Today on Gabbin’ with Gamers, Nicolas (a.k.a. kptain_yoshi) joins The Switch Effect. Nicolas is the biggest French collector of Yoshi, a retrogamming fan, and loves Nintendo, so we thought he would be the perfect gamer to speak with!

To begin, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Nicolas, 30 years old and I live in Strasbourg in France. I am a great fan of Yoshi.

Can you tell us about how you got into gaming and collecting?
For my research, I use the internet and especially eBay where I find most of my objects. Otherwise, there are also flea markets, but it is rarer to find a few things there or retro gaming/specialized stores.

What was the first console and game that you owned?
My very first console was a Super Nintendo given to me by my cousin. She had a lot of games like Super Mario All-Stars, Mega Man X, Donkey Kong Country, Star Fox, Super Mario World and more. I played a lot at of All-Stars and thought the Super Nintendo was the best game console at that time.

Do you have any fond childhood memories based around gaming?
Yes, when I went with my father to the store and we bought Star Fox and Mega Man. It’s also all the hours spent on Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. 3 to find or retrieve items to go into the warps zones (I was already cheating at games, haha). Later, I had gotten a PS1 (yes, I was unfaithful to Nintendo) with the game Spyro, but I loved it! It’s too bad that today it hasn’t become as big as it was, plus I prefer Yoshi.

Were any of your family members enthusiastic about gaming?
My father liked to play Super Nintendo, but today he does not have the time or the desire to think about games. It was fun since back then gaming was more of a novelty whereas today, everyone seems to own a game console or have games on their phones.

Yoshi everywhere!

Let’s jump forward a bit. Here’s one to get you thinking. If you weren’t collecting games, what would be your hobby?
When I was younger, I was into stamps and then miniature cars. If it were not games or objects related to Yoshi, I think I would have bought turntables and vinyls. I would do podcasts or mixais in bars or discotheques.

As you’re aware, technology continues to advance the gaming industry. Have you been a fan of these changes?
Oh yes, I find the augmented and virtual reality very interesting as the idea of ​​diving into the game almost takes the place of the personage! We are part of the game and the gameplay is much more fun! In the past, I already found that the vibrating joysticks and accessories of the Wii changed the way of playing.

Where do you think technology will bring us in the future?
A total immersion in the game without the need for joysticks. It will be us, the actor of the game that moves with our body. Or the characters will appear in our living room. I think we will no longer have game consoles but an all in one object that will be the television, phone,  and computer. Similar to a smartphone that can do it all.

We at The Switch Effect are obviously big fans of Nintendo’s new console. What are your impressions of the Switch?
The idea of ​​the Switch is nice, as it can be used as a portable console and/or portable system. I would have preferred a better autonomy and a larger storage space. It appears the Switch will have more success than the Wii U, where the tablet idea was not so bad, but ultimately did not perform well.

Which new games are you looking forward to the most?
Obviously Yoshi early next year!

What interested you in starting a social media account?
I wanted to share my passion and meet other passionate or crazy fans like I am with Yoshi.

What is the best way for our readers/followers to keep up with you?
Just follow me on Instagram; this is where I am most active!

Last question now that I’ve run you through the gauntlet. Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Thank you all for following me on Instagram and for reading this interview. If you are a fan like me, please do not hesitate to contact me. My English is not terrible and I hope that you have managed to understand me. When you share and communicate your passion, you will meet others like you. Thank you.

Thank you again for taking the time to speak with The Switch Effect and for our readers to learn more about your gaming passion.

Make sure to follow Nicolas on Instagram: