The screen hums with vibrant colors as the game starts up. Bowser’s castle appears on the TV, its dark bricks and glowing eyes stark against the blue sky backdrop. I grab the controller, pressing A to confirm my start. Mario springs into view, his iconic red cap perched neatly atop his head.

Mario walks onto a platform, but it wobbles under him. He jumps, landing with a soft thud on another piece of ground. The next level is full of pipes and ladders; I navigate carefully, dodging barrels thrown by Koopa Troopas. Luigi appears beside me, both of us hopping over Goombas.

I unlock the door to Bowser’s level, and the music changes to a deeper, more ominous tune. Fireballs fly past as I dash towards the end. A Koopa King rides a turtle shell; I stomp it into submission before continuing. The final battle with Bowser is intense—flames burst from his mouth, and I must jump precisely to avoid them.

After defeating him, I find myself standing in a vast castle hall, surrounded by pipes leading up to the next level. I know this game will keep me busy for hours.