Never apologise for doing what you want to do, especially if you're doing this for free. If going back to your original plan works for you, do it.
I had no idea you had a Sega series too. I enjoy your Nintendo posts, but my history just wasn't there for the NES, so it's harder for me to appreciate. I'll look forward to seeing your Sega ones though if they come about here.
Yeah, in the 2010s, I started playing games for Sega consoles in chronological order as well. Started with the SG-1000, Master System, and I'm currently on the Mega Drive/Game Gear. I was mostly an Nintendo kid, so exploring these consoles' libraries was like exploring an alternate reality.
I'll definitely let everyone know when the forthcoming Sega Substack is up!
Yeah, breaks are definitely good. I've had that happen before too, where my sub count went up when I wasn't doing anything. There's a lesson there, I think.
I definitely need to consolidate. I think I'll be able to breathe a bit easier once my multiple websites and Substacks are down to a more manageable level.
I sometimes catch myself and have to ask, am I writing this because I WANT to or because I think folks would want to read it? The joy of this platform and approach is you can do it however you want.
Do it how you want - the right readers will find it!
That is very true, Trent. Substack provides a lot of freedom, which I love. But if we’re not careful, we can find ourselves adrift from our original intent and purpose.
Love the honesty especially about your evolving stance on game collections. I used to be a diehard physical collector and one day I just stopped caring that much about having a physical game. Probably because it doesn’t come with a manual or even the entire game on the disk or cart anyway!
Something about hauling a huge collection from place to place, not to mention life changes like kids or just other interests, really makes you think “what is this all for?”
I still plan to buy some new games physically, so if I want to resell them, I can. That said, more and more, a digital library doesn’t frighten me like it used to.
Love your work and, while subscription count isn't everything, it brings me a lot of joy to see Nintendo Is Great growing more and more. Keen to continue reading your chronological look at Nintendo's storied history!
Oh, one more comment - sometimes multiple games/post throws me off a bit. Like, yeah I'd like to read about game X, but I have no interest in Y. OTOH, I guess you have to consolidate, given the number of games that were released. Anyway, enjoying your content.
Yeah, I understand not liking the multiple games posts, but as you say, I have so many games to cover and some of them just aren't worth an entire article by themselves. I'm sure you're not the only one with this issue either, but I'm not sure what the solution is.
Still subscribed. Sounds fine to me. Was afraid you were going to start going into politics or something. Congrats on your sub numbers going up. Weird how things seem to ramp up and level out from time to time.
So much going on in life - overall a good year so far though. Writing-wise, my motivation (and available time) ebbs and flows. I'm really glad that I did a lot of writing earlier in the year and squirreled away a decent number of articles!
Haha, oh my no. There's enough political conversation in the world already.. There's enough gaming too, I suppose, but at least it's generally a lighter topic.
Glad you're having a good year, Jeremy! I hear ya on squirreling articles away, it's so nice when your time is more limited.
I'm a fan of the chronological approach. Of seeing games in the context of their actual competition, instead of comparing, say, Little Samson to Popeye. It forces us to give games consideration that we otherwise wouldn't. "Yes, this game has aged poorly, but it filled a niche in 1987." This situation is especially common on the NES, because of its long lifespan, because cartridge tech continued to improve over the course of its lifespan, and because so much was being figured out, in real time, about what makes a good video game.
I was just making this point about the GBA, wasn't I? That calling Metroid Fusion and Circle of the Moon "follow-ups" to Super Metroid and Symphony of the Night, respectively, isn't really doing justice to how much time passed between games, especially in Metroid Fusion's case.
Yet I'm mainly just a fan of reading what good writers are motivated to write. I was fine with throwing in the GB and GBA, but I'm also fine to keep reading about the NES, year by year, until those other consoles arrive naturally.
Also, I'll admit I still like Questicle and wish you wouldn't kill it. I'd much rather you throw in some ads if you need to, if the hosting is bleeding you.
I fully understand being embarrassed by work you would no longer stand beside. But finding a console's entire library in a single editorial voice is a rare thing.
Yeah, I think chronological order has been so rewarding for me, because I really enjoy playing games within their original context. That was one thing I missed with Questicle. Going alphabetical is certainly easier for readers to enjoy, but looking back, I doubt I'll ever do that again.
I especially love when systems overlap, like from 1992-1994, the SNES will overlap with the Game Boy and NES. I must be a true nerd, because that stuff really excites me, haha.
Nowadays, eight years is an entire console generation and tech-wise, not much changes. But eight years between Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion was a literal life time back then. No wonder many found Fusion good enough, but also underwhelming. Particularly when compared to Metroid Prime, which felt like the true successor to Super.
The hosting is going up twenty dollars this year, the most in one year in the last decade. I can still pay it, it's not the end of the world, but I'd just rather not bother. We shall see.
That said, I will consider moving Questicle reviews over to Nintendo is Great.
As much as I enjoy reading about Game Boy Advance games and Nintendo post-2000, I greatly look forward to learning more from the earlier days of Nintendo that were before my time!
My own year has been all out of whack lately. I thrive on planning and schedules, but life has its way of throwing curveballs at times. I suppose the only consolation I tell myself is that the work I produce under stress tends to be better than normal circumstances (though I wish it wasn't like that haha)!
Can't wait to read more from Nintendo is Great, and I wish you the best of luck for the second half of 2026!
"Life has its way of throwing curveballs at times." No joke! You think you're on a certain trajectory, then something unforeseen happens, and you're moving in a different direction.
Sometimes stress feels like a good thing for art, other times it just... feels like stress. I don't blame you for wishing that was different!
God only knows what tomorrow will bring. I think it's easy to get in a rut though, it's good that you are reflecting and being willing to change things.
I've personally enjoyed your chronological Nintendo journey. I like doing things in order too, so I can relate.
And if you need to offload some of your collection, send me a DM. I'd be willing to see what you have 😉
True that! If there's one thing I've learned in my many years of creating content online, it's that life comes at you fast and can derail any and all plans you once had. You can be bitter or just embrace the new direction.
Thank you! Order is great, haha. Very underrated, somehow.
Well said, thanks for sharing your thoughts. As a fellow collector and someone who read most of your Questicle work, I feel I can see where you’re coming from.
From a collecting perspective I’ve gone through something similar: at its peak my collection sat at about 2500 games, now it’s closer to 600-700. I’ve been culling my collection for about 4-5 years, and I haven’t added to it in over 2 years (of which I am quite proud).
Good on you to reflect and find what makes you happy. Keep doing it while it does, and don’t be afraid to re-evaluate again if those things change.
Never apologise for doing what you want to do, especially if you're doing this for free. If going back to your original plan works for you, do it.
I had no idea you had a Sega series too. I enjoy your Nintendo posts, but my history just wasn't there for the NES, so it's harder for me to appreciate. I'll look forward to seeing your Sega ones though if they come about here.
Cheers Peter, I appreciate the encouragement.
Yeah, in the 2010s, I started playing games for Sega consoles in chronological order as well. Started with the SG-1000, Master System, and I'm currently on the Mega Drive/Game Gear. I was mostly an Nintendo kid, so exploring these consoles' libraries was like exploring an alternate reality.
I'll definitely let everyone know when the forthcoming Sega Substack is up!
Ruts are super normal! Have them all the time.
Don’t be afraid to take a break if needed, my sub count went up when I did if that matters?
But it sounds like you do a lot on the web, so the consolidation may be the ticket?
Yeah, breaks are definitely good. I've had that happen before too, where my sub count went up when I wasn't doing anything. There's a lesson there, I think.
I definitely need to consolidate. I think I'll be able to breathe a bit easier once my multiple websites and Substacks are down to a more manageable level.
I sometimes catch myself and have to ask, am I writing this because I WANT to or because I think folks would want to read it? The joy of this platform and approach is you can do it however you want.
Do it how you want - the right readers will find it!
Love your stuff!
That is very true, Trent. Substack provides a lot of freedom, which I love. But if we’re not careful, we can find ourselves adrift from our original intent and purpose.
I really appreciate the encouragement, thank you!
Love the honesty especially about your evolving stance on game collections. I used to be a diehard physical collector and one day I just stopped caring that much about having a physical game. Probably because it doesn’t come with a manual or even the entire game on the disk or cart anyway!
Something about hauling a huge collection from place to place, not to mention life changes like kids or just other interests, really makes you think “what is this all for?”
I still plan to buy some new games physically, so if I want to resell them, I can. That said, more and more, a digital library doesn’t frighten me like it used to.
Love your work and, while subscription count isn't everything, it brings me a lot of joy to see Nintendo Is Great growing more and more. Keen to continue reading your chronological look at Nintendo's storied history!
Thank you, friend!
Oh, one more comment - sometimes multiple games/post throws me off a bit. Like, yeah I'd like to read about game X, but I have no interest in Y. OTOH, I guess you have to consolidate, given the number of games that were released. Anyway, enjoying your content.
Yeah, I understand not liking the multiple games posts, but as you say, I have so many games to cover and some of them just aren't worth an entire article by themselves. I'm sure you're not the only one with this issue either, but I'm not sure what the solution is.
Yeah, I mean you’re probably doing the right thing, and it makes sense, but thought I’d put that out there anyway. Keep up the good work!
Still subscribed. Sounds fine to me. Was afraid you were going to start going into politics or something. Congrats on your sub numbers going up. Weird how things seem to ramp up and level out from time to time.
So much going on in life - overall a good year so far though. Writing-wise, my motivation (and available time) ebbs and flows. I'm really glad that I did a lot of writing earlier in the year and squirreled away a decent number of articles!
Haha, oh my no. There's enough political conversation in the world already.. There's enough gaming too, I suppose, but at least it's generally a lighter topic.
Glad you're having a good year, Jeremy! I hear ya on squirreling articles away, it's so nice when your time is more limited.
Yeah, I try to mostly steer clear of that arena online. As you note, there is plenty of conversation available.
Do what motivates you.
I'm a fan of the chronological approach. Of seeing games in the context of their actual competition, instead of comparing, say, Little Samson to Popeye. It forces us to give games consideration that we otherwise wouldn't. "Yes, this game has aged poorly, but it filled a niche in 1987." This situation is especially common on the NES, because of its long lifespan, because cartridge tech continued to improve over the course of its lifespan, and because so much was being figured out, in real time, about what makes a good video game.
I was just making this point about the GBA, wasn't I? That calling Metroid Fusion and Circle of the Moon "follow-ups" to Super Metroid and Symphony of the Night, respectively, isn't really doing justice to how much time passed between games, especially in Metroid Fusion's case.
Yet I'm mainly just a fan of reading what good writers are motivated to write. I was fine with throwing in the GB and GBA, but I'm also fine to keep reading about the NES, year by year, until those other consoles arrive naturally.
Also, I'll admit I still like Questicle and wish you wouldn't kill it. I'd much rather you throw in some ads if you need to, if the hosting is bleeding you.
I fully understand being embarrassed by work you would no longer stand beside. But finding a console's entire library in a single editorial voice is a rare thing.
Yeah, I think chronological order has been so rewarding for me, because I really enjoy playing games within their original context. That was one thing I missed with Questicle. Going alphabetical is certainly easier for readers to enjoy, but looking back, I doubt I'll ever do that again.
I especially love when systems overlap, like from 1992-1994, the SNES will overlap with the Game Boy and NES. I must be a true nerd, because that stuff really excites me, haha.
Nowadays, eight years is an entire console generation and tech-wise, not much changes. But eight years between Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion was a literal life time back then. No wonder many found Fusion good enough, but also underwhelming. Particularly when compared to Metroid Prime, which felt like the true successor to Super.
The hosting is going up twenty dollars this year, the most in one year in the last decade. I can still pay it, it's not the end of the world, but I'd just rather not bother. We shall see.
That said, I will consider moving Questicle reviews over to Nintendo is Great.
As much as I enjoy reading about Game Boy Advance games and Nintendo post-2000, I greatly look forward to learning more from the earlier days of Nintendo that were before my time!
My own year has been all out of whack lately. I thrive on planning and schedules, but life has its way of throwing curveballs at times. I suppose the only consolation I tell myself is that the work I produce under stress tends to be better than normal circumstances (though I wish it wasn't like that haha)!
Can't wait to read more from Nintendo is Great, and I wish you the best of luck for the second half of 2026!
"Life has its way of throwing curveballs at times." No joke! You think you're on a certain trajectory, then something unforeseen happens, and you're moving in a different direction.
Sometimes stress feels like a good thing for art, other times it just... feels like stress. I don't blame you for wishing that was different!
Thanks so much Joe, I appreciate that!
God only knows what tomorrow will bring. I think it's easy to get in a rut though, it's good that you are reflecting and being willing to change things.
I've personally enjoyed your chronological Nintendo journey. I like doing things in order too, so I can relate.
And if you need to offload some of your collection, send me a DM. I'd be willing to see what you have 😉
True that! If there's one thing I've learned in my many years of creating content online, it's that life comes at you fast and can derail any and all plans you once had. You can be bitter or just embrace the new direction.
Thank you! Order is great, haha. Very underrated, somehow.
Cool, I will!
Well said, thanks for sharing your thoughts. As a fellow collector and someone who read most of your Questicle work, I feel I can see where you’re coming from.
From a collecting perspective I’ve gone through something similar: at its peak my collection sat at about 2500 games, now it’s closer to 600-700. I’ve been culling my collection for about 4-5 years, and I haven’t added to it in over 2 years (of which I am quite proud).
Good on you to reflect and find what makes you happy. Keep doing it while it does, and don’t be afraid to re-evaluate again if those things change.
I appreciate that, Tristan.
Wow, 2500 games! I tip my cap to you. Though I imagine the 600-700 number is much more manageable.
Thank you, yeah, I know things could change again. Life is never straightforward, so who knows. I appreciate you being along for the ride!