Category
Tech
Automated Upkeep
Trend cluster
Category
8-Bit
Obsession
Older gamers reintroduce retro gaming for the new generation.
3.2
Trend score
Trend
What is the 8-Bit Obsession trend?
8-Bit Obsession: Gaming has transcended beyond being a simple pastime to a fully immersive experience with regard to both technology and culture, but there is a growing fascination with regard to the games of yesteryear amid Gen Z gamers. The distinct attention to downgraded technology negates smartphones and modern gaming consoles for something based solely out of culture to effectively switch up how younger generations interpret what's entertaining in the 21st century.
Trend themes
Themes within the 8-Bit Obsession trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Retrofitting Technology
Old technologies, such as the Game Boy, are being retrofitted with modern features, like smartphone cases, to cater to gamers’ need for tactile responses.
02
Reinvention of Retro
Older memories associated with the older version games are influencing the modern designs, as with the case of the Simon Swipe's modern touchscreen upgrade.
03
DIY Handheld Gaming Console
The creation of the DIY Gamer Kit is enabling people to build and customize their handheld gaming consoles, to allow them to explore their creativity and unique preferences.
Industry implications
What the 8-Bit Obsession trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Gaming Industry
Retrofitting of old technologies and reinvention of retro games is an opportunity for gaming industry to create/tap into nostalgia-based games, and appeal to a new market segment of gamers.
For
Technology Industry
The rise of DIY console building, and interest in retrofitting technology could create a new market segment for technology industry, especially for e-commerce and startups.
For
Education and Learning Industry
The DIY Gamer Kit reflects an emerging trend of creating DIY projects for education and learning industry which focuses on giving learners a chance to explore their abilities in a fun and tactile way.
Trend signals
Trend signals for 8-Bit Obsession
Trend score 3.2 out of 10, from popularity 45%, activity 43%, freshness 8%.
Popularity45%
Activity43%
Freshness8%
Audience
90%Men
10%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X (not a primary audience)
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the 8-Bit Obsession trend
6 featured examples from Mar 21, 2013 to Jan 25, 2014CategoryTech
Stripped-Down Handheld Consoles
The DIY Gamer Kit Allows People to Build Their Own Gameboy
Disruptive innovation opportunity in the gaming industry by creating a market for DIY handheld gaming consoles.
CategoryUnique
Retro Valise Arcades
Take Your Favorite Games to Work with the Briefcase Arcade Machine
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Innovate new gaming accessories that enhance the gaming experience for both casual and hardcore gamers.
CategoryTech
Tablet Gaming Controllers
The Drone Controller is Bluetooth-Enabled for Gaming On-the-Go
Opportunity for mobile gaming companies to develop and promote button-based gaming controllers to cater to gamers who prefer tactile controls.
CategoryTech
DIY Gaming Smartphone Mods
Turn a Game Boy into an Android Controller with These DIY Instructions
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Revolutionize the gaming accessories industry by developing wireless and customizable smartphone game controllers.
CategoryTech
Portable Retro Gaming Systems
Retro Duo Portable Game Systems
Companies in the electronics manufacturing industry can explore opportunities to produce portable retro gaming systems for the growing retro gaming market.
CategoryTech
Reinvented Vintage Memory Games
The Simon Swipe Game is Reinvented for the New Era
The toy industry has the opportunity to use innovative technology to redesign and enhance classic games like the Simon Swipe game.
