As the video game industry shifts increasingly toward digital platforms, physical retailers like GameStop are struggling to stay relevant. In response, GameStop has announced plans to convert select locations into “GameStop Retro” stores, which will focus on selling older consoles, cartridges, discs, and accessories. These stores will feature iconic systems like the original Nintendo Entertainment System from 1985, tapping into the growing demand for retro gaming fueled by nostalgia.

Nintendo has also embraced the retro trend through its Nintendo Switch Online service. Subscribers can access a variety of classic games from franchises like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong. The service includes titles from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, and SEGA Mega Drive, with additional games available through the Expansion tier. Recently, four new SNES games were added to the platform, including Battletoads Double Dragon and Big Run, along with two titles previously unavailable in Europe: Cosmo Gang: The Puzzle and Kunio-kun no Dodgeball.

Retro gaming offers more than just a trip down memory lane; it provides an alternative to the high price tags and unpredictability of modern games. Many retro games are considered reliable experiences and are often sold at more affordable prices. Rare items can command higher prices, but most retro titles range between a few dollars to $50. Gamers appreciate the familiarity and quality of older games, choosing them over newer releases that might not meet expectations.

Both older and younger gamers are embracing retro titles for different reasons. Older players are revisiting the games of their youth, while younger players are discovering retro gaming culture through social media.

“Nostalgia is like a rolling 30 years… We’re always nostalgic for what came about 30 years ago,” Jon Reddick, YouTube creator of GenXGrownup, explains.

Classic consoles like the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube are popular on the retro market, while modern systems like the Nintendo Switch retain their appeal. Long-standing franchises like Mario and Call of Duty continue to thrive, while Pokemon remains a top favorite for collectors. Rare games can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, though for many gamers, the value is more personal. A $15 copy of Tetris for the Game Boy, for example, can bring back powerful memories of childhood.

As gaming technology advances, defining what qualifies as “retro” becomes more challenging. For those born in the 70s and 80s, retro gaming is closely tied to consoles like the NES, while younger gamers may see systems like the PlayStation 3 as retro. Despite these evolving definitions, the appeal of retro gaming remains strong. Timeless classics like Super Mario 64 continue to captivate both old and new audiences, proving that some games never lose their charm.

Retro gaming isn’t just a trend—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Whether through GameStop Retro stores or digital services like Nintendo Switch Online, the past is making a strong comeback in the gaming world.