Lately, even the mighty pull of an incredible new version of my favorite game of all time (Tetris Effect) can't sit me in front of a console for very long.  Oh, I want to plop on our comfy recliner and put in a few long hours into the ever-growing stack of excellent games next to the various gaming systems connected to our best gaming TV.  I really really do.  However with so many daily tasks, back-and-forth travel, and emergency situations happening I just can't block out the time.  (I'd say 'lately,' but when topsy-turvy is more common than normal, topsy-turvy becomes the new normal.)

As in the past, Nintendo has swooped in to save the day with a game machine full of stuff I want to play on a system that can ride along with me.  As I was combing through the library of games to take along, I looked through the excellent popular titles that bring out the best of the system; Super Mario Odyssey, Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Splatoon 2, Arms, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, etc.  Unexpectedly, those have stayed on the shelf lately; the majority of what I want to play these days is a compilation of arcade and retro classics that perfectly fit the few minutes at a time I have to spend.  I thought it might be fun to share my current carousel of cartridge cavorting!




Now this is how you respect the classics.  Original arcade AND console versions (where applicable) of every game, free downloads of more titles that nearly double the collection, and a bunch of worthwhile background info, trivia, and lore for each game.  Context for a game's history goes a very long way for me and helps me to enjoy and appreciate what I may not get into otherwise.  I'm just super impressed with it all.



Strikers 1945, SOL Divide, Samurai Aces, Gunbird, and all arcade perfect.  Such a great shmup compilation, especially with save-states and on-the-go.



This was a pleasant surprise for me.  (And not just for Kids Mode!)  I have yet to finish the Genesis original, so this is a great chance to finally work on checking it off my 'cleared' list.



OK, not quite in the exact same theme of arcade and classic games, but it is arcadey racing and it is pretty much a sequel to the PlayStation gems Rollcage and Rollcage II.  I'm sure this looks even better on a PS4, but the quick races and pick-up-and-play design is ideal in portable form.



A superb new shmup, highly recommended, with a ton of stages and ship progression to keep the hook. 



I haven't gotten to play much of the earlier incarnations, so this is a great chance to catch up.  I would have by now if it weren't for Raijin.


At first I wasn't as interested in another Namco compilation, but this one has a few greats not often found on the other releases.  Beyond the normal Pac-Man and Galaga etc., we have arcade versions of Rolling Thunder and its sequel, the under-rated Galaga '88, and the original Splatterhouse.



It's like a cross between PaRappa and Taiko Drum Master with metal music.  Unexpected and delightful.



Yet another reason for me to try to keep playing and pretend I'll actually get good at it one day.



Another surprise, as this is the first time the arcade version is officially available.  Short and sweet, perfect to play every now and then for a palate cleanser.


And here are a few on the way I'm pretty pumped for:


150 games.  I'm in for Black Widow, Centipede Arcade, Final Legacy 5200, and Tempest Arcade.



Arcade perfect versions of Darius, Darius II, Sagaia, and Darius Gaiden?  Space seafood for everyone!



The only physical version I'm aware of, and with English language options.  Between couch co-op on the dock and the option to go portable, I'm sold.



Strikers 1945 2, Tengai, Gunbird 2, and Dragon Blaze follow the original compilation.  Glad this was announced before I bought more than Dragon Blaze on the eshop.


So that's what has been home on my Switch.  What's in your current gaming carousel?

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