Recently gamers have become disillusioned with the industry following the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 which saw many gamers complain about the console and the cost of the games.
Games such as Sonic Racing Crossworlds cost £64.99, £10 more than on the Switch 1.
With modern games needing several updates and offering lots of downloadable content over their lifespan, gamers are turning away from them.
Jack Murray, 20 a student at University of Derby said: “Games that require wi-fi is something I despise with modern gaming, not everyone has a stable wi-fi connection.”
A survey by Pringles, ‘the leading gaming snack’, found 24 percent of Generation Z owns a retro gaming console.
Gamers define retro gaming as the period from the 80s to early 2010s, which includes the SEGA Mega Drive, Nintendo GameBoy and Xbox 360.
This is a plus point for older systems that do not use wi-fi or only use it to access online play which means players can experience the game as if is fresh and new.
Newer systems like the Xbox 360 had their online shops closed recently which means newer players cannot access all the features of those consoles.
But current systems like the Xbox Series S/X require you to download games and need wi-fi to save progress.
This results in players having to purchase bigger hard drives so they can play more games or to switch to PC gaming instead.
Systems like the SEGA Mega Drive do not have these issues which has helped maintain their popularity over the years.
“The Mega Drive is so peak! I used to play Mega Man The Wily Wars, that game really challenged me” says Jack.
The SEGA Mega Drive is one of several games consoles to be re-released in mini form with pre-installed games.
It’s rival the Super Nintendo got a mini version in 2017 which sold out upon release.
Other consoles like the Nintendo 64 and GameCube are available through the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass.
Furthermore, a lot of newer games are ‘live-service’ games.
These types of games focus on bringing players back through content updates and downloadable content at a cost.
“Live service games are a thing I’m not fond of as they’re just cash grabs” explains James Spencer, 18 a University of Derby student.
Because older games did not have updates, they relied on post-game content and local multiplayer to keep players engaged.
“Most games never had expansions so they feel a lot more complete” James adds.
Gamers still see games like Mario Kart and GoldenEye 64 as legendary because of this.
Plus, there are dedicated mod teams who bring new life to older games such as Mario Kart Wii CTGP and Pokémon Crystal Legacy.
Build quality and feel is another factor where gamers prefer older consoles to newer ones.
“Older consoles come across as a lot more well made and interesting” said Jack.
Consoles like the Mega Drive have large, tough buttons compared to the smaller buttons on modern systems.
By comparison, the Nintendo Switch is notably criticised for the poor durability of the controllers joysticks.
But, time has resulted in prices varying for consoles.
The Play Station 1 starts from £20 whereas others like the Xbox 360 are over £50.
Game prices vary too, with titles such as Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance for GameCube costing over £100.
What’s more, indie developers are now able to develop games that are just as high quality as studios like Nintendo.
Games like Hollow Knight: Silksong are incredibly popular yet made by much smaller teams than normal.
Jack explained: “Indie devs can do what triple A studios do but they put way more effort into games.”
Overall it is understandable why gamers are moving to retro gaming as they take us back to simpler times while still provide engaging entertainment without the drawbacks of modern gaming.
