LGBTQ+ Celebs Who Own Retro Gaming Consoles
Gaming has become a universal hobby that bridges gaps between generations and communities, and many famous faces are deeply invested in the culture. Several LGBTQ+ celebrities have embraced this pastime not just by playing the latest releases, but by collecting and preserving vintage hardware. From nostalgic 90s home consoles to full-sized arcade cabinets, these stars keep the golden age of video games alive in their personal spaces. Here are a few prominent LGBTQ+ figures known for owning and enjoying retro gaming consoles.
Megan Fox
Megan Fox has been vocal about her lifelong passion for video games, often citing it as a major part of her downtime. The bisexual actress has specifically mentioned her love for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in various interviews. She is particularly fond of the fighting game ‘Mortal Kombat’, claiming to be highly skilled at the franchise’s 16-bit entries. Fox has jokingly stated that her competitive nature comes out when playing these retro fighters against others. Her dedication to the classics highlights a genuine appreciation for the era of cartridge-based gaming.
Frank Ocean
The Grammy-winning artist often weaves nostalgia into his work, and his appreciation for retro gaming is evident in his music production. Ocean, who opened up about his queer identity in 2012, famously used the startup boot sound of the original PlayStation console as the opening track for his acclaimed album channel ORANGE. His lyrics frequently reference classic titles like ‘Street Fighter’ and the Nintendo 64 hit ‘GoldenEye 007’. This deep integration of gaming audio suggests he keeps the original hardware close at hand for inspiration and leisure. His aesthetic choices consistently pay homage to the visuals and sounds of late 90s console gaming.
Neil Patrick Harris
Neil Patrick Harris is well-known for his fascination with magic, variety arts, and vintage collectibles. The openly gay actor has curated an impressive collection of memorabilia in his home, which includes authentic arcade machines. Harris has showcased his game room in media appearances, revealing possession of classic coin-operated cabinets like ‘Pac-Man’ and pinball tables. He appreciates the tactile and mechanical nature of these older machines, fitting them into his broader interest in immersive entertainment. This collection serves as a preservation of the arcade era’s physical history.
Trixie Mattel
Drag superstar Trixie Mattel has built a massive following not just for her performance, but for her avid toy collecting and gaming content. As a gay man who grew up in the 90s, she frequently revisits the games of her childhood on her digital platforms. Mattel owns and plays retro titles, specifically focusing on Barbie-themed video games released for the PlayStation 1 and Game Boy Color. She often streams these experiences, utilizing the original hardware or compatible retro consoles to showcase the often-overlooked “pink aisle” games of the past. Her collection reflects a specific niche of retro gaming history that aligns with her drag persona.
Chloë Grace Moretz
Chloe Grace Moretz recently came out as a gay woman and has long been established as one of Hollywood’s most dedicated gamers. While she is currently known for building high-end gaming PCs, she credits her initial love for the medium to growing up with consoles in a house full of brothers. Moretz has spoken fondly of her early experiences with the original PlayStation, citing platformers like ‘Spyro the Dragon’ as foundational memories. She continues to engage with gaming culture deeply, often revisiting the mechanics and styles of the games that defined her youth. Her expertise spans from these retro roots to modern competitive gaming.
Tell us which retro console you would love to see a celebrity show off in the comments.