What is retrogaming? Are you tempted?
People who love video games sometimes feel the desire to find some of the games that marked their minds 10-15 years ago. However, most gamers are unaware that these are still available in specialized outlets.
It is indeed possible to rediscover cult video games released several years earlier and relive the same sensations of yesteryear. This is the opportunity offered by retrogaming, an exciting activity that combines nostalgia and passion, and offers to build up a collection of old games.
Retrogaming to rediscover the world of old video games
Retrogaming or retro gaming is a particular approach to video games. In recent years, video game enthusiasts have started to take a close interest in retro consoles and video games . This is not just a trend of nostalgia. These games are an integral part of the titles that some publishers and market professionals consider to be desirable products. It is therefore an activity based on passion, nostalgia and commercial objectives.
Retrogaming gives you the opportunity to rediscover your childhood games and consoles . It is an opportunity to dive into the exciting world that was that of the flagship games of yesteryear. The old games published for the game boy or the Super Nintendo still allow you to relive the good playful moments and still attract by their fun side.
The world of video games is relatively recent and dates back at most 40-50 years. Retrogaming encompasses old games, the majority of which are in 2D, with graphical simplicity and attractive animations. They date from the 70s and 90s with an exception for the 80s. This exception is mainly due to the video game crash of 1983 which caused several companies to sink. However, the rise of mascots has allowed the survival of some developers including Nintendo with Mario Bros or SEGA, publisher of Sonic . This is also the time when arcade video games hit the market.
It is possible to find all the news of retrogaming by visiting the site retrogaming.fr.
How to recognize a retro console?
It is a controversial subject among retro-gamers. For some, any console released between 1970 and 2005 is considered a retro console . Which excludes PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, Wii.
Certain criteria make it possible to define retrogaming . It is about the opinion of the players, the duration of end of exploitation of the console , the number of past generations.
Today, some games in 3D format are considered retro because they meet each of these points. Also, brands sometimes wink at these games. This is the case of Uncharted 4 which allows, at the end of the game , to see Nathan Drake playing Crash Bandicoot on PS One! Generally, a 20-year-old game is considered a de facto retro game . This is the case for example of Super Mario, Mario Bros or Star Wars, titles that have been particularly successful on the game boy and reissued on Nintendo Switch.
What are the categories of retrogaming?
In the world of retrogaming , there are several currents.
The old-fashioned
They are hardcore gamers who consider the old days to be better. They abstain from any positive judgment on recent consoles and games and refrain from playing them. Most of them find the interactive cartoon aspect of older 2D games more enjoyable.
collectors
We find among video game console players, those who devote themselves to the exploration of flea markets. They also do research in flea markets, barter shops. The retro game approach, like any passion, involves investing a certain budget to acquire cult games published decades ago.
Historians
The trend of preservation of the video game phenomenon, born on the other side of the Atlantic, has gradually been relayed all over the world. Video games have their own history and constitute a heritage that is enriched over the years. This recognition of the historical dimension of video games has been possible thanks, among other things, to the retro console and the Internet.
The profiteers
Attracted primarily by profit, profiteers have seen in retro-gaming an opportunity to sell games and make a profit. The growing number of retro game enthusiasts has led to the appearance of a retrogaming store . Most of the profiteers do not share the passion of the game but live from the marketing activity of the retro game console .
DIYers and Developers
Do-it-yourselfers build machines and consoles by relying on their ingenuity and creativity. A retro-gamer developer essentially works in the field of emulation and technology.
How to indulge in the activity of retrogaming?
There are several options for doing retro gaming .
The first is to buy old video game consoles . Although it may cost you time and money, you will finally find a genuine joy in having historical objects at your disposal.
The second solution available to you is to play on emulators. You will have the advantage of having a varied choice in terms of consoles and also gaming . Most of these games exist in digital format. It should be noted that emulators are legal applications.
A third option for retrogaming is to check the reissue availability of certain titles. It is also possible to check the compatibility of old games on digital media such as the PlayStation Store, the Nintendo Switch , Xbox Live or the Nintendo Shop.
The fourth and last option is a bit dependent on console manufacturers. You need to find re-released consoles from older versions.