NintendoLegend.com is honored to have, for our third interview – holder of many video game world records across multiple systems and eras, former wrestling entertainer, the OriginalPSP, a true gaming advocate with a refreshing take on the scene, and a man who just wants people to have fun… Patrick Scott Patterson!

PSP with Zach "Chuck" Levi

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1) The Elevator Pitch – A stranger approaches you, who knows nothing about the OriginalPSP, and you have fifteen seconds to introduce yourself. What do you say?

Video gaming has been a part of every point of my life. If that describes you, too, then we have much to talk about.

2) Arcade cabinets, retro consoles, modern gaming – you are among the premiere competitive gamers no matter what machine or generation, it seems. Drawing from your experience, what has been your favorite era for gaming, and do you believe it will ever be surpassed?

I’d have to say the present day, because there is something for everyone. The industry no longer forgets its past, nor do the players, and regardless of if you like classics or driving games or shooters or puzzlers or casual games, there is something for you to play across more platforms than ever. The only question is how high will it go this time around… this might not have neared a true peak yet.

3) You are a notable force for gaming advocacy, whether in general or for the classic-gaming cause. You obviously keep busy with your own promotions, from publishing articles on relevant issues to the constant content and fun on your website. Can you share any long-term future plans for your gaming work, or do you find yourself just taking it day-by-day and shining a light on whatever comes along?

I’m all about getting positive exposure to gaming culture. While the overall industry has grown into a mainstream entertainment staple, few gamers or events get any exposure to that core mainstream audience. I try to change that, from fighting against poorly researched media stories that egg it on to getting stories out there about positive contributors and champions of the gaming culture. My goals right now are to continue to increase my audience so that I can give it all more and more exposure and at the same time manage to make enough money off of it to be able to continue doing it.

4) Now, Scott, you know I am a big NES fan, and we know you have been a big player on the 8-bit Nintendo toaster, too. Do you have a favorite NES title, or perhaps a favorite NES record you have held?

I was huge into a number of NES titles back in the day, from Super Mario, Super Mario 3, The Legend of Zelda and Tetris to more obscure titles like Jackal, Bases Loaded and several of the early role playing games. I’d have to say the Mario games stuck with me the most and I was thrilled to have held the SMB points record for some time. I’m capable of taking it back now, but my work duties and two sons don’t allow for the free time to sit down and post up what I’d like to, so for now, it waits.

5) You hold an interesting position on gaming, whereas you are a fan of both retro and modern scenes, and you have also emphasized the importance of having fun rather than spending energy arguing over endless issues – which plenty others seem quite content to do. If you could dream and fantasize a bit now, can you describe what you believe video gaming culture should look like, rather than what it currently is?

Some consider such message board ‘discussions’ to be needed, but having been on the internet since 1995 I can say with certainty that I’ve yet to see any such ‘discussions’ solve any problems or change any opinions about anything. In gaming circles they only manage to distract people from actually working toward mutual goals while making the communities appear negative and nerdy to those who come by to observe for a while. I’d like to see more people actually working and doing things than talking, and that starts by realizing just how small the pond they are swimming in really is and doing what is needed to change that. Words don’t do that and never have, especially if no real audience is around to hear them.

6) I understand you have some legitimate wrestling experience under your belt, too. Can you share one wrestling-entertainment story for us?

Things started to roll for me locally around 2003-2004 and I took a little downtime before a show to roam the local shopping mall. I walked by the area where kids go to get a photo with the Easter Bunny, which had a big sign up that the cameras were out of order at the time. I commented that I felt bad that the guy in the bunny suit had to sit there in the meantime and I thought he heard me, as he leapt up from his big chair and bounced up to me. He came in close, stuck out his hand for a handshake and told me that he’d enjoyed my match the week before. I never did find out which of the usual fans was in that suit, but it let me lay claim to the only wrestler on the roster who had a fan in a holiday icon like that.

7) What got you started, in terms of having a passionate interest in video gaming?

I started when I dropped a coin into a Pac-Man arcade game in 1981 and was instantly hooked on video gaming from that day. At a young and awkward age, video games were the first thing I was good at, as by 1983 I was beating the scores posted up by much older kids in every arcade in town. I think it was the overall appeal that drew me in and still does. People from all ages and walks of life can meet up and play against one another in video games, something that I don’t think exists as universally across other activities.

8)When all is said and done, generations from now, what do you ultimately want your lasting legacy to be?

I hope to be known as a guy who helped push something he has a great passion for into another level.  Nothing I do is about me and me only, it’s all about helping the greater cause and helping gaming culture and history be what it could be and really already SHOULD be. I’m the vehicle, using any notoriety I get for myself to help as many others as I can gain their own, and I hope my actions can inspire others to help do the same both today and well down the road.

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You can visit Scott’s official website at www.PatrickScottPatterson.com and follow him on Twitter @OriginalPSP.

Thanks again, Scott, for taking the time to answer a handful of questions. You know I enjoy your material and have a huge respect for your tireless work for the benefit gaming culture, not to mention your NES expertise.

PSP with Olivia Munn