• Home
  • Our Books
  • Our Film
  • Games
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Login

Perspectives on all eras of videogames, computers, technology, and geek culture since 2003

Login

Login
Armchair ArcadeArmchair Arcade
Armchair ArcadeArmchair Arcade
  • Home
  • Our Books
  • Our Film
  • Games
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Login

What the Definition of Classic and Vintage Videogames and Computers Really Is

Commodore Amiga 500, Alienware laptop, Atari 2600 VCS
Commodore Amiga 500, Alienware laptop, Atari 2600 VCS

What the Definition of Classic and Vintage Videogames and Computers Really Is

July 29, 2015 Posted by Bill Loguidice Editorial No Comments

The topic of what “classic” or “vintage” means when it comes to videogames and computers is once again rearing its controversial head on various forums and discussion groups. While I have a clear sense of what “classic” and “vintage” mean to me personally in terms of videogames and computers, I readily acknowledge that my interpretation is very much a by-product of having grown up in the late 1970s and 1980s. That’s the problem, really, that what defines “classic” and “vintage” really comes down to when you were born and what platforms make up your youthful memories.

My co-author and I dealt a bit with this topic in the hardware-based sequel to the book, Vintage Games, Vintage Game Consoles, where the greatest game playing platforms of all-time were discussed. Platforms like the Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360, although surely qualifying as two of the greatest game playing platforms of all-time, were purposely excluded because their respective stories are still unfolding, i.e., they’re still active on the market. Objectively, that’s what the definition of “classic” and “vintage” in this regard needs to come down to, whether a particular platform is still active on the market. That’s why the newest system covered in Vintage Game Consoles was the Nintendo GameCube, the last significant platform released that is no longer commercially supported (Nintendo’s Wii is just about – but not quite – ready to join its predecessor).

While even I would say that the Sony PlayStation 2, Microsoft Xbox, and Nintendo GameCube don’t feel “classic” or “vintage,” inevitably, given enough time, they will. How much more time needs to pass is again open to individual interpretation. The same applies to the generation after those systems, the generation after that, and then whatever comes after that, ad infinitum, until perhaps the concept behind a “platform” itself is no longer recognizable.

Of course, confusing the debate are platforms like the modern PC (highlighted by today’s official release of Windows 10), which can genuinely trace its roots back to 1981, despite having clear technological dividing lines along the way (DOS, Windows, 2D, 3D, 64-bit Windows, etc.). This was dealt with pragmatically in Vintage Game Consoles by having one chapter devoted to the DOS era of 1981 – 1995, then a separate chapter devoted to the Windows era of 1995 – Present. While one era in that example is definitely older, can’t the era that started 20 years ago also not be argued as “classic” and “vintage?” It made it into the book, so obviously I believe that it can.

So, what’s the solution? The only sane way of delineating platforms is to group them into eras and to put aside overly generic terms like “classic” and “vintage.” Frankly, it’s easier to say things like “Pre-Crash era,” “16-bit era,” etc., as dividing lines than something fairly generic like “classic” or “vintage,” much like I did for the umpteenth time in this 2006 feature on a previous version of our Website. Of course, even those designations are open to interpretation and debate, and we’ll really only have a reasonable solution to the issue if we can have generally agreed upon designations. Perhaps we need a reasonably official meeting of the minds equivalent to the infamous 2006 gathering of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in Prague that determined Pluto was no longer a major planet. That example made everyone happy and agreeable to new common classifications, right?

Tags: dosgamecubeMicrosoftNintendoplaystationsonywiiWindowswindows 10Xbox
No Comments
8

About Bill Loguidice

Bill Loguidice is a Founder and Managing Director for Armchair Arcade, as well as a critically acclaimed technology author and journalist.  He is also the co-founder of creative services firm, Armchair Creative Services, and a noted videogame and computer historian and subject matter expert. See full bio

You also might be interested in

Cloud Gaming: What Is It and Does It Have a Future?
Cloud Gaming: What Is It and Does It Have a Future?

Cloud Gaming: What Is It and Does It Have a Future?

Feb 17, 2021

Cloud gambling is becoming increasingly popular. This gaming type has[...]

TechSharkz Multi-colored Dual Charger for PlayStation 4
TechSharkz Multi-colored Dual Charger for PlayStation 4

Review: TechSharkz Multi-colored Dual Charger for PlayStation 4

Feb 21, 2016

The TechSharkz Multi-colored Dual Charger for PlayStation 4 is a[...]

Final details for the massive private vintage and modern videogame and computer auction set for May 31, 2018 in Edison, NJ (online too!)
Final details for the massive private vintage and modern videogame and computer auction set for May 31, 2018 in Edison, NJ (online too!)

Final details for the massive private vintage and modern videogame and computer auction set for May 31, 2018 in Edison, NJ (online too!)

May 25, 2018

UPDATE EXCLUSIVE TO MAY 31, 2018:  The online portion, which[...]

Leave a Reply

Your email is safe with us.
Cancel Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Recent Posts

  • Start your journey into the world of Hellboy with this massive comic bundle!
  • Best SMGs to use in Counter-Strike 2
  • What Spheres of Entertainment are the Most Profitable?
  • Massive sale on top-rated ECOVACS robot vacuums and mops!
  • Game devs get a mind-blowing bundle of Unreal and Unity assets!
  • Discover what you can find along slot game reels
  • Vehicles for World of Tanks, World of Warplanes, and World of Warships – 3 bundle options!
  • The best comic book to video games in the last decade
  • Explore the art of Steven Universe, Adventure Time, and more!
  • Where to Play Online Casino Games in New Jersey

Recent Comments

  • Bill Loguidice on Official Game List for My Arcade Atari Gamestation Pro
  • Joe P on Official Game List for My Arcade Atari Gamestation Pro
  • Bill Loguidice on Official Game List for My Arcade Atari Gamestation Pro
  • Bill Loguidice on Official Game List for My Arcade Atari Gamestation Pro
  • Richard Grounds on Official Game List for My Arcade Atari Gamestation Pro
  • Derek on Official Game List for My Arcade Atari Gamestation Pro
  • Scott Stilphen on Official Game List for My Arcade Atari Gamestation Pro
  • Bill Loguidice on Official Game List for My Arcade Atari Gamestation Pro
  • Patricia on Official Game List for My Arcade Atari Gamestation Pro
  • John Sciacca on Official Game List for My Arcade Atari Gamestation Pro

Archives

Categories

Explore

android (44) apple (35) ar (33) Arcade (149) Atari (62) atgames (172) book (91) books (91) casino (367) esports (39) firmware (43) Flashback (45) gambling (387) home arcade (110) htc (32) htc vive (41) humble bundle (249) humble store (67) ios (36) led (35) legends (40) legends arcade family (46) legends gamer (33) legends pinball (39) legends ultimate (71) Microsoft (38) Nintendo (67) pc gamer (46) pc gaming (42) pinball (42) playstation (50) PS4 (36) retro (34) Sega (32) slots (58) sony (49) steam (126) switch (32) technology (32) update (42) virtual pinball (36) virtual reality (107) vive (34) viveport (42) vr (113)

Affiliates

+ Amazon

The everything store

+ Humble Bundle

Game deals, including name your price bundles

+ Playasia (Play-Asia.com)

Import games and collectibles

+ DJI Store

Amazing drones and related technology

+ Loot Crate

Collectibles, apparel, and gear - $5 discount!

+ Razer

Amazing PC gamer products!

+ Casino HEX

Your Number 1 Guide to Online Gambling in the UK

EwinRacing Flash Series Gaming Chairs

Use Coupon Code ACA at checkout to Save 10% on EwinRacing Gaming Chairs

fullSTEAMahead365 Your total news and information resource for all things Science, Technology, Engineering / Mathematics, Art, and Medicine / Health.

Human Advancement Never Stops.

Key Site Statistics

Posts published: 2,148
Latest publish date: November 30, 2023 @ 4:37 pm
Registered user count: 117,567

Contact Us

If you have a question, would like to provide feedback, or otherwise wish to get in touch with us, use this form.

Send Message

Blog Posts by Date

July 2015
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
« Jun   Aug »

Social Media and RSS

Support Armchair Arcade

All editorial content © 2003 - 2023 Armchair Arcade, Inc., an Armchair Creative Services, LLC, property. All rights reserved unless otherwise indicated. All trademarks and copyrights are retained by their respective owners. No content is to be removed or reused from the Armchair Arcade Website for commercial purposes without explicit permission from the principal Armchair Arcade staff, or the original trademark or copyright holders. Armchair Arcade, Inc., is not responsible for the content of any external sources or links. Further, endorsement of any external sources or links is neither implied nor suggested.

We thank you for your support and encourage you to contact us for any reason, including, but not limited to, questions, concerns, business endeavors, or praise. Especially praise.

Armchair Creative Services, LLC, may earn compensation for sales from links on posts through affiliate and other programs. Editorial rigor and objectivity standards are strictly adhered to and any compensation has no effect on coverage or opinions.

Prev Next