It’s fair to say that my Nintendo switch has been somewhat neglected. Ostracized in part because of my Steam Deck acquisition, but in reality this innovative hybrid console has been a perfunctory curiosity way before that, accumulating dust rather than games. There are scattered moments of enthusiasm. Brief flirtations with Mario and Animal Crossing, that belies my overall apathy for a console in desperate need of reform. And if not for a fortuitous Christmas raffle, one I hadn’t realised I’d participated in, then the Switch might well have remained spurned. Another gilded artifact, preserved for posterity in my display cabinet of neglected trinkets.
The raffle prize was a £45 gift card to spend at the luxurious, and the absurdly extortionate super store Selfridge’s. The purveyors of pomposity and inflation. Though not a establishment that I would necessarily frequent, and judging by the inflated estimates of their listed products, most of which can be purchased at a more reasonable price at other general retailers, Selfridge’s isn’t the kind of outlet that would desire my patronage. And considering my burgeoning antipathy for such a pompous market that prevents me from parting with my own hard earned money, I decided to browse the site looking for anything remotely interesting, that wouldn’t require any surplus funding beyond the £45 limitations. And I was shocked to discover that Selfridge boasts an admittedly sparse technology category. An extensive search through their bloated price points, did eventually steer me in the direction of “Nintendo Sports”.
Despite the significant increase in comparison to other conventional retailers, at £44.99, including postage and packaging, the 1p excess won’t be a tremendous loss. As a result I get new content and my Switch gets a chance at redemption. And well, gosh and indeed golly has it ever redeemed itself, particularly in the perspective of my partner and daughter. Golf. Tennis. Football and most assuredly, bowling have become habitual hobbies in our household. Our living room is a battleground. An intense unspoken feud, ignited by my patriarchal competitiveness, to consolidate my hierarchical position within the family has become my motivation. Even if it means tickling my daughter as she’s attempting to secure her fourth strike in a row, to ensure my status as the proverbial “Kingpin” under my roof! So help me, I will.
But it’s a novel idea, playing games that are so inclusive. To share an experience like this rather than just being a passive observer. A vicarious passenger on somebody else’s fun. Often gaming can be a rather introverted hobby. Ornery and reclusive. To connect family with a diversion you’d otherwise be doing independently, is a mutually beneficial compromise. Even if my 6 year old is a better golfer!
Game, Complain, Repeat 