The screen lights up with bright colors as I insert the cartridge into the console. The title screen flickers before settling on “Press START to Begin.” I press it hesitantly and the game starts.

I find myself in a cozy castle, the background a mix of red bricks and green pipes, all under a soft light. Mario stands still at the start line, arms folded across his chest, looking ready for action. Toad appears, pressing the A button to make Mario run forward with a short, staccato jump. He dashes down the path, hitting various obstacles.

I try to mimic Toad’s motions but my hands are shaking slightly as I press the buttons. Mario stops suddenly in front of a block. With a deep breath, I hit the B button—Peach comes out, and Mario picks her up, raising her above his head triumphantly before putting her down again.

The level is short but packed with enemies; I manage to avoid most of them by jumping over or ducking under them. When I reach the end, I press START and see the score: 40 points. The screen then fades to a new level starting at another castle.

I play through several more levels, each more complex than the last. In one, I have to navigate a room full of Koopa Troopas. In another, I find myself in a maze-like area with pipes leading to various places. Each pipe leads somewhere, whether it’s back to where you started or into a secret room where a star appears.

By the time I finish the first world, the screen flickers and changes to say “Congratulations! You completed World 1!” A score of 640 points is displayed along with a final screen showing Mario standing proudly. The game gives me more lives, encouraging me to continue playing. With a grin, I press START again, ready for another adventure.