Retro is back — and it’s everywhere.

In Episode 12 of The Midnight Release, Chase and Austin dig into Retro Resurrections, exploring why old-school games, hardware, music, and tech are making such a massive comeback in 2026. From TikTok Shop emulation devices and retro mini consoles to vinyl records, remasters, and reboots, nostalgia is having a moment — but does it actually hold up?

The guys break down the difference between nostalgia and quality, debate whether older games are still good or just comforting, and talk about how modern gaming has reintroduced retro vibes through filters, remasters, and updated mechanics. They also dive into how GameStop and other retailers now handle retro gaming, and why mom-and-pop retro stores are thriving again.

Side Quests this week include Now Loading, where Chase and Austin quiz each other on top story-driven games and best-selling titles, and a brand-new segment called Patch Notes, where they reflect on how the podcast has evolved, recap the journey so far, and talk about what’s next for The Midnight Release in 2026 — including future topics, collaborations, and more video content.

If you love retro gaming, remakes, nostalgia, and watching old ideas come back stronger (or sometimes worse), this one’s worth lining up for.