Nestled among an original Donkey Kong arcade machine, a pristine OutRun racing simulation game, and booths wired up with GameCubes and Nintendo 64s, engineer Luke Malpass carefully disassembles a broken Nintendo Wii.
At Four Quarters, a retro games arcade in Elephant and Castle, Malpass and his team transform broken consoles into functioning machines, offering repairs and modifications at no cost. This unexpected transformation from arcade to games clinic for two days highlights a growing trend: people from all age groups are rediscovering the joy of retro gaming.
Gabriella Rosenau’s Return to Childhood
Gabriella Rosenau, 35, brought her broken Wii to the event, having stored it in the garage for years. “I still play my brother’s old Nintendo 64 and I love it, but I’d really like to get [the Wii] fixed,” she explains. Rosenau, who occasionally ventures into more modern games like Call of Duty and PlayStation, finds herself drawn more to retro gaming due to its nostalgic appeal.
A Trend Spanning Generations
This preference for retro consoles isn’t limited to adults like Rosenau. According to research by Pringles, 24% of Generation Z gamers own a retro console. This generational shift in gaming preferences indicates a broader trend of nostalgia influencing current culture.
Luke Malpass’s Retro Revival
What began as a passion project for Malpass—restoring consoles to their former glory—has blossomed into a thriving enterprise. During lockdown, his company, RetroSix, saw a surge in demand and expanded to 16 employees. “People were bored, exploring their homes, and looking online for projects,” he recalls. Initially selling via eBay, Malpass quickly outgrew the platform’s limitations.
Luke Malpass fixes consoles dating from the 80s through to the 2000s.
Photograph: Teri Pengilley
Today, RetroSix receives hundreds of monthly repair requests and upgrade orders. While this demand is stabilizing, the community of retro gamers continues to grow.
A Diverse Community
Malpass identifies three distinct groups within the retro gaming scene. The oldest generation, late 40s to early 50s, focuses on classic PCs like Amigas and Commodores. Generation 30 owns Game Boys, Mega Drives, and Super Nintendo Entertainment Systems. A younger segment, typically in their 20s, is captivated by the Nintendo DS and other soon-to-be retro classics, or they’ve developed a general passion for retro gaming.
Social Media Engagement
Malpass has built a substantial online following, with 61,700 subscribers on his YouTube channel, AngelSix, and 44,100 followers on RetroSix’s TikTok. These platforms showcase his repair work and innovative projects, engaging the community of retro gaming enthusiasts.
Retro Gaming as Stress Relief
Young people in particular turn to retro gaming to escape the stress of modern life and social media. “Retro gaming is a safe place—it’s like their escape,” Malpass emphasizes. The lack of internet connectivity and competition creates a more focused and relaxing gaming experience.
Matthew Dolan’s Nostalgic Journey
Software developer Matthew Dolan, in his 40s, also visits the event. His interest in retro gaming stems from childhood experiences playing games his father wrote for him on the BBC Micro. “It was a great introduction to technology,” Dolan recalls.
The nostalgia factor remains a driving force for Dolan’s passion. “The joy comes from just playing it, planning journeys based on battery life.” While modern games rely heavily on graphics, older consoles offer a more engaging gameplay experience through gameplay design.
Deep Technological Pursuits
Dolan has taken his hobby beyond repair work, frequently creating mods and adapting consoles himself. His investment in this pursuit totals over £7,000 annually, though he recovers some costs through sales. When faced with technical challenges, Malpass’s expertise is invaluable.
A repaired Prestige Edition Game Gear console from RetroSix costs £298.80, while an LED edition is priced at £334.80. Additional mods and servicing start at £36.
Popular Retro Consoles
Game Boy
Developed and manufactured by Nintendo, the Game Boy launched in Japan in 1989 and expanded to Europe in 1990. With over 118.7 million Game Boys and Game Boy Colors sold worldwide, it became one of the era’s most successful handheld consoles, celebrated for its compact design and affordability.
SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)
The SNES, released by Nintendo in Japan in 1990 and Europe in 1992, was the company’s second international home console. It sold an estimated 49.1 million units globally before discontinuation in 2003, making it a beloved staple of gaming history.
Xbox Original
Microsoft’s first game console, the Xbox, debuted in Europe in 2002, priced at £299. It faced stiff competition from Sony’s PlayStation 2 and Nintendo’s GameCube. The follow-up, Xbox 360, was released in 2005, maintaining the console’s popularity.
Amiga
Produced by Commodore International from 1985 to 1994, the Amiga line of personal computers is renowned for its advanced graphics and sound capabilities. Games like Alien Breed, Syndicate, Sensible Soccer, and Eye of the Beholder were popular on this platform, solidifying its place in retro gaming circles.
Game Gear
Released by Sega in 1990 in Japan and 1991 in Europe, the Game Gear was a handheld competitor to Nintendo’s Game Boy, Atari Lynx, and NEC’s TurboExpress. During its first year in Europe, approximately 520,000 units, including over 130,000 in the UK, were sold.
Conclusion
The resurgence of retro gaming reflects a broader cultural return to simpler, more engaging forms of entertainment. For many, including Luke Malpass and his growing clientele, this hobby provides not only nostalgia but much-needed stress relief. As these consoles gather dust in attics and basements, they are being rediscovered and restored, cementing their place in gaming history.
If you’re interested in the world of retro gaming, consider visiting one of these clinics, subscribing to Malpass’s channel, or joining the community online. Together, we can keep the spirit of these classic consoles alive for years to come.
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