If you’ve got a shelf of old games collecting dust or you can’t stop talking about how much better the SNES controller felt in your hands, here’s some good news: retro games aren’t just a hobby anymore, they’re a way to make some extra money.
There are plenty of simple, real-world ways to turn your love for old games into something profitable.
Start by Selling the Games You Already Own
Most of us held on to a few cartridges or discs just for nostalgia. But some of them? They’ve quietly jumped in value over the years.
Start by checking prices on eBay. You might be surprised. That copy of Chrono Trigger or Paper Mario you tossed in a drawer in 2003 could be worth a few hundred bucks today.
Where to sell?
eBay tends to bring in the best prices, but if you want less hassle, try Gameflip or places like DKOldies. They handle a lot for you, and you get quick payment.
Buying bundles and flipping:
- You can also check local listings for people selling boxes of old games.
- Buy the bundle, split it up, and sell the good stuff individually.
The profit margin can surprise you.
Extra tip:
Don’t ignore accessories. Memory cards, official controllers, even the plastic cases, these all sell if they’re in decent shape.
Stream Your Retro Playthroughs
People don’t just play retro games, they watch them. Twitch, YouTube, even Facebook Gaming have plenty of viewers who’d rather relax watching someone else tackle Mega Man 2 or Final Fantasy VI than play it themselves.
You don’t need fancy gear to start streaming. A decent mic, screen capture software, and a bit of patience will do.
Ways you can make money from streaming:
- Donations and tips from viewers
- Channel memberships (once you build a regular audience)
- Ads and affiliate links
- Sponsorships (these come later, once your channel grows)
And if you’re not the “sit in front of the camera” type, that’s okay. You can post game reviews, do commentary, or even speedrun classic games with just your voice.
Some casino games today echo the same aesthetics and pacing of retro arcade games. Simple graphics, tight controls, and quick wins, they’re basically modern versions of old-school games, but with money on the line.
If you’re curious, there are platforms where you can play casino-style games that mimic the simplicity and charm of retro arcade titles—complete with fast gameplay and real money rewards, but without the typical UK restrictions (source: ukgamblingsitesnotongamstop.com).
Create Content Around Retro Gaming
Streaming isn’t the only route. You can write, podcast, or film content about retro gaming, whatever format suits you.
Some ideas to get started:
- Compare game versions across systems
- Talk about “hidden gems” people missed
- Share tips and tricks from classic games
- Tell stories from your own gaming past
You can monetize this stuff through ad revenue, affiliate links (e.g., for used games or hardware), and even small courses or ebooks down the line. It won’t make you rich overnight, but it adds up.
Make (or Sell) Homebrew Games
When you are familiar with how to get around basic game development, or are willing to learn, making homebrew games on old systems is a surprisingly lively scene.
Some people continue to create games on the NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis. And fans continue to purchase them.
What to do:
The introduction of new tools such as NESmaker and GB Studio allows even inexperienced developers to get into retro-style development. When you finally have something playable, you can sell the ROM or even get custom cartridges made for hardcore collectors.
It is not all about money. Human beings can develop an enthusiasm for playing something new on their ancient computer,s and they do not mind paying money to enjoy that kind of experience.
Refurbish and Resell Old Consoles
What they say is that a broken NES may not be worth that much, but a working NES? That is another story.
Another fantastic source of income is repairing old hardware, in case you have a couple of tools and steady hands. Swap in bad capacitors, clean off corrosion, or replace broken pins. You can find tons and lots of YouTube videos on how to do it step by step.
Bonus secret: Charge other people to repair their equipment. Post it on Reddit or any other game community, or simply question people in the area. And you will be shocked at how many individuals have a broken PlayStation and would like to find it repaired.
Flip Retro Merchandise
Pixel-art T-shirts, logos from the eighties on cups, even stickers with eight-bit characters, stuff is consumed by people. You may sell vintage treasures found in thrift stores or create your designs and upload them to Etsy, Redbubble, or your own place.
It just follows that you need to make sure that you are not trading on trademarked characters unless you have consent. Keep it to parody, original designs, or the inspiration of the public domain.
A Few More Quick Ideas
Make a Patreon: In case you are able to grow a fan base, be it on YouTube, writing or streaming, you can provide incentives of behind-the-scenes content or early access as long as there is a monthly contribution.
- Host retro tourneys: Whether via the Internet or in real life, folks live Street Fighter II showdowns. Take a small entry fee and reward a prize.
- Sell e-books: Create printable guides, posters, or maps of the game and offer them as PDF downloads. Easy to manufacture, easy to sell.
Retro gaming is no longer about nostalgic childhood memories. It is possible to make money out of what you like doing, and this can be done in real terms. It could be rare games, a community network online, or retro console restoration; it is all about discovering what works best for you and being disciplined to keep it going in such a way.
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