The Retro Revival

The Retro Revival

Everyone has a sense of nostalgia. Whether it is for their favorite old TV show or just a favorite memory varies from person to person. Nowadays it's become a fad to use and enjoy older technology. In an article titled, "The Retro-Tech Revival," the author, Mike Walsh, explains why some people might see that "the future of technology is in the past." He talks about how Nokia phones are being released again, Nintendo is releasing the NES and SNES Classic Editions, and even the revival of typewriters. 

Now you may be thinking that people just want to have a throwback, but the power of nostalgia vision is much stronger than that. 

That's right, these systems are selling for close to $300, a little more than triple the original price of the original NES in 1985. These classic editions don't even play all the games originally created for the system, they only play a select amount of pre-loaded titles. The throwback console game has even grown to include Sega and Atari.

This isn't Atari's only current project either. Atari is planning on coming out with the Atari VCS (Video Computer System). This new system will not only play classic Atari 2600 games like the Flashback but also new games, as it will be running a Linux OS. This means that the VCS will essentially function as a living room desktop. Atari has said that they plan on making a sort of "sandbox" mode on the system allowing for a basic Linux desktop screen. This system will have the capability to download the Linux port of Steam and Steam games. However, no specs, price, or official release date have been announced. 

 One of the biggest examples of the return of retro can be seen in the music industry. Several artists are re-releasing albums on vinyl records again. These LP's are coming back into popularity and reviving an industry thought to be dead. Any tech section at stores like Target is bound to at least sell one type of record player. This isn't just an observation either, I am one of the people involved in this fad.

The old school feel of records allows for fans both old and new to enjoy their favorite artists like they're back in the "good ol' days."

This new industry has grown so large that even new bands have begun to press their albums. I personally own an LP of Pierce the Veil's Misadventures, and Adelitas Way's Stuck. Neither of these bands were formed for the original era of vinyl. 

The last retro industry I want to talk about is the instant camera scene. People today have cameras everywhere, from their phones to their security system. This doesn't lessen peoples fascination with pictures at all. People have progressively moved over to Dslr cameras. These cameras allow for great pictures and have amazing connectivity, some can even email photos directly from the camera. As of late, however, people have moved back to instant cameras like Polaroids. This cameras allow for a retro feel and keepsake at the same time. The main downside to these cameras is you continually have to pay for film.