How long until a console is retro?

The term "retro" is often used to describe old video game consoles and games that are no longer in production. But how long does it take for a console to be considered "retro"? While there’s no official rule, there are several factors that help determine when a console can be classified as retro. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Time Passed Since Release

• General Rule of Thumb: Many consider a console to be retro around 20 years after its release. This is a commonly accepted marker in the gaming community, as it typically takes about two decades for a system to be seen as part of gaming history rather than modern or current-generation.

Example: The PlayStation 2, which was released in 2000, would be considered retro by most standards in 2020, making it about 20 years old at that point. Similarly, consoles like the GameCube (released in 2001) and Xbox (released in 2001) would likely be considered retro by now or in the next few years.

2. Discontinued Production

• A console may become retro shortly after it is discontinued. Once a manufacturer stops producing hardware or the system is officially no longer supported, it begins to fade into the background and is eventually considered a retro item.
• However, the transition to retro status can take longer if there’s a sustained interest in the console or if it’s remembered for a game-changing innovation.

Example: The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 were both discontinued relatively recently (around 2017-2018), but they are already starting to be seen as retro, especially since current-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X have taken over the market.

3. Cultural Impact and Popularity

• Consoles that had a significant cultural impact or that contributed to the evolution of gaming often gain retro status quicker because of the lasting impression they left on the gaming community. For example, consoles that launched major franchises or technological innovations tend to be remembered sooner.

Example: The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and Sega Genesis have long been considered retro, even though they’re not as old as some other systems. Their major cultural impact and influence on the gaming industry make them stand out.

4. Nostalgia Factor

• Nostalgia plays a large part in determining when a console is officially “retro.” Once gamers who grew up with these systems become adults and start collecting for sentimental reasons, the console’s status can shift. Gaming communities, collectors, and enthusiasts also influence when something is considered retro.

Example: The Nintendo 64 (released in 1996) is often referred to as retro, even though it’s not as old as systems from the '80s and '90s. This is largely due to the nostalgia surrounding the Mario 64, Zelda, and GoldenEye 007 games.

5. Increasing Rarity

• As the years pass, finding working copies of old consoles becomes more difficult. If a system was widely produced but later abandoned or left behind by manufacturers and consumers, it becomes harder to find in good condition, making it more valuable and considered retro.

Example: Older portable systems like the Game Boy Color or the Game Boy Advance are increasingly considered retro due to their limited availability and the fact that many are no longer functional or have been replaced by newer versions.

6. Collector’s Market

• The gaming community’s interest in collecting older consoles also accelerates the "retro" process. As demand for a certain system or games increases, the console’s age becomes less important compared to the market's desire for rare, vintage items.

Example: The Neo Geo, despite being a niche and expensive console when it was released, is now highly coveted and recognized as retro by collectors, even though it hasn’t been around for as long as consoles from the '80s and early '90s.

7. Innovation Milestones

• Certain consoles are considered retro because they represent an innovation in the gaming world, even if they aren’t necessarily old by calendar standards. These consoles are valued for the technological leap they represented in their time.

Example: The PlayStation (1994) introduced CD-ROM technology to gaming, and it was the first PlayStation console that was widely successful globally. Although it was released in the mid-90s, it’s often considered a retro system due to its role in shaping modern gaming.

8. Consoles Already Considered Retro Today

Here’s a list of consoles that, by the standards of the gaming community, are already considered retro:

• Atari 2600 (released in 1977)
• Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) (released in 1985)
• Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) (released in 1991)
• Sega Genesis (released in 1988)
• Sega Saturn (released in 1994)
• PlayStation 1 (released in 1994)
• Nintendo 64 (released in 1996)
• Dreamcast (released in 1999)
• Game Boy and Game Boy Color (released in 1989 and 1998)

These consoles are all 30+ years old and are now considered part of retro gaming culture.

Conclusion: How Long Until a Console Becomes Retro?

While there's no official timeline for when a console becomes retro, the general consensus is that a system is typically considered retro after 20 years or more since its release. Factors like market trends, cultural impact, collector demand, and the rarity of the system all play a part in determining when a console earns that "retro" label. For example, the PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 are well on their way to being seen as retro, even though they were only released in the early 2000s.

In short, a combination of age, scarcity, nostalgia, and cultural significance helps define when a console becomes "retro" — and the process is influenced by the gaming community and collectors.