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What if Nintendo Shut Down Tomorrow? Scott's Thoughts

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Nintendo is older than your Grandpa, and they’ve stored a lot of money in the bank over the years…

They could afford a couple Wii U disasters in a row—even another Virtual Boy or two—and still be in business.

But hypothetically, let’s say they chose to shut down tomorrow. Upper management wants to take their money, lay everyone off, and close their doors.

I think I would actually be completely fine with this.

Sure, it’d be sad on multiple levels. Many hardworking developers, designers, marketers, production facility workers, and more would lost their jobs.
Loose ends would be left dangling off our favorite franchises, and we’d never know if Mario and Peach finally got married.
We’d always wonder what the next console would look like.

On the bright side, however, I would still get to be a Nintendo fan for life. See, the company has already produced thousands of products in the form of games that span generations of hardware. Realistically, I’ve only played a fraction of these experiences.

My collector sensibilities would kick into high-gear, knowing that there was now a cap on the quest.
I could try to play, beat, and 100% every Nintendo game ever made, and I could make videos and podcasts about the journey for years to come.

They’ve supplied me with a lifetime of entertainment.

Picross S is NOT Competitive Scott’s Thoughts

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Full disclosure: I have a Picross addiction. If Pavlov is Nintendo and Picross is a bell, I’m the salivating dog.
They release a new game in the series, I buy it, and the next 20 hours of my life are a blur as I perfect every puzzle.
Having said that, my excitement for the sudden release of Picross S on Switch was huge!

An important new feature was touted: multiplayer. New to the series, two players would be able to “play cooperatively, or compete to see who can place the most tiles!”

This was a game-changer! I have a friend from Picrossers Anonymous who would love to relapse with me and go head-to-head!

Well, Nintendo wasn’t fully honest with their description of this functionality. Technologically, it’s all there: two players can control cursors on the same screen, and it works. It’s fun to help each other out and solve puzzles together.

Competitively, the structure is non-existent. There’s no separate “Vs. Mode” or anything of that nature, it simply tallies up the number of tiles filled in by each player. The game doesn’t keep score over multiple rounds or celebrate a victor. The players are left to point out that their score was higher and rub it in their “opponent’s” face.

That’s not the extent of the issue, either. This game is impossible—I repeat—impossible to be treated competitively. It leaves the door wide open for cheating and unfair play.
I mentioned my fellow addict above. We got to playing a few rounds of Picross S together and it wasn’t long before he had outsmarted the game. Whenever I placed a tile, he would follow behind my cursor and overwrite it with a tile of his own color, taking my points for himself.

Picross S lets competitors get away with whatever they’d like, and also creates another problem by not awarding any points for blocking off tiles. Placing an X on a space that won’t contain a colored title is a critical part of Picross gameplay, but gamers are punished in multiplayer mode by not receiving any points, leaving their opponent to score off their work.

My advice to Switch owners: Purchase this title and enjoy it as a single player or cooperative affair.
Words to Nintendo: Be careful how you advertise your games; it’s important to be honest about what’s included in the package.

Update: Nintendo has adjusted the wording on their Picross S online listing to read ‘Unique to the Switch version, 2 players can now play simultaneously! Enjoy with friends and family!’
That’s better.

There’s a 2D Breath of the Wild on Switch eShop Scott’s Thoughts

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On the Nintendo Switch eShop, there’s a 2-dimensional Breath of the Wild for sale.

It’s called SteamWorld Dig 2.

This is an indie title by Image & Form. You don’t have to like steampunk culture or have beaten the original to enjoy this title, it stands on its own as a must-play.

Everything that you loved about the the open-world Zelda adventure is here, in this little downloadable title.

Strictly speaking, Dig 2’s genre is most like a Metroidvania, but fans of Breath of the Wild will feel right at home in the game’s underground caverns.

Did you like defeating shrines? You’re in luck; with caves, puzzles must be completed to earn collectibles and power-ups. Just like shrines, caves feature additional hidden secrets apart from the main objective, for explorers and completionists.

Like Link’s stamina mechanics, the main character (Dorothy) has meters for water and light that the player has to keep an eye on and take into account while trying to reach new areas.

The game can be played nonlinearly, any time you wish to take a break from the main plotline to enhance your strengths.

Filling in Hyrule’s map by locating towers is not unlike uncovering new caverns and locating fast-travel points.

Special abilities can be unlocked that are very similar to the Champion Abilities in Zelda. I activated an especially helpful modification in SteamWorld which I lovingly referred to right away as “Mipha’s Grace.” Even the HUD elements share attributes in common, like how the special abilities indicate on-screen when they are ready to be used.

Don’t miss this title! Even if you don’t feel like you’re ready for “another Breath of the Wild,” keep in mind that this game is much smaller. SteamWorld Dig 2 doesn’t overstay it’s welcome.

It’s also plenty unique, with a creative world, interesting characters, and fun gameplay loops that keep you coming back and digging deeper.

The Secret Selling Point of the Switch Scott’s Thoughts

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It’s not what you think it is.

It’s not the games. It’s not the price. It isn’t the user interface or the branding.

The secret selling point is that the Switch is fun to use.
It’s physically fun to play with.

That dumb snapping noise that plays in all the commercials? It underscores one of the core benefits of the experience.

Seeing the hardware’s multiple configurations raises intrigue, then the tactile feedback received when sliding the pieces together does all the convincing.

Nintendo used to say Playing is Believing, but they advanced this concept a step further by creating believers before the console even powers on.

When Ignorance Isn’t Bliss Scott’s Thoughts

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They say “ignorance is bliss,” which can be true.
If you’re enjoying a meal that accidentally touched the ground, you’re probably better off not knowing that.
We’re always within a small distance from insects, but if they’re not bothering us… ignorance is bliss.

Other times, being ignorant just leaves you feeling left out. Like for the gamer who’s never played a Final Fantasy title in their life, and the discussion turns to the series.

Here’s what it sounds like to me, someone who has never touched the popular RPG franchise:
“Oh man, when are we ever going to get the proper follow-up to Twelve?”
“You know, Three is actually Six in Japan.”
“I’m holding out hope for Fifteen Two.” (What is this, Cribbage?)
“Why did it take so long for Seven to get remastered?”
“One and Four are available on iOS, but you’ll have to buy an original PlayStation to access Five.” (Clearly, I’m making all of this up.)

Final Fantasy games are referred to simply by their number designation, which makes conversations around them even harder to follow for newcomers.

When people start talking FF, my eyes glaze over.

Sometimes I wonder if I should play the entire series just to be in the know.

What if Classic Editions were Switch Cartridges? Scott’s Thoughts

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“It’s so hard to find the NES Classic Edition! Why can’t Nintendo just put all those games on a cartridge and call it a day?”
It was the same story with the Super Nintendo version.

Nintendo fans and collectors, left baffled by supply issues, often bemoan the fact that these collections of retro games aren’t made available for Switch.

What if Classic Editions weren’t miniature reproductions of the original consoles, but simple game carts or eShop downloads?

Pros:
+ More convenient
+ Cheaper
+ Portable
+ Easier to purchase
+ Less clutter

Cons:
– You don’t get the original controllers
– Only lasts one console generation
– Less of a collector’s item
– Not as nostalgic
– Well… you can’t hack it to add more games.

Personally, I’m really glad Nintendo chose to recreate the consoles. I’ve been wanting NES to return to store shelves for a decade, but I never predicted the genius of shrinking it down to the size of your palm and preloading it with games.

I can also now say that I own an SNES, which is the only console I missed while growing up.

It’s easy to beg Nintendo to make things more convenient and cut some corners, but the experience just wouldn’t be the same.

Make your Gaming Time Matter Scott’s Thoughts

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35 hours.
That’s how many I put into Picross S for Nintendo Switch. It was an impulse buy at $8, “cheap” by many standards, but its true expense was my time.

My days contain 24 hours, like yours, but not many are leftover for gaming. What precious little minutes remain for entertainment must be wisely spent, and I failed to do so with Picross.

Don’t get me wrong; I love the series. But this particular title didn’t offer much by way of new or exciting material. My first few hours were motivated by fun, and I played a bit longer in multiplayer, which was a worthwhile experience with friends and family.

The rest of my time was spent out of compulsion. Nintendo has successfully trained me as a collector, so earning the medals on each group of puzzles felt rewarding at first, but ultimately became a chore.
I truly noticed the problem after completing all 150 levels, then immediately setting out to do them again in Mega Picross mode. The SAME puzzles!

I wanted to be 100% done with the game so that I could move on to other, more fun titles.
Therein lies the issue: I didn’t have to complete the game to move on. I should have closed the software, let it rest, and came back in a few weeks or months.

What I endeavor to do in the future, and I encourage you to as well, is make wiser choices with your gaming time.
Maximize your fun. If a game isn’t doing the trick, sell it. If you can’t get rid of it, forget it.

Our time on this planet is short, so recreation should be used for relaxing, improving skills, and most importantly: spending time with people we care about. Whether that’s your friend or your spouse, gaming can be a great way to grow bonds.

You don’t have to prove anything to anyone by being a completionist. For goodness sake, there aren’t even achievements on your Nintendo profile! And you don’t owe it to yourself to slog through a game just because you purchased it. You wouldn’t eat every bite of a meal at a restaurant if it tasted bad, or pained you to swallow, right? The same applies here.

Welcome to Your Future: DLC Expansion Passes Scott’s Thoughts

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Nintendo has been diversifying their income of late. Not content to only sell you a console per generation and a shelf-full of games, offerings have increased to amiibo, special editions, and add-on downloadable content.

Rather than earning $40 off of Metroid: Samus Returns customers in North America, Nintendo was given twice the amount by hardcore fans who bought the limited box-set and amiibo two-pack.

There’s a new pricing model on the rise, and Nintendo calls it the DLC Expansion Pass.
Some might remember Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as the game that introduced the Expansion Pass to us, but this method of DLC delivery was first utilized in Mario Kart 8 on Wii U, where two major add-ons were sold in one bundle and fulfilled over time.

Of course, Nintendo is one of the last companies in the industry to adopt the practice, but now that they have, there’s no looking back.

Seeing the success of Mario Kart 8 and Breath of the Wild, Nintendo and Ubisoft created an Expansion Pass strategy for Mario + Rabbids and Fire Emblem Warriors.

It’s a brilliant business model for a number of reasons.

  • Players are encouraged to purchase additional content as early as day 1, when excitement for the game is at its peak.
  • The people most likely to give a business money are the ones who are already giving it money.
  • Revenue earned from advance DLC purchases fund continued development, where teams can keep working with existing assets for some time, rather than switching to a more expensive project from scratch.
  • Expansion Pass owners are extremely unlikely to sell their game for some time, delivering a blow to the used market.
  • 100% of DLC sales go straight to Nintendo, not split with a retailer.
  • Prevents the base sticker price from climbing.

The benefits are self-explanatory, but the final one could use some unpacking.
High-definition video games have been $60 for a considerable amount of time (over a decade). Nintendo gamers held onto the $50 threshold a bit longer thanks to Wii’s standard definition output.

The cost of a video game feels high. It’s the better half of a hundred dollars. But it has remained low relative to two major factors:
1) Development costs are rising, not declining. 2) Inflation is constantly active.

Watch our Pricing Through The Ages video to get an idea of how quickly the dollar loses value. You need more “money” to purchase the candy bar today than you did five years ago. Despite this, software prices remain steady.

That’s why Nintendo has been diversifying, and the Expansion Pass is a win-win strategy. Gamers get to support the developers of titles they care about, and Nintendo gets to stay in business!

#NotMyNintendo Scott’s Thoughts

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Nintendo’s reward program has evolved and devolved over the years. There was a really nice sweet-spot during the Wii era, where lots of great games earned you points and those points could be redeemed for awesome physical prizes. I enjoyed that period and collected a lot of exclusive merch that made me feel like a part of the—well—club.

Things are different with today’s program, My Nintendo. The approach pivoted from rewarding surveys to gameplay accomplishments and task completed instead, which is a sensible exchange. However, with the new program, we’ve firmly waved goodbye to physical goodies like tote bags and hanafuda cards, left to spend our Gold and Platinum coins on in-game outfits, themes, and digital wallpapers.

Turns out, it’s no replacement. I was excited at the onset of My Nintendo, as a few games were offered for redemption: WarioWare Touched!, a DS title, and a Zelda-themed Picross game exclusive to the loyalty service.

Eager for more rewards like this, I quickly became disappointed when I found nothing worthwhile to spend my coins on.

Worse, the digital currency was a ticking time-bomb. Expiration dates loomed over my Nintendo piggy-bank, which threatened to disappear if I didn’t hurry up and spend it on a bunch of themes I would never use.

I don’t feel particularly rewarded by Nintendo, which is a problem when you consider that I’m their best customer: a day-one early adopter, a collector, a completionist, and a brand ambassador dedicating my life to working for them free of charge.

If their customer loyalty program isn’t for me, then who is it for?

Why Indies are Better than 3rd Parties Scott’s Thoughts

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Do you love huge, generalized sweeping statements? Well, you’re in luck!

Indies are way better than 3rd party developers.

When I play a 1st party Nintendo game, the polish is undeniable. I can practically taste the quality assurance oozing out of every aspect of the game.

Playing a 3rd party title is often a disappointing affair. I’m reminded how much less effort they put into their menus, onboarding new players, readability, and the overall stability of the experience.

Indies, however? I’ve had the pleasure of completing multiple independently-developed games that feel as if they belong in Nintendo’s own stable of IP. They often approach development the same way Nintendo does, creating a unique mechanic and building an entire world around it.

These self-published titles come with lower budgets and therefore have less marketing. They have to compensate with more ambitious pitches; it takes a lot to stand out on the Switch eShop, with handfuls of games being dumped onto the store weekly.

An indie game tries to do less, and with that narrower focus comes a more concentrated dose of polish.

For the most part, independent games are structurally and functionally tight. You can learn what’s expected of you in a matter of seconds, just like an old arcade or NES game.

They are more often labors of love, made by people who don’t come home with a check twice a month from an employer but quit their job to work on the idea that they just can’t get out of their head.

Indie games are less restricted by businessmen who demand a carbon copy of what’s already selling and are free to experiment with art styles and non-traditional music.

Do yourself a favor and enjoy indie games, thereby supporting these small studios. They both need it and deserve it.

Are Portable/Console Hybrids the Future? Scott’s Thoughts

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NX rumors began shortly after Wii U launched. People were quickly eager for the next big thing.

Closing in on Switch’s first year, and Nintendo fans aren’t fidgeting for news on its successor.
We’re content. Eager for certain game announcements, yes, but satisfied with the hardware.

“What do you want in the next Nintendo console?”
Even enthusiasts are having a hard time answering that. A more powerful Switch, I guess?

And I would agree with that. Friends texted me right after the Switch reveal video, asking me what I thought. My response: What more could you want? It’s got all the buttons, it’s HD, and you can play on your TV or take it anywhere.

In many ways, we’ve arrived. Similar to the cellular market, where your phone looks about the same as it did 4 or 5 models ago, the Nintendo hardware line is maturing.

Could you imagine a follow-up console to the Switch not being portable? You don’t want to think about that, do you?
Rest assured, the hybrid strategy is here to stay.

With Nintendo, that is.
Competitors like Microsoft and Sony might not adopt it so quickly because of their emphasis on graphical power.

You can think of those companies as desktop PC makers, whereas Nintendo has differentiated itself as the laptop provider. Not leading the charge in technical specifications but in form-factor.

There certainly are advancements still waiting to be made in the gaming industry, make no mistake. In five years or less, we’ll likely have the opportunity to purchase a 4K Switch tablet with VR capabilities.

But Switch represents a revolution in how Nintendo makes their flagship consoles.

Retail Vs. Digital Pricing Scott’s Thoughts

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There is a discrepancy.

When you walk into a store and purchase a new video game, you get more in return: a display case, a printed cover and (sometimes) instruction manual, a cartridge housing the game’s data, the ability to lend the copy to a friend, and the option of selling the copy when you’re done with it.

Downloadable versions provide none of the above benefits (though you could definitely argue for the convenience factor). They cost the same as a physical version, but take up more space on your hard drive or memory card, and are far cheaper for the publisher to distribute.

With digital games, creators don’t pay for printing discs or cartridges, packaging, shipping, or shelf-space at stores. They also don’t split any profit with retailers.

You would almost think the downloadable version should be cheaper.

Further confusing the matter are stores like Best Buy and Amazon, where you can actually get retail releases at a steep discount. It feels backward.

The reason Nintendo and its competitors are afraid to cut gamers a deal on digital versions is that it would make retailers upset. Their relationships with WalMart, Target and others would be severely damaged as gamers flocked to online offerings to get the lowest price.

Why doesn’t Nintendo just cut its retail ties and only offer their games digitally?
They’re not ready yet. The majority of sales still take place in brick and mortar, but that is starting to change.

Someday, a Nintendo console might not come equipped with a cartridge slot. And just maybe, downloadable games will be a little cheaper.

(Or not because of inflation, the rising cost of development, server infrastructure, and Nintendo being a business trying to make money. But one can dream.)

Goodbye, Stereoscopic 3-Dimensional Gaming Scott’s Thoughts

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I’m one of the first people to happily wave goodbye to the 3DS.

It’s low-resolution screen looked behind-the-times the moment I laid eyes on it on launch day.
However, there is one aspect of its visuals which I will miss: glasses-free 3D.

Nintendo pulled something incredible off by releasing the only mass-market device employing the technology.
Personally fine-tunable by a slider, no less!

The company also made a wise move in never requiring 3D visuals to advance in any games, ensuring those too young, who had eye problems, or just preferred flat images, weren’t forced to see in 3D.

But boy was it helpful.

Super Mario 3D Land, for example, is a fantastic title that takes full advantage of the unique screen hardware.
I have a harder time lining up precise jumps on my Switch.

Stereoscopic 3D, I‘ll miss you.

Don’t Forget the Fun Factor Scott’s Thoughts

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I often see newly released games being appraised for their graphics, controls, music, and price.

What the industry needs more of a focus on is simple: fun.

A game can have terrible graphics, no soundtrack, and clunky controls, but still be a lot of fun.
Conversely, a beautiful and imaginative game can be boring and punishing.

Video games are a form of art, but that doesn’t mean they need to be treated with as much weight and gravitas as other mediums.
Some critics don’t understand this and neglect to consider the fun factor, so take review scores with a grain of salt. A 7/10 game might be the most fun you and a friend have ever had.

Collecting Vs. Trading Scott’s Thoughts

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I have conflicting impulses.

I’m a collector. I have multiple shelves in my house dedicated to Nintendo, lined with cases of games, amiibo, preorder bonus merchandise, or Club Nintendo rewards (remember those? They used to be physical).
My biggest console library belongs to Wii, and I hope to outnumber those games with Switch software this generation.

I’m also a tightwad. I prefer saving money over spending it. I don’t mind waiting months or years for things to go on sale before buying.

How does one balance the urge to collect games, when trading or selling them can help financially?
It’s a tough choice.

I’ve purchased 9 Switch games in the system’s first 7 months and sold 3 of them. Sure, it was opposed to my goal of expanding my collection, but they weren’t great games. I’d rather have a small amount of excellent titles than a larger batch where you don’t know what you’re going to get.

When deciding to keep a game or not, first acknowledge that it’s probably disappointed you. If it hadn’t, you likely wouldn’t be debating what to do with it.

Next, this question is super helpful: Do I want to introduce my kids to this?
Whether you’re a parent or not, it helps put things into perspective. Video game collections are best not when they take up a lot of space, but when you can proudly open up a box with your ten-year-old and tell him or her to pick anything; you know you’ll have a great time.

Do I want to play this with my daughter in fifteen years? No, it’s not the best one in the series. Sell this one. We’ll play the older version.

Keep the best, get rid of the rest! You’ll have more space and more money to put toward better experiences.

Related: Simeon’s Guide to Decluttering your Collection

Lessons for Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Scott’s Thoughts

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1. If I earn something, just give it to me. Don’t tell me I earned it, then explain how I have to tap through menus to retrieve my reward. Just give it to me.

2. Crafting is not the best thing since sliced bread. Just because Minecraft was super popular doesn’t mean everything needs to be crafted from now on.

3. Simplify the exchange rates. I don’t want to pay real money for leaf tickets to buy a mining pass to collect gold in order to exchange that for bells so that I can use the bells to purchase digital furniture. The expression is “cut out the middleman,” not “let’s create an army of middlemen.”

What is it about Launch Day? Scott’s Thoughts

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I’m younger than you might guess. I was only 12 years old as I was saving up for the launch of Nintendo Wii.

I had never been more excited for a video game console, and I was literally counting down the days. On my wall calendar, I flipped forward to November 19th, 2006 and wrote “WII DAY” in big marker. I then proceeded to work backward and mark a countdown on each preceding day, up into the 60s!

Many families lucky enough to locate a Wii on store shelves would get to open their shiny new system for Christmas that year, but that wouldn’t do for me. As a 12 year old, I performed every extra chore I could find until a stack of $500 ensured I could buy the console and whatever games and accessories I wanted, on launch day.
Ever since then, I’ve been hooked on getting my games the day they come out.

Release date announcements go straight into my Google Calendar (sadly, I no longer hang a physical one on my wall) and I receive reminders as the launch comes nearer.

Whenever Nintendo launches a new title, you can find me at the store either at a midnight launch, or right when I get off work.

It’s an event. Every time.

But why—why is it so important to me that I experience new games on the first day? Wouldn’t it be smarter to wait and read some reviews? Delaying my purchase even longer could land me a discount.

The game industry moves fast. Conversations online quickly turn to the latest and greatest, so participating in gaming communities is easier when you’re up to speed.

There’s also a heavy dose of excitement that comes with being an early adopter. You get to go into a brand new, creative piece of art before it’s talked about like common knowledge on podcasts or had its surprises spoiled in YouTube thumbnails (our channel doesn’t do that, by the way).

It’s fun to be on the cutting edge. Sure, you get cut every once in awhile, but the thrill is worth it.

The True Cost of Gaming Scott’s Thoughts

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Have you ever stopped and added up your recent gaming purchases, just to see how much your hobby is really costing you?

The Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is an abbreviation that get’s thrown around a lot oil the gaming industry, indicating what most stores charge for new hardware and software as recommended by the publishers.

However, the amount on a price tag isn’t the true cost associated with gaming.

Price ≠ Cost.

Time: You spend much more time equity on a game compared to what’s come out of your wallet. Even if your job pays minimum wage, your time has a high value on it that is quickly surpassed when sinking hours into the latest open world adventure or competitive shooter. (Related: “Making Your Gaming Time Matter”)

Mood: It takes some maturity and self-awareness to think about how you’re thinking. Oftentimes, video games are liable to alter our moods. We usually like our titles to be somewhat challenging (as opposed to a cake-walk), and there’s a fine line between difficulty that enhances your accomplishment and difficulty that causes frustration. It’s okay to walk away from a game that’s interfering with real life, in any way, shape or form.

Opportunity: Related to time management, opportunity cost is a real thing to consider. Sometimes, it’s good to think about what else you could be doing with your time. In other words, what are games causing you to potentially miss out on? Who could you meet, what could you make, or where could you go?

Health: I’d love to believe that there are no health risks with partaking in Nintendo fandom, but my hands tell me otherwise. Carpal tunnel can set in without proper ergonomics, especially if you spend a considerable amount of time on computers on top of your gaming hobby. Additionally, omitting a short stint in the Wii era, time spent gaming is time spent sitting on your God-given cushions. It’s important to balance digital entertainment with some amount of physical activity (don’t ask my advice on this—I’ll get back to you later).

Don’t feel guilty for spending money, time, and other assets on video games. Like you, it’s my favorite way to have fun! Just try to consider the true cost, and avoid debt… monetary, health, or otherwise.

Yes, I am Intimidated by Pokemon RPGs for Kids Scott’s Thoughts

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Have you ever been on the outside, looking in on a pop-culture phenomenon?

While the Pokemon games are some of the most popular titles in Nintendo’s stable, I’ve never played a full mainline entry.

I’ve had a weird history with this franchise, and beaten just about everything except the main RPGs: Stadium 1&2, Snap, Colosseum, XD Gale of Darkness, Pokken, a little GO, even Hey You! Pikachu for goodness sake.

I grew up a little bit after the huge wave of Red/Blue/Yellow hype, and have always felt that I missed the bandwagon.
People who have been with the series since its inception are still trading their pocket monsters from game to game, amassing a huge army!

It definitely feels like I would have a hard time just jumping in, although I know they create these games for a younger demographic and take into account franchise newcomers to some extent.

You know what still scares me? It’s all the nuance that’s built up over generations. Developer GameFreak still builds on mechanics that have existed for decades, resulting in an imposing collection of the unknown.

A crossroads approaches. When the Pokemon series debuts on Nintendo Switch, I feel like I’ll have my best shot yet of hopping aboard the speeding train. If I let it pass me by again, I may never catch up.

Let’s Play Vs. Firsthand Experience Scott's Thoughts

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Growing up, Let’s Plays didn’t really exist.

It seems like it started with advent of Minecraft, but I might be wrong because the whole scene has never really appealed to me.

To be sure, I can see its draw:

  • See how a game works and plays before you buy (or instead of buying)
  • Enjoy the commentary of an engaging personality on-screen
  • Chat live with other viewers
  • Watch expert players perform speed runs, advanced techniques and find secrets
  • Free entertainment

Even with everything going for it, I just can’t get behind the idea of watching someone else play a video game.

Part of my hesitation is generational; I’m a little bit older than the average LP viewer.

Otherwise, it’s just not how I want to spend my small slice of free time. After work is done, the house is taken care of, and my responsibilities are attended to, I want the controller to be in my hand. That firsthand experience just can’t be replaced.

Ironically, I help run two weekly Let’s Play series, one for Switch and one for Classics. Make sure to tune in live on the weekends!