Retro video games and aesthetics are experiencing a resurgence, and it’s not just older millennials and Gen X reliving their past. Younger millennials and Gen Z are also getting in on the nostalgia. Both online and in real life, pop culture is embracing the aesthetics of retro gaming. On platforms like TikTok and YouTube, retro gaming content has seen a significant increase in popularity. Spotify users are creating 50% more retro-gaming-themed playlists than they were at this time last year, and live streamers are capitalizing on the repetitive catchphrases and mechanical movements of non-player characters (NPCs).
In an era of hyperrealistic graphics and ever-expanding technological possibilities, younger generations are captivated by an era of technological limitation. For many, the allure of retro gaming is simple: nostalgia. This sentiment seems to resonate with a growing segment of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, too. The popularity of channels that focus on retro tech reflects a broader fascination with retro tech that’s evident in the rise of reaction videos, the resurgence of web 1.0-era aesthetics, and the increasing adoption of Y2K-era devices by young consumers.
The current wave of tech might be disregarded in the future due to its lack of nostalgic properties. Retro devices, with their charming limitations, foster a “hack and discover” mentality that leads to long-term satisfaction. This thrill of discovery extends beyond gameplay, as video game soundtracks and graphics increasingly find life in new contexts.
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