Modifying old consoles to play via an HD TV, or installing a backlit screen on a Game Boy seems to be things many of us intend to do at some point, but often never get around to. We tend to think that the same groups of people who play games are the same people who apply mods and mess around with physical hardware. While there’s probably a large overlap we tend to think more people play games than modify them. In this interview, we ask a few questions relating to the two past times to the owner of Restoreo. Restoreo is a UK-based website and company that offer repairs and spare parts for old consoles. Their site also has modding guides and blogs. Sega MegaDrivce/ Genesis and Game Boy parts are just some of the products that they offer. Check them out here; https://restoreo.co.uk/. Read on for a short interview with David Wright, the owner, and founder of Restoreo.
Emuxel: What made you want to get involved in the gaming industry, and how did Restoreo start out?
I grew up gaming with my brothers and friends in the ’90s. We had a Game Boy and a SNES, and I have great memories tied to those consoles. One day, my mum sold the SNES at a car boot sale, and when she told me, I was dismayed. That moment stuck with me. Determined to hold onto what I had left, I took the Game Boy, which was in terrible condition and spent a weekend fixing it. I credit that experience as a catalyst for the journey I’m on today.
For the next 10-15 years, I worked full-time while repairing retro gaming hardware as a side hustle and hobby. Over time, I became increasingly dissatisfied with my full-time job and felt a strong pull towards my true passion, retro gaming. In 2024, I founded Restoreo Ltd as a project to share knowledge on restoring retro consoles and make it accessible to everyone – whatever their level of experience. I also envision Restoreo as a hub for the retro gaming community that showcases ingenuity and promotes restoration.
EX: How big is the market for retro-modding and has it changed over the last few years?
The retro-modding market is difficult to quantify but, from what I’ve witnessed, it’s growing. With so much information available on YouTube and online, more people seem to be keen to try their hand at modding or fixing retro consoles – and a lot of people find this really rewarding. The journey we are on, and what we are trying to do, is celebrate and encourage this trend whilst saving people time by providing them with a reliable hub where you can find the best quality content and guides.
EX: Your site also includes blogs and guides. Would you say that the community around retro modding also overlaps with the general gaming community or are the two subcultures quite different?
The two communities are definitely interconnected. Many people I’ve met who are into retro modding are also passionate gamers. I also think the general gaming community appreciates what modders do, even if they don’t actively participate in modding themselves.
EX: Would you say that the modding subculture has changed since you started Restoreo?
I think the subculture is in a constant state of evolution, it’s a culture full of brilliantly bright people who are constantly pushing themselves to learn new skills, and create unique and sometimes bizarre but wonderful projects. Most of them are also happy to share their knowledge, inspiring new ideas and more innovation in the space.
EX: Do you have a team of specialists that work for you and would you ever open a physical gaming store?
I have a small team of specialists who volunteer their time to support Restoreo and myself. Our long-term goal is to build a larger team of passionate retro gamers and employ them full-time. But, as a startup, we’re taking a pragmatic approach and ensuring we grow sustainably.
I’d love to open a physical store one day, and I have a clear vision of what that would look like. For now, though, we’re focused on expanding our online presence. Pop-up shops are also something you may see from us in the future.
EX: Has the decline in physical media impacted your business?
I wouldn’t say so, if anything, it may have helped. A huge reason people get into and stay engaged in retro gaming is the escape from the always-online world. Many crave simplicity and nostalgia, and retro gaming offers exactly that.
EX: Would you encourage someone with a passion for retro gaming to get into modding?
Absolutely. I’d say approach it with caution but be brave. Start with something simple and build your skills from there. There’s a passionate community willing to help, and an endless world of knowledge available – you just have to follow your curiosity and dive in.
Personally, I’ve made plenty of mistakes while fixing and modding, but each one taught me something new. A philosophy I always keep in mind is: fail early, fail often, but always fail forward.
EX: Do you think the homebrew and emulation scene is the same as the modding scene, if there’s overlap how big would you say that overlap is?
I see a distinction between the two, but there’s definitely some overlap. It’s tough to quantify, but I’d say all the different subcultures complement each other in their own vibrant ways.
EX: How do you see the modding scene changing in the future?
More growth, more innovation, more originality. If we’re talking about retro modding specifically, I’d love to live long enough to see how people will be modding the Nintendo Switch in 50 years.
The truth is alone we can do so little but together we can do so much. I’d love to see Restoreo play a role in bringing together the innovation and ideas across the retro gaming and modding communities, giving them a platform that inspires creativity, collaboration, and evolution.
EX: Finally, what advice would you give to young modders and collectors of retro hardware?
Firstly, enjoy it, do it for the love of it.
Don’t overextend yourself financially just to chase your passion or buy that next rare item. The vast majority of the things you’re looking for will always exist, and prices will always fluctuate.
Be bold, be brave, and follow your dreams. Don’t fear failure – embrace it, learn from it, and keep moving forward.
Well, that’s our interview with David Wright from Restoreo. I’ve become an active modder over the last two years and would encourage anyone who has thought about getting involved with modding to take the plunge. It’s a rewarding hobby, and you might even get good and be able to start some form of a business from it eventually. Comment below if you have anything to say on the topic.
BongoBongo123 is an avid Zelda fan who also likes the odd game of Smash. His interests in gaming are broad but he loves a good Metroidvania or action RPGs.