Why Are Retro Games Making A Comeback?

In the dimly lit corner of our childhood basement, We fondly remember sitting cross-legged on the floor, clutching a bulky controller as we embarked on countless pixelated adventures. Those were the days when video games were simple, yet endlessly captivating.

Fast forward a decade or two, and it's remarkable how retro games, those relics of the past, are making a triumphant return. But why? What's driving this resurgence that has gamers and collectors alike dusting off their vintage consoles and scouring the internet for classic cartridges? Join me as we explore the resurgence of retro gaming and uncover the reasons behind its enduring relevance.

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The Speed Runners

Super Mario Brothers, Final Fantasy, Pokemon, and Sonic. By now if you have or still are playing video games, these are some of the names you would have at least heard. These are names that have been around for decades from humble beginnings on consoles like the Famicom/Nintendo Entertainment System, Playstation, and the Sega Genesis. 

There are lots of classics that have survived the test of time and continued to flourish on current generation consoles, but others have not. Luckily, there are entire communities that thrive off of playing retro games. 

Since 1994, people have been speedrunning games starting with Doom, which allowed its players to record their playthroughs. Since then it has expanded from not just completing games as quick as possible, but now different categories have been created for additional challenges like 100% completion, glitchless, or complete specific parts of the game. As a result of this, games you may not have even heard of before are being brought back to life.

Also Read: EXPLORE THE WORLD OF JAPANESE RETRO GAMING! FIVE IDEAS FOR COLLECTORS

Even now, speedrunners continue to push for better times in the original Resident Evil game, known as Biohazard in Japan, and showcasing it at charity events like Awesome Games Done Quick. Other games like Omega Boost and Chrono Cross haven’t seen any sequels since their releases on Playstation but have many runners continuing to play them even now! 

Gameboy SP on Mercari

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Of course, not everyone who plays retro games is a speedrunner. A lot of games on the Playstation console have left wonderful memories for players growing up. Whether it’s the zany animations and platforms from Crash Bandicoot, the incredible array of characters in the 3D fighting game Tekken, or the suspenseful action in survival horror Parasite Eve, there’s a game that has left an impact on everyone.

"Nostalgia can have a surprising impact on older players, and a lot of times games can remind us of what it’s like to be a kid again. You’re reminded of the experiences you had as a kid playing games with your friends, your family, or those exciting moments when you beat that one tough level. "

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The Remakes

Plenty of games are being remade on current generation consoles because many players are hoping to see their childhood characters come back to life again. Crash Bandicoot, Final Fantasy 7, and Spyro have all made comebacks on the Playstation 4. Because of these remakes, many modern gamers are taking another look at their original titles that also made a lot of resurgence in the retrogaming space. 

 (Video above: Surugaya - one of the best thrift store in Japan to buy retro games and anime goods)

Because there are a lot of games in the past that can only be played on their specific consoles, a lot of gamers today that have fallen inlove of the legends of the past started collecting their own set of retro game collection. 

Also Read: HOW TO BUY GAME CONSOLES/ VIDEO GAMES FROM JAPAN

According to a recent study, the retro gaming market has seen a staggering 30% increase in sales over the past five years. This surge in demand isn't limited to just games; vintage consoles and accessories are also experiencing a renaissance. The allure of retro gaming isn't confined to a specific age group either. A reliable source reports that millennials and Gen Z gamers are driving this trend, drawn by the simplicity and pure gameplay of classic titles.

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The Nostalgic Pull

 Nostalgia is a powerful force. It has the ability to transport us back in time, evoking cherished memories of our youth. Retro games, with their distinctive 8-bit and 16-bit aesthetics, hold a special place in the hearts of those who grew up with them.

(Video above: Very famous footage of kids getting n64 for Christmas) 

They serve as a time machine, allowing us to revisit the games that defined our childhoods. It's this emotional connection that fuels the revival of retro gaming.

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Investment Potential

Beyond the nostalgia factor, retro games have become a hot commodity for collectors and investors. Titles that were once gathering dust in attics are now fetching astronomical prices at auctions. The scarcity of certain games and the desire to own a piece of gaming history have turned retro game collecting into a serious hobby. The question isn't just about playing these games; it's about investing in a piece of cultural heritage. According from the image below from racketboy.com, these are some of the console who have had the largest 3-year value growth. 

For those looking to acquire high-quality retro games from Japan, ZenMarket stands as your ultimate ally. As a Japan proxy shopping service, ZenMarket enables you to access a treasure trove of vintage gaming gems. Whether it's rare cartridges, vintage consoles, or elusive accessories, ZenMarket can buy and ship them to you, no matter where you are in the world. With their efficient buying services, they make the process of obtaining these retro treasures a breeze.

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Conclusion

 In a world where gaming technology continues to advance at a breakneck pace, the enduring appeal of retro games is a testament to their timeless charm. They offer a glimpse into a simpler era of gaming, a time when it was all about the joy of play. So, why are retro games making a comeback? Perhaps the real question is, can you resist the call of nostalgia and the allure of these digital relics? What's your next move in the world of retro gaming?