For many, retro gaming is more than just nostalgia—it’s a passion that brings back childhood memories and a love for classic titles. But what if you could turn that passion into a source of income? Whether you’re a collector, a content creator, or a tech-savvy enthusiast, there are many ways to make money with retro games, from selling and restoring classic consoles to streaming and creating content.
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your love for old-school gaming into real profits, here are some of the best ways to do it.
1. Buying and Selling Retro Games and Consoles
One of the most common ways to make money in retro gaming is by buying, selling, and trading games and consoles. The market for classic games has exploded in recent years, with rare titles and mint-condition consoles selling for thousands of dollars.
How to Get Started:
- Find undervalued games and consoles at garage sales, flea markets, thrift stores, and estate sales.
- Check online marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp for deals.
- Clean, repair, and restore old cartridges and systems to increase their value.
- Sell to the right audience—collectors and enthusiasts are willing to pay premium prices for rare or well-preserved items.
Where to Sell:
- eBay – One of the best platforms for auctioning rare games.
- Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist – Good for local sales with no shipping fees.
- Retro Game Stores – Many stores buy used games, often at wholesale prices.
- Online Gaming Communities (Reddit, Discord, and Forums) – Some collectors prefer buying from trusted sellers in niche communities.
💡 Tip: If you’re serious about reselling, research which games and consoles are appreciating in value. Titles like EarthBound (SNES) and Chrono Trigger (SNES) have significantly increased in price over the years.
2. Streaming and Content Creation
Retro gaming has a dedicated audience on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok, where gamers stream classic titles, create nostalgic content, and showcase their collections.
Ways to Make Money Through Content:
- Twitch Streaming – Play and discuss classic games while earning money through subscriptions, donations, and ad revenue.
- YouTube Videos – Create content like game reviews, retrospectives, speedruns, or restoration guides, and earn through ads and sponsorships.
- TikTok and Instagram Reels – Short-form retro gaming content can attract a huge audience, leading to brand partnerships and monetization.
- Patreon or Memberships – Offer exclusive retro gaming content, behind-the-scenes videos, or early access to your content for subscribers who support your work financially.
💡 Tip: The most successful retro gaming content creators have a niche—whether it’s reviewing obscure games, speedrunning classics, or restoring broken consoles. Find what makes your content unique!
3. Restoring and Modding Retro Consoles
If you have technical skills, you can make money by restoring, repairing, and modifying old gaming consoles. Many collectors and gamers want their classic systems to work like new—or even better than before.
Services You Can Offer:
- Console Cleaning & Restoration – Deep cleaning and repairing yellowed plastic, fixing broken cartridges, and replacing worn-out parts.
- Modding for Modern Displays – Installing HDMI mods for older consoles like the NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis to improve video quality on modern TVs.
- Flash Cart & ROM Loader Installs – Helping collectors set up EverDrives and similar devices to play multiple games from a single cartridge.
- Region Unlocking & Custom Modding – Converting Japanese-exclusive consoles to work with Western games and adding custom shells or LED mods.
💡 Tip: You can sell restored or modded consoles on eBay, Etsy, or in specialized gaming groups. A well-restored SNES or Sega Genesis can sell for double or triple the price of a dirty, untested one.
4. Creating and Selling Retro-Inspired Merchandise
Many retro gaming fans love collectibles, artwork, and custom merchandise that celebrates their favorite classic games. If you have creative skills, you can design and sell:
- T-shirts, hoodies, and posters with pixel-art designs.
- Stickers, keychains, and enamel pins featuring classic gaming references.
- Handmade game display cases and stands for collectors.
- Custom controller skins and console wraps.
Where to Sell Retro Gaming Merch:
- Etsy – Great for handmade and custom-designed gaming products.
- Redbubble & Teespring – Print-on-demand services for selling T-shirts and posters.
- Local Gaming Conventions – Retro gaming events are perfect for selling unique gaming merch.
💡 Tip: If you’re an artist, creating 8-bit or 16-bit pixel art commissions can also be a great way to make money from the retro gaming community.
5. Writing About Retro Games (Freelancing & Blogging)
If you have a passion for writing, there’s a market for articles, reviews, and retrospectives on classic games. Many websites and gaming magazines look for retro gaming writers to contribute content.
Ways to Make Money Writing About Retro Games:
- Freelancing for Gaming Websites – Websites like Kotaku, IGN, and Retro Gamer Magazine often hire guest writers for features on classic games.
- Starting a Retro Gaming Blog – Monetize it with ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing (selling gaming gear through Amazon or eBay links).
- Publishing E-books or Guides – Write and sell books about gaming history, collecting tips, or how to restore consoles.
💡 Tip: If you start a blog, focus on SEO-friendly topics, like “Best SNES Games of All Time” or “How to Restore a Sega Genesis.”
6. Hosting or Organizing Retro Gaming Events
Gaming events and tournaments can be big money-makers, especially when it comes to retro gaming. If you have experience in event planning, you can:
- Host Local Retro Gaming Tournaments – Charge an entry fee and offer prizes for high-score competitions.
- Organize a Retro Game Swap Meet – Bring collectors together for buying, selling, and trading.
- Rent Out a Retro Gaming Arcade – Set up old-school gaming stations and charge by the hour.
💡 Tip: Many bars and arcades now host retro gaming nights with themed competitions. If you have access to multiple consoles, you could offer console rentals for events.
7. Developing Indie Retro-Inspired Games
Many modern indie games draw inspiration from 8-bit and 16-bit classics. If you have game development skills, creating a pixel-art platformer, RPG, or arcade-style game could be a profitable venture.
Ways to Make Money Developing Retro-Style Games:
- Sell your game on Steam, Itch.io, or the Nintendo eShop.
- Offer a Kickstarter campaign to fund development.
- Create ROM hacks of classic games and build a following before launching your own original game.
💡 Tip: Tools like RPG Maker, GameMaker Studio, and Unity make it easier for beginners to create retro-style games.
Turn Your Passion into Profit
Whether you’re a collector, streamer, artist, writer, or developer, there are countless ways to make money while doing what you love—playing and preserving retro games. The key is to find your niche, connect with the gaming community, and offer value to fellow enthusiasts.
Have you ever made money through retro gaming? What’s your dream way to turn your passion into a business? Drop a comment below and share your experience!