The screen flickers to life with a zappy sound. The Nintendo Entertainment System hums softly as the title screen disappears. Now, it’s time for my favorite part—selecting a track. I press A for Circuit Street and watch as the car loads. This is my go-to course because it’s easy to zoom around.

The background shifts into a cityscape with red lights flickering. I can see myself at the start line, holding the cartridge tightly in my hand. The green light flashes, and off we go! I steer through the tight turns, trying not to hit any of the power-ups or obstacles.

A little farther down, there’s a small hill where I can speed up if I’m lucky enough to get a boost. Up ahead is a loop with an item box; sometimes it has a mushroom for a quick boost, but other times it’s empty. The track curves around buildings that look like they’re straight out of Mario Bros., complete with mushrooms and question blocks.

I zoom past the last corner and reach the finish line. I win by a hair! The music plays triumphantly as the screen flashes my name in victory. I press Start to play again, eager for another chance at glory on Circuit Street.