Someone at Google is really into video games.
At least, that's what we can tell from recent developments regarding the company's newly announced Chromebook Pixel. The product may be Google's flashiest Chromebook yet, but at the moment, we're more excited about something else.
Specifically, according to Wired, the Chromebook has a Konami code Easter egg. Those who type in the Japanese game developer's code (for those who don't know, it's up-up-down-down-left-right-left-right-B-A) are treated to a light show of red, green, blue, yellow, purple and white emanating from the laptop's lid.
It is not known who at Google built the code into the Chromebook Pixel, but it would not be a stretch to say that this person is a fan of games like "Castlevania," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and "Contra." Entering the code while playing these games for Super Nintendo Entertainment System or at the arcade allowed you to unlock cheats. The code was originally created by Kazuhisa Hashimoto during work on "Gradius." Variations of the code were later implemented for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. The code also made an appearance on-screen when it was used by King Candy in "Wreck-It Ralph."
It would also not be surprising if this rabble-rouser who planted the code grew up during these precious early games' heyday. Editor of Game|Life Chris Kohler called the Konami code a "litmus test for kids who grow up playing videogames in the '80s."
The light show serves no purpose other than sheer enjoyment and it is yet to be determined if other Easter eggs exist on the Chromebook. However, it is expected that more may be discovered once the product gets into the hands of consumers.
Google unveiled the Chromebook Pixel on Thursday Feb. 21. The device features an Intel Core i5 dual-core 1.8GHz processor and 4 GB of DDR3 RAM. It also boasts the highest resolution of any laptop available, with a 12.85-inch display and twice the number of pixels of a standard HDTV.
