IGDB vs NostalgiaDB

IGDB is a video game information database for searching games, companies, and characters. Search results can be sorted by relevance, title, release date, or rating, and the database accepts community contributions. Developers can query game data and related entities through its API, choosing fields, filters, sorting, and other request options. Non-commercial API use is free under the Twitch Developer Service Agreement. Commercial use requires a partnership, and products integrating the API are expected to show visible user-facing attribution. Access requires a Twitch account with two-factor authentication, an application Client ID and Client Secret, and OAuth2 application credentials. The API allows 4 requests per second, up to 8 open requests at once, and at most 500 results per request. Documentation provides daily-updated CSV data dumps and lists wrappers for several languages. Direct browser requests are not supported because the API has no CORS headers; a backend proxy is recommended. IGDB's API is available for free for non-commercial use, while commercial use requires a partnership.

NostalgiaDB is a free metadata database for retro game releases spanning 1977–2005. Its archive covers titles, platforms, release dates, ratings, cover art, and descriptions across 45 gaming platforms. Natural-language search helps locate games, while a GraphQL API provides access to releases, ROMs, systems, reviews, and media; API queries require a key and are limited to six levels of depth. Free SQLite database archives can be downloaded with a free registered account, and their presigned URLs remain valid for 15 minutes. Registered members can use the browser-based Play portal to run their own locally stored ROM files in a client-side emulator sandbox. Play requires a Chromium-based browser such as Chrome, Edge, Brave, or Opera. The portal says game files are read from the user’s device and are not uploaded or transmitted to Nostalgia Lab servers. Centralized sign-in supports Google, Microsoft, and Discord. Nostalgia Lab describes the platform as a non-profit preservation project funded by voluntary donations and serving researchers, historians, developers, and enthusiasts. It says it does not sell user data, serve targeted ads, or store payment information.