How old does a console have to be to be vintage?

The term "vintage" can be a bit subjective, but in the world of gaming, a console typically needs to be at least 20 years old to be considered vintage. This is in line with how other collectibles, like cars or furniture, are classified.

Here’s a breakdown:

• 20+ years old: Generally, a gaming console is considered vintage when it has reached two decades of age. This is when it’s no longer just "old" but also begins to gain significance in the eyes of collectors and enthusiasts.

• 30+ years old: Some people consider consoles that are 30 years or older to be “retro” or “classic.” These consoles are often highly sought after by collectors, and some may even be considered antique.

Why 20 Years?

As technology advances, the lifespan of electronics has shortened, so what was once cutting-edge becomes outdated relatively quickly. However, after 20 years, many consoles have passed the era of mainstream use, and only enthusiasts, collectors, and nostalgic gamers remain interested in them. This is when they start to hold historical or collectible value.

For example:

• The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), released in 1990-1991, would be considered vintage by today’s standards, as it’s over 30 years old.
• The PlayStation 2, released in 2000, would now be considered vintage, as it's over 20 years old.

As time passes, many classic consoles will continue to be seen through the lens of nostalgia and gain collectible value, making them prime targets for vintage gaming enthusiasts.

So, if you’re looking to dive into the world of vintage gaming, you can start looking at consoles released around the early 2000s for items that are technically still vintage, but older systems will be the true treasures for collectors.