A recent survey of 2,000 Generation Z Britons has just been published. It looks at the retrogaming habits of this population, born between 1997 and 2012, who are unfamiliar with the hardwares we usually cover here.

The results are surprising, even encouraging, for the hobby we cherish and share.

The survey reveals that, over the last two years, 66% of Gen Z members have purchased retro technology (consoles or other), and 24% own a retro console. This craze for retrogaming is explained in 89% of cases by a desire to break away from the Internet, but also by a feeling of relaxation provided by vintage games for 74% of those surveyed.

We also learn that 77% of the panel feel a sentimental attachment to their original hardware, encouraging them to keep their equipment.

The study was not limited to video games and explored other retro trends. The report is even more surprising in this respect: 30% of Britons say they would consider swapping their smartphone for a flip phone, and 61% say they are interested in audio cassettes, believing they will make a comeback, just like vinyl records.

These figures may seem high, but nostalgia plays an important role. Nonetheless, some of Gen Z are expressing a desire to distance themselves from the omnipresent Internet, in order to rediscover a certain simplicity and a bubble free from constant solicitations.

The report also echoes other persistent fashion effects, such as the return of the success of music from the 90s and 2000s or the growing interest in preserving "Youngtimer ’ cars.

Remember that Gen Z is relatively unfamiliar with vintage consoles and has not been the generation most affected by their use. The oldest were born the year the Nintendo 64 was launched, while the youngest were born the year the Wii U came out.

Finally, one last point that marks an epochal turning point: the Alpha generation, born from 2013 onwards, and those that follow will almost exclusively know dematerialised.

This survey was commissioned by Pringles (photo illustration), to mark the opening of a temporary ‘clinic’ in London, offering free repairs to retro, portable and home consoles. A similar survey was published a few days ago in the United States, reporting similar behaviour (article here). To date, no similar study has been carried out in France.

Source: Metro.co.uk