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From KQED. Welcome to Forum. I'm Mina Kim. Millions who grew up in the 80s and 90s, remember getting that first Nintendo console or Game Boy. The first time they were pulled into the colorful world of Super Mario Brothers or the falling blocks of Tetris.

Look closely at the history of Nintendo and its creative output, says Kesa McDonald.

And quote, you'll see one key factor that defines Nintendo.

It is an unwavering commitment to fun. From the legend of Zelda to the introduction of the Wii to Animal Crossing and Kirby.

McDonald has done a deep dive into what's driven the Japanese company's success and made it a cultural force.

Her new book is called Super Nintendo, the game-changing company that unlocked the power of play.

Listeners, what's the first Nintendo game?

You love to play.

You can tell us by calling 866-733-7-86, emailing forum at KQED.org, or finding us on

Discord, Blue Sky, Facebook, Instagram, or threads at KQED forum.

Kesea McDonald is Video Games Editor at The Guardian.

Kesea, welcome to Forum.

Thank you for having me.

So tell me what you remember about getting your first Nintendo console.

Oh, so I had a slightly older technophobic parents, so it took me a long time to persuade

them that I should definitely have a games console.

And the first game I ever played was, in fact, a Mario game.

...