Retro gaming pop-up events in Connecticut revive classic cartridge games and consoles

Norwalk-based collective thaChillCorner is hosting a series of retro gaming pop-up events across Connecticut. These gatherings offer original Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, GameCube, PlayStation 2, and other classic consoles, with titles like Super Smash Bros. Melee, Tekken 3, and Mortal Kombat available for local multiplayer play — accompanied by live DJs and hosted in licensed venues such as breweries and music bars.

Founder William Richard Gonzalez Vega described the intent as recreating "that nostalgic feel of gaming with your family and friends on the weekends, like when you could go to Blockbuster or Hollywood Video and spend the night gaming away."

The Eventbrite page for the event specifies that attendees must be 21+, indicating the event is tailored for an adult audience, likely including older Gen Z and younger Millennial participants. The recreated environment — offline, tactile, and free from modern friction — offers a compelling contrast to digital-first ecosystems. This aligns with broader trends in retro gaming, where younger generations are increasingly engaging with classic tech. In fact, a UK-based survey by Recalbox found that 66% of Gen Z respondents had purchased retro tech in the past two years, highlighting the growing appeal of retro gaming.

In an era where platforms like Steam and the Nintendo Switch play a leading role in the gaming market with cloud access and continuous updates, these events revive a simpler model: one console, one cartridge, no account required.