RetroPixel 2025, the best classic video game event in Málaga returns and it's free

More than fifty classic machines, including arcades, video game consoles, and computers set up for playing; a video game programming workshop, several conferences, video game tournaments, exhibition areas with collectibles... How much would you pay for a ticket to an event like this, right in the heart of Málaga and with no parking issues? Well, that and much more is what Retropixel offers, the top event for classic computing in Málaga, and entry is completely free.

Retropixel 2025 will open its doors this Saturday and Sunday in the hall of the Faculty of Law at UMA, in Teatinos, marking its eighth edition, although it's been ten years since the first event (there was a hiatus of two editions due to the pandemic). This year, three exhibitions stand out: the 40th anniversary of the Master System, Sega's 8-bit console that was very successful in Europe, the 25th anniversary of the Sony Playstation 2, which remains the best-selling video game console in history, and a special commemoration of the Commodore brand. "In the exhibition, we will have some items that are not easy to find. Everything on display is ours; we have a lot of stuff from Commodore and also from Master System, which for many people in Spain was their first console," explains Francisco Javier González, from the Recreational Technical Association of Fans of Retro Computing (ALTAIR), who is also a professor at the Higher Technical School of Telecommunication Engineering.

Over the years, the members of this association of computing and video game enthusiasts have gathered true treasures and collectibles from games and machines from decades ago, and once a year, they make these available at Retropixel to promote and showcase the origins and evolution of computing and digital entertainment. "In the end, the exhibition is possible thanks to the fact that we are more than 40 volunteers, including association members, partners, or children who lend a hand. These days are very hectic, but we are eager for the weekend to come and to open the doors," he comments.

This year, on Saturday afternoon, there will be an intensive workshop called 'Create your arcade video game in an afternoon,' which does not require prior registration (it is recommended to bring a laptop). Among the conferences, the highlight is Sunday morning's 'The Science Behind Video Games,' presented by Patricia "Anglé" López. The full program can be viewed on the Retropixel website. As for the tournaments, which are always very appealing to the public, there will be the classic Scalextric, but also fighting games, racing, or a retro trivia. "This year, we won’t announce the names of the tournament games in advance, so people can't come 'trained' from home," explains González.

Retropixel, besides being a paradise for fans of retro video games, also serves an important charitable purpose. Entry is free, but all attendees are encouraged to donate non-perishable food, canned goods, oil, or personal hygiene products. The association Video Games for Food has a stand at the entrance of the exhibition where food is received and exchanged for 'retropoints' based on the value of the donation. These 'retropoints' can be redeemed for video games, merchandise, or computing accessories. All collected food is donated to the NGO Los Ángeles Malagueños de la Noche. Last year, 1,460 kilograms of food were donated.

Retropixel opens its doors this Saturday and Sunday at the Faculty of Law in Teatinos from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The event is sponsored by the Digital Content Hub, the Vice-Rectorate for Culture of the University of Málaga, the ETSI of Telecommunication, and the gaming company Ozone.