The past few years have been particularly interesting for gamers. With the jump to cloud computing and gaming all but wrapped up in a bow for future iterations of familiar systems, the golden era of gaming is almost certainly behind us. As many forms of digital media slowly cut their ties from the physical world, so too does Nintendo's 24-year-old publication and beacon of childhood for many gamers today: Nintendo Power.

Last month the announcement dropped, with the weight of a dying sun, that Nintendo Power would be turning off the presses this year, with the final issue being December 2012. As if we didn't need more proof that the world is coming to an end, it would seem that many a childhood will be too, in a way. Fortunately, Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime and Editor in Chief Chris Slate are aware of this, doing what they can to ease the pain.

Nintendo Power has been sending out good-bye letters with the latest issue of the long-running publication, explaining refund details for subscribers, and paving the way forward to the Wii U and beyond.

"As a lifelong Nintendo fan, and a charter subscriber to this magazine, it was a dream come true when I got the opportunity to helm Nintendo Power. For the past five years, it's been an honor and a pleasure to bring you the best, most in-depth Nintendo coverage around. We'll do our best to make the last few issues of Nintendo Power something special for you. Thank you for being part of this wonderful ride." - Chris Slate, Editor in Chief, Nintendo Power

A wonderful ride, indeed. For many, 24 years of Nintendo has meant the difference between conquering or being conquered by a difficult game; reading tips and tricks from like-minded Nintendo fans; and feeling like part of a community, rather than just feeling like a consumer. Despite its low points, Nintendo Power has certainly served its purpose, and its fans, through and through.

Ranters, are you among the many who are remiss to see this era of gaming come to an end? Is Nintendo Power yet another tragedy of our world moving faster towards digital media? I don't know about you guys, but I don't know what's worse: seeing it all end, or waiting for the inevitable storm of eBay transactions from people trying to capitalize on more gaming paraphernalia.

Nintendo Power made its humble debut in the summer of 1988, with the final issue leaving Nintendo's doors this December.

-

Source: GoNintendo

Follow me on Twitter @superkyol.