Why I Started Legends of Retro: A Tribute to Childhood Gaming

Friends and family gathered around playing 007 on the N64

Some of my most cherished memories are tied to the simple joy of playing video games with my family. My very first console was the original Nintendo NES, and it opened up a whole new world for me. I remember sitting in front of the TV with my family, hands gripping the iconic NES controller, as we played classics like Super Mario Bros., Elevator Action, and Shatterhand. It wasn’t just about the games themselves—it was about the experience of coming together, having fun, and sharing those moments. Those early days were the foundation for my lifelong love of gaming, and they inspired me to start Legends of Retro as a way to celebrate those nostalgic moments and share them with others.

As I grew older, my gaming experiences expanded beyond the NES. My brother and I worked hard, saving our money, until we were finally able to get our hands on a Nintendo 64. The shift to 3D gaming was a whole new adventure, and we spent countless hours playing GoldenEye 007, Perfect Dark, and BattleTanx. We didn’t just play games; we created memories. Our living room became a battleground as we set up inflatable chairs, sofas, and ordered pizza for late-night gaming sessions with friends. There was trash talk, friendly competition, and, of course, the inevitable “screen watching” (who didn’t peek during GoldenEye?). But more than anything, those moments of laughter, rivalry, and camaraderie became a huge part of who I am today.

It wasn’t all about gaming, though. Our childhood was a balance of outdoor adventures and digital escapades. We spent our days riding bikes, climbing trees, and playing football in the yard, but no matter what we were doing, we always found our way back to the TV to play video games. It was a time when gaming wasn’t just a hobby—it was an experience that connected us with our friends and family in a way that nothing else did. Those memories of carefree afternoons, late-night sessions, and shared victories have stayed with me all these years, and they’ve been the driving force behind Legends of Retro.

I started Legends of Retro because I didn’t want to grow up—at least not in the way that meant letting go of these memories. I wanted to create a space where others could relive the best moments of their past, too. My goal is to offer great deals on retro games and consoles, so that anyone can rediscover the joy of gaming like we did back then. It’s about sharing the magic of those childhood experiences and helping others create their own lasting memories. Gaming has always been about more than just the games themselves, and through Legends of Retro, I hope to keep that spirit alive for others who, like me, want to hold on to the past while enjoying it in the present.

Catch you on the flip side!

-Tom, LoR Founder