Going from Nintendo Wii to the Switch | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The ’90s Baby In Me Rocks At Wii Sports But Not So Much At The Switch Mario Kart

My generation grew up on the Wii, and now I have to learn the Switch.

115
The ’90s Baby In Me Rocks At Wii Sports But Not So Much At The Switch Mario Kart
Tayler Klinkbeil

I remember Christmas 2008 when the big ticket item under the tree was the brand new Nintendo Wii System. It came with two remotes, wrist straps, the little bar thing that you pointed at, and Wii Sports.

I was ecstatic, and of course, I spent the next few years planted in front of the screen perfecting my jabbing technique in Boxing, coordination in Just Dance, and dart-throwing ability in Wii Play. I had other games too, especially ones that were fads for us '90s babies. I had that wonderful Sing It that my parents probably regretted buying the moment I plugged in the microphone, the Epic Mickey game that I never really figured out, and the Wii Fit complete with a balancing pad that is collecting dust beneath the entertainment center even today.

My little sister just turned 13, and her birthday gift was the Nintendo Switch system. Our family friend already has one, so she's well-versed in the lingo, tools, and games even though the plastic-cling pieces are still newly peeled off of her own system. Her first game was Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and although it was also an option on the Switch's predecessor, I never played Mario Kart on my Wii. Needless to say, she beat me.

First of all, the remotes are so small it feels like even my little hands wrap around the buttons twice. We were on Baby Park (which is my current favorite due to the track's predictable circular shape), and she yelled: "Press the left button!" I didn't even know there were buttons on the right and left. I lost that time too.

I was never one to get into games like Call of Duty or 2K, so I don't have great hand-eye coordination or video game dexterity. Despite that, growing up with the Wii, I learned how to wave my remote to get the fireball to serve in Tennis. Not to brag, but I used to beat my sister ALL THE TIME. So I guess the advent of technology decided to see to my reckoning.

media.giphy.com

My mom used to get on my case when my best friend and I would play the Wii for hours and hours, trying to beat each other.

We often heard the phrase “Go outside!" Eventually, we did, and we'd climb trees and chase each other around and create imaginary worlds sitting on the sidewalks.

Contrarily, my little sister doesn't really do “outside." She and her friends mainly shut themselves in her room when they come over, and when I've come in to offer mac and cheese or snacks, they're all sitting two feet apart while on their phones.

Needless to say, I'm interested to see how her social relations change once this new game system becomes a daily activity. She's already frustrated with my fumbling rookie fingers and she'll ditch me in the middle of the 4-round races.

But I'm not worried. Just like the '90s babies sort of migrated from Facebook to Twitter when the older generations got a hold of it, I have a feeling Gen Z will tire of the Switch when mine and my parent's generation begin to ask how to use it.

Letting go of my Wii glory days has been hard, but in this whole experience, I've learned two things about myself. The first is that I'm still competitive even when I suck (I'm going to beat her one day). The second is that I'm going to have to figure out what to do with myself now that I'm entering the phase of “uncool." I'll probably continue with my daily practice of reading in the evenings and drinking tea.

I'm sure other '90s babies are cooler than me and have already conquered the Nintendo Switch. If so, send your suggestions my way. I'm still stuck on the fact that the A button switches when the remote turns. I guess I'm old-school.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190737
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15183
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458067
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26732
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments