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Retro gaming is having a moment. And a big one at that. Step aside Xbox and PlayStation, the real GOATS are coming out to play.

We’re talking basic, big consoles, cartridges, pixelated graphics, and good, old-fashioned classics like Mario Brothers, Sonic, Pacman, or Pokemon Red. If you ever owned a Game Boy, a Nintendo Entertainment System or even a Sega, you’ll know exactly what we mean. It was the golden age of gaming. A time that shaped a generation of gamers and laid the foundation for what has today become a multi-billion dollar industry.

But even despite the technological advancements of modern games, many kids today are getting obsessed with old school retro games. There’s even an online community that invites members to join in with the retro gaming nostalgia of '80s, '90s & early '00s. It also features some childhood blasts from the past in the form of TV, Toys and Film.

Bored Panda has put together a list of our favorite posts from the page to transport you back to the days of 8-bit soundtracks, chunky cartridges, and unforgettable characters. They might even inspire you to head over to a thrift store to get your hands on an old console ahead of the weekend.

#1

Retro gaming setup with vintage TV, classic video games, VHS tapes, and a fantasy castle backdrop for nostalgia fans.

Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

Khavrinen
Community Member
3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"By the Power of GreySkull!"

LookASquirrel
Community Member
3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It looks orderly and dust free so I will allow 😂

If you grew up in the '80s or '90s, it’s understandable why you might still be drawn to retro games. They stir up nostalgia like no other. Who could possibly forget the soundtrack of Mario Brothers? Trying to twist the Tetris blocks? Or blowing into a chunky cartridge to get it to work again? 

But it’s not just the grown-ups who lived through that era who are once again becoming a tad obsessed with classic bygone games. A 2025 Statista survey found that 45% of 18- to 24-year-olds have played a retro game in the past year. It’s the comeback many of us never saw coming…

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    #3

    Ancient Egyptian-style artwork showing health packs, weapons, and ammo placed around tombs for retro gaming and nostalgia.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    michael Chock
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Century old crypts also had the freshest hams and apples laying around.

    It’s not just about nostalgia. Nor is it just about playing. It’s about connecting, explains one Gaming site.

    “Online communities are exploding, from Reddit’s r/retrogaming with millions of members to Twitch streams where speedrunners race through Super Metroid in under an hour,” reads vocalmedia/gamers.com. “These spaces are packed with people swapping tips, showing off collections, or debating whether Ocarina of Time beats A Link to the Past.”

    #4

    Collection of retro gaming consoles and accessories displayed on white shelves against a red wall, evoking nostalgia.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Sparkle
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was just talking to my mom about the gray Nintendo and the original Mario games

    Sacred Panda
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why tf do you have 6 N64 of different colors? What a waste of money

    #5

    Vintage desktop computer setup with open tower case and CRT monitor displaying retro gaming and nostalgia boot screen.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    B
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is retro? Looks like a hella modern setup compared to my current potato-powered seven tonner.

    Ravenkbh
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are in a maze of twisty passages

    Rick Murray
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Back when a six and a half gig harddrive was considered adequate. Now your *phone* has about that much in memory, and at least ten~twenty times that in storage.

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    #6

    Mother helping her son beat a tough level in Super Mario Land on Gameboy, a classic moment of retro gaming nostalgia.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Emilu
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That game was hard! (For uncoordinated me. It was my first GB game, but I could only beat it with rom-saving every few steps once I hit around 8-1 and that was... something like ten plus years later. But I did it? 😆)

    Rick Murray
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some of the neighbourhood kids were stuck on a game (I don't recall what, I suck at anything requiring joystick mashing). Mom asked if she could try. Since it was the 80s, cue a lot of sexist comments. Well, she wiped the floor with them and racked up such a high score they they all lost interest in the game shortly after. 👍

    According to the site, TikTok’s #RetroGaming tag has billions of views, while X (formerly known as Twitter) is buzzing with threads about hidden game Easter eggs or “which retro console was your childhood?” polls.

    The Guardian reported in 2024 that that YouTube uploads about retro games had increased 1,000-fold. And that Spotify users were creating 50% more retro-gaming-themed playlists than they were a year earlier, while live streamers were cashing in on the repetitive catchphrases and mechanical movements of NPCs (non-player characters).

    #8

    Man struggling to move an old CRT TV, capturing the retro gaming and nostalgia of 90s kids adjusting bulky tech.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Dre Mosley
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Weight distribution for those old CRT TVs wasn't ideal for moving them by yourself.

    crashthegreenhat
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was given a 17" CRT when I was 13 (I am not 42) and I never had issues moving that. In fact, I moved it a dozen times to my dorm, apartments and a house.

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    Daniel Atkins
    Community Member
    3 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It was easier to carry if you placed the screen toward your body.

    Subaru645
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is a lie. They were to big, bulky and heavy…they stayed put.

    LookASquirrel
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mandelbaum! Mandelbaum!

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    #9

    Grandpa character speaking to kids about unlocking game characters by playing, highlighting retro gaming and nostalgia culture.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Dre Mosley
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The good old days before micro transactions.

    Lost Panda
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And when games actually had a good story

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    Ravenkbh
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And cheat codes so I can see the whole d@mn game that i bought!

    zatrisha
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, and please just give me a complete Game that I own. In my house.

    The growing community of young retro gamers has become known as cosy gamers. And as the Guardian reports, the appeal of older games lies not in their modern interpretations, but the comfort and simplicity of the past.

    “It’s like comfort food – different for everyone,” says a 27-year-old called Gabi. “I game for nostalgia,” she adds. “[It] eases my mind and lets me escape into a different world. [It’s] an excellent stress and anxiety-reliever.”

    #11

    Early 2000s retro gaming nostalgia with vintage desktop computer setup on wooden desk from the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s era.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    B
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is tres chic in my world.

    Rick Murray
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those handles are misaligned and it really bothers me.

    martin734
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mine still looks something like that, the desk is slightly different and the scanner is a 3 in1 printer but otherwise basically the same.

    LookASquirrel
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And I was convinced by my husband to downgrade to save space with a shelf/desk unit approximately the size of Jason Mamoa. Sorry, no bananas for scale😉 So now i have to squeeze everything into a tiny place and make places to hide ink and paper. Instead of just having a nice desk set up like mai had before 😂 We are not in a tiny house. I don't need tiny things!

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    #14

    Retro gaming console NES with classic controller, evoking nostalgia for 80s, 90s, and 00s video game fans.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Dre Mosley
    Community Member
    3 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I didn't know they ever came in black.

    Daniel Atkins
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you google it then you see the original post and it is a custom paint job.

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    #15

    Beige retro gaming PC tower with classic game cases and a Microsoft controller, evoking nostalgia for ’80s and ’90s gamers.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Uncle Panda
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All three triggered my motion sickness in no time. I'd put them in History's Vomitorium Museum.

    #16

    Nintendo Super Famicom console and controllers in original packaging, showcasing retro gaming and nostalgia from the ’90s and ’00s.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Lost Panda
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I got that at home! The wife and I will play Mario from time to time

    #17

    Retro gaming setup with classic Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on CRT TV, featuring Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo consoles.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Heather Murphy
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can still hear the music that played when you were drowning.

    Orysha
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That music sent a lot of us in therapy.

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    Lost Panda
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I spent so much time playing that game as a kid... Never got passed Casino Nights 2 (like the fourth level) XD

    B
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I managed to complete this monster three or four times. By the end I'd lost my long-term partner. Still don't know where she got to...

    #18

    Super Nintendo console with controller and Super Mario World game cartridge, classic retro gaming nostalgia from the ’90s.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Dre Mosley
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't own a real one, but I couldn't pass up buying the little miniature replica version preloaded with classic games Nintendo released some years back.

    #21

    Vintage retro gaming nostalgia with classic personal sound devices and organizers from the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s era.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Heir of Durin
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow! I never realized how expensive portal CD players were.

    Rick Murray
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I was young, a ten *megabyte* hardisc would have cost more than that CD writer, and a single megabyte of standard DRAM (as chips, none of this fancy DDR5 DIMM stuff) would have cost more than both added together.

    Smeghead Tribble Down Under
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kmart Australia. I sghed wistfully over many tech catalogue pages in the 90s.

    LookASquirrel
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    KMart and Kodak had a good thing. Those cameras were great for the price. Unfortunately they screwed it all up. I still have a small Kodak digital from around 2002. My dad loved Kmart and buying me cameras.

    #22

    Person dressed in retro gaming cosplay with classic controllers and accessories, celebrating 80s, 90s, and 00s nostalgia.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Subaru645
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Easy chief, some of us would like a chance with the ladies…

    Sacred Panda
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Women shield to protect virginity at all cost

    #23

    Gameplay screenshots from retro gaming Halo showing first-person shooter scenes and nostalgic video game action.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    martin734
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have the Master Chief edition of Halo and Halo 2. The game is almost exactly the same but the graphics are massively better. It is still a great game, I also play the remastered version of Tomb Raider.

    michael Chock
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I loved hiding in unexpected places and sniping with rocket launchers (before death cams). Was in the top 30 in global leader boards, when hackers ruined online play.

    #25

    Old Walmart displays featuring retro gaming carts, live seafood tanks, and fish aquariums for nostalgic shoppers.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Heir of Durin
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Totally forgot Walmart used to sell pet fish!

    Daniel Atkins
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Way back when they used to sell Hamsters an Gerbils too.

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    Glix Drap
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What exactly is that thing for sale at $25.56? Looks like deep fried locusts.

    michael Chock
    Community Member
    3 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mom would leave us there for hours to play games while she did her errands.

    #28

    Cartoon comparing retro gaming developers from the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s with modern triple A game developers.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    B
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm upvoting this, but I'm dying inside at the accuracy of it.

    #29

    Collection of retro gaming consoles, handheld devices, and game cartridges showcasing nostalgia from the 80s, 90s, and 00s.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Emilu
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Want. Have a decent chunk, but still want.

    #30

    Vintage desktop computer setup on a wooden desk evoking retro gaming and nostalgia from the 80s, 90s, and 00s.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Cristi nah
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You could hear it "shrrrrriiiikkkk niiiiiik nieeeek"

    B
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Siiiiiiiigh.....

    #32

    Game Boy Color handheld console with a custom Gengar design displaying retro gaming Pokémon status screen.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Emilu
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah... hate to think of the hundreds of hours of my life (maybe more) I've spent on Pokémon games. Still don't regret it overall, though.

    RamiRudolph
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You shouldn't regret anything. Did you enjoy those hours? Then you didn't waste them.

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    #35

    Child playing retro gaming on a vintage handheld console, enjoying nostalgia from 80s, 90s, and 00s video games.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Emilu
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pssh; that's modern compared to some of these.

    #36

    Box filled with retro gaming consoles, cartridges, and tangled cords, showcasing nostalgic 80s and 90s video games.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Dre Mosley
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Boy, someone was really into Sega, eh?

    B
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Might wanna clean your shizzle there, boss.

    #37

    Atari console with Pitfall game cartridge and a vintage plush toy displayed for retro gaming and nostalgia.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Dara Lynn
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Had the Atari and the Pitfall game, among others. Did not have a Monchichi (I think that's it anyway)

    #39

    Arcade machine screen showing retro gaming action from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, capturing nostalgia from the ’80s and ’90s.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Owen
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Used to love playing this in the arcade.

    #48

    Nintendo Super Famicom console placed on a blue and yellow retro gaming storage box, evoking nostalgia for the ’80s and ’90s.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Jovis432
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait...is that a wireless Controller?

    Ivon Di Rienzo
    Community Member
    3 months ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    #50

    Hands holding retro gaming controllers and handheld consoles from the 80s, 90s, and 00s showcasing nostalgia.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Rinso The Red
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What kind of psychopaths use a Gameboy like that?

    #52

    Retro gaming cartridge featuring Uncle Rico's Quarter-Mile Challenge for Nintendo Entertainment System nostalgia.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Malsumis
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this is a Napoleon Dynamite reference, so not really gaming nostalgia?

    Daniel Atkins
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is the final challenge throwing the football over the mountain? Do you become state champions?

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    #55

    Sony PlayStation PS One console with two controllers, memory cards, and Nightmare Creatures game, retro gaming nostalgia setup.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Dre Mosley
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Still have mine, the OG design, not the one pictured. I sometimes get the urge to hook it back up.

    Lost Panda
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think my dad still has ours, and the 2, and the 3

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    Mjskywalk
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Played Spyro on this exact model today.

    #58

    Three men playing retro gaming together in a cozy living room filled with nostalgic gaming consoles and decor.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Rick Murray
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why are they all staring at the small TV and ignoring the massive one on the wall?

    michael Chock
    Community Member
    3 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There was something about a LAN party that online coop does not match. It might have been just sharing the pizza, doritos and dew

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    #63

    Retro gaming nostalgia with classic Winamp music player and playlist from the 90s era for nerds of past decades.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Niels AirMax
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Winamp was, IS and WILL forever be the best music player. Period. 🤘🏻

    LookASquirrel
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Omg i remember this. And how irritating it could be.

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    #83

    Collection of retro gaming PC game boxes and discs from the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s displayed on a dining table.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Lost Panda
    Community Member
    3 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember playing most of those games!

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #95

    Person holding a Sony PlayStation controller playing a retro gaming music game on an old CRT TV screen.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Lost Panda
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I miss Guitar Hero/Rock Band... Those were actually fun

    #97

    Retro gaming robot figure holding an orange toy gun with classic video game cartridges displayed in the background.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    JL
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    R.O.B. has been hitting the gym.

    #99

    Screenshot of a classic retro gaming puzzle with floating platforms and a block, evoking nostalgia for 80s and 90s gamers.

    Retro Gaming & Nostalgia 80s, 90s & early 00s Report

    Glix Drap
    Community Member
    3 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can't remember the name but I think it involved pushing or rolling a block around to get it to an end point.

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