Are retro games making a comeback?
Retro gaming is back in full force, and it’s hitting harder than a perfectly timed combo in Street Fighter II. Whether it’s pixelated graphics, chiptune soundtracks, or the sheer simplicity of old-school games, something about retro gaming pulls us back in. Video games are hugely popular. But instead of chasing the latest new releases, some gamers are seeking out titles from the 80s or 90s – not just for a hit of nostalgia, but to help with the rising cost of living. Retro gaming is quite a big family affair at our house.The Video Game History Foundation, in partnership with the Software Preservation Network, has conducted the first ever study on the commercial availability of classic video games, and the results are bleak. United States are critically endangered.
Is retro gaming getting more popular?
Retro gaming is experiencing a revival thanks in large part to people born after the Game Boy era. According to a new survey from Pringles, a popular gaming snack, 66% of Britons have bought retro tech of some kind in the past two years, with 24% of Gen Z now owning a retro games console. Gen Z (ages 13–24) play games regularly. Gen Z gamers play on mobile at 69%, PCs at 42%, and consoles at 38%. Mobile remains dominant: 92% of Gen Z engage through mobile devices. Digital gaming engagement among Gen Z in the U. S.Who are Gen Z and Gen Alpha? Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, is the first generation to grow up fully immersed in the digital age.
Do Gen Z play retro games?
Today’s video games are far more competitive than what Gen X or Millennials typically experienced. Some Gen Z players may actually gravitate toward retro games because they’re less focused on competition, preferring classics like Pac-Man or Pokémon Red and Blue. Gen Z’s nostalgia has extended to their taste in fashion. With 54% of Gen Z liking the style of vintage clothes, many trends from the 90s and Y2K have experienced a resurgence in the last few years. The generation have brought back 90s and early 00s fashion trends like glitter details, claw clips, and Von Dutch caps.
Why is retro gaming so popular now?
People love retro games in 2025 for their nostalgia, simple yet fun gameplay, iconic art/music, and because they offer a break from modern complexity. They’re timeless, accessible, and remind players of gaming’s roots. Many of the mechanics we enjoy today originated in the retro space—and they still hold up. Although the graphics may not be as flashy and the scope as wide, it’s these mechanics that keep me and many others hooked. From Pac-Man’s antics to Mario’s Koopa stomping escapades, the roots of gaming are a joy to behold.Reliving the Glory of the 90s in Gaming From the groundbreaking 3D platforming of Super Mario 64 to the high-speed thrills of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, these retro games remain as exciting and enjoyable today as they were when they first launched.