Are Wii and PS3 Retro? The Gaming Community Decides

If you still remember unboxing your Wii or PS3 like it was yesterday, we have some potentially jarring news for you: the gaming community has officially branded these consoles as retro gaming hardware. Recent polls from the iconic Japanese TV show Game Center CX have confirmed that these machines are now considered classic territory, forcing us to reconcile with how fast time actually moves in the digital age.

The Verdict: Why the Wii and PS3 Are Now Retro

In a massive survey conducted by the producers of Game Center CX, host Shinya Arino put the question to his audience: should the seventh generation of consoles be inducted into the retro hall of fame? The results were definitive:

Over 14,000 respondents initially voted in favor with a 71% majority.
A follow-up poll saw the support for this classification rise to 80% among 17,000 voters.
As a result, games from both the Wii and PS3 are now eligible for feature spots on the classic-focused show.

This shift isn’t just about nostalgia; it marks a cultural transition where the hardware that introduced motion controls and high-definition gaming to the masses is now viewed through the same lens as the NES or the Sega Genesis.

What This Means for PC Gaming History

If we accept the 20-year rule of thumb for what constitutes retro gaming, the ripple effect reaches far beyond living room consoles. If the PS3 and Wii are retro, then the PC titles of that same era are officially entering the vintage archives. Some legendary titles that now fall into this category include:

Half-Life 2: Episode One
Company of Heroes
Medieval II: Total War
Neverwinter Nights 2
Dark Messiah of Might and Magic

It is a strange feeling to see titles that pushed the boundaries of technology and graphics now categorized as relics. The label is a reminder that the medium is maturing at an accelerated rate.

Defining Eras in a Changing Landscape

While some gamers find the term hard to swallow—especially when considering games like The Last of Us that still look and play remarkably well—the move to label these consoles as retro is a practical step. As we continue to advance into new hardware generations, organizing gaming history into distinct eras helps developers and players preserve the legacy of these titles. Whether we like it or not, the era of the Wii and PS3 has transitioned from the modern standard to a treasured piece of our collective gaming heritage.

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