
So, what is retro? Bit of a loaded question that one. I mean everyone has their own personal definition of what counts as retro to them, right? Sure a lot of people will broadly agree with each other, but equally so a lot of people will disagree with them as well. And me? I’ve got a consistent definition that I have used for decades now. And in my opinion, it just works:
2 generations old.

That’s the marker. 2 generations. What do i mean by that? Well, let me explain:
If a system is 2 generations old, then as far as I’m concerned, it become a retro system. So, at the time of writing (June 2025), then PS3 and Xbox 360 are classed by me as retro systems. Both of those have had 2 successor systems reach the market (PS4&5 for Sony, Xbox One & Series X/S for Microsoft). Now, to some folk, those are still classed as “modern” systems. But think about it for a second (this is where I try to convince you that I’m right, so listen closely): The Xbox 360 launched in November 2005 (19.5 years ago), and the PS3 in November 2006 (18.5 years ago). That’s the best part of 2 bloody decades ago! Now, in 2001, no one would have argued that the then 19 year old ZX Spectrum wasn’t a retro system. yet I do see some folk who indeed did class the humble Speccy as retro in the early 2000s flat out stating that the PS3 & Xbox 360 “can’t be retro”. Being 20 isn’t old enough? If you told someone born in 2005/2006 that they were not an adult, people would tell you you were an idiot (in the UK at any rate, you become a legal adult at 18 here) for saying that. 2 decades is a bloody long time. Trust me, I’ve been on this planet for almost 5 decades. It’s a looooong time.

Hell, I’ve even seen the argument that any system that does 3D, polygonal games (eg PS1, Saturn and later) can’t be/isn’t retro. Now, to each their own, but really? Only 2D systems can be retro? Guess that means that the Amiga isn’t retro. Or even the Speccy (see Castle Master, Hard Drivin’, etc). To me that argument falls down right there.

But yeah, it’s a loaded question. I’ve given my definition. I’ve shown why I think another definition is dumb. And that’s where I’ll leave this for now.