NostalgiaDB vs RAWG

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.

RAWG is a video game database and discovery service that provides game data, search, and machine-learning recommendations through an API, alongside its web platform. Its API page lists 500,000+ games across 50 platforms, including mobile. Records can include descriptions, genres, release dates, store links, ESRB and Metacritic ratings, playtime, gameplay videos, system requirements, and downloadable content and franchise information. RAWG says similar-game recommendations use computer vision; player activity data includes Steam average playtime and RAWG player counts and ratings. Every API request requires an API key. The Free plan is for non-commercial projects, allows up to 20,000 requests per month, and requires backlinks to RAWG where data is used. Business costs $149 a month and allows commercial use with up to 50,000 monthly requests. Terms permit free commercial use for startups and hobby projects at or below 100,000 monthly active users or 500,000 page views per month; larger projects are directed to request commercial terms. Attribution with an active RAWG hyperlink is required, and resale or redistribution to other businesses is prohibited.