Kingston University to Showcase 65+ Operational Retro Computers in August
The Archive of Retro Computing's annual exhibition offers a hands-on look at the evolution of hardware from the 1970s to the early 3D era.
Kingston University in south London will host the 2026 Annual Showcase of the Archive of Retro Computing (ARC) from August 5 to August 11. The free public exhibition provides a rare opportunity for visitors to interact with the physical machines that defined the early digital age.
Located at the university's Town House, the event features more than 65 operational retro personal computers and gaming consoles. The collection spans from the mid-1970s through to the early 3D era, including hardware such as the Nintendo 64, Sega Saturn, Dreamcast, PlayStation, and Xbox. Attendees can play classic titles and experiment with early programming languages, specifically BASIC, on original hardware.
Preserving Digital Heritage
The Archive of Retro Computing is led by Paul Neve, the course leader for undergraduate computer science at Kingston University. The project is designed to preserve the pioneering years of computing and gaming, spanning the late 1970s through the early 1990s. By focusing on the preservation of actual machinery, the archive provides a hands-on educational experience that allows new generations to witness the tangible evolution of technology.
The Value of Physical Hardware
While digital emulations are common today, ARC emphasizes the importance of maintaining fully operational hardware to preserve the tactile and technical reality of early computing. This approach allows students and the general public to observe the physical progression of software design and hardware architecture. According to Paul Neve, "There's a huge amount to be learned" from these early systems, positioning the collection as both a nostalgic attraction and a critical educational tool.
Looking Ahead
The showcase serves as a primary window into the university's ongoing efforts to document computing history. As the event runs through August 11, it highlights the continuing intersection between academic computer science and the preservation of the industry's foundational tools. Visitors can expect a comprehensive timeline of the shift from early home computers to the complex 3D architectures of the late 1990s.