In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of retro games. In response to this boom, even today, there are more opportunities to enjoy the NES and Game Boy masterpieces that everyone was obsessed with as a child. The nostalgic control feel and tasteful pixel art have attracted many people of all generations. In this article, we will introduce the appeal of retro games, the background of the resurgence, representative game consoles, and recommended retro game shops.
*If you purchase or make a reservation for the products introduced in the article, a portion of the sales will go to FUN! JAPAN.
What Is Retro Gaming? When Was It Released?
What is Retro Gaming?
Retro game is a term that refers to "old games" or "games back in the old days". There is no clear definition, and the object of "retro" changes depending on the era. Nowadays, it is common to call retro games about 20 years after their release, such as the NES (Family Computer/released in 1983), the Game Boy (released in 1989), and the original PlayStation (released in 1994).
What is the difference between retro and modern games?
Modern games, such as the Switch and PS5, have evolved significantly with technological advancements, including stunningly realistic graphics, complex controls, and vast open worlds. However, retro games are packed with unique charms that modern games do not have. Here are some of its typical features.
Unique graphics
One of the best features of retro games is their unique graphics. Characters and backgrounds expressed in pixel art and other places have a unique charm that can stimulate the imagination.
Simple operation
Retro games are often controlled with arrow keys and a few buttons, making them intuitive and easy for anyone to quickly adapt to. You don't have to learn complex controls, so you can focus on "playing" the game.
High difficulty level
Many retro games have a high level of difficulty, which will test the player's skills. The sense of accomplishment when you try and clear it many times is great.
Why Is Retro Gaming Booming Now?
In the last few years, retro games have become more popular again. Let's take a closer look at the background and reasons behind it.
Nostalgia
In a survey conducted by Toys King, which operates "T-BASE JAPAN", among Japan men and women in their 40s~50s who have played retro games, the most common attraction of retro games was "nostalgia (70.9%)". The experience of struggling to clear and the memories of playing with friends and family left a strong impression on me, which is why I want to touch it again across generations.
Source: PR TIMES
Simple and easy-to-play game design
Compared to modern complex games, "simplicity" (60.6%) is cited as the appeal of retro games. This can be said to be a gameplay that can be enjoyed intuitively with limited controls, which is fresh even for players who are accustomed to modern games, and meets the needs of players who want to play casually.
Source: PR TIMES
A new movement driven by social media
By distributing videos of popular gamers playing games on social media such as YouTube and Twitch, the opportunities for the younger generation who do not know the time to come into contact with reverbial games have increased. Seeing them enjoy it with a fresh sense, the number of people who are interested in "I want to try it myself" is exploding.
The emergence of easy-to-play reprints and distribution services
The barrier of "I don't have an old game console, how should I play?" has been eliminated by the manufacturer's official reprint game console and distribution service. With the advent of the Nintendo Classic Miniseries and services such as Nintendo Switch Online, an environment has been created where you can easily enjoy retro games on the latest hardware even if you don't have the actual game consoles or software anymore.
Introducing Retro game Consoles Recommended by the Editorial Department, such as the NES and Game Boy
Home Game Consoles
Family Computer (abbreviation: Famicom) or Nintendo Entertainment System (abbreviation: NES) (Nintendo)
- Official name/manufacturer:Family Computer/Nintendo
- Release year: July 15, 1983
- Features: A cartridge-swappable game console with a rich lineup of over 1,000 titles such as action and sports. Just replace the cartridge and you'll be able to play a variety of games in no time.
- Representative works: Super Mario Bros. , The Legend of Zelda, Dragon Quest, etc.
- Official website: https://www.nintendo.com/jp/famicom/index.html
🕹️ Nintendo Classic Mini Family Computer [Yahoo! Shopping】
PlayStation (Sony Interactive Entertainment)
- Official name/manufacturer: PlayStation / Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Release year: December 3, 1994
- Features: Innovative hardware with 3D graphics and a large CD-ROM that greatly expands the range of cinematic direction and expression
- Representative works: Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, etc.
- Official website: https://www.playstation.com/ja-jp/
🕹️PS first generation main unit with genuine controller ready-to-play set used [Yahoo! Shopping】
Super Famicom or Super Nintendo (Nintendo)
- Official name/manufacturer: Super Nintendo / Nintendo
- Release year: November 21, 1990
- Features: Graphics and sound have evolved significantly compared to the NES. A platform where masterpieces of various genres gather.
- Representative works: Chrono Trigger, Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: Triforce of the Gods, etc.
- Official website: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/shvc/index.html
🕹️ Super Famicom Main Unit Ready-to-Play Set with 2 Controllers SFC Used [Yahoo! Shopping】
Sega Saturn (Sega)
- Official name/manufacturer: Sega Saturn / Sega Enterprise (currently: Sega)
- Release year: November 22, 1994
- Features: Adopts 32-bit multiprocessor configuration to achieve a high standard of both 2D and 3D depiction. It had a high affinity with arcade port titles.
- Representative works: Grandia, Magical Drop, NiGHTS into dreams... etc
- Official website: https://www.sega.jp/history/hard/segasaturn
🕹️ Sega Saturn (HST-3200) Used [Yahoo! Shopping】
Dreamcast (Sega)
- Official name/manufacturer: Dreamcast/Sega
- Release year: November 27, 1998
- Features: The industry's first home gaming console with internet connectivity. We have deployed many online games.
- Representative works: Shenmue, Grandia II, etc.
- Official website: https://www.sega.jp/history/hard/dreamcast/
🕹️ Sega Hard Bright Arts Gallery Dreamcast Used [Yahoo! Shopping】
Mega Drive / GENESIS (Sega)
- Official name/manufacturer: Mega Drive (Genesis) / Sega
- Release year: October 29, 1988
- Features: Strengths are fast-paced action and popularity in Europe and the United States. It has firmly established itself as a representative platform of the 16-bit era.
- Representative works: Phantasy Star ~The End of the Millennium~, Gain Ground, etc.
- Official website: https://www.sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/
PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16 (NEC Home Electronics)
- Official name/manufacturer: PC engine (TurboGrafx-16)/NEC Home Electronics
- Release year: October 30, 1987
- Features: Despite its compact body, it achieves high-performance graphics, and there are many masterpieces in the action and RPG genres.
- Representative works: Tengai Makyo (Far East of Eden) II, Ys I and II, SNATCHER, etc.
🕹️PC Engine Main Unit (White Body) Used [Yahoo! Shopping】
NINTENDO 64
- Official name/manufacturer: Nintendo 64 / Nintendo
- Release year: June 23, 1996
- Features: An innovative game console equipped with a 64-bit RISC chip that enables full 3D expression. Delicate operation with a 3D stick, and free viewpoint change with the C button. Simultaneous play with 4 players is also standard.
- Representative works: Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda, Ocarina of Time, etc.
- Official website: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n01/n64/hardware/index.html
Handheld Game Consoles
Game Boy (Nintendo)
- Official name/manufacturer: GAME BOY / Nintendo
- Release year: April 21, 1989
- Features: Monochrome LCD and compact housing. It can run for a long time with four AA batteries, and has been a worldwide hit with its durable build and simplicity.
- Representative works: Pokémon, Super Mario Land, Tetris, etc.
- Official website: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/dmg/hardware/index.html
🕹️ Game Boy Color Body with Battery Cover Used [Yahoo! Shopping】
Game Gear (SEGA)
- Official name/manufacturer: Game Gear/Sega
- Release year: October 6, 1990
- Features: Equipped with the first backlit 3.2-inch color LCD as a domestic portable game console. It can also be used as a portable TV with a TV tuner pack sold separately.
- Representative works: Sonic the Hedgehog, Puyo Puyo, etc.
- Official website: https://www.sega.jp/history/hard/gamegear/index.html
🕹️ Game Gear Micro Black / Game Gear (GG) [Yahoo! Shopping】
WonderSwan (Bandai)
- Official Name/Manufacturer: WonderSwan / Bandai
- Release year: March 4, 1999
- Features: Operation style for both vertical and horizontal holding. Its strength is its power-saving design that can run for a long time with a single AA battery. A rich lineup is developed mainly for popular RPGs.
- Representative works: The Final Fantasy Legend, Blue Wing Blitz, etc.
🕹️ Wonder Swan Color Crystal Black Used [Yahoo! Shopping】
Stop By While Sightseeing! 7 Recommended Retro Game Shops in Japan
Super Potato
A shop that handles a wide range of retro games such as the NES and PlayStation. It also sells the latest games such as Nintendo Switch and PS4. Some stores also have a wide range of candy and character goods, making them popular with tourists.
Super Potato
- Stores: Akihabara store, Ikebukuro Game Yokocho (Tokyo), Ota Road store, Showacho store (Osaka Prefecture), Nagoya store (Aichi Prefecture)
- Business hours: 11:00~20:00 (open all year round) Varies depending on the store
- Official website: https://www.superpotato.com/
Retro Game Camp
A shop in Akihabara, Tokyo, with a wide lineup of Famicom (NES), Super Famicom (Super Nintendo), Game Boy, and more. It is also available for purchase, making it a must-see spot for retro game lovers.
Retro Game Camp
- Akihabara store: Shin-Suehiro Building C, 3-14-7 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Dungeon store: 3-14-6 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Eko Building B1
- Business hours: 11:00~20:00 (Akihabara store), 11:00~19:30 (dungeon store)
- Official website: https://www.retrogamecamp.com/
BEEP Akihabara
A shop that handles a wide range of game consoles and software from the 1980s ~ 2000s. In addition to hardware such as the Famicom, SNES, and Mega Drive, there are also game magazines and strategy books. You can enjoy shopping while feeling the history of retro games.
BEEP Akihabara store
- Address: Nakaei Building B1, 3-9-8 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Business hours: 11:00~20:00 (Closed: Wednesdays)
- Official website: https://www.akihabara-beep.com/
Surugaya
It is a well-known used game store online, and can be purchased at physical stores nationwide such as Akihabara and Ikebukuro. We handle a wide range of games, from retro game consoles to the latest games, and have a full range of purchase services. It is an easy restaurant to stop by while sightseeing.
Surugaya
- Stores: 146 stores nationwide, including Akihabara and Ikebukuro
- Official website: https://www.suruga-ya.jp/
BOOKOFF and HARD OFF
A second-hand chain that operates nationwide. In particular, HARD OFF has a rich inventory of game consoles and software, and bargains can be found. BOOKOFF is located near the station, but hard-off is characterized by many stores in the suburbs.
BOOKOFF and HARD OFF
- Stores: 846 book-offs, 1033 hard-off stores
- Official website:
BOOKOFF: https://www.bookoff.co.jp/
HARD OFF: https://www.hardoff.co.jp/
Geo
Rental & second-hand shops nationwide. The handling of retro games varies depending on the store, but standard hardware such as the NES and Game Boy are relatively easy to obtain.
Geo
- Stores: There are stores all over the country, including Akihabara, Ikebukuro, and Nakano.
- Official website: https://geo-online.co.jp/
Lashinbang
A nationwide store chain that handles second-hand goods related to anime and games. In addition to retro games such as the Famicom, Super Famicom, and PlayStation, the hotel also offers a wide range of figures, doujinshi, CDs, DVDs, and anime goods.
Lashinbang
- Stores: 70 stores nationwide, including Ikebukuro and Akihabara
- Official website: https://www.lashinbang.com/
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