# 8-Bit Obsession Older gamers reintroduce retro gaming for the new generation. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Feb 25, 2014 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/8bit-obsession ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.2/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 21, 2013 to Jan 25, 2014 - Published: Feb 25, 2014 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the 8-Bit Obsession trend ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the 8-Bit Obsession trend means for industry ### For 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 for 8-Bit Obsession Trend score 3.2 out of 10, from popularity 45%, activity 43%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 45% - Activity: 43% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the 8-Bit Obsession trend 6 featured examples from Mar 21, 2013 to Jan 25, 2014. - [Stripped-Down Handheld Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-gamer-kit): The DIY Gamer Kit Allows People to Build Their Own Gameboy (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity in the gaming industry by creating a market for DIY handheld gaming consoles. - [Retro Valise Arcades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/briefcase-arcade-machine): Take Your Favorite Games to Work with the Briefcase Arcade Machine (Category: Unique) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Innovate new gaming accessories that enhance the gaming experience for both casual and hardcore gamers. - [Tablet Gaming Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drone-controller): The Drone Controller is Bluetooth-Enabled for Gaming On-the-Go (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for mobile gaming companies to develop and promote button-based gaming controllers to cater to gamers who prefer tactile controls. - [DIY Gaming Smartphone Mods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaming-smartphone): Turn a Game Boy into an Android Controller with These DIY Instructions (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Revolutionize the gaming accessories industry by developing wireless and customizable smartphone game controllers. - [Portable Retro Gaming Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaming-systems): Retro Duo Portable Game Systems (Category: Tech) Implication: Companies in the electronics manufacturing industry can explore opportunities to produce portable retro gaming systems for the growing retro gaming market. - [Reinvented Vintage Memory Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/simon-swipe-game): The Simon Swipe Game is Reinvented for the New Era (Category: Tech) Implication: The toy industry has the opportunity to use innovative technology to redesign and enhance classic games like the Simon Swipe game. ## Recent trend clusters - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Ambient Assistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ambient-assistance) (Tech) - [Autonomy Stacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomy-stacks) (Tech) - [Connected Filtration](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/connected-filtration) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Variable Aperture Smartphone Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iphone-18) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Self-Cleaning Smart Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinecos-pure-one-station-5) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)