The level loaded as a glitched-out version of World 1-1. The sky was a matrix of pink and black checkerboards. The background music was a slowed, reversed waltz. Mario—no, not Mario. The character select screen showed Leo . A tiny, blocky avatar with his glasses and gray hoodie.

"Just for archival research," he whispered, dragging the file onto his modded Switch’s SD card.

Note: In reality, "NSP" is a Nintendo Submission Package file format. This story is a work of horror fiction and does not condone piracy. Always buy official copies—unless you want the phantom cartridge to find you.

"Do not collect the green stars," whispered a text box. It had no speaker.