Nostalgia fuels UK boom in vintage video game repairs

Luke Malpass, owner of the video game repair business RetroSix, restores vintage gaming consoles from his home workshop, where shelves are stacked with parts for Game Boys, Sega Megadrives, and early Nintendo systems.

As demand for retro gaming continues to grow, Malpass consistently handles between 50 to 150 consoles awaiting repair. Repair costs vary widely, ranging from £60 to several hundred pounds, depending on the condition and model. 

The retro gaming resurgence has been driven by nostalgia, collector interest, and a renewed appreciation for older hardware. Industry analysts note that consoles once considered modern, such as the Nintendo DS and Xbox One, are increasingly being viewed as retro by a new generation of enthusiasts. 

RetroSix operates in a niche market that reflects a broader trend in gaming culture, where physical devices and tactile interaction hold lasting appeal amid a digital-dominated industry.