Pokémon, the iconic franchise that has enthralled gamers since its 1996 debut, could be poised to entertain for another 50 to 100 years, according to The Pokémon Company CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara. Speaking to BBC News, Ishihara expressed confidence that continued innovation could secure the series’ place in gaming history well into the next century. As Pokémon nears its 30th anniversary, this bold claim highlights its evolution from a humble Game Boy title into one of the world’s most valuable media empires.
Launched on Nintendo’s Game Boy with Pokémon Red and Green, the series pioneered a unique blend of collecting, battling, and trading creatures that captivated players globally. Those early games, constrained by the Game Boy’s modest hardware, still managed to craft an expansive world that redefined handheld gaming. Today, Pokémon spans video games, anime, films, toys, and a trading card game that’s recently exploded in popularity—though not without attracting scalpers and counterfeit woes. Ishihara credits the franchise’s longevity to its ability to “enrich both the real and virtual worlds,” a vision brought to life by the augmented reality hit Pokémon GO.
Yet challenges persist. The trading card game’s resurgence has seen resellers snap up rare packs, driving up prices and frustrating collectors. The company has also fought legal battles to protect its intellectual property, including a recent lawsuit against the makers of Palworld for alleged patent infringement. Despite these hurdles, Pokémon’s private company status—unlike publicly traded giants like Nintendo—allows it to reinvest all profits back into the franchise, fostering a laser focus on its future. This dedication resonates with a multigenerational fanbase, evident at events like the Pokémon International Championships, where thousands gather to celebrate their shared love.
Looking ahead, the departure of Ash and Pikachu from the anime in 2023 has sparked curiosity, while rumours swirl of 30th-anniversary plans—perhaps remakes of the original Game Boy classics. For Ishihara, complacency is the only threat to Pokémon’s enduring legacy.
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Tetris Forever, the celebrated collection tracing the legacy of Tetris through the years, has released a new update that’s sure to please fans. Announced on February 27, 2025, this update introduces two classic MS-DOS Tetris titles to the platform, offering players a chance to revisit a pivotal era in the game’s storied past.
For the uninitiated, Tetris Forever gathers versions of the timeless puzzle game from across decades and platforms, from its origins on the Soviet Electronika 60 to more recent adaptations. The addition of Super Tetris and Tetris (AcademySoft) version 3.12, both hailing from the MS-DOS days, enriches this anthology further. MS-DOS, Microsoft’s Disk Operating System, reigned supreme in the 1980s and early 1990s, powering countless PCs and serving as a launchpad for many early gaming classics, Tetris included.
These titles carry historical weight. Super Tetris, launched by Spectrum Holobyte in 1991, tweaks the familiar formula with a twist: players start with a cluttered matrix of garbage blocks, using bombs to clear space and uncover bonuses. It also boasts multiplayer modes—cooperative or competitive—where two players tackle a shared screen. Meanwhile, Tetris (AcademySoft) version 3.12, released in 1988, marks the final Soviet-made Tetris before the game’s global explosion. Its standout “Phantom mode” renders all O-Tetriminos invisible, testing players’ skill and memory.
The MS-DOS era bridged Tetris’s modest roots and its worldwide dominance, a time when developers experimented freely. These games capture that spirit, showcasing how the simple concept of falling blocks evolved through creativity and technological leaps. For players of vintage titles, this update is a window into that formative period.
Preserving such classics matters. As gaming races forward, platforms like Tetris Forever keep the past alive, letting today’s audience appreciate the ingenuity behind these early gems. It’s a reminder of MS-DOS’s role in shaping interactive entertainment, long before sleek consoles and mobile screens took over.
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Tony Hawk enthusiasts are set for a thrilling ride as the official website has begun a countdown to March 4th will which marks a significant milestone in the skateboarding legend’s storied legacy. The announcement, which has quickly garnered attention across gaming circles, suggests that a major new release or update is on the horizon, promising to reignite the passion of longtime fans and hopefully, captivate a new generation.
Credit: TonyHawkTheGame.com
As reported last week, an actor for the game said that a new remaster “is about to come out” and the countdown could well prove this to be a solid rumour.
The anticipation is palpable among fans, many of whom have followed the evolution of Tony Hawk’s franchise with keen interest. Veteran gamers recall the original releases with fondness, cherishing the adrenaline-pumping tricks and immersive environments that defined the series. I still remember looking at places differently after being slightly obsessed with the original games, considering what things I could grind on, or jup off.
Now, with a fresh chapter on the horizon, there is widespread optimism that this next installment will capture that same spirit while pushing the boundaries of what modern skateboarding games can offer.
As the countdown to March 4th begins, the gaming community is urged to stay tuned for further announcements. With the prospect of revisiting a cherished legacy infused with modern flair, Tony Hawk’s next move promises to be a defining moment in the ongoing evolution of skateboarding and gaming culture.
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For many enthusiasts, nothing beats the nostalgic thrill of an SNK arcade cabinet—complete with those massive cartridges and the remarkable feel of a dedicated joystick. SNK was known for bold moves in the gaming realm, including their own line of home arcade systems and the underdog Neo Geo Pocket Color. While that little console never truly toppled Nintendo’s Game Boy empire, it left a lasting impression on fans. Now, decades later, one inventive modder known as YCL is rekindling that old arcade magic, shoehorning a Raspberry Pi into a Neo Geo Pocket Color and giving it a modern facelift.
The Spark of an Idea
It’s easy to forget how advanced SNK was back then. They created arcades, they released cutting-edge home consoles, and they tried (sometimes aggressively) to challenge Nintendo in the handheld market. Although those ventures didn’t always dethrone industry giants, SNK’s dedication to joystick design was top-notch. People still rave about the superb feel of Neo Geo controllers—the perfect partner for action and fighting titles.
But hardware that blew minds in the 1990s can feel a bit sluggish these days. That’s where YCL’s cleverness comes in. After tinkering with Raspberry Pi computers for other projects, they wondered: could you squeeze a full-blown arcade experience inside the Neo Geo Pocket Color shell? One that could smoothly run not just classic Neo Geo titles, but other platforms, too?
Building the New Brain
The concept might sound daunting, but the Raspberry Pi is famously flexible—and smaller than you might expect. YCL took what they call an “intelligent design” approach with a custom VS redesign PCB (printed circuit board) that’s open source. The new board fits inside the Neo Geo Pocket Color’s cramped housing, replacing the older internals while maintaining the same general button layout.
But that’s only half the trick. A mere swap of circuit boards wouldn’t be enough to transform the entire handheld. So, YCL also:
• Upgraded the Screen: Out went the original display, in came a wide-angle LCD for bright, crisp visuals. The difference between an aging handheld screen and a modern LCD can be staggering, especially for vibrant arcade titles.
• 3D-Printed Components: From a mini arcade-style joystick to a custom dust cover, certain parts had to be designed from scratch. That includes a new button arrangement, ensuring there are extra inputs for the broader game library the Raspberry Pi can handle.
• Retained the Cartridge Slot: Pure nostalgia, right there. Even if it’s mostly decorative, this detail is a nod to the original design and keeps that retro flair.
• Kept the Battery Compartment: No weird external battery packs or endless wires. The mod still looks and feels tidy, like a commercial product you might’ve picked up off the shelf in 1999.
The Arcade Feel in Your Hands
One of the highlights of SNK’s legacy is the way their joysticks and buttons feel—clicky, sturdy, and ready for combos. YCL knew it was essential to capture that same tactile experience. While it’s challenging to replicate a full arcade stick on a handheld, the modder managed to craft something that comes close, providing a far snappier input mechanism than typical rubber-contact D-pads.
The addition of extra buttons also means you can play games from multiple consoles that often demand shoulder triggers or more face buttons. So whether it’s a classic Neo Geo fighting game, a Genesis platformer, or even older arcade titles, this modded unit is equipped to handle them.
Performance Beyond the Original
This new rig doesn’t merely run a few SNK titles. Thanks to the Raspberry Pi’s capabilities, YCL’s pocket console supports emulators for numerous platforms. Think everything from NES and Mega Drive to older arcade boards that might’ve been beyond the wildest dreams of an actual Neo Geo Pocket.
The modder also incorporated a dedicated audio solution to bring that arcade roar to life. Being able to hear those signature fighting game sound effects—punches, kicks, KOs—on a crisp speaker is a major upgrade compared to the original system’s modest audio output.
Nostalgic Looks, Modern Fun
A big part of the Neo Geo Pocket Color’s charm was its chunky build and distinct shape. Plenty of fans appreciate how comfortable it felt in the hand. YCL’s project remains faithful to the console’s overall look, but peeking inside reveals a powerhouse. It’s a bit like discovering a sports car engine inside an old family sedan: it may look familiar on the outside, but it’s got serious muscle hidden under the hood.
There’s even a nod to physical accessories: you can still connect an official arcade joystick or another controller if you’re hankering for the full arcade experience at home. Talk about bridging eras—a modern emulator hub that still welcomes real arcade sticks.
A Farewell to the Old Hardware
The original Neo Geo Pocket Color, while beloved, had fairly limited hardware. Over time, official support faded. But this modification breathes fresh life into a handheld many considered doomed to be a historical footnote. With today’s technology, you can carry around a mini arcade in your pocket—something that might’ve seemed unthinkable to 90s kids used to big cartridges and thick instruction manuals.
YCL’s mod is a testament to how the retro gaming scene isn’t just about collecting old hardware; it’s also about finding new ways to enjoy and preserve classics. By harnessing the Raspberry Pi and an open-source mindset, enthusiasts continue to prove that the best parts of gaming’s past can shine even brighter when paired with a sprinkle of modern tech.
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Brazil is famous for samba, football, and carnival, yet there’s another tale swirling around its pop culture that deserves a spotlight: the enduring connection between Sega and a local company called Tectoy. Some Brazilians still treat Tectoy as a beloved relic from the 1990s, while others grumble that the firm hasn’t managed to reclaim its past glory. What exactly went on that made Tectoy such a legend among gamers in Brazil, and why do folks still hold it in high esteem?
Let’s walk through the story of how Tectoy took Sega’s consoles to unexpected heights, became a national household name, and then stumbled, leaving behind an odd blend of nostalgia and frustration in equal measure.
The Mega Drive 4?! Credit: Sega Retro
A Sega-Shaped Hole in Brazilian Hearts
You might be wondering: why did Sega become so huge in a country where Nintendo was barely on the radar at first? The answer is surprisingly simple. In the late 1980s, Tectoy made a deal with Sega to distribute consoles like the Master System and Mega Drive (known in the USA as the Genesis). Because of that agreement, Sega consoles were far more accessible (or at least more visible) than official Nintendo systems for quite some time.
Yet “accessible” is a tricky word here: official Nintendo products weren’t common or were horrendously expensive once they did show up. Meanwhile, Tectoy gave Sega’s machines a decent push in shops all across the nation. If you were around in the early 90s, you’d see those bold Master System and Mega Drive boxes in store windows, magazines, and TV commercials. Tectoy’s association with Sega grew so strong that even now, if you ask a Brazilian gamer who sold them their first console, chances are they’ll point to Tectoy.
Financial Chaos and a Love Affair with Gaming
Brazil in the late 80s and early 90s was grappling with economic turmoil. Imagine mind-boggling levels of inflation, currencies changing names every few years, and salaries that might make you a temporary millionaire on paper—yet hardly help you pay the bills. Because of certain local trade policies and heavy taxes on imports, many foreign products were restricted or prohibitively expensive. That’s where Tectoy and the Manaus Free Trade Zone in the Amazon rainforest came into play.
Tectoy would bring in parts from abroad, assemble them locally, and then sell them nationwide. They did it first with a successful educational toy called “Pense Bem” (based on VTech’s Smart Start), and later with the Zillion laser tag game, which was also produced under Sega’s umbrella. It was a tidy strategy: import, assemble, mark up, and sell. By the time they tackled proper consoles like the Master System, they already had experience distributing fun electronics—and they knew how to market them.
The Pense Bem
But don’t think Tectoy’s Master System was cheap. Due to rampant inflation and various import policies, it still cost a small fortune. For someone working on the Brazilian minimum wage, these consoles were hardly impulse buys. A brand-new Mega Drive in Brazil sometimes topped the equivalent of 600 USD or more, while many Brazilians earned far less than 50 USD a month. Despite that, there was a large enough segment of the population—particularly in bigger urban areas—willing (and able) to spend big on gaming. For them, Tectoy was a dream come true.
Soaring Success: Master System Everywhere
Here’s a staggering fact: Brazil has sold more Master System consoles than anywhere else in the world. That’s not a cheeky exaggeration. Tectoy was still manufacturing fresh units of the Master System well into the 2000s, long after the console disappeared from most store shelves outside the country. There’s even a running joke among retro gamers that Brazil must be drowning in leftover Master Systems.
The TecToy Master System Evolution
Some of that success came from brick-and-mortar retailers letting people pay in 12, 24, or even 36 monthly instalments. This made Tectoy’s pricey machines feel more attainable, albeit still quite dear. Meanwhile, Nintendo’s official presence was practically non-existent in the earliest years, creating a vacuum that Tectoy joyfully filled. By the mid-90s, a generation of gamers grew up in love with Sonic the Hedgehog and Alex Kidd, largely forgetting that the rest of the planet was obsessed with Mario and the NES.
The Weird Cult of Tectoy
All those heady achievements fostered a bit of a “Tectoy cult.” Hardcore fans fondly recall the firm’s golden era, praising how they introduced Brazilians to Sega’s biggest hits. Ask any local about Tectoy, and they’ll get a nostalgic twinkle in their eye, remembering those times of booting up Master System or Mega Drive games in the living room. It’s similar to how some British gamers feel about Amstrad or how US-based gamers cherish Atari.
This passionate fan base, however, starts to look a bit odd when you realise that Tectoy’s formula was never about cutting-edge innovation. They essentially served as a channel for foreign products, stitching on a “Made in Manaus” label and passing the cost to Brazilian consumers who had few other options. With the Master System and Mega Drive, it worked brilliantly because the competition was scattered and the market was wide open.
The Mega Drive P?!
But things changed when Sony and Microsoft arrived on the scene with their more advanced consoles, which Tectoy couldn’t replicate or market with the same success. The firm’s golden age started to slip, and what remained was nostalgia for a time when Tectoy was the top dog. That’s where the so-called “weird cult” comes in—folks clinging to memories, even if the product line now is a shadow of what it used to be.
Dreamcast and the First Signs of Trouble
During the Saturn and Dreamcast era, Tectoy was still forging ahead with Sega’s hardware. The Saturn actually performed decently in Brazil compared to some places overseas, although it never overtook Sony’s mighty PlayStation in overall popularity. That said, these were also the years when global competition started to heat up.
The TecToy Saturn
At the turn of the century, Tectoy saw that the old model of importing and assembling at a huge markup was less viable. People were more tech-savvy, the internet was blossoming, and word got around quickly that gaming gear could be brought in from other countries at cheaper prices—especially with shops in Paraguay selling global consoles at a fraction of the official cost. Tectoy’s brand recognition remained, but its grip on the market was loosening.
The Zeebo Fiasco
And then came Zeebo in 2009. Some have never even heard of it, and that’s no surprise because it flopped in spectacular fashion. Tectoy teamed up with a consortium led by Qualcomm to produce a low-cost console aimed at “emerging markets.” In theory, it was a straightforward plan: use modest mobile phone hardware, connect via mobile data for downloads, and bypass the expense of physical media. It might’ve sounded clever at a board meeting, but it turned out to be a disaster.
Zeebo’s graphics sat somewhere between a PlayStation 1 and 2, at a time when the PS3 and Xbox 360 were dominating. The console’s library was puny, the performance unimpressive, and the cost was higher than you’d expect for an underpowered product. Only around 30,000 units sold in Brazil across two years—which is laughably small, especially compared with the continued trickle of Master System and Mega Drive sales that dwarfed Zeebo’s entire lifetime numbers. In short, it sank.
The TecToy Zeebo
Though many folks pinned the blame primarily on Tectoy, the reality is that Qualcomm led the engineering. Tectoy was the local assembler and distributor, slapping on their logo in the hope of resuscitating their glory days. Unsurprisingly, the so-called “cult” of Tectoy faithful tried to defend Zeebo, praising some of its ports (like Double Dragon) as if they were top-tier. But let’s be honest: that’s the kind of enthusiastic praise that can only come from fans wearing extremely rose-tinted glasses.
After Zeebo: Chasing Nostalgia Over and Over
Financially, Zeebo was a body blow for Tectoy, but they didn’t entirely ditch the idea of repackaging old Sega hardware. One attempt was the Mega Drive 2017, pitched as a nifty revival of the 16-bit classic. It promised SD card support, preloaded titles, and cartridge compatibility. Retro collectors were stoked at first, hoping for a sleek, modern update with at least an HDMI output. But Tectoy stumbled. The console only offered composite video, which looks muddy on modern TVs, and the audio was infamous for sounding off. Some games didn’t run at all, or had glitchy visuals. Fans who rushed to purchase it ended up disappointed, complaining about the price and the subpar experience.
Tectoy Megadrive 2017 without HDMI
You’d think Tectoy would learn from that fiasco, but soon they tried to distribute 8BitDo controllers at prices far above direct imports. The message was clear: Tectoy was still clinging to the business pattern of applying a hefty markup, hoping customers would rely on them purely because of brand loyalty. In practice, many Brazilians had cottoned on to overseas shopping sites and found it simpler to import the same gear at a better cost.
The Zeenix: Another Attempt to Cash In
More recently, Tectoy announced the Zeenix portable PC (essentially a rebranded AYN Loki Mini or Loki Max). At first glance, you might think it’s a rival to the Steam Deck, but guess what: it carries a higher price tag, and the hardware isn’t even on par with Valve’s offering. They’re pushing the same old idea—charging more for something that’s arguably less. Tectoy claims they’re giving local support, though the actual advantage for buyers is fuzzy at best. If you compare side by side, you’ll often discover you can simply get a Switch or an Xbox Series S for less, both of which are officially sold in Brazil.
TekTok Zeenix
So who in their right mind would want to pay extra for the Zeenix? That’s where the “Tectoy cult” rears its head again. Some folks remain staunchly loyal, declaring on social media that the Tectoy brand is worth it. Maybe it’s the same nostalgia that made kids in the 90s dream about Master System cartridges. It’s a case of brand worship trumping practical sense, which rarely happens on a large scale these days. But it’s enough to keep Tectoy afloat with these “retro-inspired” or “boutique” products.
A Peek into the Brazilian Psyche
To understand this phenomenon, you’ve got to appreciate how significant video games felt to many Brazilians in the early 90s. The Master System was new, fresh, and captured the public’s imagination at a time when the country was modernising and hungry for entertainment. Tectoy’s distribution strategy and marketing blitz made Sega a fundamental part of childhood for millions. Whether you were a wide-eyed kid reading gaming magazines or a parent trying to please your excited child, Tectoy’s name was everywhere.
That sense of gratitude lingers, even now. People recall nights spent with Phantasy Star or Sonic, the challenge of finishing Alex Kidd in Miracle World, or the feeling of seeing a “Tectoy” label and thinking it was a mark of Brazilian pride. It’s a powerful association, etched in hearts across the nation.
However, times change and the market has moved on. Most folks are well aware that Tectoy is no longer the unstoppable force it once was. But that doesn’t fully explain the unwavering fans who cling to every new Tectoy scheme.
The Crux: Nostalgia vs. Reality
When a company becomes so intertwined with your childhood, it’s tough to let go, even if logic says otherwise. Many fans dream that Tectoy will repeat the magic of the Master System days. Others hope Tectoy might sign a deal to distribute Nintendo Switch or some other next-gen machine and whisk them back to that warm feeling of “buying local.” Realistically, that would likely mean paying more for the same product. People do learn, eventually, that brand loyalty can have an expensive cost.
Looking back, Tectoy never truly led technology; they merely found perfect timing in an untapped market. None of that makes them evil—business is business—but the times have changed. It’s easier for consumers to buy directly from global sources, import consoles themselves, or look for alternative local distributors. Tectoy’s attempts to recapture old glories often come off as half-hearted or behind the curve, overshadowed by bigger names that can offer stronger hardware, better prices, or both.
Will Tectoy Ever Return to Greatness?
Some fans swear Tectoy can still “become a powerhouse.” But realistically, the brand is more of a nostalgia merchant today. It still offers official Master System and Mega Drive clones, tries its luck with pricey partnerships, and clings to the idea that loyal fans will keep them in business. It’s not the same dynamic as in 1989, when Tectoy introduced Brazilians to the wonder of Sega’s 8-bit library.
As the late 80s and 90s recede further into the mists of time, more and more people are aware that they can simply buy something better from Sony, Microsoft, or Nintendo, or even emulate these old consoles on a cheap PC or phone. That doesn’t mean Tectoy is irrelevant—some folks keep them afloat by snapping up their niche products. Yet the number of folks who see Tectoy as a hero from the good old days is steadily declining.
The Takeaway
So, is Tectoy a cautionary tale or a beloved brand that shaped a generation? The truth falls somewhere in between. Yes, Tectoy brought Sega’s iconic consoles to Brazil in spectacular fashion, outlasting official distribution by many other companies. It gave a wave of gamers cherished memories and a sense that Brazilian ingenuity could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with global giants.
But the company’s repeated stumbles—Zeebo, bungled Mega Drive re-releases, steep markups on third-party accessories, and now the Zeenix—show that you can’t rely on nostalgia alone to thrive. Many Brazilians have moved on to more cost-effective, modern solutions. A small but vocal core of fans still rallies behind Tectoy, celebrating it as though it’s 1992 all over again.
One of the favourites from my collection, SF2 for the Master System! Only in Brazil.
Perhaps the best lesson is that nostalgia can be powerful but also blinding. There’s no shame in remembering Tectoy’s role in shaping the Brazilian gaming scene. However, blindly throwing money at overpriced gadgets just because they bear a familiar logo isn’t necessary anymore. In an age where global distribution is easier, gamers have more options. You can get your Master System fix or your Mega Drive mania from alternatives that are often cheaper and, in some cases, better engineered.
If you’ve ever visited Brazil, you might see old Master Systems in glass cases at electronics shops, or you may meet a Sega fan rattling on about how Tectoy was once the centre of the universe. Both are glimpses of a special time. But in 2025, Tectoy is no longer the gatekeeper of next-gen consoles—it’s a relic with a proud past and a bumpy present. Some see it as an underdog; others see it as just another importer that missed its chance to evolve.
All in all, Tectoy’s story is a window into how nostalgia shapes consumer behaviour. It’s also a testament to how quickly the gaming world changes, leaving behind those unwilling—or unable—to adapt. The original Master System mania was once unimaginable; now the idea of Tectoy recapturing that magic is what seems unimaginable.
Were you aware of Tectoy’s storied history in Brazil? Maybe you played on a Master System or Mega Drive that was sold under Tectoy’s banner. Many gamers around the globe might never have experienced that unique setup, yet for countless Brazilians, it’s an essential chapter in their gaming journey. Still, the global industry marches on, and Tectoy’s place in it is much smaller than before. That, for better or worse, is the reality of today’s market.
Thank you for reading! If you’re a fan of retro gaming and want to stay in the loop with all things old-school, consider subscribing to the Retro Gaming Substack. You’ll find news, insights, and nostalgia galore.
And if you’ve got a beloved Master System or Mega Drive you’re keeping safe, don’t forget to protect it in a premium RetroShell game protector. After all, preserving our retro treasures is half the fun!
In a surprising homage to both classic gaming and modern fighting franchises, an indie developer, known on X as @RheoGamer, has managed to create a demo version of “Street Fighter IV” for the Sega Mega Drive. This remarkable feat combines the beloved mechanics and characters of the 2008 Street Fighter game with the nostalgic 16-bit graphics of the early ’90s console. The demo, which showcases characters like Ryu, Ken, and Chun-Li in a simplified but recognizable form, has sparked excitement across the gaming community, particularly among those with a fondness for retro gaming.
The developer utilized the SGDK (Sega Genesis Development Kit) to bring this project to life, demonstrating not only a deep understanding of the original game’s mechanics but also an impressive capability to adapt them to the significantly more limited hardware of the Mega Drive. This development has been shared widely on X, where it has received praise for its authenticity in translating the feel of Street Fighter IV into a format that many thought impossible. Fans have been sharing clips and screenshots, marvelling at how close the experience feels to the arcade original, despite the hardware constraints.
While no official release is announced, the demo has ignited conversations about the potential for more such projects, bridging the gap between modern gaming and retro hardware. This has also led to debates on the feasibility and desirability of porting other modern games to classic systems, highlighting the ongoing passion for retro gaming and the creative possibilities within the indie development scene. The project serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of Street Fighter and the innovative spirit of the gaming community.
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Tokyo, December 26, 2024 – A recent survey conducted by Toys King, operators of “T-BASE JAPAN,” reveals that 70% of Generation Z (born between 1996 and 2012) are captivated by the revival of ‘retro culture’, with a significant focus on retro games. The survey, aimed at understanding the preferences and buying habits of this demographic, highlights the unique appeal and freshness of retro games as key factors driving this trend.
Key Findings from the Survey:
Interest in Retro Culture: About 60% of Generation Z expressed interest in retro culture, with 20.5% being “very interested” and 39.5% “somewhat interested.”
Popular Genres: The most popular genres within retro culture include miscellaneous goods (39.2%), food (38.4%), anime (37.4%), and games (36.9%), indicating a broad appreciation for nostalgic elements in daily life and entertainment.
The appeal of Retro Games: The allure of retro games lies in their “interesting” nature (46.9%), the unique enjoyment from a new perspective (38.8%), and habit-forming soundtracks (38.8%).
Buying Preferences: Approximately 60% of those interested in purchasing retro games prefer buying from physical stores, citing quality checks and the security of direct purchase as decisive factors.
Concerns with Online Purchases: Common anxieties include doubts about product authenticity, operational conditions of games, and the reliability of online transactions.
Why Retro Games?
Generation Z’s interest in retro gaming is driven by the desire to experience gameplay elements not found in modern video games, such as unique challenges, simple operations, and distinctive music and sound effects. This nostalgia combined with a fresh discovery aspect seems to be particularly engaging for young gamers.
Retail Experience:
For those looking to dive into the world of retro games, “T-BASE Shibuya PARCO Store” was recommended as a go-to destination. Located in Shibuya PARCO, it began handling retro games in August 2024, offering a range of vintage gaming experiences from the 80s and 90s.
Survey Details:
Conducted: October 17-18, 2024
Method: Online survey via PRIZMA
Participants: 1,004 Generation Z individuals
Source: Toys King (Yamato Co., Ltd.)
This trend underscores a broader cultural shift where the value of simplicity, challenge, and nostalgia in gaming is making a strong comeback, particularly resonating with a generation that values both novelty and history in their entertainment choices.
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