Video games and consoles have evolved immeasurably over the past few decades. However, Gen X and Millennials may start to feel their age as the consoles of their youth are placed on display like museum artefacts from a bygone age.
Before there were wireless controllers and massive multiplayer online battle royales, arcades were the primary social hub, and gamers marveled at the graphics on 8-bit consoles.
Showcasing the history of gaming, from its humble origins to the immersive open world adventures we know now, the Retro Park at the Esports World Cup Festival in Riyadh covers all the bases, from the first consoles to powerhouse of the current generation.
Hang Out with Some Handheld Consoles
Before there was the Nintendo Switch 2 and smartphones, 1989’s Nintendo Game Boy revolutionized gaming, allowing players to take their gaming experience wherever they went.
Since then, we’ve seen several mobile consoles hit the market, from the Nintendo DS to the PlayStation Portable to the Steam Deck.
Experience the Evolution of Video Games
Pong, Space Invaders and Pac-Man were mind-blowing for their time, in the same way the hyper realistic Unreal Engine 5 games and virtual reality are now.
From gaming’s first forays into pop culture to the industry-defining titles captivating global audiences in the modern day, it’s all here and available to play on systems like the Nintendo Entertainment System, Dreamcast, Nintendo GameCube, SEGA Genesis.
Whether you’re an OG or a noob, you can explore the full spectrum of video game history at the Retro Park.
Arcade
The visceral experience using a joystick and a few buttons has endured the test of time even as game consoles migrated into our homes.
Want a trip down memory lane? Check out the arcade area and you can play Golden Axe, Pac-Man, NBA Jam, Mortal Kombat II, and Time Crisis to test your skills and enjoy some vintage video games.
The good news? You don’t need a pocket full of coins, just the will to try and beat the high score.
Anime Corner
Anime has enjoyed huge popularity in the Middle East for decades, from Captain Majid and Dragonball to One Piece and Naruto.
Head to the Anime Corner at the Retro Park and you can see artwork, multimedia, collectables and comic books featuring some of the most-loved anime titles.
Walkman Section
Much like gaming, music was something enjoyed at home and not on-the-go, until everything changed.
In 1979 came the Sony Walkman, a cassette player that eventually evolved to play CDs, Mini Discs and MP3s. The term Walkman became a genericized trademark synonymous with portable music and was even added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 1986.
Want to explore what on-the-go musical experiences were like before streaming? Check out a display of Sony Walkman’s that will have you reminiscing of old mixtapes.
