Retro computer games are gaining in popularity, as mini consoles featuring them become more and more popular. This is a cheaper and easier way to play these games than buying the original hardware and software.

These channels are filled with videos of people playing classic computer games from the early days of the industry. They know everything there is to know about these games and how to play them the best. So if you’re looking for a fun way to learn about retro gaming, check out these channels!

We’re looking at channels that have content related to retro computer games. Unfortunately, channels that focus exclusively on retro console gaming will have to wait for another article.

Metal Jesus Rocks

Jason Lindsey is one of the most well-known retro game YouTubers. He’s been making videos since 2006 and has amassed a large following due to his creative content and passion for gaming. His channel features a variety of gaming topics, from classic games to new releases, and is always updated with the latest news and reviews. ..

Jason is a big fan of classic PC games, especially the ones from the early 1990s. He’s also a former Sierra On-Line employee, so he has access to some of the best games ever made. The show itself has that retro vibe, from the cheesy awkwardness to the garage band metal intro. It all just feels so perfect.

Jason is a down to earth guy who seems like that friendly nerd friend we all wish we had growing up. Is he the Mister Rogers of retro gaming? We’re not saying he’s not.

For the best of Metal Jesus’ retro computer game content, we recommend heading straight to the Classic PC Gaming playlist on YouTube. ..

Cinemassacre (The Angry Video Game Nerd)

Cinemassacre is a retro computer game channel that deals primarily in console gaming, but they have a healthy number of videos that apply the writing, production and humour standards to takedowns of classic computer games.

Cinemassacre has come up with some really creative angles when it comes to classic video games. The AVGN: Bad Video Game Art is a notable example, and you’ll find hilarious takedowns of box art for games on the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, along with all the usual console suspects.

If you’re in a cynical, sarcastic, and somewhat darker mood, there’s nothing better than a dose of AVGN to really twist the knife. We recommend the AVGN playlist to get you started. ..

DF Retro

DF Retro is a series that exists as part of the larger Digital Foundry channel. Digital Foundry is a YouTube channel that we’ve featured before as an essential technology destination on the site. DF Retro is a series that reviews older video games for the modern gamer, and it’s one of our most popular series. ..

DF Retro is a website that applies the same technical detail to the games of yore. They have a lot of console-centric episodes, but one of the best things about their work is cross-platform comparison. This means that if a game was released on both computer and console, you’ll get to see a fascinating breakdown of the differences.

The series is a brainchild of DF staffer John Linneman, who has made some standout footage for the pleasure of retro computer game enthusiasts. It follows the adventures of a group of friends who use their skills and knowledge from classic PC gaming to save the world from an evil empire.

We recommend everyone start with the Mortal Kombat feature. It’s quite possibly DF Retro’s finest work yet.

Gaming Historian

The Gaming Historian is a new retro computer game channel that releases episodes at much longer intervals, usually months apart. However, this is very much a question of quality over quantity, as each video is a full-blown documentary filled with deep research, excellent editing and great narration by creator Norman Caruso. ..

The show, “History of Video Games” takes a look at the history of video games from their early days on consoles to the most recent releases. Each episode covers a different topic and includes interviews with developers, historians and other experts. Some episodes focus on specific console generations or game genres, while others explore broader themes such as the impact of technology on gaming or the role that women have played in the industry. ..

If you’re not interested in console gaming, many of the documentaries won’t be all that interesting to you, but that still leaves a substantial number of episodes that make the trip over to Norman’s neighbourhood more than worth it. We suggest starting with the History of Wolfenstein three-parter. It’s an essential part of computer gaming history. ..

The 8-Bit Guy

This channel is a great resource for anyone interested in classic computer hardware and the games that ran on it.

This website is dedicated to all things retro computer games, from the earliest Commodore computers to the latest in 3D gaming. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer looking for new challenges, or a first timer just starting out, we have something for you.

We suggest you start with the “How Old School Computers and Games Work” playlist. It will unravel the mysteries of CGA graphics and what’s really happening behind the scenes of classic Apple computer graphics. It’s just a good time all around! ..

Classic Game Room

Classic Game Room was created in 2008 as a way for a publishing company, which still makes books that deal with classic video gaming as a significant part of their portfolio, to create content that could be used on YouTube. The company has been doing this for about four years now and it is how they generate income.

Before that, CHR was one of the first online video game review sites. This means that a lot of their reviews may be considered retro now, but were contemporary when they were made.

The main link in the title above will take you to CGRundertow, which has hundreds of videos from their active years, but you can also head over to 80s Comics which is their active brand and also hosts many of the CGR videos. We suggest you start with the PC/Mac Review playlist.

RetroManCave

RetroManCave is a retro gaming haven that takes you back to the basics. You can see the original hardware and games in action here, and there’s also a good measure of emulation when warranted. Plus, RetroManCave is one of the few places where you can see retro computer game hardware in action. ..

BBC Micro: A great place to start if you’re a retro computer gamer. The production quality is beautiful and the presentation is wonderfully chilled out.

Lazy Game Reviews

This author loves Lazy Game Reviews because the host and creator does a mean Duke Nukem impersonation. This channel is almost entirely dedicated to classic PC gaming. Mainly on DOS and early Windows machines.

The channel, which has over one million subscribers, is known for its home-made videos that have never changed their tone or lost their charm. ..

Retro gaming is a popular pastime, and there’s no better place to get your fix than on this channel. From hardware to games, there’s something for everyone here. ..

Guru Larry – Larry Bundy Jr

Guru Larry’s channel is packed with personality and not everyone will get along with it. However, Larry is a true original and puts out some great content.

We highly recommend you start Fact Hunt, which contains some of the most interesting facts and trivia from video game history. This includes a lot of which pertains to retro computer games.

Nostalgia Nerd

Nostalgia Nerd takes a look at retro hardware, software, toys and even magazines. Some of the more interesting pieces on this channel include an archive of Demoscene content for Amiga Computers. This is a great way to get into the world of retro gaming and see some truly interesting pieces.

Nostalgia Nerd is a treasure trove of videos that look at various computer and console systems. These videos give you a proper historical recounting and all the context you need to understand what all the fuss was about.

It’s Like, Only Your Opinion Man!

There are many great retro computer game channels on YouTube, but this author believes that these five channels are the best. There are plenty of other great YouTubers out there making top-notch retro game content, so it’s up to you to decide which ones you want to watch. ..

We want to hear from you! Share your favorite hidden gems with the world and let us know what you think everyone else should give a shot. Whether established or up-and-coming, we’d love to know about them!