Why Are Retro Games Still So Popular?

Retro games – the games of our and our parents’ childhoods – remain popular with players across the world. From Super Mario Bros. to Zelda and even Pac-Man and Tetris, these games remain a top choice for many gamers, even those who frequently play modern online games.

But why is it that retro games have stood the test of time? The attraction lies in the simplicity of these games. There are no complicated storylines, side quests, or leveling up. Sometimes all there is is luck, attempting the same level over and over again, and frustratingly asking an older sibling or parent how they managed to defeat King Bowser Koopa to rescue Princess Peach.

Nostalgia About A Simpler Time

One of the largest draws of retro games is the nostalgia they evoke in players. Even players who didn’t grow up playing the games feel it — that feeling of a simpler time when kids played outside after school and were only allowed to play video games on the weekend.

Those who played the games “back in the day” enjoy the feeling of comfort and escapism that retro titles offer, bringing back the emotions associated with a different time in their lives.

Picking up the controller to play Doom (1993) or Tekken 3 (1997) is the same as paging through an old photo album; remembering how to defeat certain bosses or which buttons to smash to get Eddy Gordo to perform his“lunging brush fire” power move.

Exceptional Gameplay

Despite being decades old, most retro games offer great gameplay and design. Many gamers believe that the best games are those that are technologically innovative, mimicking the real world in their graphics and characters. However, give any kid an old SEGA console or introduce them to Kirby, and watch how they light up.

Technological advancement is not the only sign of an engaging game—even those with pixels and 2D worlds can suck you in and offer endless hours of enjoyment.

And it’s not just video games, either. We still listen to music from the ‘60s, we still watch old Western movies, and we still tackle vintage slot machines (you know, those with the fruits on the reels) for a fun night out.

Thankfully, the latter has been updated recently. Modern slots give you that nostalgic feel of old-timey saloons, however online casinos with the fastest payouts have brought these games into the 21st century. These platforms offer great graphics and instant winnings, reminiscent of the days the coins would drop into the tray when you hit the jackpot.

Less Complicated Equals More Fun

The real strength of retro games is the less complicated gaming interface. Technological refinement is a great thing, but it often makes games overly complicated, leading to frustration while playing.

Simple games are more fun, as they offer straightforward gameplay, providing a distraction from your already complicated life. There’s a reason why modern pixelated games, like Stardew Valley and Terraria, attract thousands of gamers – they mimic the simplicity of Pokemon Yellow, Donkey Kong, and Game Boy Color’s Tomb Raider.

Playing Together In-Person

Multiplayer open-world games are incredibly popular today, with top titles like Counter-Strike and Fortnite becoming competitive eSports games where players can win millions of dollars. However, retro games offer a different kind of multiplayer experience: sitting next to your friends or siblings, each with a controller, playing on the same screen.

Games like Tank (1990), Super Mario Kart (1992), and Crash Team Racing (1999) will have adults screaming at the screen – and each other – like when they were kids.

People are becoming more isolated by the day. We order groceries online, work from home, and have online doctor’s consultations. Having a multiplayer game you can play in person is a novel, yet retro, idea that brings people together.

Lower Game Cost

Retro games are much more affordable than modern video games. Most retro games can even be played online for free. Old-school consoles are much more affordable than the PS5 or Xbox 360, and you’re likely to find game cartridges for less than $10.

Compare that to today’s games like Hogwarts Legacy ($59.99) or Elden Ring: Shadow of Erdtree Deluxe Edition ($99.99) and you realize the incredible value for money of retro games. They’re also much lower risk; if you don’t like the game, you didn’t waste a month’s salary on it.

Highly Accessible

Old-school games are much more accessible than the complicated, technologically advanced games of today. Imagine trying to teach your 85-year-old grandpa to play Dota 2. Now imagine the same, except the game is Street Fighter II.

These games are more inclusive, allowing both young, old, and middle-aged to enjoy the thrill of video games.

Video game developers have also realized the popularity of their games since the ‘90s, re-releasing games on modern consoles to make them accessible to players once again.

Final Thoughts

One thing is clear: retro games are not going anywhere. These games remain popular across the world, offering a place of calm in an ever-evolving society. As our world becomes more digital, people are seeking simple entertainment with a sense of nostalgia. And that is exactly what retro games offer.

Whether you’re enjoying a remake of a classic, or plugging in your old Nintendo NES and tackling Excitebike or Contra, you are guaranteed to have an entertaining time. From casino games to arcade games, it is clear that retro games are going to continue to influence the gaming industry for many years.