“It’s me, Mario!” is a simple phrase that still evokes the chipper tune of one of Nintendo’s best superheroes.  That red cap that sits atop a full head of bushy brown hair to match the full fledged mustache, instantly takes me into this digitized world of a malevolent fire breathing dragon, a damsel-in-distress princess, and an environment where glowing stars give you unearthly powers.  Super Mario and the Nintendo 64 were not only a departure from time spent playing with Barbies, but also a way to hang out with my brother, Will.

In today’s current climate, people spend more time with their eyes pasted to a cell phone screen than interacting with others.  Although I am completely aware video games are also another screen that provides a distraction, I have to argue that the N64 does not fall into this category.  Having an older brother meant that he would have friends over and they would all huddle around the TV, anxiously watching as Mario teleported into one of the pictures that opened up to a new environment.  This also meant that Will, being the kind older sibling, let me hang out with him and all his friends and participate in the video games. When his friends all had to go home, Will and I would still play a game together, cheering each other on and hurriedly warning the other to watch out for oncoming obstacles.

Another favorite game to play on the N64 was Mario Kart.  The player chose which character and courses they wanted to race on and then would accelerate down the track at lightening speed, sending turtle shells and banana peels onto the path of others. It positioned me against my brother in the battle for first place, but also brought out an exhortatory spirit as he often fed me tips and tricks to help me improve my game.

Although the N64 was later replaced in his room by the ever-popular Xbox, the time spent chipping away at different levels and careening down treacherous terrains will never fade from my fond recollection of childhood.