Nostalgia Nerd
{{short description|British Internet personality}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox YouTube personality
| name = Nostalgia Nerd
| image = NNAaward.png
| caption = Peter Leigh holding Silver Play button in December 2017
| birth_name = Peter Leigh
| birth_date =
| birth_place =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| nationality = British
| occupation = {{Hlist|Presenter|author}}
| channel_handle = Nostalgianerd
| channel_display_name = Nostalgia Nerd
| years_active = 2015–present
| genre = Technology
| subscribers = 532 thousand
| views = 81.7 million
| network =
| associated_acts = {{Flatlist|
- Octavius King
- Did You Know Gaming
- Ashens
- Kim Justice
- Mr. Biffo
- Slopes Game Room
- LGR (Lazy Game Reviews)
}}
| silver_button = y
| silver_year =
| gold_button =
| gold_year =
| stats_update = 8 April 2023
}}
Peter Leigh, more commonly known by the alias Nostalgia Nerd, is a British presenter, YouTuber, author and Twitch streamer,{{Cite web|title=Twitch|url=https://www.twitch.tv/nostalgianerd|access-date=2021-02-04|website=Twitch}} who documents and specialises in ageing technology and software. First appearing on YouTube in 2014,{{Cite web |title=About Nostalgia Nerd |url=https://www.youtube.com/user/nostalgianerdvideos/about |access-date=2022-12-20 |via=YouTube}} he routinely and enthusiastically explores forgotten computers and the technology surrounding them. He often specialises in historical documentaries on vintage computing,{{Cite web|last=Charnock|first=Tom|title=Nostalgia Nerd Tackles The Atari Jaguar Story|url=http://www.atarijaguar.co.uk/2016/11/nostalgia-nerd-tackles-atari-jaguar.html|access-date=2021-06-04}} but also delves into technical explanations.{{Cite web|last=Grossman|first=David|date=6 September 2017|title=The Weird, Stripped-Down Web Browsers of MS-DOS|url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/culture/web/a28069/ms-dos-web-browsers/|access-date=2021-06-11|website=Popular Mechanics|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Frauenfelder|first=Mark|date=25 May 2020|title=Why does USB keep changing?|url=https://boingboing.net/2020/05/25/why-does-usb-keep-changing.html|access-date=2021-06-04|website=Boing Boing|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=8 October 2016|title=You're telling me that Sonic the Hedgehog was faster in America!?|url=https://www.technobuffalo.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-ntsc-faster-vs-pal|access-date=2021-06-04|website=TechnoBuffalo}} Leigh also ventures into modern,{{Cite web|date=4 March 2020|title=New ZX Spectrum Next computer unboxed|url=https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/zx-spectrum-next-04-03-2020/|access-date=2021-06-04|website=Geeky Gadgets|language=en-US}} mystery, explanation and more frivolous tech videos, with a humorous style and British wit.
His book, The Nostalgia Nerd's Retro Tech,{{Cite book|last=Leigh|first=Peter|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ru5mtAEACAAJ|title=The Nostalgia Nerd's Retro Tech: Computer, Consoles and Games|date=6 November 2018|publisher=Octopus Books|isbn=978-1-78157-570-3|language=en}} spent several months as a best-seller in the UK{{Cite web|date=27 September 2019|title=Amazon Best Sellers: The most popular items in Books|publisher=Amazon |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/bestsellers/books/ref=pd_zg_ts_books|access-date=2021-06-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927164251/https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/bestsellers/books/ref=pd_zg_ts_books|archive-date=27 September 2019}} and USA. Covering a wide variety of retro systems with historical and gaming facts,{{Cite web|last=March 2021|first=Rob Dwiar 04|title=Best gaming books 2021: from novels to retro compendiums, and other page-turners|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-gaming-books/|access-date=2021-06-12|website=gamesradar|date=4 March 2021|language=en}} it has been mentioned on the UK's Centre for Computing History's website{{Cite web|title=Nostalgia Nerd's Retro Tech Book – Shop Item – Computing History|url=http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/50492/Nostalgia-Nerd-s-Retro-Tech-Book/|access-date=2021-06-11|website=computinghistory.org.uk}} and is a reference in the museum.
As of December 2022, his main YouTube channel has 520,000 subscribers and 674 videos.{{Cite web |title=Nostalgia Nerd's YouTube Stats (Summary Profile) – Social Blade Stats |url=https://socialblade.com/youtube/user/nostalgianerdvideos |access-date=2022-12-20 |website=socialblade.com}}
Early life and education
Leigh was born in Norwich, England in the early 1980s. The younger of two siblings, he spent much of his childhood engaging with such British micros as the ZX Spectrum,{{Cite web|last=By|date=28 February 2020|title=The ZX Spectrum Next Arrives|url=https://hackaday.com/2020/02/27/the-zx-spectrum-next-arrives/|access-date=2021-06-04|website=Hackaday|language=en-US}} BBC Micro and models from further afield, including the Commodore 64.{{Cite book|title=The Nostalgia Nerd's Retro Tech|publisher=Ilex|year=2018|isbn=978-1781575703|pages=Introduction}}
He attended Cromer High School, before studying Business Law and ICT at Paston College.{{Cite web|title=Linkedin|url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterleigh/|website=Linkedin}} He previously worked as a Lead Program Developer, and ran a web development business in 2012.{{Cite web|title=r/IAmA – I am Nostalgia Nerd. That 80s Computer Addicted, Youtube Chap who Just Wrote a Book about Retro Tech. Please, AMA.|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/9xcp74/i_am_nostalgia_nerd_that_80s_computer_addicted/|access-date=2020-06-23|website=reddit|language=en-US}}
Career
Leigh first began producing YouTube videos in 2014, under the alias of RetroBait.{{Cite web|title=Retrobait|url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC04DC6BvMAZefabXlM7wr_A|access-date=2020-06-23|via=YouTube|language=en}} He created the Nostalgia Nerd channel shortly after, and began creating videos as a part-time hobby.{{Citation|title=80s and 90s Computers, Arcades and British Gaming with Nostalgia Nerd – The Retro Hour EP56|url=https://play.acast.com/s/theretrohourretrogamingpodcast/tag%3Asoundcloud%2C2010%3Atracks%2F305925826|language=en|access-date=2020-07-03|archive-date=3 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603235216/https://play.acast.com/s/theretrohourretrogamingpodcast/tag:soundcloud,2010:tracks%2F305925826|url-status=dead}} His early videos ranged from unboxing old tech to game reviews, before moving to in-depth system histories which propelled the channel forward. These are created in a documentary style, focused on the histories of various computer systems and consoles from the past.
In 2017, Leigh moved full-time to YouTube production. He stated that, due to the time involved with research, editing and production, along with the desire to improve quality and historical accuracy; continuing his parallel career of website development alongside video production would be detrimental to both pursuits, preferring to put focus into video creation.{{Cite web|title=Nostalgia Nerd is creating Retro Tech & Gaming Videos|url=https://www.patreon.com/nostalgianerd|access-date=2020-06-23|website=Patreon|language=en-US}}
In 2018, Leigh appeared on Mexican television showcasing the retro computing scene in the UK.{{Cite web|date=3 September 2018|title=Nostalgia nerd|url=https://noticieros.televisa.com/videos/nostalgia-nerd/|access-date=2020-06-23|website=Noticieros Televisa|language=es-MX}} In the same year, he appeared in several episodes of the Kickstarter-backed web series, Digitiser the Show, as himself.{{Cite web|title=Peter Leigh|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm10269181/|access-date=2020-06-23|publisher=IMDb}}
In 2018, Leigh wrote The Nostalgia Nerd's Retro Tech. This book was published in November 2018{{Cite web|last=Hlavaty|first=Craig|date=15 November 2018|title=Would you like to play a game? Book holds history of game systems|url=https://www.chron.com/life/article/From-Pong-to-Red-Dead-Redemption-new-book-13396124.php|access-date=2021-06-04|website=Chron|language=en-US}}{{Cite book|url=https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk/titles/peter-leigh/the-nostalgia-nerds-retro-tech-computer-consoles-games/9781781575703/|title=The Nostalgia Nerd's Retro Tech: Computer, Consoles & Games|date=29 March 2019|isbn=9781781575703 |language=en-US |last1=Leigh |first1=Peter |publisher=Octopus Books }} by ILEX Press.{{Cite book|url=https://www.ilexinstant.com/titles/peter-leigh/the-nostalgia-nerds-retro-tech-computer-consoles-games/9781781576823/|title=The Nostalgia Nerd's Retro Tech: Computer, Consoles & Games|date=29 March 2019|isbn=9781781576823 |language=en-US |last1=Leigh |first1=Peter |publisher=Octopus }} To date, it has sold approximately 50,000 copies,{{Cite web|date=4 October 2017|title=Number of Reviews as a correlate to Number of Sales|url=https://sellercentral.amazon.com/forums/t/number-of-reviews-as-a-correlate-to-number-of-sales/329779/2|access-date=2021-04-09|website=Amazon Seller Forums|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Corson-Knowles|first=Tom|date=12 July 2016|title=Amazon Book Sales Calculator|url=https://www.tckpublishing.com/amazon-book-sales-calculator/|access-date=2020-06-23|website=TCK Publishing|language=en-US}} and appeared in various scholar-related texts.{{Citation|last1=Hoffin|first1=Kevin|title=A Chronology of Video Game Deviance|date=1 January 2020|work=Video Games Crime and Next-Gen Deviance|pages=49–72|editor-last=Kelly|editor-first=Craig|publisher=Emerald Publishing Limited|doi=10.1108/978-1-83867-447-220201004|isbn=978-1-83867-450-2|last2=DeVos|first2=Elaine|s2cid=225550767 |editor2-last=Lynes|editor2-first=Adam|editor3-last=Hoffin|editor3-first=Kevin|doi-access=free}}{{Cite thesis|title=KRITIK SOSIAL DALAM VIDEO GAME (Analisis Semiotika Representasi Kritik Sosial Dalam Video Game Persona 5)|url=http://eprints.upnyk.ac.id/24358/|publisher=UNIVERSITAS PEMBANGUNAN NASIONAL "VETERAN" YOGYAKARTA|date=2021|degree=other|language=en|first=Muhammad Salim|last=Pascal}}
Leigh has appeared as a guest author in numerous national press{{Cite news|last=Perlman|first=Elisabeth|title=Computer nerds go nuts for an Acorn|newspaper=The Times|language=en|url=https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/technology/article/computer-nerds-go-nuts-for-an-acorn-62tgpxhcm|access-date=2021-06-04|issn=0140-0460}} publications, as well as UK radio shows, advocating retro technology. One of which was Chris Goreham's BBC Radio Norfolk breakfast show, where he discussed the mystery of the Elm Hill fossilised keyboard in Norwich.{{Cite web|last=Moxon|first=Daniel|title=Mystery solved! Origin of Norwich keyboard revealed|url=https://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/molly-sole-nua-student-made-norwich-keyboard-1-6664152|access-date=2020-06-23|website=Norwich Evening News|date=21 May 2020|language=en}}
On 3 February 2021, Leigh appeared on the UK based Channel 4 television show, Steph's Packed Lunch,{{Citation|title="Steph's Packed Lunch" Episode #3.23 (TV Episode 2021) – IMDb|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt14048376/fullcredits|access-date=2021-06-04}}{{Cite web|date=3 February 2021|title=Steph's Packed Lunch with Nostalgia Nerd|url=https://8bitboyz.com/2021/02/03/stephs-packed-lunch-with-nostalgia-nerd/|access-date=2021-06-04|website=8-Bit Boyz|language=en-US}} discussing vintage computers and their values.{{Cite web|title=Steph's Packed Lunch Twitter post|url=https://twitter.com/PackedLunchC4/status/1357002173482156033|via=Twitter}}
He frequently appears as a guest speaker at retro-themed events, including Play Expo{{Citation|title=YOUTUBERS OF RETRO GAMING Play Expo 2020 – Octavius, Kim Justice, Nostalgia Nerd, Top Hat, DJ Slopes|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9BBmSbi9Jc|language=en|access-date=2021-04-09}}{{Cite web|title=Guest Announcement – Nostalgia Nerd – PLAY Expo Margate|url=https://www.playexpomargate.com/news/nostalgia-nerd|access-date=2020-06-23|website=playexpomargate.com}} by Replay Events, as well as a Primark retro themed clothing event alongside Pac-Man record holder, Jon Stoodley.{{Cite web|title=Primark Retro Gaming Range – 80sNostalgia.com|url=https://www.80snostalgia.com/primark-retro-gaming-range/|access-date=2021-06-04}}{{Cite web|title=THE PRIMARK ARCADE CALLING ALL RETRO GAMING FANS|url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/317967/THE_PRIMARK_ARCADE_CALLING_ALL_RETRO_GAMING_FANS.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720052653/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/317967/THE_PRIMARK_ARCADE_CALLING_ALL_RETRO_GAMING_FANS.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 July 2018|access-date=2021-06-04|website=gamasutra.com|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=21 June 2018|title=PrimarkArcade Manchester 2018|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAuSm9-C8KU|via=YouTube}}
As of February 2021, Leigh has collaborated with several other significant YouTube producers, including LGR,{{Cite web|title=LGR – Choosing a Retro Gaming PC|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CgisEFObjA|via=YouTube}} Ashens,{{Cite web|title=GBR Thrifts|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP9TvNvuVpo|via=YouTube}} Did You Know Gaming,{{Cite web|title=Sega Master System Games Trivia – Did You Know Gaming? extra Feat. Nostalgia Nerd – YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yim2NpqmjWI|access-date=2021-02-04|via=YouTube}} Octavius King and Slopes Game Room. He also co-hosts The Octanerdle podcast{{Cite web|title=Octanerdle|url=https://octanerdle.com/|access-date=2021-04-08|website=octanerdle.com}} with Octavius King.
Notable documentaries
Through source interviews, research and discovery, Nostalgia Nerd is known for creating content on an array of forgotten or unknown subjects related to vintage technology.{{Cite web|title=5 canais no YouTube para quem gosta de tecnologia retrô|url=https://super.abril.com.br/cultura/5-canais-no-youtube-para-quem-gosta-de-tecnologia-retro/|access-date=2021-06-15|website=Super|language=pt-BR}}
Examples include the explanation and deep dive into the early 00's 96KB FPS, kkrieger. The investigation and solving of the "Fossilised Keyboard Mystery", and various historical and research documentaries; including the rise and fall of Cyrix processors, the history of the failed internet sensation, Beenz, analysis of the alternative Sega Genesis Street Fighter 2 Game and a documentary about 1990s Star Trek PC Peripherals.{{Cite web|last=Wainfur|first=Rob|date=22 January 2018|title=Nostalgia Nerd Takes A Look Back at 90's Star Trek PC Peripherals|url=https://www.startrektnz.com/news/137-nostalgia-nerd-takes-a-look-back-at-90-s-star-trek-pc-peripherals|access-date=2021-06-15|website=Star Trek News|language=en-gb}}
Personal life
As of 2021, Leigh lives in Norwich, Norfolk.{{Cite web|title=Twitter Location Info.|url=https://twitter.com/nostalnerd|access-date=2020-06-23|via=Twitter|language=en}} He has two children who have appeared in older videos.
Bibliography
| class="wikitable"
!Year !Title !Notes |
| 2017
|Attack of the Flickering Skeletons (Stuart Ashen){{Cite book|last=Ashen|first=Stuart|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1014210249|title=Attack of the flickering skeletons : more terrible old games that you've probably never heard of|date=2017|isbn=978-1-78352-413-6|location=London|oclc=1014210249}} |Contributor |
| 2018
|The Nostalgia Nerd's Retro Tech{{Cite book|last=Leigh|first=Peter|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1027135150|title=The nostalgia nerd's retro tech : computers, consoles & games : all the greatest old systems from Atari to Xbox|date=2018|isbn=978-1-78157-570-3|location=London|oclc=1027135150}} | |
Filmography
= Television =
| class="wikitable"
!Year !Title !Role !Notes |
| 2021
|Steph's Packed Lunch |Himself |Discussing the revival of vintage computers, their use and how much they're worth |
= Film =
| class="wikitable"
!Year !Title !Role !Notes |
| 2020
|Ashens and the Polybius Heist |Tech supplier |Credited |
| 2021
|Odd Pod: The Movie... kinda{{Cite web|title=Odd Pod: The Movie... kinda (2021) – IMDb|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13386836/|access-date=2021-06-04|publisher=IMDb|language=en-US}} |Nostalgia Nerd |Upcoming film based on The Odd Pod show |
= Web series =
| class="wikitable"
!Year !Title !Role !Notes |
| 2017
|LGR: Choosing a Retro Gaming PC |Himself |1 episode, guest |
| 2018
|Blockbusters: Video Games & The Internet |Himself |Panellist on the YouTube channel, Ashens |
| 2018
|Digitiser: The Show |Himself | |
| 2018
|Barshens |Himself |1 episode |
| 2019
|Digitiser Live{{Citation|title=DIGITISER LIVE 2019 – FULL SHOW!|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXVJjRUTwX0|language=en|access-date=2021-04-08}}{{Cite web|title=DIGITISER: THE SHOW Launches 9th March on Kickstarter {{!}} GamesYouLoved|url=https://gamesyouloved.com/blog/2018/march/04/digitiser-the-show-launches-9th-march-on-kickstarter/|access-date=2021-06-04|website=gamesyouloved.com|language=en}} |Himself | |
| 2019
|Narrator |1 episode |
References
External links
- {{IMDb name|10269181|Peter Leigh}}
{{Portal bar|Internet|Technology|England|United Kingdom}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nostalgia Nerd}}
Category:Year of birth uncertain
Category:Media personalities from Norwich