Definitely can relate. Analog stick get to sticking, or if you had to push a button a little harder than usual, it was time for a new joystick. If your joystick wasn’t on point, it could cost you big time in the heat of battles, and having money on the line.
Old Nintendo days, had to literally blow the cartridge out, if it wouldn’t load. In addition to the sports games, mostly football and basketball, and Boxing occasionally, games such as Ring King and Fight Night come to mind, I loved the adventure games, too. Metroid, Double Dragon, the GTA series, Mega Man, Contra to name a few of many. Of course, battled in Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, Capcom vs Marvel games as well. Fun times!