camera. It turns out that with a real camera, I take terrible pictures.

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"Nostalgia is a hugely powerful marketing tool when it comes to consumer behavior," visual content strategist Donna Moritz tells us. "As a proud Gen-Xer, I can't begin to explain the number of times I have related to a product, brand, service or ad based on nostalgic memories or past experiences."

"And as a marketer and visual content strategist, I see time and time again how impactful nostalgia can be." Donna names several reasons why it is so. First, nostalgic marketing creates an emotional connection. 

"Any product or service that evokes nostalgic memories will connect to emotions of joy, comfort and even security, and this can enhance brand loyalty as we associate a brand or product with a feeling or memory from our past," Donna says. "Particularly if that memory was part of our childhood or marks a significant event."

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ndkatis
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You remember how fast that "bubble gum" turned into a concrete like substance?

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Secondly, we might be more likely to perceive a product as more valuable if it evokes a nostalgic response. "Especially if it reminds us of happier times and any memories of emotional satisfaction," Donna adds.

She explains that the third reason why nostalgia marketing is so efficient is that we might see it as less risky. "Nostalgia can guide our decision making as we perceive less 'risk' in the familiarity of something we have experienced before," she says. "Tying nostalgic themes through your product and services can help your customers to be more comfortable choosing to buy."

#7

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Pan Narrans
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As I've seen kids struggle with a mail box I fully expect them to believe you.

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"Content creation lends itself so well to marketing with nostalgia, as we can reference trends, pop culture and entire generational themes in our content," Donna points out. She gives the trends of Y2K, kids biking around and having adventures in TV shows and movies, and even remakes of Gen Xers' favorite shows as examples.

"It does wonders for user engagement as who doesn't want to talk about their favorite childhood cartoon, toy, movie or music obsession? As such, nostalgia is a powerful storytelling tool, making our content more memorable when we make it more relatable."

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Wisco_MKE
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I still have that exact same clock next to my bed. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Ashlie Ann
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Still have it, still use it. Things from back then, (for the most part) still work.

Mason Kronol
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And almost every hotel room had one until about 15 years ago so at least you knew how to set it.

Traveling Lady Railfan
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Recently was in a hotel room in Saskatchewan and whaddya know? One just like this (worked great, too)

Rachael green
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I learnt anything from Home Alone it's that this alarm clock can't be trusted 😂 Me, 35 years old.

Nick
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had one of those in the 80s it makes me miserable. I was in the post office and I had to get up at 5am 6 days a week.

Bridgit Gilmore
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually had this exact clock! Got it for HS graduation present and off we went to University! That was 1980 and it lasted about 15 years!

Tracey Hall
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Had one where the numbers flipped over, was fun to play with when it broke. Loved having the above clock/radio.

Gayle Bell
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Try wind up ones, perfect for chucking across the room 👌

MacintoshID
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lost mine in a divorce. Wish I had fought for it. Miss that clock/radio.

Barbara Baldwin
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I accidentally hit some button and now I can't find how to stop the alarm and snooze noise every 5am

Teresa Spanics
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I still have mine! The radio part no longer works, but the clock still does!

Baali Venomax
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I still have one of these somewhere. Dont know if it works though.

Nonie MacKenzie
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have one with a phone that I bought from Consumers Distributing (Canada), over 35 years ago. Phone doesn't work but the radio and time still does.

Jan Moore
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had one that the numbers flipped over, kinda annoying when trying to go to sleep.

Edison Lima
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had this EXACT same model of alarm clock! And you know what? I miss it.

Felix Quinones
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bought one a couple of years ago and found that it runs slow. So during the spring I set it 5 minutes ahead and when it's time to fall back, the clock is showing the correct time.

David
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not the world's oldest and like many folks, I've owned one. At one point they were like that one model of plastic lawn chair that you see in so many places.

Mareike Hartmann
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in germany and my family has no connections whatsoever to the US and even my father still has one of theses on his nightstand

Karen Krause
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My boss gave me one for the office so I can listen to music. Last year he did it

David Beaulieu
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is not completely accurate. This was the alarm clock of GenX. Boomers had those cartoon wind up alarm clocks that I could never figure out how to set.

dev mehta
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2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Consumers Distributing had one of these in their catalog

Kevin the Manager
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I believe one of these oldies is actually on display in a museum somewhere already!

Mylène Asselin-Soucy
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Still have it beside my bed, and a tons of comments from the kids asking why we keep this ugly relic. It works, that' why!!!

The Phantom Stranger
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Billions of years from now when the Earth is a lifeless husk, these will still work.

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However, nostalgia can also tap into more personal and individual memories. "Nostalgia lends itself to personalization in marketing when targeting certain demographics – by understanding the age, interests and types of content that will evoke strong feelings of nostalgia," Donna explains.

#13

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Cat Chat
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These made for fun bath time toys, and the doctor waiting room was full of them (and Highlights magazines).

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We asked Donna which nostalgia marketing campaigns she liked the best in the past year. "One that gave me goosebumps was Canva's Holiday Story Ad," Donna shares. "It gives such a 'Toy Story-esque' nostalgic feeling from the movies of the '90s. And by the end of the ad, you're literally rooting for the character in the story to have the happy ending that ultimately comes."

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James016
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I shudder just thinking about the noise. It was worse when the poster fell on your head.

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"It's all of your childhood and the joy of characters and books and creativity rolled into 1.42 minutes," she goes on about the Canva Holiday Story Ad. "Created to showcase the element library in Canva and what you can create with it, the ad itself is packed with nostalgia and hits all the feels in the right place. And as a Canva Creator of templates for the Canva library, it was nostalgia on steroids for this designer!"

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sturmwesen
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2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let me tell you the tale of the glass salad bowl in the form of..salad leafs. Every adult (35-40yrs) household had them when I was a kid.... and when I became an adult I realized they just turn up in random 35 years old households. Noone ever bought them. Last month we went to a thrift store and there it was... Since I have no parents/grandparents I was compelled to buy it...So now, at 37 I too have a salad formed glass salad bowl.

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Nacho Man Sandy Ravage
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2 months ago

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Donna also mentions this gaming ad from Nintendo as a memorable '90s nostalgia campaign. "[It ]evokes memories of siblings and childhood and playing Nintendo in the '80s and '90s. And what's more '90s than a Wayne's World Uber Eats ad? Personally, as a teen video store employee, I loved the '90s nostalgia of Airbnb's chance to stay at the last remaining Blockbuster video store. Experiential marketing [and] nostalgia is a perfect duo."

#22

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Shark bait hoo haha
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My 22 year old son and I will still make one in the Living Room and watch some of our favorite movies while sitting in our "castle" fort!

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StrangeOne
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I dunno. My mom flipped out when I got home from the store for her because I thought there was enough money left over to buy myself a chocolate bar. That was a scary day for me, realizing one chocolate bar could send us to the poor house. She often said NO! a lot and much of our outings were either free or very cheap, and she fed us porridge and soup a lot.

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Donna says that nostalgia marketing doesn't discriminate. People of all ages may enjoy these kinds of ads, even if they weren't born in that particular decade. "While Gen Xers and Millennials are particularly attracted to '90s nostalgia, it's not an exclusive club," she says.

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Huddo's sister
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't know the intended purpose, but they were great tactile resources for people with sensory needs- my brothers had them on their wheelchair trays.

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The Phantom Stranger
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The Wendy's near me still has this sunroom, but they got rid of the tables with the vintage newspaper ads, and it's kind of sad because now you can drive by and see that there's never anyone in the dining room.

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"The '90s appeal to everyone from Baby Boomers to Gen Z," Donna points out. "We have access to so much content now that TV re-runs, movie remakes and social media bring access to all the best of the '90s – no matter your age or demographic." Donna says that people can pretty easily recreate the aesthetics of the '90s. 

#28

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JimSteve
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can smell this, I can hear this, I can feel this... and I'm not sure I like it

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"Revivals of generational hits like Friends or Y2K colors and design can be started with a simple TikTok trend or streaming show. And yet another boy band goes on tour and their music is hitting the charts. I'm sure we will see a whole lot more of it in years to come, as different eras come back into our current pop culture. Rad!", Donna concludes like a true Gen Xer.

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Owen
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I cried when my first tamagotchi died. I had failed as a father. I was about 8.

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#34

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royal_antelope
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How has the guy with the hat in the upper left corner not aged at all???

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The Phantom Stranger
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2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We sold these when I worked at Spencer Gifts back in the 90's. They only held about 6 ounces and they were made out of this rubberized plastic that made everything taste funny.

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Shark bait hoo haha
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know about that. I thought the watermelon flavor of Bubblicious was the bomb!

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Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My!
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We could buy these at my grade school in the '70s for a quarter. The problem I had was getting the right cheese to cracker ratio. I'd usually put very little on the first two crackers, because I was afraid of running out of cheese. So the last two crackers would be absolutely smothered.

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#48

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Katy McMouse
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wanted that so much, but my grandma had the good sense to buy me one of those big, boxy tape recorders. I LOVED that thing! I recorded every episode of the A-Team, and would play it for the guys at school, the next morning. I actually found one of those old cassettes a while ago.

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Shark bait hoo haha
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I still have my Donkey Kong Green one that I bought back in '98 I think. Still works too!

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#51

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StrangeOne
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There was never enough female characters. I always played the females. Loved seeing their outfits.

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#52

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PrettyJoyBird
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We didnt have a tv or cable so loved getting to watch this at one of my friends home after school.

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#54

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Shark bait hoo haha
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have never been able to do these. I can stare at it, cross my eyes, squint, walk in closer, stand farther away, close one eye and still have absolutely no idea what it is supposed to be

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#56

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leendadll
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It was, if you went to Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour! I can't remember if that was The Zoo or The Trough... but I remember it came out on a stretcher with sirens blaring and 2 guys running it around the restaurant!

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#58

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Sky Render
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Between this design and the design that looked like pastel Doritos with sprinkles on them, the 90s really did have a unified theme of what was trying to be "hip" and "cool".

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Limey Cheesehead
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I still have my original somewhere. I loved riding around on it...and I was not a child when I got it.

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DowntownStevieB
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nick had a branch NEXT TO MY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL! Was so cool to drive by it every day!

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James016
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2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had the OG Gameboy. There were some really great games for it. Tetris game mode b, level 9, high 5

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James016
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Similes never went away. I still buy them for my son and that’s the story I’m sticking to.

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PrettyJoyBird
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They still stamp at ours with invisible ink or blue light ink to make sure the children leave with correct adult. Safety first!

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