What exactly does “retro gaming” refer to? People will often commonly agree that systems such as the SNES and Genesis are retro consoles. What about newer consoles such as the Nintendo 3DS & Wii U? With the upcoming closure of the 3DS & Wii U eShop in just over a month, this raises the question. Of course, players will still be able to re-download titles that have already been purchased, but shopping functions will no longer be accessible. However, this essentially marks the end for the 3DS & Wii U.
So, does the end of the 3DS & Wii U eShop make the handheld a retro console? The answer to this question may not be so simple. At what point does a console become “retro”?
Retro is a platform that is approaching 20y in age. After that you have vintage which can be upwards of 30-40 and then you have antique which is 50+
For my part, Retro gaming means outdated conventions of how you used to play a game and the limits associated with them.
Here's an example A black-and-white TV was the convention in the '50s
Today a black-and-white show would be retro because the color is the norm.
Same with 2d platformer pixel art versus 3d games.
Now I don't call Wiiu, or 3ds retro because lots of the games are still using the convention of today.
Heck gaming (gameplay-wise) has barely evolved since the introduction of the 360.
IMO, Retro = 3 generations or 20 years, whichever is longer.
Guys if you have a 3DS just mod it, it's not so hard just follow a guide on youtube and get the whole collection of 3DS roms, or just the best games for it.