I’m not sure if this is the thing we all anticipate at mid-life – but something strange is happening.
I have bought a Nintendo Switch, I’ve just signed-up to Disney+ and I’m having midnight feasts of Coco-Pops!
Is this normal at my age? Am I trying to cling-on/claim back my youth? Is lockdown making me seek out the things that bring me comfort?
I don’t know what’s happening but it’s a nostalgic hedonism that I’m thoroughly enjoying.
Mario and I are regressing together. An alternative world greets me in this computer game (Mario Odyssey). Wait, are they called video games now? Is it just gaming? Consoling? I have no idea but it’s consoling.
The merry beeps and pings, the friendly characters, the mission, the challenges, the triumphs and the frustration – lost in another world with Mario is like finding a long-lost friend and setting off on some exciting adventures.
I’m now genuinely perplexed about why gaming has such a bad reputation. Why are most parents so anti their kids going online to play Fortnite? Surely it’s the escapism we all need right now? Well, that and Cobra Kai.
The Switch is like the turbo-charged Gameboy, the Gameboy on steroids. I have to admit I felt guilty buying it. I don’t exactly need it, I thought. I rumbled through all the questions I’d have been asked by my mum, but this time for myself. Will I use it, will I get bored, can I afford it, can’t I do something more productive? Haven’t I got enough hobbies? Why don’t I read a book? Why don’t I start renovating the house or at least cleaning it?
Because I want mindless escapist joy, Mum. That’s why.
Gaming is just gaming…doing something for the unadulterated bliss trip that entails bashing your head on blocks and collecting coins! And if you can do that in the middle of the night while eating Coco Pops then I think things are pretty good with the world.
offbeat words 
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