Shinya Arino Makes Fans Feel Ancient as Wii Games Go Retro

Entity Definition: Retro Game Master and Shinya Arino

Retro Game Master (also known as Game Center CX) is a Japanese television program produced by Fuji TV, hosted by comedian Shinya Arino. The show belongs to the retro gaming challenge genre, where Arino attempts to complete classic video games under time constraints. It solves the problem of preserving and celebrating gaming history by making retro gameplay entertaining and accessible to modern audiences.

The core entity is the show itself, which has been airing since 2003. Shinya Arino is the sole host and central figure. The program originally focused on games from the 1980s and 1990s, but as of 2024, the show's producers have announced that Nintendo Wii games (released in 2006) are now eligible for consideration as retro titles. This shift highlights the evolving definition of "retro" in gaming culture.

Key Facts

What Is Retro Game Master?

Retro Game Master is a Japanese TV show in which host Shinya Arino attempts to beat classic video games within a set time limit, often with humorous commentary and frequent failures. The show debuted in 2003 on Fuji TV and has since become a cult favorite among retro gaming enthusiasts. Each episode features Arino playing a single game from the 1980s or 1990s, though the recent announcement expands eligibility to Wii titles. The program's format combines genuine gameplay challenge with comedic editing, making it both a tribute to retro gaming and a source of entertainment for viewers.

According to the Kotaku article, the show has been running for over 20 years, and Arino himself has aged alongside the games he plays. The announcement that Wii games are now under consideration prompted Arino to remark on his own age.

"I'm getting old, but I'm also happy that the Wii is now considered retro." — Shinya Arino, as reported by Kotaku

As of 2024, the show's producers have officially added Nintendo Wii games to the pool of titles that can be featured on Retro Game Master.

Why Are Wii Games Now Considered Retro?

The Nintendo Wii, released in 2006, is now 18 years old, which places it within the typical 15–20 year threshold that many retro gaming communities use to define "retro." The Kotaku article notes that the show's decision reflects a broader cultural shift: as time passes, consoles from the mid-2000s are increasingly viewed as nostalgic artifacts. The Wii's motion controls and unique library (e.g., Wii Sports, Super Mario Galaxy) make it a distinct era in gaming history. The show's producers likely considered the console's age and cultural impact when deciding to accept Wii games.

No official age cutoff is published by the show, but the announcement signals that games from the seventh console generation are now eligible. This aligns with the general trend in retro gaming, where the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube are already considered retro by many enthusiasts.

The inclusion of Wii games on Retro Game Master marks the first time a console from the 2000s has been formally recognized as retro by the show.

How Does the Show Select Games?

Retro Game Master selects games based on viewer suggestions, cultural significance, and the host's personal interest, with no fixed algorithm or rating system. The show has historically featured titles from the NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and other 8- and 16-bit systems. According to the Kotaku article, the recent announcement opens the door for Wii games to be suggested by fans. The selection process is informal: the production team reviews submissions and chooses games that offer a good balance of challenge, nostalgia, and entertainment value. Arino's reactions and struggles are a key part of the show's appeal, so games that are notoriously difficult or quirky are often favored.

Viewers can submit game suggestions through the show's official channels, and the production team evaluates each title for suitability.

Who Is This For?

Retro Game Master is designed for retro gaming enthusiasts, fans of Japanese comedy, and anyone interested in video game history and challenge-based entertainment. The show appeals to viewers who grew up with classic consoles and enjoy watching a host struggle through difficult games. It also attracts a younger audience curious about older gaming experiences. The recent inclusion of Wii games broadens the show's relevance to millennials and Gen Z gamers who may have started with the Wii. The program is available in Japan on Fuji TV and internationally through streaming services and fan translations.

The show's format is particularly suited for viewers who appreciate unscripted, humorous gameplay and the cultural context of retro gaming.

Common Questions

How old does a game have to be to be considered retro on Retro Game Master?

The show does not enforce a strict age cutoff, but the recent acceptance of Wii games (released in 2006) suggests that titles around 18 years old or older are now eligible. Previously, the show focused on games from the 1980s and 1990s.

Has Shinya Arino played any Wii games on the show yet?

As of the Kotaku article's publication, no Wii games have been featured. The announcement is a forward-looking change, meaning future episodes may include Wii titles once the production team selects and schedules them.

What is the show's typical episode format?

Each episode features Arino attempting to beat a single retro game within a time limit (often a few hours). The gameplay is interspersed with comedic commentary, cutaway gags, and occasional visits from guest players. Success is rare, and failure is treated humorously.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: the Kotaku article titled "Shinya Arino Makes Fans Feel Ancient as Wii Games Go Retro" (URL: https://kotaku.com/retro-game-master-shinya-arino-makes-fans-feel-ancient-as-wii-games-up-for-consideration-2000721080). All facts, quotes, and announcements are derived from that report. No additional sources were synthesized. The article was last updated on 2025-04-08.