If you’ve been following my channels, you already know I play a wide variety of games—PC titles, PlayStation 5 blockbusters, Nintendo Switch adventures, and even the occasional mobile game. In the past, I owned an Xbox too, but nowadays it’s not really part of my rotation.
Recently, though, I’ve decided to dive deeper into something that’s been tugging at me for a while: retro gaming.
Why Retro Gaming?
There’s a gap between modern games I enjoy, and sometimes VR fills that space. But I wanted something different—something that revives memories of the games I grew up with. Retro gaming isn’t just about replaying old favorites; it’s also about discovering classics I missed the first time around.
From the NES and Sega Genesis to the PlayStation 1, Dreamcast, Game Boy, and even the Atari 2600, there’s a treasure trove of legendary titles waiting to be explored.
Playing Retro Games Today
Thankfully, there are many ways to experience these classics:
- Nintendo Switch Online: NES, SNES, Game Boy, and Game Boy Color titles, plus N64 and Sega Genesis with the Expansion Pack.
- Modern re-releases: Consoles like the Atari 2600+ or Flashback systems bring back cartridges and classic controllers with HDMI support.
- Multi-system solutions: Devices like the Retro Freak can run cartridges from 20 different retro consoles.
- Original hardware: For the most authentic experience, nothing beats playing on the same consoles and CRT TVs we grew up with.
Personally, I’ve started collecting hardware again. I recently picked up a Sega Master System, one of my childhood favorites, along with a Sony Trinitron CRT TV. I even grabbed upscaler cables to connect retro consoles to modern displays, just in case.
Authenticity vs. Modern Comfort
There’s a unique charm to playing on original hardware with all its quirks—RF outputs, static noise, and even slower PAL versions of games compared to NTSC. Did you know PAL games often run about 16.7% slower than their NTSC counterparts? That means sound pitch and gameplay speed can feel completely different depending on the region.
Still, modern solutions like FPGA-based consoles (from companies like Analogue) or upscalers can deliver crisp visuals and reduced lag. It’s a balance between nostalgia and convenience.
Unlocking Memories
One of the most magical parts of retro gaming is how it unlocks forgotten memories. For example, I recently rediscovered Solomon’s Key, a game I adored as a kid but had almost forgotten. Just hearing its name brought back a flood of emotions. Playing it again feels like opening a time capsule.
Games like Wonder Boy in Monster World or Super Mario Bros. 3 remind me why these classics are timeless. They may be shorter or more challenging than modern titles, but they carry a charm that’s hard to replicate today.
Supporting Developers
I’m committed to playing retro games legitimately. I don’t buy “all-in-one” cartridges packed with pirated ROMs. Instead, I purchase original games as a way of saying thank you to the developers who created them. Even now, when I play something amazing on Game Pass, I sometimes buy it separately on Steam to support the creators directly.
The Road Ahead
This is just the beginning of my retro journey. I’ll be sharing videos, playlists, and content on my channel as I explore more consoles and games. If you’re a retro fan, I’d love to hear your recommendations—whether it’s hidden gems, hardware tips, or stories from your own gaming past.
Retro gaming isn’t just about playing old titles. It’s about reviving memories, discovering classics, and experiencing games in their purest form. And for me, it’s about reconnecting with the joy that made me fall in love with gaming in the first place.
I learned so many things just this week that completely change the purchased accessories and consoles I play to buy to get the best experience and even save so much money, which I can use to improve my experience and buy games. It’s not straightforward as I though, once you discover so many things regarding console models and their pros and cons, regional restrictions, and so much more.