We’re hearing the term “retro games” more and more these days, but do you know exactly what kind of games it refers to?
In recent years, along with the retro boom centered on the Showa and Heisei eras, the value of retro games has been reevaluated both in Japan and abroad.
This article provides a clear and comprehensive explanation covering everything from the definition of retro games and the characteristics of each generation to the reasons behind their current global popularity, as well as specific methods for actually playing them in today’s environment.
- What Are Retro Games? (Definition and Generational Categories)
- Why Now? 5 Reasons Retro Games Are Making a Comeback
- 4 Ways to Enjoy Retro Games in Today’s World
- Points to Keep in Mind When Playing Retro Games, and Laws and Etiquette to Be Aware Of
- Summary: Retro Games Are a Cultural Tradition Passed Down Across Generations
What Are Retro Games? (Definition and Generational Categories)
There is no strict legal or industry-standard definition of “retro games.”
Generally speaking, the term refers to “past-generation home video game consoles, arcade games, and their associated software in general—those released several decades ago.”
Under current standards, this term generally refers to hardware and software that appeared primarily from the 1970s through the 1990s (the so-called 8-bit to 32-bit generation).
Classification of Retro Games by Generation
Based on the history of game console evolution, retro games can be broadly divided into the following generations.
Generations 1–3 (1970s–early 1980s)
This period spans from the dawn of home video games to their explosive growth. Notable examples include the “Atari 2600,” Nintendo’s “Family Computer (Famicom),” and Sega’s “SG-1000.” Their most distinctive features are pixel
art and simple, beep-and-blip 8-bit sounds.
Fourth Generation (Late 1980s–Early 1990s)
This was an era when the transition to 16-bit consoles led to a dramatic improvement in graphical capabilities. This era included systems such as the “Super Famicom,
” “Mega Drive,” and “PC Engine.”
Beautiful graphics, multi-layer scrolling, and rich sound became possible, giving rise to numerous RPGs and action games that are still considered classics today.
Generation 5 (mid- to late 1990s)
This was a transitional period from 2D graphics to 3D polygon graphics.
Examples of this era include the “PlayStation,” “Sega Saturn,” and “Nintendo 64.” The adoption of CD-ROMs led to increased storage capacity, making it possible to incorporate cinematic sequences and provide a gaming experience in full-fledged 3D environments.
*These days, systems such as the “PlayStation 2,” “Nintendo GameCube,” and “Game Boy Advance”—which debuted in the early 2000s—are increasingly being included in the broad definition of retro games.
Why Now? 5 Reasons Retro Games Are Making a Comeback
There are several factors behind the rapid rise in attention that classic video games are receiving—not merely as “old, used items,” but as a form of “culture and cultural assets.”
① The Showa and Heisei Retro Boom and the Pursuit of “Emo”
For younger generations—particularly Gen Z—pixel art and the cheap yet warm sounds of 8-bit music are not seen as outdated, but rather as “fresh and stylish” and “emo.” These
deliberately stylized graphics are highly regarded as art that sparks the imagination.
② Nostalgic Consumption Among Adults (Reliving Memories)
People in their 30s through 50s—who were once obsessed with the Famicom and Super Famicom as children—are now more financially secure, and there is a growing trend of them repurchasing these games because they “want to take on games they couldn’t beat back then” or “want to collect the games that hold special memories for them.”
③ Game Design That’s Fun Precisely Because It’s Simple
Today’s games are dominated by ultra-high-definition graphics, vast open worlds, complex controls, and lengthy tutorials.
In contrast, early retro games offer an intuitive appeal—they’re “ready to play the moment you turn them on,” have “clear rules,” and present “a high level of difficulty that makes them challenging and rewarding”—and are popular among players who want to experience a sense of accomplishment quickly and easily.
④ Expansion of the Global Collectibles Market
Japanese video games are highly sought after among overseas collectors as “JAPAN vintage” items due to their excellent condition and the high quality of their packaging and instruction manuals. It is not uncommon for
some rare titles to fetch prices in the range of several million yen at auctions and other venues.
⑤ A Strong Influence on Indie Games
Many of today’s indie games (games developed by individuals or small studios) that are hits around the world are heavily influenced by retro games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.There is also a reverse trend in which young people who have played new
retro-style games (such as *Undertale* and *Stardew Valley*) are becoming interested in the authentic retro games that inspired them.
4 Ways to Enjoy Retro Games in Today’s World
Many people may think, “I’d like to play old games, but connecting old hardware to a modern TV seems difficult.”
These days, however, there are a variety of ways to enjoy them—from beginners to enthusiasts—that fit any lifestyle.
Method 1: Play on the actual console with the original software (for purists)
This is the most classic way to play—collecting vintage game consoles, cartridges, and discs from secondhand stores and flea market apps.
- Advantages
: You can experience the feel of the original controllers and the excitement of inserting a cartridge just as it was back then. - Important Note: In many cases, these devices cannot be connected directly to
modern TVs (which have only HDMI ports), so you may need an AV-to-HDMI adapter or a CRT TV.
Method 2: Use the official re-release version (Mini Hard) (for convenience)
This method involves using reissue consoles—such as Nintendo’s “Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer” and Sega’s “Mega Drive Mini”—that faithfully reproduce the original designs in a palm-sized format.
- Advantages
:
It can be easily connected to modern TVs and monitors using an HDMI cable. It comes preloaded with a large selection of classic titles, so there’s no need to buy additional software. - Important Note: You cannot add and play software other than the
pre-installed titles.
Method 3: Use a subscription service for modern game consoles (Focus on value for money)
Here’s how to take advantage of the official services offered on modern consoles such as the “Nintendo Switch” and “PlayStation 5.”
- "Nintendo Switch Online" lets you play classic titles from the
Famicom, Super Famicom, and Game Boy as part of your monthly subscription (additional packs also support the Mega Drive, Nintendo 64, and Game Boy Advance). - "PlayStation Plus (Premium)" offers a wide selection of classic titles from the
original PlayStation, PS2, and PSP. - Advantages: You don't need to buy
new hardware, and you can play easily anywhere. It also offers a full range of modern features, such as the ability to save your progress
at any time.
Method 4: Purchase a third-party “compatible device”
This method involves using a game console built with modern technology (such as the “RetroFreak”) that allows you to play original game cartridges from that era without any modifications.
- Advantage
: Many products support cartridges for multiple consoles (such as the Famicom, Super Famicom, and Mega Drive) with a single unit, and the video quality is crisp via HDMI output. - Please note: Since this is not a
manufacturer-original product, some specialized software may not work.
Points to Keep in Mind When Playing Retro Games, and Laws and Etiquette to Be Aware Of
If you enjoy retro gaming as a hobby, there are a few things you should know.
Dead “Backup Battery” in a Used Cartridge
Cartridges for systems such as the Super Famicom may contain a “button battery” to retain save data. Since the batteries in games
released decades ago have often run out, making it impossible to save, you’ll need to either replace the battery yourself or choose titles that don’t require saving.
Compliance Regarding the Distribution of Emulators and ROMs
While “emulators” used to run games on computers and other devices are not illegal in and of themselves, downloading game data (ROM files) that has been illegally uploaded to the internet constitutes a violation of copyright law.
Be sure to use official archive services or legitimate methods, such as playing from a physical console you own.
Summary: Retro Games Are a Cultural Tradition Passed Down Across Generations
Retro games are no longer merely “entertainment from the past”; they have established themselves as a form of digital culture with multifaceted appeal, including the beauty of pixel art, excellent game design, and nostalgia.
If you just want to enjoy the games casually, we recommend starting with a subscription service like “Nintendo Switch Online.” Once you’re ready to dive deeper into the experience, why not try collecting mini consoles or vintage hardware?
We invite you to experience the world of these timeless masterpieces in whatever way suits you best.
