Retro Computers!

The home computer revolution of the late 20th century didn’t just change how people worked — it transformed how they played. As personal computers became more affordable and accessible in the late 1970s and early 1990s, a new frontier of interactive entertainment emerged, giving rise to some of the most iconic video games in history. These machines, once marketed for productivity and education, quickly became playgrounds for digital creativity and experimentation. Developers pushed hardware to its limits, crafting immersive worlds and gameplay mechanics that captivated millions. Titles like Oregon Trail, Elite, Zork, Lode Runner and The Bard's Tale weren’t just games — they were technological showcases that demonstrated the power of home computing. The rise of dedicated graphics and sound cards further enhanced the gaming experience, blurring the line between utility and entertainment. Meanwhile, bedroom coders and indie developers found a platform to distribute their creations, fueling a grassroots movement that mainstreamed game development. The feedback loop was powerful: better games drove demand for better computers, and better computers enabled even more ambitious games. In essence, the evolution of home computing and the golden age of video games were not parallel stories — they were deeply intertwined narratives that shaped a generation. Together, they laid the foundation for the digital culture we live in today.

At the 2025 Portland Retro Gaming Expo we have multiple computer showcases!:

• The PC Computer Lab - a showcase from the glory days of grey ugly boxes! Witness late 90s early 2000s PCs in all their glory! From Windows 95 and XP to games like Doom - it's all here!
  The Lab is located in rooms D133/134 and is open Saturday from.... and Sunday...
• The Retro Home Computer Area - back in the early days of home computing PCs were the exception! Apple, Atari, Coleco, Commodore, Mattel, Tandy, Texas Instruments, Sinclair and many others ruled! Here you can see many of the original machines, most of them powered up and ready to play with!
  The Retro Home Computer Area is located in booth 1001 in Hall E and open Saturday 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

And we have two special guests in the computer area (booth 1001):
The Interim Computer Museum (ICM) is making an appearance at the 2025 Portland Retro Gaming Expo with select hardware and software. After the demise of Seattle's Living Computer Museum, the ICM stepped up to preserve and share the history of 36-bit computing through interactive exhibits using vintage hardware with modern enhancements. Check out their website and see them at PRGE! https://icm.museum//.
The early 80ies were the "Wild West" times of the home computer industry. One of the best examples is the incredible story of NÜFEKOP Software from the tiny town of Shady Cove, Oregon. From a garage operation to a multi-million Dollar software company with dozens of released titles - NÜFEKOP epitomized the DIY ethics of the early home computer days. The 2025 PRGE will have a special NÜFEKOP exhibit with playable games, videos artifacts from the NÜFEKOP headquarters!