Fun with classic video games.

The world of video games has always been a mystery to me. Not my thing. I tried to play Ms. Pac-Man once or twice when I was a teenager, and my ineptitude was downright embarrassing. But when a friend recently suggested I look for an old Nintendo 64 for FW, I was intrigued. Unlike the newer handheld DS games, the old 64 is designed for multiple players. The idea was that this type of game, less expensive than the newer games like Wii, could help FW practice asking others to play, taking turns, playing fair, and winning and losing gracefully. An Aspergian child who doesn't care to play outdoor sporty games and is still too young to play the more interesting board games doesn't get a whole lot of opportunity to play. We hoped the video game console would change that.

I found the N64 on craigslist, and paid $60 for the console, two controllers, and eight games, including Mario Kart, which I had been specifically instructed to purchase. We got off to a great start with the games, playing together and having a good time. FW has that kid ability to learn these kinds of games quickly. It took me a little bit longer. Interestingly, he prefers to play the harder games, and does not require any advice or instruction. He focusses intently and makes deliberate mistakes as a way to figure out how the game works and what the possibilities are.

Unexpectedly, the N64 has jumpstarted pretend play for FW. He sets up his Hot Wheels tracks and pretends the cars are racing for a "cup," as in Mario Kart. After he races his Hot Wheels down the tracks, he designates (and announces to us) which car got gold, which got silver, and which got bronze. It's just awesome to see FW play this way. I can almost imagine him having a friend over.