Retro gaming has been growing in popularity in recent years. There’s a special feeling that comes with revisiting classic games and systems from the past. It’s a way to connect with the nostalgia of our childhoods and relive the excitement we felt when we first played these games.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of retro gaming and why it’s worth revisiting classic games and systems.
The History of Retro Gaming
Retro gaming is defined as playing video games that are no longer in production or playing video games on systems that are no longer in production. This includes games and systems from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. The concept of retro gaming started with the rise of emulation software. Emulators allow gamers to play classic games on their computers or other devices, without the need for the original hardware.
So you can use an online emulator to play an old arcade classic like Robotron or Pac-Man or play games from an old classic videogame system like Atari or Intellivision.
As the popularity of retro gaming grew, so did the demand for classic systems and games. This led to the re-release of classic systems, such as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), in the form of “mini” consoles. These consoles come pre-loaded with classic games, allowing gamers to relive their childhood memories without the need to track down the original hardware.
Why Retro Gaming is Worth Revisiting
- Nostalgia: Revisiting classic games and systems is a great way to connect with the nostalgia of our childhoods. We can relive the excitement we felt when we first played these games and remember the times we spent with family and friends.
- Timelessness: Classic games have stood the test of time. Many of these games are just as enjoyable now as they were when they were first released. They offer a timeless gaming experience that can be appreciated by gamers of all ages.
- Simplicity: Classic games are often much simpler than modern games. They offer straightforward gameplay that is easy to understand, making them perfect for casual gaming sessions.
- Innovation: Many of the classic games and systems were innovative for their time. They pushed the boundaries of what was possible and paved the way for the modern games we enjoy today. Revisiting these games allows us to appreciate the innovation that went into them.
Retro Videogame Systems To Consider
Classic home video game systems from the 1970s and 1980s were the pioneers of the modern video game industry. Here’s a brief overview of some of the most iconic systems from that era:
- Magnavox Odyssey (1972) – The first home video game console, it featured a number of games that were played on a television set. Even though it came before all the games we’re about to discuss below, it never caught on commercially.
- Atari Pong (1975) – A home version of the popular arcade game, Pong, that was released by Atari. It had two dials to control the paddles and a button to start the game and was basically like video game tennis or air hockey. At the time, it was a huge development: The thought of playing a video game on your tv was revolutionary.
- Atari 2600 (1977) – One of the most popular and successful home consoles of all time, the Atari 2600 introduced cartridge-based games and allowed players to switch between different games. Even at the time it was released, the graphics, sound effects and gameplay was considered very basic especially as more advanced games like the next one on the list were released.
- Intellivision (1979) – It was designed to compete with the Atari 2600 and offered vastly improved graphics and sound quality. The system featured a unique controller with a 16-directional disc, numeric keypad, and several side buttons, which allowed for more complex gameplay than other systems at the time. Intellivision was initially released with a small library of games, but the system eventually gained a large following and a broad range of popular titles.
- ColecoVision (1982) – Known for its high-quality graphics and sound, ColecoVision was a popular console that featured a number of classic arcade games like Donkey Kong and Zaxxon. Its initial focus was largely on arcade video game ports that for the most part, offered realistic home versions of the same games you paid 25 cents to play in arcades.
- Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) (1985) – One of the most iconic consoles of all time, the NES brought classic games like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid into people’s homes and helped define the modern video game industry. After the great video game crash of 1983, the NES was largely responsible for reviving the industry. And like earlier game systems, the NES improved better and more consistent game play.
Where can you find these game systems? Check out ebay and other online retailers to start with for the largest selection.
Another option? Some classic systems like Intellivision are available in new “flashback” style consoles that bundle the system and games together. You can also find options like Intellivision Lives that package a number of classic games on one disc that you can play on your Playstation 2 system.
Summary
Retro gaming is a great way to connect with the nostalgia of our childhood and relive the excitement we felt when we first played these games. And if you’re from a later generation and weren’t around when these systems were popular, it’s an opportunity to play games from a bygone era that are very different from today’s options.
Classic games and systems offer a timeless gaming experience that can be appreciated by gamers of all ages. Getting started with retro gaming is easy, and there are many resources available to help you get started.