Retro Joy Lab 레트로 즐거움의 활력소

[태그:] Dad Life

  • Where Did All the Neighborhood Kids Go? (A Dad’s Nostalgia)

    Why was the smoke from the mosquito fogger truck so mesmerizing back then?

    Whenever that white billow of smoke rose up, every kid in the neighborhood would chase after it as if we were hypnotized.

    Running inside that fog, it felt like we were flying above the clouds.

    My memories of winter are just as vivid.

    I remember lying on the toasty floor warmed by the coal briquettes my mother had just changed.

    There was nothing better than peeling tangerines while watching cartoons on the old CRT TV, belly pressed against the warmth.

    And when it snowed? We didn’t need to call anyone. We just ran outside.

    We miss the romance of those days, having snowball fights until our hands froze and the sun went down.

    But these days, it’s rare to see children running and playing together in the neighborhood.

    The alleys are empty, and it seems the era has come where middle-aged dads like us have to fill the void left by “neighborhood friends.”

    It feels a bit bittersweet that dads have to be the ones initiating the snowball fights now, replacing the friends who used to be there.

    What are your most vivid memories of summer and winter from those days?

    Original article in Korean: [link]

  • A Day in the Life of a Modern Middle-Aged Retro Gamer

    Hey everyone, it’s SuperAsurada77.

    Standing in the “subway from hell” on my way to work, wearing my backpack on my front to make space, I naturally reach into my bag and pull out my retro handheld console.

    That commute, which takes over an hour, turns into precious healing time—a chance to bring out those childhood vibes, the tactile feel of the buttons, and memories from back in the day.

    The moment I step into the office and say “Good morning,” that retro vibe instantly shuts down. I have to tuck the game away deep in my heart for now.

    For now, the console goes into charging mode.

    The commute home is another ride on the subway from hell, squeezing in some retro gaming where I can. But the moment I arrive home, the “Infinite Loop Quest” begins.

    Dishes. Recycling. Taking out the food waste. Bathing the kids. Playing with them. Putting them to bed.

    Once this endless loop of quests is finally over, my own personal “Side Quest” awaits.

    Finally… is it my time? The wife and kids are asleep. I turn on the PlayStation to start my quest, but then…

    ⚠️ System Update Required

    The popup floats mercilessly on the screen. “Update 12%… 43%… 67%…”

    As I stare at the progress bar, my eyelids get heavier and heavier.

    My mind is already halfway to dreamland. Eventually, I fall asleep… and when I open my eyes, it’s time to head to work again.

    This is the cold, hard reality for retro gamers in their 30s and 40s.

    But still, to all the middle-aged retro gamers out there—hang in there! We’ve got this!

    Original article in Korean: [link]

  • Choosing a Retro Handheld Based on Your Stage of Fatherhood

    Hello, this is Super Asurada 77.

    Usually, people choose retro game consoles based on price and performance specs. While that works for the younger crowd, for a family man balancing work and childcare, the criteria change completely. It’s not about the fastest processor—it’s about how much “Dad Time” you actually have.

    Here are my recommendations for the best handhelds tailored to your specific stage of parenting.

    1. The “New Dad” Stage (Toddler / 1-2 Years Old) Recommendation: Anbernic RG35XX SP

    If you are a dad in your early 30s with a toddler, the RG35XX SP is your best friend.

    Let’s be honest—you can’t just sit on the couch and game openly anymore. You need something for those short, stealthy sessions while the baby is finally napping. This device is compact, foldable, and perfect for sneaking in quick gaming breaks without getting caught. It’s the compact economy car of handhelds—small, efficient, and gets the job done.

    2. The “Elementary School” Stage (Mid-30s, Lower Grades) Recommendation: Anbernic RG Cube

    For this stage, I recommend the RG CUBE.

    Think of this as the reliable sedan (like a Honda Civic or Hyundai Elantra) of the handheld world—a perfect balance of design, performance, and price. You’ve finally graduated from all-day diaper duty, but you aren’t completely free yet. This device fits that “in-between” phase perfectly, offering a great experience for the pockets of free time you’re starting to get back.

    3. The “Upper Elementary” Stage (Mid-30s, Higher Grades) Recommendation: Retroid Pocket 5

    At this point, you need the Retroid Pocket 5. It offers stable performance, much like a solid mid-size sedan (think Sonata or Camry).

    Parenting is getting a little easier, and you’re starting to see glimpses of “me time” again. This console is perfect for blowing off steam and enjoying some PlayStation 2 games comfortably. It’s a reliable daily driver that won’t let you down.

    4. The “Middle/High School” Stage (Early 40s) Recommendation: RG477M

    Time flew by so fast you can barely remember the sleepless nights, right? Consider this device a reward for your survival.

    The RG477M feels like a premium full-size sedan—think Hyundai Grandeur (Azera) or a Lexus. It has a luxurious metal build and a heavy, quality feel. It plays PS2 games at 3x resolution without breaking a sweat, and that 4.7-inch 4:3 screen is absolutely optimized for retro gaming. You’ve earned this upgrade.

    5. The “Veteran Dad” Stage (Late 40s) Recommendation: AYN Odin 2

    Now we are talking about high performance. The Odin 2 is the Genesis G80 of handhelds—pure luxury and power.

    It handles high-end games with plenty of headroom. If you want a zero-compromise experience that reflects your status as a veteran dad, this is the one.

    6. The Ultimate Setup Recommendation: AYN Odin 2 Portal

    If the Odin 2 is a luxury sedan, the Odin 2 Portal is the high-end luxury SUV (like the GV80).

    By this age, you’ve become immune to your wife’s side-eye. She’s used to your hobbies now. You’ve earned the right to sprawl out on the living room sofa, comfortable and unbothered, enjoying your games on a top-tier device.

    So, which stage of fatherhood are you in, and which console fits your life right now?

    Original article in Korean: [link]