The screen blinks red as the game pauses. A loud noise echoes in the room—no one is here, just me and the machine. I press buttons furiously, hoping to save my progress before it vanishes into a black void. The controller hums with each tap, but nothing seems to work. The game won’t start up again no matter how many times I insert the cartridge. It just sits there, silent and stubborn.

I pull out every cable, twist and turn, trying different ports on the console. The wires make hissing noises as they settle back in place. But still, the screen stays dark. Frustration builds as I stare at the empty space where my saved game should be. The pause menu flickers weakly before giving up entirely.

I reach for another cartridge, hoping a new start will somehow fix this one. But nothing changes. The game refuses to acknowledge any of the other discs either. It’s just blank and silent now, like it never existed at all.