The term "retro console" is a bit flexible, but generally, a console is considered retro if it's no longer in production, has distinct generational hardware, and evokes a sense of nostalgia for gamers. As of 2025, here's a breakdown of what consoles are now widely considered retro:
๐ฎ What Consoles Are Considered Retro in 2025?
โ Retro Consoles (Released ~15+ years ago)
These are widely accepted as retro by collectors, gamers, and historians:
| Console | Release Year | Retro Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) | 1985 (US) | โ Fully Retro | 8-bit classic; home of Mario & Zelda |
| Super Nintendo (SNES) | 1991 | โ Fully Retro | 16-bit legend; RPG heaven |
| Nintendo 64 | 1996 | โ Fully Retro | First 3D Nintendo console |
| Game Boy / Color / Advance | 1989โ2001 | โ Fully Retro | Classic handhelds |
| Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) | 1989 | โ Fully Retro | Sonicโs original home |
| Sega Saturn | 1995 | โ Fully Retro | Cult classic; niche appeal |
| Sega Dreamcast | 1999 | โ Fully Retro | Innovative but short-lived |
| PlayStation 1 (PS1) | 1995 | โ Fully Retro | First Sony console; CD gaming boom |
| PlayStation 2 (PS2) | 2000 | โ Fully Retro | Best-selling console ever |
| Xbox (Original) | 2001 | โ Fully Retro | Microsoft's first console |
| GameCube | 2001 | โ Fully Retro | Nintendoโs cult classic |
๐น๏ธ Becoming Retro (Released ~10โ15 years ago)
These systems are increasingly viewed as retro, especially by younger gamers:
| Console | Release Year | Retro Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Wii | 2006 | โ Retro | Motion control revolution |
| PlayStation 3 | 2006โ2007 | โ Retro | Blu-ray, online gaming era |
| Xbox 360 | 2005 | โ Retro | Halo 3, Xbox Live Arcade era |
| Nintendo DS / DSi | 2004โ2009 | โ Retro | Dual-screen innovation |
| PSP (PlayStation Portable) | 2004 | โ Retro | Sonyโs first handheld |
โ Not Quite Retro Yet (Released <10 years ago)
Still modern or โrecent pastโ but not retro โ yet.
| Console | Release Year | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo 3DS | 2011 | ๐ก Almost Retro | Discontinued; retro among younger fans |
| Wii U | 2012 | ๐ก Almost Retro | Poor sales but now collectible |
| PlayStation 4 | 2013 | ๐ด Not Retro | Still relevant, many cross-gen titles |
| Xbox One | 2013 | ๐ด Not Retro | Supported into Series X/S generation |
| Nintendo Switch | 2017 | ๐ด Not Retro | Still current-gen as of 2025 |
๐ฐ๏ธ How Long Until a Console Becomes Retro?
While there's no official rule, here's a rough timeline many collectors follow:
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๐น 0โ5 years: Modern
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๐น 5โ10 years: Recent
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๐น 10โ15 years: Becoming retro
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๐น 15+ years: Retro
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๐น 25+ years: Vintage or classic
๐๏ธ Where to Find Retro Consoles (2025)
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gameloopx/collections/gaming-consoles โ Curated retro console deals
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eBay โ Auctions & collectibles
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Lukie Games โ Refurbished and tested
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PriceCharting โ To track market value
โจ Bonus Tip: Modern Retro Consoles
Want retro vibes with modern tech?
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Analogue Pocket (Game Boy-like with HD screen)
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Retro Freak (Plays multiple old cartridge formats)
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Evercade VS (Cartridge-based retro console with new releases)