Rediscovering Nintendo: Healing My Inner Child Through Nostalgic Gameplay
Back in 1999, when my cherished atomic purple Game Boy Color vanished, I tried to suppress my tears. At just 9 years old, I was already grappling with the notion of maturity, wanting to be perceived as strong and grown-up.
Years later, I exchanged cartoons for a more “mature” appearance, moving towards polo shirts and away from graphic tees. I stopped openly enjoying Nintendo games, hiding my ongoing love for photographing Pokémon on my Nintendo 64. Though I feigned indifference, my attachment to those games remained.
The expectation to appear tough led me to suppress my natural inclinations, convincing myself that I preferred street football and “Madden 2000.” As a self-preservation strategy, I distanced myself from games deemed childish by society.
Two decades passed without Nintendo in my life until 2017, when the Switch arrived, revitalizing my connection to these beloved games. The recent launch of the Switch 2 brings about a reflection on how returning to Nintendo helped mend my inner child.
Growing up amid South Florida’s cultural mores of resilience, I adapted, embracing a persona to fit in. I tried martial arts, dabbled in sports, and wore fashion inspired by hip-hop icons.
But beneath the facade, I was a sensitive soul in search of nurturing spaces.
Nintendo’s delightful world of characters offered comfort beyond their soft appearance. I connected with them because they embodied care and courage. Link, with his stoic bravery, and Kirby, hiding strength under a cute exterior, showed early on how to face challenges.
However, video games often bore the stigma of being frivolous. My relatives questioned my interest in a talking fox piloting a fighter jet—an inquiry that didn’t ease my self-doubt about gaming’s value. Yet, diving into these worlds taught essential lessons, such as kindness and empathy.
Nintendo’s reputation for creating family-friendly games persists, with Mario and Pokémon maintaining thematic consistency over the years. As players, our engagement with these games evolves, providing new experiences. The Switch, in particular, allowed my inner child to rediscover joy.
“Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!” was among the first Switch games I acquired, rekindling my affection for the adventurous Kanto region. Connecting with younger relatives through “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” forged bonds as they experienced similar transitions. Meanwhile, “Super Mario Party” challenged me to appreciate contributions beyond sheer victory.
Amidst a gaming landscape saturated with intense, violent offerings, Nintendo’s inviting digital environments champion exploration and peace. While competitors pursue edginess, Nintendo relies on nostalgic, vibrant storytelling, delivering experiences that resonate deeply.
Reflecting on childhood, where athletic pursuits demanded aggression, I found solace in collaborative gameplay over competitive urges.
Video games offered refuge from burnout and overwhelming societal pressures. Titles like “Celeste” and “Hades” on the Switch explored complex themes, providing meaningful lessons on resilience and power dynamics.
The release of the Switch 2 marks a continuation of these joyful journeys. Alongside technical advancements, I’ll eagerly follow playful characters in new adventures like “Pokémon Legends: Z-A.”
Labeling play as mere frivolity overlooks the significance of community building and diminishes empathy. Losing my Game Boy Color symbolized a lost world—imbued with childhood freedom and creativity. But rediscovering Nintendo games has reclaimed those memories, allowing my inner world to be rewritten with deserved gentleness.
