How I launched 3 consoles (and found true love) at Babbage's store no. 9
Hacker News
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The article tells the story of an 18-year-old working at Babbage’s store no. 9 in Houston during the chaotic Nintendo 64 launch in September 1996, marking their third major console launch experience. The author vividly recalls the chaos of the moment—long lines, irate customers, and unattended toddlers knocking over displays—but reflects on how these experiences shaped their perspective on gaming culture and retail.
The narrative transports readers back to the mid-1990s, a time when video game launches were less polished and more chaotic than today’s events. The author worked through three major console releases: Sega Saturn in 1995, Sony PlayStation in 1994, and Nintendo 64 in 1996. Each launch brought its own challenges, from the hype surrounding the “Project Reality” rumors for Nintendo 64 to the scramble of selling the high-end 3DO and Atari Jaguar systems.
The author highlights the unique retail culture of the time, where store employees like them were at the center of these groundbreaking moments in gaming history. They describe the excitement of being part of a
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Originally published on Hacker News on 2/19/2026