Video games have become an exciting hobby for people of all ages, whether you're a die-hard fan or just dabble a bit. Essentially, video games are any activities where you interact with objects on a screen, and they come in all shapes and sizes—from classics like Solitaire and Super Mario to modern favourites like Words with Friends and Just Dance! Since their arrival in the early 1950s, video games have faced some controversy, often seen as distractions for kids and a headache for parents. But as the years went by, they proved how adaptable and beneficial they can be. Today, video games are recognized for helping improve hand-eye coordination, offering relaxation and stress relief, and even bringing people together for some fun socialization—particularly during the pandemic. So, whether you're casually playing or deeply immersed in a gaming adventure, there's a little something for everyone.
As someone who grew up playing video games, I’ve always had a soft spot for Nintendo. Did you know that Nintendo started way back in 1889 in Japan as a card shop? It’s hard to believe, but 95 years later, they introduced their very first console, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Fast forward to 2025, and we have the Nintendo Switch, which is a fantastic console with tons of games, online features to play with friends, and so much downloadable content to explore! One of my absolute favourites in the Nintendo family is Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Launched in 2020, this game is like a little slice of paradise where you can escape and relax.
It uses real-time, hemisphere-based weather and features seasonal holidays and events. You play as the only human on a charming, uninhabited island filled with adorable talking animals. As the island representative, you get to unleash your creativity and design your dream island however you like! While decorating is a big part of the fun, you can also enjoy fishing, catching bugs, hunting for fossils, and joining in on tournaments and special events with friends. Honestly, just soaking in the beauty of the game is a delightful experience on its own. What’s really cool is that this game is enjoyable for everyone — even your grandchildren can join in on the fun! The open-ended nature of Animal Crossing makes it perfect for players of all ages to have a great time together. Plus, it’s so much fun to see all the unique items you can craft with the goodies you collect!
Gaming consoles can be pricey, especially if you're just starting out. If you're curious about gaming but not ready to invest yet, I have some fun recommendations! First, think about what you want from gaming. Are you looking to relax, improve your hand-eye coordination, socialize, or boost your memory? There are games for all of that! Check out Cool Math Games, a free website with over 100 games for all ages. One of my favourites is Run 3—it's a fantastic way to improve hand-eye coordination. It might be a bit challenging at first, but it’s super fun once you get the hang of it! If you’d prefer something easier, try Red Ball 4. It has a cute story about a ball trying to save its friends with simple controls. For stress relief and memory skills, the Papa series is great! In Papa Scooperia, you run an ice cream shop and serve customers, all while trying to remember their orders. It’s challenging yet enjoyable to decorate the treats!
Now if you're more of a word puzzle type, my favourite video game to introduce it words with friends. It's an interactive game, played through a cell phone, tablet, and some computers. This game is one my grandfather and us would play. Now as a child it was always our goal to either stump my grandfather, or if my siblings and I teamed up sometimes we could event beat him. Taking turns with a contact from your device, you send words back and forth in a scrabble type fashion. Seeing who can score the most points. My grandfather would always use the biggest and crazy words he could dig up in the dictionary, trying to confuse us. I remember my mother always helping my sister, so that she had just as good of words. It's not only a fun way to connect with friends and family, but it also is a good tool for working on memory retention and word recollection.
Now these are just a few examples of games that I believe are worth giving a try, but I encourage everyone to explore Cool Math Games, Words with Friends or any other websites that loved might recommend. Find what genre of game matches your style best, it’s also important to remember that video games are meant to be fun. So, if you find yourself struggling take some time to find a different game and feel around to see works for you.
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