How to Find Retro Games

1. Use a Dedicated Retro Gaming Discovery Platform

Dedicated platforms aggregate retro game content in a structured, searchable format. Unlike general-purpose platforms, these are organised specifically around classic games and consoles.

• RetroRising — Browse by platform, genre, decade, or tag. Includes curated video content (longplays, reviews, retrospectives) and a game database. Useful for systematic discovery by console.
• HowLongToBeat — Estimates play time for retro titles alongside modern games.
• MobyGames — Comprehensive game database with screenshots, box art, and critic reviews for historical titles.
• GameFAQs — User-contributed guides, FAQs, and ratings; useful for deep research on a specific game.

2. Watch Retro Gaming Video Content

Video content is one of the most effective ways to evaluate whether a retro game is worth playing before committing time or money to it.

• Longplays — Full playthroughs without commentary; shows the full game from start to finish.
• Retrospectives — Analytical videos that contextualise a game's place in history and explain why it mattered.
• Speedruns — Showcases game mechanics at an extreme level; useful for understanding movement and structure.
• Hidden gem lists — Curated recommendations for overlooked or underrated titles on specific platforms.

RetroRising aggregates retro gaming video content in one place, organised by platform and tag, so discovery is structured rather than reliant on search algorithms.

3. Browse by Platform or Genre

If you know which console or genre you are interested in, structured browsing is faster than searching. Useful approaches:

• Browse a specific console's full library (e.g., "all SNES RPGs")
• Filter by genre tags such as platformer, JRPG, beat-em-up, or shmup
• Look for games with a shared publisher, developer, or series
• Use decade-based filtering to focus on a specific era (1980s, 1990s, early 2000s)

4. Official Digital Re-releases

Many retro games have been officially re-released on modern platforms. These are legal, accessible, and often enhanced with save states and display options.

• Nintendo Switch Online — Includes NES, SNES, N64, and Sega Mega Drive libraries with subscription.
• PlayStation Plus / PS Store — PS1 and PS2 Classics available via PlayStation Plus Premium tier.
• GOG.com — DRM-free PC classics including early DOS games and Amiga-era titles.
• Steam — Growing catalogue of official retro ports and HD remasters.
• Evercade — Licensed cartridge-based handheld with curated retro collections.

5. Physical Collecting

Physical cartridges and discs are available through several channels. Prices vary significantly by game rarity and condition.

• eBay — Largest secondary market for retro hardware and software; prices reflect collector demand.
• Local car boot sales and charity shops — Occasional finds at low prices; requires patience.
• Retro gaming conventions — Specialist events (e.g., Play Expo in the UK) with dealers and collectors.
• Specialist retro game stores — Physical shops or online stores focused exclusively on older hardware and software.
• Depop / Facebook Marketplace — Informal secondhand listings; often cheaper than eBay.

Price guide: PriceCharting.com is the standard reference for current secondhand market values for retro cartridges and discs.

6. Community Recommendations

Retro gaming communities are valuable for personal recommendations tailored to specific tastes.

• Reddit: r/retrogaming, r/nes, r/snes, r/ps1, r/n64 — active communities with recommendation threads.
• Discord servers — Many console-specific communities exist; often have "what should I play?" channels.
• YouTube comment sections — "If you liked X, try Y" recommendations in longplay and review comments.

Quick Reference: Finding Retro Games