Retro gaming
Play and collect old consoles and cartridges, from the 8-bit era to the 90s.
Retro gaming
- To start
- $100
- Each month
- $30
- Time
- 4 hours a week
- Sessions
- 30 minutes or more
- Where
- At home
- Who with
- On your own
Is it for you?
- It's built for the screen.
- It builds a collection you'll love curating.
- It's satisfying from the very first session.
- It asks almost nothing of your body.
You’ll like it if
- You want to get really good at something
- You want to have more fun
- You want to build something of your own
Maybe not if
- You want a workout
- You want it to be social
- You want something to show for your time
Heads upMore screen time
What it feels like
Retro gamingAverage games & Strategy hobbyCalm
Company
Physical effort
Creative freedom
Brainwork
Hands-on
Outdoors
Quick wins
$100Costs more to start than 80% of hobbies
$30Over a year, more than the kit
$460About $2 an hour at 4 hours a week
Before you buy
Borrow from a friend or buy second-hand first. Upgrade once you know you will keep going.
Your first session
Hook up a second-hand console from the 80s or 90s, or a cheap retro handheld, and beat the first world of a classic platformer.
30 minutes or moreAt homeVery easy to start
Questions
How much does retro gaming cost to start?
About $100 if you rent or borrow where people usually do, then about $30 a month once you are going.
How much time does retro gaming take?
About 4 hours a week to enjoy it and get better, in sessions of 30 minutes or more.
Can I do retro gaming at home?
Yes. Needs a table or a corner.
Is retro gaming good for beginners?
Yes. It is very easy to start as a complete beginner. A good first session: Hook up a second-hand console from the 80s or 90s, or a cheap retro handheld, and beat the first world of a classic platformer.
Do I need other people for retro gaming?
No. It works fine on your own.