Reflecting on Gaming Nostalgia: What We Miss and Don’t Miss About the Past

As gaming technology advances, with controllers becoming more ergonomic, graphics more realistic, and VR gaming growing more interactive, it’s natural to reflect on the past and reminisce about simpler times. So, let's take a trip down memory lane and list the things we both missed and don’t miss about gaming in the past. 

I DON’T MISS limited save slots. I am 100% certain we all had a frustrating instance of having to choose between saving your progress or running the risk of losing it all. Limited save slots were the bane of many gamers out there, forcing tough decisions on young minds. Yes, there are also additional scenarios of losing progress when our cousin or little brother has a go at the game; unknowingly overwriting a main save slot. Thankfully, modern gaming offers the convenience of unlimited save slots, granting the options of auto-saving and manual saving to make sure the player has ample room. 

I DO MISS the simple yet iconic 32-bit music. There is an undeniable charm about pixelated music that is sprinkled all over our adventures in the past. It’s upbeat and  clunky yet satisfying at the same time. Whether it was the melodies of Super Mario or the haunting soundtrack of Pokemon’s Lavender Town, 32-but music had a magical charm that cannot be replaced even amongst all the well-orchestrated music of modern gaming. 

From alexchocron Official GIPHY

I DON’T MISS blowing into gaming cartridges to get them to work. While it may have seemed like a magical fix in the past, blowing into cartridges often caused more harm than good with moisture particles. This tedious task is thankfully a thing of the past with modern gaming technology.

From Neptune Official GIPHY

I DO MISS the thrill of discovering cheat codes and secrets from friends. Access to the Internet back then was scarce, meaning access to cheat codes and playthroughs for challenging situations to come by. But that is where the thrilling part happens: when talking about it, your friends would casually say that they discovered a cheat code. After hearing that and trying it for yourself, it found buried treasure. Undoubtedly, cheat codes still exist in modern games, but they are less impactful because everything can be attained with a little modding. 

From Redbull Official Website

Finally, I DO MISS split-screen bonding time. Gathering around a CRT TV for split-screen multiplayer gaming with friends or family creates memorable moments filled with laughter and camaraderie. Although online multiplayer offers convenience, nothing beats the shared experience of split-screen gaming.

Gaming has evolved, leaving behind some nostalgic elements while embracing new innovations. Whether it's unlimited save slots or the charm of classic game music, each gaming era uniquely appeals to us. As games move forward, so does the landscape of technology. If you want to dip your toes and upgrade your home in your own little yet smart way, you can consider smart technology. Be it smart bulbs, smart assistants, or smart plugs, you can check them out at the Next Upgrade Shop!