How kids played Duck Hunt in the 1830s
Duck Hunt is an undisputed Nintendo classic. Released in 1985, it allowed kids to simulate duck hunting with a light gun and smirking hunting dog. But it wasn’t the first duck hunt game.
150 years earlier, A New Duck Hunting Game entranced English school children. Of course, the mechanics were different from the Duck Hunt you know and love. Still, it makes sense that the English were first to adapt their favorite past time into a game.
In the 1835 version, players rode around the board on a boat, searching for ducks to hunt and bring on board. Other players tried to get their ducks safely to Duck Island before being shot. It sounds a little more competitive than the video game. Nintendo, are you listening? A sequel may be in order.
