Playing Retro Games With Your Kids: A Dad's Guide

I have 7 kids. Getting them to put down Roblox and try an NES controller is an uphill battle — but here's what actually works.

Start With Co-Op

No kid wants to watch you play. Hand them a controller and play something cooperative. Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers, Bubble Bobble, and Contra (with the 30-life code) are perfect.

Let Them Discover the Magic

Don't explain how important a game is — let them figure out why it's fun. When my son Logan figured out the warp zones in SMB all on his own, he was hooked.

The Grind is Real

Retro games are HARD. Kids used to modern checkpoints will rage. That's okay — it teaches perseverance. When they finally beat a hard level, the celebration is real.

Make It an Event

Friday is retro night at our house. Pizza, old games, no screens except the CRT. It's become something they actually look forward to.