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Abstract
The proliferation of the video game era has increased sedentary behaviours among children and adolescents. Contemporary interventions involve the use of video games to introduce fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption among children and adolescents. A comprehensive list of licenced video games (n = 671) released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) console were reviewed for thematic content and qualitative characteristics of the game’s activity relevant to F&V. Seventy-five video games were included in the study sample and categorised by release year, prevalence of F&V, and thematic content. Mild associations were found comparing release year to F&V totals (r = 0.21) and release year to theme (r = 0.19). F&V themes embedded within classic video games could serve as health-promoting lessons for forthcoming video games. Future games produced by the video gaming industry should continue to focus on nutrition-embedded messages promoting F&V. Video game development and marketing could be an avenue that incorporates healthy nutrition themes.
Graphical Abstract
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.