I remember the day my father first pointed out that I was nostalgic over something. I didn't realize it at the time as to my recollection I'd never been nostalgic over anything prior to the occasion. What exaclty was I nostalgic over for the very first time you ask?

Nintendo

I was about 6 years old when the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) released in the states. I remember going to the grocery store and while my parents were in line to check out I'd beg them to let me go check out the video games against the wall behind the registers. I'd watch the Super Mario Bothers game demo play on repeat as there was no one was there to hit start. Mario would begin level 1-1. He'd run and jump gumbas and pipes until he meet his demise(which did not take long). Then it would begin again.

My eyes were glued to the 13 inch tube(CRT) behind the counter until the last minute when my parents were done checking out and came to drag me off by my shirt.

At school my friends and I obsessed over the NES even before any of us had one. I carried an SMB Lunch Box and thermos to school back then, even though I didn't own the system just yet. I actually still have that thermos, believe it or not:

After several years of obsessing my parents, or perhaps it was Santa, finally came through. I was in Heaven.

I am rejoicing with the emergence and success of the Nintendo Switch as it was literally make it or break it for the company that I hold so dear. I have owned many Nintendo consoles each of which have provided me with countless hours of enjoyment, and for that I am thankful.

March 10th could have just as easily become a yearly reminder that one of my childhood heroes had past. Instead it looks like we will get to enjoy not only Nintendo games, but their hardware as well for years to come.

So Mario, here's to you!
Cheers!