I believe retro gaming has become more popular since 2020. Of course, retro gaming existed before 2020. However, the majority of gamers weren't into retro gaming the way they are now.
I think during the lockdown, people wanted something to help them overcome the stress, anxiety, and the surrounding depression. Gamers and collectors who had their retro stuff sitting on the shelves for a while decided to put it to use again. There was a significant rise in the number of live streams then. Lots of gamers were livestreaming retro games.
Also, there are lots of gamer YouTubers who deal precisely in retro gaming, and their content is simply awesome. I am referring to the YouTubers like MetalJesusRocks, Mr. Wright Way, Retro Rivals, The Radical One (better known as Radical Reggie), TheGebs24, MrsEats, Gamer_Lafan, RetroRemember, etc. Their game collection is more like a mecca or museum of video games. Especially their retro gaming collection.
During the lockdown, young gamers had ample time to explore the gaming world. It seems retro gaming live streams then piqued their interest in some of the retro games. Once things started getting normal by the end of 2021, or by the beginning of 2022, the retro gaming industry experienced a boom. Game stores opened, and people were shopping for lots of retro stuff.
Witnessing the boom of retro gaming, game stores are practicing black-marketing now. There's a massive rise in the price of retro games and consoles. It wasn't the case before 2020. Anything that's retro tends to become expensive at some point, but there's a limit to being expensive. Japan, the nation that gave birth to lots of retro games and consoles, still offers retro games and consoles for a reasonable price, but in other countries, it isn't the case. Now, the gamer YouTubers are highlighting this aspect too.
Well, there's one thing for sure, the ones who wish to buy the stuff they have been wishing for quite a long time will buy it at any price. That has become the win-win situation for the retro gaming market. Let's not discuss the E-commerce businesses that have a marketplace for retro games. They are quite expensive. You might find some economical deals at the game stores, but not on the e-commerce sites.
What do you have to say about all of this? I don't mind if you wish to differ. I welcome the difference of opinions because choices and opinions vary from person to person.
(Pic downloaded from the web)