Nintendo has been a defining presence in my life since childhood. My journey with this legendary gaming company started with the NES, and over the years, it has evolved into something much more profound—something that has shaped the way I engage with video games, how I cope with my mental health, and the role gaming plays in my everyday life.

From my earliest memories of huddling around the television with my sister, battling our way through Super Mario Bros., to the present day where my Nintendo Switch has become a lifeline for managing anxiety, my connection to Nintendo has never been just about entertainment. It has been about comfort, escapism, and connection—both with myself and the people around me. Nintendo games have seen me through childhood joy, teenage exploration, and adult struggles, always providing a space where I could feel safe, challenged, and inspired.

Through every console generation, Nintendo has remained a source of nostalgia and new discovery. Whether it was racing through the tracks of Mario Kart with friends, obsessing over every hidden secret in Donkey Kong Country, or, later in life, finding solace in the cozy world of Animal Crossing, Nintendo has offered something unique at every stage of my life. It has been a constant in a world that often feels chaotic, a steady thread woven through my experiences, helping me navigate both triumphs and challenges.

As I reflect on my history with Nintendo, I realize that it has not only shaped my love for gaming but also played a crucial role in my personal growth. The evolution of my gaming journey—from childhood nostalgia to using gaming as a tool for mental health—has been deeply intertwined with the magic of Nintendo. It is more than just a brand to me; it is a comforting presence, a reminder of where I’ve been, and an exciting companion for where I’m going next.

The NES: A Childhood Obsession Begins

My first gaming system was the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). As an autistic person, I became obsessed with uncovering every secret in the games I played. Speed-running became my thing before I even knew what speed-running was. I’d spend hours trying to perfect my runs, testing how fast I could beat my favourite titles. It wasn’t just about completing the game—it was about mastering it, discovering every hidden block, every warp zone, and every pixel-perfect jump.

The NES wasn’t just a console; it was an entire world of adventure, challenge, and discovery. Games like Super Mario Bros. consumed my free time, providing a sense of structure and accomplishment that I craved. The limited graphics and technology of the time made the games feel mysterious, pushing my imagination to fill in the gaps. Without internet guides or instant walkthroughs, every secret was a true discovery, and every win felt earned.

One of my earliest gaming memories is tied to the NES—but not because of the games themselves. Our family dog had a habit of chewing on things, and unfortunately, one of our NES controllers fell victim to her teething spree. Despite being slightly chewed up and perpetually sticky, it still worked. My sister and I would argue over who had to use the “shitty controller,” both of us trying to hand it off like it was some sort of cursed relic. Looking back, it’s one of those small but hilarious moments that defined our childhood gaming experience.

Despite the simplicity of the NES compared to modern consoles, its impact on my life was immeasurable. It was my introduction to a world that would become a passion, setting the foundation for the way I engage with games today. The NES sparked my love for uncovering secrets, my determination to push past challenges, and my appreciation for the joy and frustration that gaming can bring. It was where my journey with Nintendo began, and little did I know at the time just how much it would shape my future.

The SNES Era: The Age of Secrets and Strategy Guides

When we got the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), it was a game-changer. Everything felt bigger, more colourful, and more alive. The jump from 8-bit to 16-bit graphics made worlds feel more immersive, and the music was richer and more dynamic. The SNES brought new levels of storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and unforgettable experiences that deepened my love for gaming.

Donkey Kong Country was the first game we owned for the system, and I was determined to not only speed-run it but find every single secret. The thrill of discovering hidden barrels, secret paths, and bonus levels consumed me. I wasn’t just playing a game—I was on a mission to uncover everything the developers had tucked away. Finding 101% completion in Donkey Kong Country wasn’t just an achievement; it was a badge of honour.

Back then, this was an entirely different challenge—there were no easy online guides. If you wanted hints, you had to pay a ridiculous amount for a strategy guide that wouldn’t even be released until months after the game came out. How we survived, I have no idea. We relied on trial and error, schoolyard rumors, and gaming magazines that offered hints but rarely full solutions. There was something magical about this era—secrets truly felt like secrets, and every new discovery was exhilarating.

The SNES wasn’t just about Donkey Kong Country, though. Super Mario World became a staple in my household, its vast interconnected map offering what felt like endless exploration. The feeling of soaring through levels with a cape, uncovering hidden exits, and discovering Star Road was unlike anything I had experienced before. The game rewarded curiosity and experimentation, which suited my obsessive desire to uncover every last secret.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past was another defining moment for me. Unlike the NES-era Zelda, which felt more like an open-ended adventure, this game gave structure to exploration while still allowing freedom. The puzzles, dungeons, and gripping story cemented my love for adventure games. It was my first real taste of a game that felt like an epic journey rather than just a series of levels.

The SNES era also introduced me to Mario Kart, which became a go-to for friendly (and not-so-friendly) competition with friends and family. The sheer joy of hitting someone with a well-timed red shell or nailing a shortcut in Rainbow Road was unmatched. By the way, the Rainbow Road tracks are still my favourite.

Looking back, the SNES was the console that solidified my passion for video games. It took everything I loved about the NES and expanded it into something more immersive and rewarding. It was an era where gaming felt boundless, where every cartridge held the promise of adventure, and where every game offered an opportunity for mastery and discovery. Even now, I find myself returning to SNES classics, not just for nostalgia, but because they represent an era of gaming that was truly special.

The Wii: A Christmas Surprise That Brought Back Nostalgia

Years later, the Wii was released, and my husband was working at Best Buy at the time. The company held a lottery for employees, giving them the opportunity to purchase one of the limited stock consoles. My husband won, and for Christmas, I got a Wii. It was one of the most unexpected and exciting gifts I had ever received, and it reignited my love for gaming in a way I hadn’t felt in years.

The Wii wasn’t just another console—it was a revolution. With its motion controls, it made gaming feel interactive in a way that was completely new at the time. My husband and I spent hours playing Wii Sports, laughing as we attempted to perfect our golf swings and tennis serves. It became a staple of our early years together, a source of shared fun and competition that never got old.

One of the most magical aspects of the Wii was the Virtual Console. Suddenly, I had access to all the classic games I had loved as a kid but never had the chance to own. Titles like Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario Bros. 3, and Mario Kart were now at my fingertips, allowing me to revisit the experiences that had shaped my childhood. It felt like stepping into a time machine, except this time, I had the resources to fully explore the games I had once only dreamed of owning.

While I wouldn’t have called myself a hardcore gamer at the time, the Wii reminded me of the joy that gaming had always brought me. It wasn’t just about nostalgia—it was about rediscovering the simple pleasure of play. The Wii fit seamlessly into my life, whether I was casually racing in Mario Kart with friends or using it to stay active with Wii Fit. Looking back, I realize that the Wii rekindled my love for Nintendo, setting the stage for the even deeper connection I would later develop with the Switch.

2022: The Year That Changed Everything

At the start of 2022, I was barely holding on. My anxiety had reached an unmanageable level, and I was in and out of the hospital for severe panic attacks. Every day felt like an uphill battle—an exhausting cycle of overthinking, worrying, and trying to calm the storm inside my mind. My husband saw it all—the sleepless nights, the way I froze in social situations, how even the smallest tasks felt impossible. He wanted to help. So, for my birthday (and Christmas), he surprised me with something unexpected—a Nintendo Switch. More than just a gift, it was a lifeline, a tool he hoped could help me cope. he included a copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. I had no idea what I was getting into.

At first, I treated it like any other entertainment—a distraction to pass the time. But soon, I realized it was something more. The Switch became an essential part of my mental health journey. I took it everywhere—work, social gatherings, family visits—any place where anxiety might try to take over. Instead of reaching for medication as often, I reached for my Switch. When I felt overwhelmed, I would find a quiet space, slip away, and immerse myself in a game (often in my friends’ washrooms or garages). And somehow, it worked.

I fell hard. Before long, I was watching YouTubers, searching for island inspiration, and diving deep into the world of cozy gaming. That’s when I discovered Stardew Valley—supposedly the ultimate farming sim, it was recommended to me as the go to game after Animal Crossing. Let me tell you—I was not prepared. Instead of the relaxing experience I expected, I found myself stressed and overwhelmed by energy management, schedules, and relationship mechanics. Stardew nearly made me quit cozy gaming altogether, there may or may not have been a joycon fatality. Thankfully, I stumbled upon Eeowna, a cozy gaming YouTuber who reassured me in a live stream that not every game is for everyone—and that was okay, and that I would probably return to Stardew Valley (she was right on both counts). She recommended a couple games to try instead, in that moment she unknowingly saved my gaming journey, guiding me toward titles that truly clicked with me. If you are for some reason a cozy gamer not subscribed to Eeowna go check her out on YouTube and Twitch.

Anyway, that’s how I found WyldeFlowers, a farming sim with a witchy twist that finally felt right. From there, my gaming world expanded. Now, I’ve embraced cozy gaming and beyond, finding joy in a variety of genres.

The act of playing, especially cozy, repetitive games, became a form of meditation. Farming in Story of Seasons, decorating my island in Animal Crossing, the rhythmic button presses in puzzle games—it all helped me slow my breathing, refocus, and ground myself. These small, repetitive tasks provided comfort, predictable patterns, and a sense of accomplishment, offering a mindfulness I never expected from a gaming console.

No one seemed to talk about this aspect of gaming. People discussed games as entertainment, as art, as storytelling—but as therapy? As a tool for managing anxiety? That conversation was much quieter. For me, though, it was everything. 2022 wasn’t just the year I got a gaming console. It was the year I found a new way to cope, a reminder that self-care doesn’t have to look a certain way. Sometimes, healing comes in the form of a tiny handheld device and a digital farm full of pixelated crops.

How Cozy Games Help with Mental Health

So, how have cozy games become so much more than just a way to pass the time—as an essential part of my mental health toolkit. When my anxiety starts to spiral, when my chest tightens, when my thoughts start racing faster than I can control, cozy games step in as a lifeline.

For me, anxiety isn’t just occasional worry—it’s a constant undercurrent. Some days, it’s a quiet hum in the background. Other days, it’s a full-blown storm, making it impossible to function. And when panic attacks hit, everything feels overwhelming—my heart races, my breathing becomes shallow, and the world feels too loud, too bright, too much.

This is where cozy games truly help.

When I start feeling that familiar sense of dread creeping in, I reach for my Nintendo Switch. There’s something incredibly grounding about slipping into a world that feels safe, predictable, and low-stakes. Cozy games don’t demand perfection. There’s no looming threat, no pressure to perform, no timer ticking down. Instead, they offer gentle, repetitive tasks—farming, fishing, decorating, exploring—that help calm my nervous system.

One of the biggest ways cozy games help me is in overwhelming social situations.

Take Christmas dinner, for example. Picture 20 people in a single room, all talking over one another, laughter bouncing off the walls, conversations blending into a chaotic blur. For some, this is a lively, joyful environment. For me? It’s sensory overload. I start shutting down. My chest tightens. Words become harder to process. My body tells me to escape.

But instead of completely breaking down, I’ve learned to step away and reset. I find a quiet spot, pull out my Switch, and dive into a game. It gives me something to anchor my focus—whether it’s tending crops in WyldeFlowers, running my café in Fae Farm, or simply wandering through Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

It’s not just about distraction—it’s about regulating my emotions.

The rhythmic actions, the gentle music, the sense of control in a world that isn’t overwhelming—it all helps slow my breathing, lower my heart rate, and bring me back to the present moment. Within minutes, I start feeling more like myself again.

Cozy games provide something I never realized I needed: a safe retreat. They remind me that it’s okay to take breaks, that self-care doesn’t have to look a certain way, and that small, comforting rituals can be powerful tools for mental health.

For some, gaming is just a hobby. For me? It’s part of how I survive.

Community and Connection

For me, Nintendo games have always been more than just entertainment—they’ve been a way to connect with others.

I may have missed the Animal Crossing: New Horizons craze during the pandemic, but gaming has always been a social outlet in my life. Whether it was playing Mario Kart with friends, battling in Super Smash Bros., or swapping strategies for Pokémon, video games have been a bridge to laughter, competition, and shared experiences.

But the most meaningful connection gaming has given me? My relationship with my husband.

Since we met, video games have been a huge part of how we bond. We’ve spent countless nights playing together—whether it’s co-op adventures, intense Mario Kart races, or just sharing our separate gaming experiences side by side. Our consoles are always nearby, and our conversations often drift into game-related discussions, from debating the best Zelda dungeons to hyping up new releases.

Of course, we don’t always have the same taste in games. He’s deep into strategy-heavy, turn-based RPGs, while I thrive in the world of cozy, low-stress games. And that’s okay!

For example, he’s obsessed with Baldur’s Gate 3—a game that just doesn’t do it for me (fight me, I stand by it!). But instead of playing separately in different rooms, we still share the experience in our own way. He sets up his big, dramatic fantasy battles on the TV, while I curl up next to him with my Switch, tending to my Fae Farm crops or running my café in Coffee Talk. We might be playing completely different games, but we’re still together, sharing the same space, lost in our own little gaming worlds.

And honestly? That’s the beauty of it.

Gaming isn’t just about what’s on the screen—it’s about the memories, the laughter, the inside jokes, and the quiet companionship it fosters. It’s the excited shouts during a close Mario Kart race, the shared frustration over a tricky puzzle, the feeling of working together (or playfully competing) towards a common goal.

Nintendo, Xbox, PC—it doesn’t matter what platform we’re on. What matters is that gaming gives us a way to stay connected, whether we’re playing together or just playing near each other.

Because at the end of the day, video games aren’t just about escaping into another world—they’re about who you share those worlds with.

Anticipation for Future Nintendo Releases

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of upcoming game releases—that mix of excitement, speculation, and the eternal hope that a long-awaited title finally gets a release date (I’m looking at you, Witchbrook).

Right now, my gaming future looks incredibly bright and cozy, with so many amazing titles on the horizon. Some of these games are so close I can almost feel the serotonin boost they’ll bring, while others might still be a ways off (cough Witchbrook cough). Either way, my wishlist is stacked, and my backlog is already shaking in fear.

Here are just a few of the games I cannot wait to dive into:

Sugardew Island – By the time you’re reading this, Sugardew Island might already be out, but that doesn’t make me any less excited! This adorable, cozy farming sim offers multiplayer, meaning I can finally tend crops, fish, and decorate alongside friends. The art style is bright, charming, and full of warmth, and if it delivers on the promise of relaxing gameplay with social elements, I can already tell this will be one of my comfort games for years to come.

Fantasy Life: The Girl Who Stole Time – If you ever played Fantasy Life on the 3DS, you already know what a perfect blend of RPG and life sim it was—equal parts adventure, crafting, and job-based character progression. Now, this long-awaited sequel promises even more charm, whimsy, and deep life-skill grinding. The ability to build, explore, and fight at my own pace makes this the kind of immersive, time-sinking game I could easily get lost in for hours. I cannot wait to return to this world!

Kitori Academy – Ever wanted to train as a magical apprentice in an enchanting, cozy world? Kitori Academy lets you do just that—alongside an adorable feline companion. As a student of magic, you’ll master spells, brew potions, and uncover the mysteries of this whimsical academy. With hand-painted art and an emphasis on relaxing, low-stress gameplay, this game is giving me major Little Witch Academia meets Stardew Valley vibes, and I am so ready for it.

Out and About – A slice-of-life, open-world adventure that focuses on exploration, nature, and community, Out and About feels like a game made for those who love wandering, discovering hidden secrets, and simply existing in a beautiful world. It’s giving me big A Short Hike meets Stardew Valley energy, which means I’ll probably spend way too much time just walking around, soaking in the atmosphere, and living my best peaceful life.

Solarpunk – A lush, futuristic, eco-friendly survival and farming game, Solarpunk invites you to build, craft, and thrive in a sustainable world. Imagine floating islands, renewable energy, and a society built around harmony with nature—all wrapped in a beautiful, sunlit aesthetic. This feels like the perfect mix of farming sim meets environmental storytelling, and I love the idea of growing food, recycling materials, and shaping a better world, one small action at a time.

Witchbrook – Also known as the Hollow Knight: Silksong of cozy gaming, Witchbrook has been in development forever, but when it finally arrives? You know I’ll be there on day one, ready to enroll in magic school, befriend quirky townsfolk, and master the art of witchcraft. Created by Chucklefish (the team behind Stardew Valley), this pixel-perfect, top-down RPG promises an immersive experience filled with spell-casting, potion-brewing, and magical academia aesthetics galore. The cozy magic school dream is real, and I need it.

Reka 1.0 – Step into the shoes of Reka, an apprentice to the legendary witch Baba Yaga. Nestled deep in the autumnal woodlands, you will learn and master the art of witchcraft—beginning with the creation of your very own iconic, chicken-legged cottage. Venture through a breathtaking, scenic world as you solve quests, forage for ingredients, and uncover Baba Yaga’s mysterious and harrowing secrets. Along the way, build, decorate, and customize your enchanted, traveling home, turning it into a personal sanctuary where you can hone your magical skills. In a world that is unpredictable and sometimes dark, your cottage is more than just a home—it’s a haven, a place of power, and a reflection of your journey as a witch.

Moonlight Peaks – Take Stardew Valley… but make it Gothic vampire-core. Moonlight Peaks throws you into a cozy life sim where you play as a vampire, living alongside supernatural villagers, farming magical crops, and embracing the beauty of the night. The concept alone had me immediately hooked, and the idea of blending spooky, mystical themes with the warmth of a farming sim sounds like the perfect balance of eerie and cozy.

Tales of Seikyu – A Japanese folklore-inspired life sim where you can shapeshift, farm, and befriend adorable yokai spirits? Yes. A thousand times yes. The vibrant, hand-drawn art style gives Tales of Seikyu a storybook-like charm, and the addition of mythology, fantasy, and village life mechanics makes this feel like a truly unique and immersive world. Whether it’s running my own shop, forming bonds with spirits, or discovering hidden lore, I can already tell this game is going to completely enchant me.

Crimson Hollow – I have been following this game’s development forever, and every update has only made me more impatient. Crimson Hollow is shaping up to be a beautifully eerie, story-driven mystery, featuring stunning pixel art, gothic themes, and just the right amount of cozy suspense. It’s the kind of game that pulls you in with its atmosphere—like an interactive ghost story, full of secrets waiting to be unraveled. If you love dark, cozy aesthetics mixed with heartfelt storytelling, this one is absolutely worth keeping an eye on.

Pokémon ZA – We don’t know much yet, but it’s Pokémon. That alone is enough to have me fully on board. Whether it’s new regions, fresh mechanics, or exciting evolutions, I know I’ll be glued to my Switch, catching, battling, and building the ultimate team. Nintendo, just give me a release date so I can start planning my life around it!

Tales of the Shire – A cozy, Lord of the Rings-inspired life sim where you can live like a Hobbit?? Say no more. I’ll be baking pies, tending my little garden, and drinking tea in the Shire for hours. Everything about this game screams wholesome escapism, and I cannot wait to embrace the slow, peaceful life of a Hobbit—because honestly, that sounds like the ultimate self-care experience.

Fields of Mistria 1.0 – Another pixel-perfect farming sim, Fields of Mistria is shaping up to be something truly special. The art style is stunning, the world feels alive and rich with personality, and the mix of farming, romance, and adventure has already hooked me based on the demo alone. If you’re a fan of Stardew Valley, Harvest Moon, or Story of Seasons, this one is absolutely worth the hype.

And honestly? That’s just the beginning. There are so many other cozy, wholesome, and adventure-filled games on my radar, and my Switch (and my free time) are not ready.

2024 and beyond are looking amazing for Nintendo fans, and I cannot wait to see which of these games become new favorites.

A Comparison of Nintendo Consoles

Nintendo has been a constant thread throughout my life, shaping my memories, relationships, and even my mental health journey. Each console represents a different chapter—a unique time in my life where gaming provided joy, connection, and even comfort during difficult times.

My childhood was defined by the NES and SNES, where games like Donkey Kong Country became my safe space. These consoles introduced me to the magic of gaming—simple yet endlessly fun experiences that I could lose myself in for hours.

I never had a Nintendo 64 or GameCube, but that changed when I met my husband in high school. He owned both, and though I wasn’t actively playing at first, I loved watching him game. Mario Kart was our first real gaming connection, something small but meaningful that we shared. When we moved in together in our early 20s, he brought his GameCube, and suddenly, gaming became something we did together. We spent hours playing Mario Kart: Double Dash and Mario Golf—though, admittedly, I never fully appreciated how special those moments were at the time.

Then came the Wii, a console that felt completely different from anything before it. The motion controls made gaming more interactive than ever, and we had an absolute blast playing games like Wii Sports and Mario Party. I even used Wii Fit as part of my health routine—something that made gaming feel more integrated into my daily life rather than just a hobby.

But nothing could compare to what the Nintendo Switch would eventually mean to me.

When I got my Switch in 2022, it became more than just a gaming console—it became a literal lifesaver. It’s now an essential tool in my mental health toolkit, right alongside therapy, breathing exercises, and my therapy/service dog. Whether I’m using it to distract myself from panic attacks, escape overwhelming social situations, or simply unwind after a stressful day, the Switch has become one of my greatest coping mechanisms.

A Lifelong Connection to Nintendo

Looking back, I realize Nintendo has shaped my life in more ways than I ever expected.

From the nostalgia of childhood to bonding with my husband over Mario Kart, and now using gaming as a form of self-care, Nintendo has always been there for me—a reliable source of joy, comfort, and connection.

Whether it’s speed-running Super Mario Bros. on the NES, reminiscing about our GameCube battles, or finding solace in cozy games on my Switch, I know that Nintendo will always hold a special place in my heart.

It’s not just about the consoles. It’s about the memories, the laughter, and the little moments of peace that gaming brings into my life. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.

Check me out on YouTube and Twitch where I will launch my channels the week of March 3 streaming Monday (Bayonetta Origins); Tuesday (Grimoire Groves); Wednesday (Pokemon Arceus); and Friday Sugardew Island.

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