Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Windows Central
Windows Central
Technology
Cale Hunt

Retro gaming PCs are booming in 2026, and not just for nostalgia — Here's the story behind it and how to build your own on the cheap

A retro gaming console with "16-BIT" written on it is placed on a surface next to an open box revealing a modern circuit board, creating a contrast between old and new technology.

Nestled in the shadow of stunning AAA graphics, custom PC builds that cost as much as a used car, and throbbing RGB lighting is a growing collective of retro PC gaming enthusiasts who want nothing more than to keep the world of 8-bit, 16-bit, and early 3D games not just alive, but thriving.

While the retro gaming scene has been quietly growing for years, it certainly seems like 2026 has been a tipping point, especially with how expensive PC components have become.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.