Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
We are back at the incredible Utah Retro Gaming Expo in Layton, UT! There is truly no better place to hang out with friends, talk shop, and dive deep into the world of retro gaming. While grabbing a late-night dinner with some of the best minds in the hobby, I realized that I was surrounded by true experts. Every person at this table has a specialized passion for specific consoles, so I decided to put them on the spot with the ultimate challenge.
I asked each of them: "If you were helping someone start their collection for a specific system today, what are three essential non-Mario or non-Sonic titles you would recommend?" Whether you are a beginner looking to build your library or a veteran hunter seeking hidden gems, these expert picks are the perfect place to start. So let's take a look at where to start your video game collecting as we reached out to some of our favorite experts who reveal their must-play gems.
First up, I sat down with @KrisCarlsonYT (formerly known as GameDad). Kris has spent years hunting down unique titles and has a deep appreciation for Nintendo’s misunderstood powerhouse, the Wii U. When asked for his three non-Mario Wii U essentials, he bypassed the obvious hits and went for style and substance:
Yoshi's Woolly World: A visual masterpiece that captures the charm of the system perfectly.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD: Often cited as the definitive way to play this classic adventure.
Hello Kitty Kruisers: Yes, Kris is dead serious—it is genuinely fun, surprisingly collectible, and an absolute must-have for the system’s library.
Next, I turned to @gabbothegiver, a man whose love for the Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) is legendary. If you are tired of playing the same mascot games, Gabbo has the high-tier, challenging picks that define the "Genesis does what Nintendon't" era:
Elemental Master: A tough-as-nails shooter with an incredible soundtrack.
Forgotten Worlds: A brilliant arcade port that shows off what the Genesis hardware could really handle.
Ghosts 'n Goblins (Ghouls 'n Ghosts): An essential action-platformer for anyone who loves a punishing but rewarding challenge.
Finally, I spoke with the legendary @JohnRiggs, master of the Famicom and the Famicom Disk System. John knows the Japanese library better than almost anyone, and his picks reflect the unique sonic capabilities and hidden gems of the system:
Otocky: A unique "musical shooter" that stands out as one of the most creative titles on the system.
Wai Wai World: A wild, fun Konami crossover that captures the spirit of the Famicom era.
Spartan X2 (Kung-Fu Master 2): The official sequel to the arcade classic that never reached North American shores, making it a true centerpiece for any serious collection.
It was fascinating to hear their reasoning behind these choices. Each of these consoles offers a massive world of gaming beyond the main mascots, and these lists are a great jumping-off point for anyone looking to diversify their collection.
We are having an incredible time here at the Utah Retro Gaming Expo. Make sure to check out the links below to keep up with the event and show some love to the experts featured in this video!
Official Event Website: utahretrogamexpo.com
Let me know in the comments: What is your "must-have" non-mascot game for your favorite console? Would you agree with these picks, or do you have different titles you think are better for beginners? Let’s keep the discussion going!
#UtahRetroGameXpo #RetroGaming #WiiU #SegaGenesis #Famicom #GameCollecting #JohnRiggs #GameDad #GabboTheGiver #RetroConsoles #Nintendo #Sega #GamingExpert #ClassicGaming #RetroCollector #GamingRecommendations #VideoGameHistory #LaytonUT #GamingCommunity #GameHunting
We are back at the incredible Utah Retro Gaming Expo in Layton, UT! There is truly no better place to hang out with friends, talk shop, and dive deep into the world of retro gaming. While grabbing a late-night dinner with some of the best minds in the hobby, I realized that I was surrounded by true experts. Every person at this table has a specialized passion for specific consoles, so I decided to put them on the spot with the ultimate challenge.
I asked each of them: "If you were helping someone start their collection for a specific system today, what are three essential non-Mario or non-Sonic titles you would recommend?" Whether you are a beginner looking to build your library or a veteran hunter seeking hidden gems, these expert picks are the perfect place to start. So let's take a look at where to start your video game collecting as we reached out to some of our favorite experts who reveal their must-play gems.
First up, I sat down with @KrisCarlsonYT (formerly known as GameDad). Kris has spent years hunting down unique titles and has a deep appreciation for Nintendo’s misunderstood powerhouse, the Wii U. When asked for his three non-Mario Wii U essentials, he bypassed the obvious hits and went for style and substance:
Yoshi's Woolly World: A visual masterpiece that captures the charm of the system perfectly.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD: Often cited as the definitive way to play this classic adventure.
Hello Kitty Kruisers: Yes, Kris is dead serious—it is genuinely fun, surprisingly collectible, and an absolute must-have for the system’s library.
Next, I turned to @gabbothegiver, a man whose love for the Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) is legendary. If you are tired of playing the same mascot games, Gabbo has the high-tier, challenging picks that define the "Genesis does what Nintendon't" era:
Elemental Master: A tough-as-nails shooter with an incredible soundtrack.
Forgotten Worlds: A brilliant arcade port that shows off what the Genesis hardware could really handle.
Ghosts 'n Goblins (Ghouls 'n Ghosts): An essential action-platformer for anyone who loves a punishing but rewarding challenge.
Finally, I spoke with the legendary @JohnRiggs, master of the Famicom and the Famicom Disk System. John knows the Japanese library better than almost anyone, and his picks reflect the unique sonic capabilities and hidden gems of the system:
Otocky: A unique "musical shooter" that stands out as one of the most creative titles on the system.
Wai Wai World: A wild, fun Konami crossover that captures the spirit of the Famicom era.
Spartan X2 (Kung-Fu Master 2): The official sequel to the arcade classic that never reached North American shores, making it a true centerpiece for any serious collection.
It was fascinating to hear their reasoning behind these choices. Each of these consoles offers a massive world of gaming beyond the main mascots, and these lists are a great jumping-off point for anyone looking to diversify their collection.
We are having an incredible time here at the Utah Retro Gaming Expo. Make sure to check out the links below to keep up with the event and show some love to the experts featured in this video!
Official Event Website: utahretrogamexpo.com
Let me know in the comments: What is your "must-have" non-mascot game for your favorite console? Would you agree with these picks, or do you have different titles you think are better for beginners? Let’s keep the discussion going!
#UtahRetroGameXpo #RetroGaming #WiiU #SegaGenesis #Famicom #GameCollecting #JohnRiggs #GameDad #GabboTheGiver #RetroConsoles #Nintendo #Sega #GamingExpert #ClassicGaming #RetroCollector #GamingRecommendations #VideoGameHistory #LaytonUT #GamingCommunity #GameHunting
