The safest way to play retro games today is through official routes: classic libraries inside subscriptions such as Nintendo Switch Online, publisher collections from Sega and Atari, re-releases on stores like GOG, and free browser classics like the Chrome Dino game. They're legal, they run on modern devices, and you don't need to hunt for old files.
Here's the second thing worth knowing: you don't need an old console in the loft. Most of the games people love from the arcade and early console days have been re-released, rebuilt or bundled into collections. Availability changes as publishers move things around, so check the store page for your device before you get your heart set on a title.
Where to play retro games legally today
These are the routes I'd look at first. None of them need anything from a dodgy corner of the internet.
- Nintendo Switch Online classics. Nintendo offers a library of old console games to subscribers on the Switch. It suits anyone who already owns a Switch and wants Nintendo's own classics in one place. The limit is that the library is picked by Nintendo and changes over time.
- Sega and Atari collections. Both companies have released bundles of their older arcade and console titles on current consoles, PC and sometimes phones. They suit people who want a handful of games in one download. The limit is that the mix of games varies by collection, so read the list before you buy.
- GOG-style re-releases. Some stores specialise in older PC games that have been fixed up to run on modern Windows. They suit PC players who want a game that simply starts and works. The limit is that they cover PC only.
- Free browser classics. Simple games from the early days of the web still run in a tab, and Chrome has a hidden one of its own. When your connection drops, type chrome://dino into the address bar and the little dinosaur appears. I've written a full guide to playing the Chrome Dino game online and offline.
Nine retro games still worth your time
I've kept this to games that keep turning up in official re-releases, so you've got a real chance of finding them today. For each one I've noted who it suits, what it does best and where it shows its age. Where each game lives right now depends on your device, so search the title in your console or phone store.
- Tetris. Suits almost everyone, because the rules take ten seconds to learn. Its strength is the quick, calm loop of fitting shapes together. The limit is that it never changes, so don't expect a story.
- Pac-Man. Suits short breaks and anyone who likes pattern learning. Its strength is how clearly you can see the ghosts' personalities. The limit is that a round can end quickly if you panic.
- Space Invaders. Suits people curious about where arcade shooters began. The strength is the rising tension as the rows move down. The limit is a very simple look and feel by modern standards.
- Super Mario Bros. Suits beginners and families. Its strength is tight, fair controls that make every jump feel good. The limit is that experienced platform players may finish it fast.
- Sonic the Hedgehog. Suits players who like speed and bright, bouncy levels. The strength is the sense of momentum. The limit is that some stages punish you if you rush.
- The Legend of Zelda. Suits explorers who enjoy working things out. The strength is the freedom to wander and find secrets. The limit is that it gives you very little guidance, so you'll want patience or a notepad.
- Street Fighter II. Suits anyone with a friend on the sofa. The strength is the versus mode, which still starts arguments. The limit is that the single-player side is tough.
- Doom. Suits fans of fast shooters who want to see where the genre grew up. The strength is the pace and level design. The limit is that it's a violent game, so it isn't one for young children.
- Prince of Persia. Suits people who like careful, cinematic platforming. The strength is the fluid animation. The limit is that it's strict about mistakes, so expect to retry.
If you like your classics on a table rather than a screen, my guide to classic board games covers the evergreen ones. And if you're after cheap-to-run PC titles from the same era, see these freeware offline games for Windows PCs.
New games with a retro feel
Maybe you love the look and feel but not the clunky parts. A lot of newer games are built in the old spirit, with modern controls and saving.
- Stardew Valley. A farming and village game in pixel art. It suits relaxed players. The strength is the gentle pace, and the limit is that it can swallow whole evenings.
- Celeste. A tough, kind platformer about climbing a mountain. It suits anyone who enjoyed the precision of the old Mario games. The strength is its assist options, and the limit is that the later levels are hard.
- Shovel Knight. A platformer that borrows from the eight-bit era on purpose. It suits people who want old-school challenge with fair checkpoints. The strength is the music and level variety. The limit is that it asks for quick reactions.
These are paid games, so check the current terms on the store page. If you'd rather start with something quiet, puzzle games for the Nintendo Switch are a gentle next step.
A word on emulators and ROMs
You'll see emulators mentioned a lot when people talk about retro games. An emulator is a program that imitates an old console. The program itself is generally fine. The grey area is the game files, usually called ROMs. Copying or downloading a game you don't own is not something I'd do or point you towards, and I won't link to any source for them.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
If you do use an emulator, the sensible line is to play only games you own and to read the rules for your country. The rules differ, and I'm not a lawyer. For most readers the official routes above are simpler, safer and free of malware worries.
Make a retro game? See how to get it featured on this list.
Frequently asked questions
Are retro games free to play?
Some are. Browser classics and the Chrome Dino game are free. Most official re-releases and collections are paid or sit behind a subscription, so check the current terms on the store page.
Is it legal to play old games online?
It's legal when you use an official release, an official collection or a game the publisher gives away. Downloading files for a game you don't own is where people get into trouble, so I'd avoid it.
Which retro game should a beginner start with?
Tetris and Super Mario Bros. are good first picks. Both teach you the controls within a minute and don't need you to read a manual.
Can I play retro games on my phone?
Yes. Many classics have official phone versions, and browser games run on any modern phone. Search the title in your app store and check that the publisher is the official one.
