How to Download Retro Video Games and Why You Should Try Them
If you are a fan of classic gaming and old school gaming, you might be wondering how to download retro video games and play them on your modern devices. Retro video games are games that were released on obsolete or discontinued platforms, such as personal computers, consoles, and arcade machines. They usually have simple graphics, sound, and gameplay, but they also have charm, innovation, and challenge that make them appealing to many gamers.
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In this article, we will explain what retro video games are, why they are worth playing, how to download them, and how to enjoy them. Whether you want to relive your childhood memories, discover new genres, or challenge yourself with some of the hardest games ever made, there is a retro game for you.
What are Retro Video Games?
Definition and examples of retro video games
There is no clear-cut definition of what constitutes a retro video game, but generally speaking, it is a game that was released at least 10 years ago on a platform that is no longer supported or widely used. Some of the most popular retro platforms include the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), the Sega Genesis, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), the PlayStation, the Atari 2600, and the Commodore 64.
Some of the most iconic retro video games include Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Sonic the Hedgehog, Tetris, Pac-Man, Street Fighter II, Doom, Final Fantasy VII, and Metal Gear Solid. These games are considered classics because they influenced the development of the video game industry and culture, and because they have timeless gameplay mechanics and stories that still resonate with players today.
Benefits of playing retro video games
Playing retro video games can have many benefits for gamers of all ages and backgrounds. Some of these benefits include:
Nostalgia: Playing retro games can evoke a strong, wistful feeling in people who played these games back in the day. They can also help players connect with their past selves and their family and friends who shared their gaming experiences.
Happiness: Games were designed to make us happy. They can stimulate our brain chemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin, that are associated with pleasure and reward. They can also reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by providing a sense of accomplishment, escapism, and fun.
Family-friendly: Many of todays games are not family-friendly, but retro games are. They are suitable for players of all ages and skill levels, and they can foster bonding and cooperation among family members. They can also teach valuable lessons about problem-solving, creativity, and perseverance.
Community: Going back to these older games helps you join a growing community of people who are passionate about retro gaming. You can share your opinions, tips, stories, and memories with other gamers online or offline. You can also participate in events, such as conventions, tournaments, podcasts, and livestreams.
How to Download Retro Video Games
Mini retro systems
One of the easiest ways to download retro video games is to buy a mini retro system. These are small versions of original consoles that come preloaded with a selection of classic games. They also have HDMI ports that allow you to connect them to modern TVs. Some examples of mini retro systems are:
Name
Platform
Games
Price
Nintendo NES Classic Edition
NES
30
$59.99
Super NES Classic Edition
SNES
21
$79.99
Sega Genesis Mini
Genesis
42
$79.99
PlayStation Classic
PlayStation
20
$59.99
TurboGrafx-16 Mini
TurboGrafx-16
57
$99.99
Neo Geo Mini
Neo Geo
40
$109.99
You can buy these mini retro systems from various online or physical retailers, such as Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, GameStop, and Target. They are usually in high demand, so you might want to check their availability and prices before you order them.
Modern consoles with retro games
Another way to download retro video games is to use your modern console that has access to retro games. Many of the current generation consoles, such as the Nintendo Switch, the PlayStation 4, and the Xbox One, have online services that allow you to download and play retro games for a fee or a subscription. Some examples of these services are:
Name
Console
Retro Platforms
Fees and Subscriptions
Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo Switch
NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis (coming soon)
$3.99/month, $7.99/3 months, $19.99/year, or $34.99/year for a family membership (up to 8 accounts)
PlayStation Now
PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC (Windows)
PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 (streaming only)
$9.99/month, $24.99/3 months, or $59.99/year (streaming and downloading)
Continuing the article:
Xbox Game Pass
Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC (Windows)
Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One
$9.99/month for console or PC, or $14.99/month for both (downloading only)
You can sign up for these services from your console or PC, and browse their catalogs of retro games. You can also check their websites for more information and updates on their offerings.
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Emulators and ROMs
The third way to download retro video games is to use emulators and ROMs. Emulators are software programs that mimic the hardware and software of a retro platform, allowing you to run games on your modern device. ROMs are files that contain the data of a game, which you can load into an emulator. Emulators and ROMs are widely available on the internet, but they are also controversial and potentially illegal, depending on the source and the copyright laws of your country.
If you decide to use emulators and ROMs, you should do so at your own risk and responsibility. You should also respect the rights of the original game developers and publishers, and only use ROMs of games that you own or have permission to use. Some of the most popular emulators and ROMs websites are:
Name
Emulator
ROM
Website
RetroArch
A multi-platform emulator that supports many retro platforms, such as NES, SNES, Genesis, PlayStation, Atari 2600, and more.
Does not provide ROMs, but allows you to scan your own ROM files or download them from other sources.
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ePSXe
A PlayStation emulator that runs on Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Does not provide ROMs, but allows you to use your own PlayStation discs or download them from other sources.
[14](
MAME
An arcade machine emulator that runs on Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, and Android.
Provides a large collection of arcade ROMs that are compatible with the emulator.
[13](
Continuing the article:
EmuParadise
A website that provides emulators for various retro platforms, such as NES, SNES, Genesis, PlayStation, Game Boy, and more.
A website that provides ROMs for various retro platforms, such as NES, SNES, Genesis, PlayStation, Game Boy, and more.
[12](
CoolROM
A website that provides emulators for various retro platforms, such as NES, SNES, Genesis, PlayStation, Game Boy, and more.
A website that provides ROMs for various retro platforms, such as NES, SNES, Genesis, PlayStation, Game Boy, and more.
[11](
To use emulators and ROMs, you need to download and install the emulator of your choice on your device. Then, you need to download and unzip the ROM file of the game you want to play. Next, you need to launch the emulator and load the ROM file into it. Finally, you can enjoy playing the game with your keyboard, mouse, or controller.
How to Enjoy Retro Video Games
Challenges and achievements
One of the reasons why retro video games are fun is because they are challenging. They often have high difficulty levels, limited lives and continues, complex controls, and unforgiving enemies. They also have hidden secrets, Easter eggs, glitches, and cheats that add to the gameplay variety and replay value. Playing retro games can test your skills, patience, and endurance as a gamer.
To make the most out of your retro gaming experience, you can set yourself some goals and challenges. For example, you can try to beat a game without dying or using any power-ups. You can also try to speedrun a game or complete it 100%. You can also compare your scores and times with other players online or offline. You can also earn achievements or trophies on some modern platforms that support retro games.
Community and events
Another reason why retro video games are fun is because they have a vibrant community of fans and enthusiasts. You can join online forums, groups, blogs, podcasts, and videos that discuss retro gaming topics. You can also attend offline events, such as conventions, expos, fairs, meetups, and tournaments that celebrate retro gaming culture. You can meet new people who share your passion for retro games and learn from their experiences and insights.
To get involved in the retro gaming community and events, you can search for online platforms that cater to your interests and preferences. For example, you can join [Retro Gamer], a magazine and website that covers all aspects of retro gaming. You can also join [RetroAchievements], a website that adds achievements to retro games. You can also join [Retro Gaming Expo], an annual event that showcases retro gaming hardware, software, art, music Continuing the article: [PICO-8]: A fantasy console that lets you create and play retro-style games with a limited palette and resolution.
[GB Studio]: A visual game builder that lets you create Game Boy-style games without coding.
[NESmaker]: A software that lets you create NES games without programming.
Some of the skills you need to make your own retro video games are:
Game design: The art and science of creating the rules, mechanics, goals, and challenges of a game.
Programming: The process of writing and testing code that instructs the computer how to run the game.
Art: The creation of graphics, sprites, animations, and effects that represent the game's visuals.
Sound: The creation of music, sound effects, and voice-overs that enhance the game's audio.
Testing: The process of finding and fixing errors, bugs, and glitches in the game.
How can I play retro video games with my friends?
If you want to play retro video games with your friends, you have several options to do so. Some of these options are:
Local multiplayer: You can play retro games with your friends on the same device or platform, using controllers, keyboards, or touchscreens. You can also use a split-screen or a shared-screen mode to see each other's actions.
Online multiplayer: You can play retro games with your friends over the internet, using online services, emulators, or websites that support online multiplayer. You can also use voice chat or text chat to communicate with each other.
Couch co-op: You can play retro games with your friends on the same couch, using a large TV or monitor to display the game. You can also use a projector or a VR headset to create a more immersive experience.
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