Modern video games have grown leaps and bounds thanks to technology and fiber-fast Internet connections, but don’t you ever wish you could go back in time to play the games you spent hours on as a child? If you miss the 8-bit music, classic titles, and old-school consoles, you should definitely check out the world of retro gaming.
What is retro gaming?
retro gaming
Retro gaming basically means playing old or obsolete games from the 1970s to the early 2000s, whether on personal computers, arcade cabinets, or home consoles. It’s also known as classic, old-school, or vintage gaming.
Retro gaming has seen a resurgence of interest in recent years, largely driven by nostalgia. Video game enthusiasts are having a blast feeling like a kid again and remembering the simplicity of playing back in the day. There is also renewed fascination with classic games as Gen X-ers and millennials share the games of their childhood with the Gen Zs and Alphas, as well as getting to play the titles they didn’t have a chance to try when they were kids.
From Hoppip Official GIPHY
The classic gameplay of retro games makes for a timeless experience, and they may trigger nostalgic feelings, emotions, and thoughts. Players may associate the games with positive memories, which fuels their desires and pleasures because they see it as a rewarding experience.
How to play retro games
Whether you’re a casual or hardcore gamer, there are many platforms nowadays that cater to retro gaming.
Virtual consoles
From Nintendo Official Website
Retro games that aren’t bound by complicated licensing issues can easily be played on modern consoles. Nintendo introduced the Virtual Console on the Wii, Wii U, and 3DS, which allowed gamers to buy and download individual classic games. Those who own a Nintendo Switch can also access retro games via Nintendo Switch Online, which offers over 80 games from the Nintendo and Super Nintendo consoles. For Sony fanboys, PlayStation Now offers over 700 PS2, PS3, and PS4 games on their subscription service. Both Nintendo and Sony also offer backward compatibility on their latest consoles.
Mobile and PC Ports
Screenshot from App Store
If you prefer gaming on your smartphone or PC, you can probably find your favorite games from the App Store, Google Play Store, or Steam. This can be a convenient way to game, as you already take your phone with you everywhere. However, compatibility can be a hit or miss. For example, Sega’s “ports” or remasters of their Sonic the Hedgehog games are said to be seamless, while games like Chrono Trigger faced many issues during the re-release, but these were fixed later on, thanks to a series of patches.
Emulators
An emulator is a program that imitates another device, computer, or program. Emulators like the RetroArch, OpenEmu, and PCSX2 are programs that gamers use so they can play retro games on their laptop, phone, or handheld. However, while using emulators is legal, it is highly recommended that you use your own ROMs for playing.
A ROM is a digital image of a video game, which users can create by using software and ripping files from old game cartridges and CDs that they own. They can then use an emulator to play these ripped files. Creating a ROM from a game you own for personal use may fall under fair use, “but there is no clear legal precedent” for this at the moment. However, uploading those ROMs online for others to download and use is illegal.
Handhelds
The Steam Deck is regarded as a great handheld for retro gaming, as it can play A LOT of games from most old-school consoles without a problem. Recently, there has also been a surge of retro handhelds from Chinese manufacturers that are equipped with hardware powerful enough to load ROMs of games that you own. These have become especially popular because their look and feel are “inspired” by actual handhelds like the Nintendo Game Boy!
Whichever platform you choose, you’ll surely need a fiber-fast Internet connection to get started on retro gaming. Subscribe to PLDT Home Fiber Plus Plans and get ready for endless hours of gameplay!