What is driving younger generations’ enthusiasm for a revival of retro games?

The Bouncy, Nintendo Wii Theme MIDI Melody Falling into the drill beat. When you open the Game Boy Color, lip gloss case.a$ap rocky goes “Complete Minecraft” A man in a pixelated hoodie panting and bobbing up and down his arm got stuck in a bush. This is not a defect. Pop culture, both online and IRL, has embraced the retro gaming aesthetic.

On TikTok, #Retro game video It has been viewed over 6 billion times.upon YouTube, the number of uploads increased 1,000 times. Spotify users say he’s creating 50% more retro gaming-themed playlists compared to this time last year, and the live streamer is adding repetitive catchphrases and mechanical They use movement to their advantage. So why, in an age of hyper-realistic graphics and ever-expanding technological possibilities, are younger generations fascinated by the limits of technology?

For Kingsley Ellis, a millennial who grew up listening to the beeps and bleeps of Sega Megadrives and N64 cartridges, the appeal of retro gaming is simple. “It’s all about nostalgia,” says Ellis from the TikTok account. Unpacked, has 1.5 million followers. His interests are primarily in old gaming hardware, he says. His most-watched videos revisit the wonderfully weird world of retro peripherals. They’re often ridiculous appendages designed to enhance (or over-engineer) the gaming experience. screen magnifier and foldable speaker It clips onto the console.

Young gamers are discovering retro accessories like the Wii Fit balance board through TikTok. Photo: Itsuo Inoue/Associated Press

“I was struck by some of the obsessions that I wasn’t aware of as a child,” he says. pedice dating The snorkel allows the pediatric dentist to administer nitrous oxide to the patient while playing a game, or is controlled by a Game Boy. sewing machine. Ellis’ content offers a winning combination of innovation, discovery, novelty and nostalgia. “I think the current wave of technology will be largely ignored in the future,” he says. “I don’t feel like there are any nostalgic properties there.”

This sentiment seems to resonate with the growing demographics of Gen Z and Gen Alpha. The popularity of channels like Ellis reflects his widespread fascination with retro technology. reaction videothe return of the Web 1.0 era Frutiger Aero aesthetics (Think futuristic optimism, shiny buttons, gradients and Windows XP screensavers), filters that transform people PS2 characters, and the increasing adoption of Y2K-era devices by younger consumers. Last year, Urban Outfitters sold out of its inventory of refurbished iPod Minis and 20-year-old Olympus digital cameras.The hottest Gen Z gadgets”. Amid the ubiquity of today’s technology and instant gratification, Ellis suggests that the appealing limitations of retro devices foster a “hack and discover” mentality that leads to long-term gratification. doing.

Thanks to the memetic nature of the modern internet, video game soundtracks and graphics increasingly come to life in new contexts, and this thrill of discovery extends beyond gameplay. Games have long been a source of inspiration for artists. Remember Jay-Z’s Golden Ax sample? money, cash, hoes; Lil BUse of Masashi Hamauzu’s Final Fantasy score.and D double ease street fighter riddim. Video game music is part of the regular programming on NTS, an independent online radio platform with millions of loyal listeners. NTS’ monthly geek show highlights a specific game or theme, from iconic series like The Legend of Zelda to the history of video game sampling in rap.

“Our passion stems from our belief that music in video games and anime often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves,” said Thierry Hunn, the show’s curator. For him and the rest of his ’90s kids, video games were the gateway to music discovery. Genres such as jungle and breakbeat were first encountered by many children while fighting virtual enemies.Pink Panther Ress viral hit Boys A Liar Pt. 2Charli XCX suggests that Mr. Hung sounds like something straight out of…

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A history of curbing enthusiasm
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There's a podcast for that

Mary Robinson, host of Mothers of Invention. Photo: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian

this week, nima job Our picks for the 5 best podcasts on climate crisisfrom the positive changes we can make as individuals to combat the crisis, to the impact on Indigenous communities.

Pre-drilled
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mothers of invention
In this fascinating podcast, Mary Robinson (above), Ireland's first female president, shares the microphone with comedian Maeve Higgins and series producer Timari Kodikara. The all-female case leaves no room for debate as to whether men are primarily responsible for the climate crisis. Each episode spotlights a heroic brown, black, and indigenous woman taking on the challenges facing our planet. The trio also give airtime to concerns young people have about how the climate crisis will affect their future prospects. The show features a wide range of guests, from female climate change activists like Diara Tucano to U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders.

I'm curious about the climate
If you're feeling confused and unprepared to discuss the climate crisis and its potential impact on your life, this TEDxLondon podcast hosted by Mariam Pasha and Ben Hurst is perfect for you. It's a learning tool. The show demystifies unfamiliar climate terminology, dissects climate issues with expert interviews, celebrates Pride, explores queer ecology, and explores intersex birds and transsexual fish. shed light on the world.

climate of change
Climate of Change doesn't have a huge back catalogue, but its six episodes make for a short and sweet listening experience. Guests include Hollywood veteran Cate Blanchett and clean energy economy entrepreneur Danny Kennedy, as well as Prince William, fashion activist Livia Firth and Don't Look Up director Adam McKay. Appear. Despite highlighting the dire challenges facing our planet, this podcast maintains an optimistic tone while providing insight into the important work being done.

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good together
Hosted by sustainability expert Laura Alexander Wittig, this podcast gives listeners the tools to make a difference in mitigating the climate crisis. In each weekly episode, she learns about terms like “circular economy” and discovers practical tips for incorporating eco-friendly habits into your daily life. Wittig covers a wide range of topics, from sustainable spring cleaning to the environmental impact of her streaming services. If you want to contribute to positive change, this is the perfect podcast to inspire you to channel your inner climate hero.

For more Guardian reporting on the environment and the climate crisis, sign up here to receive the Down to Earth newsletter every Thursday.

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Source: www.theguardian.com