Japan’s beloved retro gaming TV show, Game Center CX, revealed during an August 23rd livestream that it will begin incorporating PS3 and Wii games into its lineup moving forward.
Launched in 2003, Game Center CX (known internationally as Retro Game Master) features comedian Shinya Arino attempting to complete classic video games within a single day. The format mirrors modern Let’s Play videos, with Arino and co-hosts delivering comedic commentary during gameplay. While traditionally focusing on games from the ‘80s and ‘90s, the show recently expanded to include PS2 titles. The inclusion of Wii and PS3 games—both celebrating their 20th anniversary this year—had been a topic of internal discussion among the production team.
The livestream, broadcast on the show’s YouTube channel, included a viewer poll asking whether Wii and PS3 games should be permitted on the program, alongside clips of Arino and a host debating the matter. The poll garnered over 14,000 responses, with 71% supporting the addition of seventh-generation console games. Opponents accounted for 13%, while 16% were neutral.
Advocates for including these games highlighted their age and nostalgic value for younger viewers, whereas critics argued that the typical length of PS3 and Wii games didn’t align with the show’s format and that their advanced graphics blurred the line between retro and modern gaming.
After the initial poll, Arino tested several notable titles from both systems, such as New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Wii Fit, and Demon’s Souls. A subsequent poll collected around 17,000 votes, with support climbing to 80%.
Ultimately, Arino made the decision to greenlight games from both consoles for future episodes. He cited their appeal to new fans in their teens and twenties as the key factor.
Arino later shared the news on his X account and his blog, announcing that PS3 and Wii had “joined the retro family.”