Episode Details

Super Mario Bros. The Legend of Zelda. Pokémon. Animal Crossing. Video games from the Japanese company Nintendo have been surprising, delighting and challenging players since the 1980s. The Guardian’s video games editor Keza MacDonald has been playing Nintendo games for three decades and has recently introduced her own children to their colorful worlds. And in her new book “Super Nintendo,” MacDonald says that Nintendo’s game design — which rewards curiosity and emphasizes fun — not only changed the video game industry but how we play with each other. MacDonald joins us and we hear from you: What was the first Nintendo game you ever played?

Guests:

Keza MacDonald, senior video games editor, The Guardian; author, "Super Nintendo: The Game-Changing Company That Unlocked the Power of Play"

Joshua Bote, associate editor, Gazzetteer SF; Pokémon fan and collector

Nathan Kruse, former Super Smash Brothers Super Smash Bros. Melee competitor

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