My experience has been the opposite. For both “hardcore” PC games and “simpler” games like Mario, as an adult it’s not only hard to find time but once I do, games feel like an exhausting chore. I go in anticipating relaxation but can’t get it. Sometimes even just getting to the menu screen brings this feeling of dread. I’m not sure how to go back to the feeling of being a kid.
I think those games are not the problem. If you feel dread... I mean if you would felt boredom or be annoyed that you will be spending time in a useless activity... But dread? Maybe you should talk to some friend or the family?
Two drinks, or a toot of the zoot.
Y’know: if all else fails :)
Same, it feels like more work. In the old days you would punch the cartidrige in and get started. The controllers themselves had half a dozen buttons. Nowadays if I spend more than a few months without playing ill forget the commands, and I don't have the mental energy or time to spend relearning before being able to actually enjoy the game. I paused zelda for 2.5yrs and couldn't pick it up again. Just too much relearning