My New Gaming Nirvana

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I like to bring my Nintendo DS with me when I'm out and about. Playing my DS not only helps me relax, it also helps me prevent my neurotic mind from pitching an anxiety fit while I'm waiting for things such as medical appointments (I'm so neurotic that I think the doctor's going to tell me that I have cancer even if I'm only there for a checkup). I especially enjoy bringing it with me when I travel. I'm far too much of a workaholic to take vacations, but since the economy has conspired to put me on an "extended vacation," the wife and I decided to take a short jaunt to Reno this past weekend.

I've played my DS in some interesting places. I worked through Final Fantasy 3 while on the stern of a cruise ship. I nearly threw my DS across the lobby of the local unemployment office while playing Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia (if you've beaten the game, I tip my cap to you). I even played my old Game Boy in a press box during a long rain delay. But my latest DS escapade was one of the most satisfying gaming sessions that I've experienced -- gaming in a casino's sportsbook.

I needed a break from the casino's main floor after hitting a small jackpot on my first play of the slots and then giving 80 percent back at a blackjack shoe (but I did see the woman next to me draw five consecutive blackjacks!). I still had about 45 minutes before it was time to meet the wife at the spa, so I wandered over to the sportsbook, my default casino hangout. I made a couple of small bets, found a table with a good view of the soggy U.S. Open, and pulled my DS out of my pocket.

I then enjoyed 30 minutes of gaming nirvana. As I kept tabs on the golf tournament, I worked my way through the third world in New Super Mario Bros. The lights and sounds of the casino accented the classic Mario tunes and sound effects coming from my DS. The cocktail waitress dropped off a couple of free drinks. The seats were comfy. And I even won a small horse racing wager, a bet that covered my other sports wagers.

Free booze and free sports: It's the best gaming environment that I've ever encountered.

So, what are some of your favorite places to play games?

Tags: DS, Castlevania Order of Ecclesia, New Super Mario Bros., Final Fantasy 3

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Toby Davis

June 26, 2009

I like to call it at work: When I was in the navy as an Air Traffic Controller I used to play my PSP while controlling aircraft. Don't believe me Check out I think it is either episode 8 or 9 of the PBS Special Carrier. Forget how far in it, but it is a 10 sec shot of me playing my PSP during flight ops.

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Jason Wilson

You not only played on the government's dime but also when multimillion dollar aircraft were in your traffic-controller hands? That's ballsy, my friend.

At least I point out where I was doing it. Well my boss was next to me while doing it and I didn't get in trouble for it. So it is all good.

That's amazing, Toby. Do we really want to learn what happens in the military?

You mean stuff happens in the military?

Alex Mekos

June 28, 2009

I recently purchased a DSi and carry it wherever I go. I hardly ever use it when I bring it with me but it's just nice to know that if I want a quick gaming session my DSi is always available.