# Retro Gamer Lighting The NES Advantage Joystick Desk Lamp Upcycles Obsolete Controllers By Marissa Brassfield | Published 2011-06-05 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nes-advantage-joystick-desk-lamp References: [walyou](http://walyou.com/nes-joystick-lamp/) & [etsy](http://www.etsy.com/listing/65171572/8-bit-legacy-nes-advantage-joystick) Michael Smalley of RecycledRetroGear created this NES Advantage Joystick Desk Lamp out of an [obsolete video game controller](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nothing-gamepad-1). Smalley removed the joystick on the console and replaced it with a 40-watt light bulb and [minimalist lampshade](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/delite-20). He doesn't indicate what the buttons on the right side of the console have been configured to do, but the lamp does turn on and off with a button rather than a switch. This lamp from an [upcycled gamer console](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vectrex-mini) is just one of the ways savvy DIYers have been modifying their old, obsolete tech devices to be functional in a modern setting. Items that would otherwise have been trashed now have a new, more useful life and a killer backstory for their owners to share with guests. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 33% | Activity: 57% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Upcycling Obsolete Tech:** There is a disruptive innovation opportunity for companies to offer DIYers more opportunities to upcycle obsolete tech into modern functional items. - **Retrofuturism:** There is an opportunity for companies in the lighting and electronics industries to create more products that balance the style of retro gaming with the innovations of modern technology. - **Sustainable Lighting Design:** There is a disruptive innovation opportunity for lighting manufacturers to shift towards sustainable design by repurposing outdated electronics and providing customers with eco-friendly products. ### Sectors Adopting This - **DIY:** The DIY industry has an opportunity to provide more guidance and resources for consumers looking to upcycle their obsolete tech into functional household items. - **Lighting:** The lighting industry has an opportunity to create more sustainable, eco-friendly designs by repurposing outdated electronics and reducing their carbon footprint. - **Electronics:** The electronics industry has an opportunity to collaborate with artists and designers to create products that combine the nostalgic appeal of retro gaming with modern innovations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Pixelated Gamer Smart Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/govee-pacman-gaming-pixel-light.md) - [Nostalgic Gaming Console Radios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nintendo-radio.md) - [Gamepad-Inspired Wireless Chargers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nes-gamepad.md) - [Arcade-Style Console Docks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-arcade-pro.md) - [Projector-Equipped Handheld Gaming Consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nintendo-game-boy-concept.md) - [Animation-Inspired LED Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/animationinspired-led-lamp.md) - [Ambient Tabletop Gamer Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bowio-game-light.md) - [Playful Brick-Born Lighting](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/analog-lamps-1.md) - [Video Game-Inspired Side Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pac-man-side-table.md)