The game cart spins on the shelf at the corner of the toy store. Bright red, with a big mustachioed plumber holding up a fire flower. Kids buzz around, pushing and pulling to be first in line for the new release. Music blares from speakers, jingles of coins and battle themes filling the air.

A lady behind the counter waves us forward as we reach the front. The cart slides out with a swoosh. We pile it into our arms like a treasure. The screen lights up, showing Mario standing in an overworld full of clouds and castles. Coins float by and Yoshi eggs pop from mushrooms. I press Start, and the game begins.

Mario stands on a block. A Goomba rolls towards him. He jumps to avoid it. Then he stomps on its head—squish! Another Goomba follows. Mario grabs a fire flower, his cap turning red. Fireball after fireball shoots out as he fights them off. The screen whizzes by in colorful blur.

Mario finds a pipe and vanishes inside. Down a level of pipes, he emerges into an underwater world. Fish swim around. A Koopa trooper chases him. Mario jumps on its back, flips it over—splash! He floats up with his cap spouting water.

Time to go for the castle. Mario runs across the screen, avoiding boulders and thwomps. Bowser’s castle appears in the distance. The screen splits into four stages, each with a unique challenge. We load up the cartridge and insert it carefully. Then press Start again.