[Teuthida]

I never had an NES but...

My best friend from kindergarden did and I would frequently go over his house after school only to watch him and some other kids play SMB3 and TMNT. Oh how I wanted to try it. Controlling characters on a TV screen? It was-- it was magical. But for some reason or other I never got to play. I just sat on his couch and watched with amazement.

I had another friend who lived across the street from me. Her mom ran a daycare operation so I'd go over there every so often and play with all the kids. Being a daycare there were a plethora of toys. But the crown jewel was an NES, complete with an entire drawer of oh so many games. I fondly remember Friday the 13th and Duck Hunt being played. And yet...and yet I never even touched it.

Again and again I'd go over friends' homes inhabited by that grey box and never even lay a finger on the controller. Why? What was this apprehension about playing the NES? Surely one of my friend's offered me a go. Why did I always refuse?

The year was 1992. The NES was $40. My mother who was firmly against video games finally gave in and offered to get me one for my birthday. After giving it careful thought, I went with a Game Boy. Booyah.

So the first time I actually physically played an NES was a couple years ago while working at a daycare center. Was ok I guess.