The screen’s cold glow bathes the room in blue light. A sleek cartridge slides into the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and I press the power button. The familiar chime rings out as the system boots up. A menu pops up, and my fingers hover over the arrow buttons. I choose “Mario Kart” from the list of games.

The game loads, and the title screen flickers to life with colorful graphics. Then, it’s time for the main menu. I select “Time Trial” and watch as the race track appears on the screen—a new course titled “Speedway Circuit.” The track is lined with tall, green trees and has a winding path that loops around the center. A car glides smoothly down the track, its tires leaving no marks.

I decide to use the blue shell power-up. My kart speeds through the first turn, but I’m too slow on the second lap. The screen’s hum is soothing as I try again, this time staying in second place until the last corner. The green light blinks when I cross the finish line, and my time appears: 4 minutes and 23 seconds.

The cartridge warms up in my hand as I slide it back into its slot. The screen flickers off, leaving a soft blue glow behind.