Video Games History: A Retro Computing Paradise

I recently attended Video Games History, and I was genuinely amazed at the sheer amount of retro hardware on display.

A general overview of the fair: arcade cabinets, retro consoles, and in the background the retro computer area.

It wasn't just the usual suspects — sure, there were Commodore and Atari machines, but also Olivetti computers, Intellivision consoles, and much more. It felt like walking from a pinball and arcade hall straight into a nerd's bedroom filled with extraordinary consoles and computers.

A Japanese train simulator with a physical cabin reproducing the real thing — complete with authentic controls and three screens.

One of the highlights was a display of original ink artwork by Oliver Frey, the legendary artist behind the covers of Crash and Zzap!64 magazines.

Oliver Frey's original ink artwork on display — the man behind the iconic covers of Crash and Zzap!64.

Among the exhibitors, one had a neat little project sitting alongside the retro computers: breadboard computers based on Ben Eater's 8-bit design.

Breadboard computers based on Ben Eater's 8-bit computer project.

Beyond the hardware, it was a chance to reconnect with old friends from the retrogaming community that I hadn't seen in a couple of years. That alone made the trip worth it, and it was genuinely heartwarming to catch up with everyone.

The event also had a LAN party area running Quake Arena — a perfect throwback to the golden age of multiplayer gaming. My only regret is that there was no DDR arcade cabinet, but you can't have everything.

One thing that really stood out was the food stand run by the local proloco: proper greasy panini stuffed with salsiccia or cold cuts, and beer at very reasonable prices. That's incredibly rare for a fair like this — a welcome surprise.

If you're into retro computing or gaming history, I highly recommend keeping an eye on future editions.