Welcome to the latest installment of Gabbin’ with Gamers where The Switch Effect is happy to welcome Peter (a.k.a. ruddskies), a pizzeria owner and video game collector. After managing to tear our eyes away from all the wonderful posts of Peter’s collection on Instagram, we decided to speak with him and learn more about this gamer.

Thank you Peter for giving us this interview. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m 27 years old and live just outside Niagara Falls, Ontario. I own a pizzeria and my two passions are hockey and video games. I’ve been playing hockey since I was toddler and learned to skate when I was two. I’ve been collecting games on and off since 2008 and I’m mainly a Sega/PS1 collector.

What was the first console and game that you owned?
My first console was a Model 2 Sega Genesis that my dad bought in ’93 and the first game I ever played would have been the pack-in game, Sonic 2.

Do you have any fond childhood memories based around gaming?
I have too many, haha! Some of my favorite memories growing up was playing PS1 games with my friends like Spyro, Crash, Gran Turismo and Grant Theft Auto just to name a few. I also remember playing various Simpsons’ games and NHL games with my brothers on our PS2. I was also heavily into Call of Duty games back in the PS3 days.

Were any of your family members enthusiastic about gaming?
My brothers mainly as we all shared consoles back in the day so we played a lot together over the years.

What’s it like owning a pizzeria?
It’s great! Everybody loves pizza, lol! Sometimes the hours are long and the stress is high, but being your own boss is a very rewarding experience.

Let’s jump forward a bit. Here’s one to get you thinking. If you weren’t collecting games, what would be your hobby?
I also have a shoe fetish. I own about 30 pairs of shoes, so if I didn’t collect video games I would most likely have more shoes.

As you’re aware, technology continues to advance the gaming industry. Have you been a fan of these changes?
Ya, I’d say I’m a fan for sure. Gaming is going more portable it seems and it’s great! Nothing beats turning on a system on the go. I play my handhelds at work all the time; I have a Sega nomad, a Turbo Express, and a Nintendo switch.

Where do you think technology will bring us in the future?
I’d say VR is most likely going to be the future of console gaming. It hasn’t quite taken over yet, but it’s on its way.

We at The Switch Effect are obviously big fans of Nintendo’s new console. What are your impressions of the Switch?
I think the Switch is great! It’s so convenient to have a console so flexible at being both a docked and portable console. Now that it’s been out for a while, the library of games has caught up with demand and I’m excited to see what Nintendo will bring us in 2018. My only complaint would be the battery life.

Which new games are you looking forward to the most?
I was looking forward to Mario Odyssey the most. I’ve owned it for a week now and it’s DEFINITELY not disappointing!

We came across your Instagram account and loved seeing your work. What interested you in starting a social media account?
I’ve had my Instagram account since 2012, but only started posting my collection a couple years ago. I was completely blown away to see so many people who share the same interests in retro gaming, plus I love showing off delicious pizzas my pizzeria makes.

What is the best way for our readers to keep up with you?
The best way to reach me is on my Instagram account @ruddskies.

Last question now that we’ve run you through the gauntlet. Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Thanks for the interview The Switch Effect!

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

Use the link below to follow Peter!