If you grew up with dial up sounds, GeoCities pages, and forums about every hobby under the sun, then the idea of earning on the side with affiliate websites probably feels a bit familiar already. The short answer is yes, you can turn that nostalgia into a side hustle, and one of the easiest ways is by picking from existing affiliate websites for sale and then shaping them around the old games, toys, shows, and vintage gear you still care about.
That is the practical part. You buy a site, or start a small one from scratch, point it at products you like, and earn a commission when someone buys through your link. Simple idea. The more fun part is how you can blend it with memories from your own childhood or teenage years so it does not feel like yet another cold, generic money site.
Why nostalgia pairs so well with affiliate sites
I think nostalgia and affiliate marketing fit together for a few reasons that are easy to miss if you only look at numbers.
First, people search for old stuff all the time. They hunt for:
- Reissues of classic toys
- Retro consoles and handhelds
- Vinyl, CDs, cassette players
- Old movie box sets or remastered editions
- Vintage style clothing
- Reprints of comics or books they read as kids
Those searches often come from a very honest place. Someone just wants to feel like they did when they first played a game on a chunky CRT or opened a stack of stickers. That feeling is strong, and people are usually willing to spend some money to get a piece of it back.
Second, nostalgic buyers like stories. They respond to personal details. A plain technical review of a 90s style joystick is fine, but when you add a short note like, “I broke two of these playing fighting games with my cousin, and I still want another one,” it lands differently. It feels human.
Nostalgic niches work best when your site feels like a friendly fan recommending old favorites, not a store shouting at people.
Third, these topics are often less crowded than broad mainstream ones. Everyone fights over “best phone 2025.” Fewer people bother with “best reproduction SNES controllers that do not lag.” That gives you room to breathe a bit, which matters if this is a side hustle and not your full time work.
Buying a nostalgic affiliate site vs starting from zero
You have two clear paths if you want a nostalgic niche affiliate site.
1. Buy a site that already exists
This means finding a small site that covers some nostalgic angle and already has content, traffic, and affiliate links. You take it over, keep what works, and slowly make it your own.
Why some people like this path:
- The design, hosting, and basic setup are already done
- The site might already appear on Google for some search terms
- You can see history before paying, such as traffic charts or earnings screenshots
- You skip that very slow first phase where nobody visits your site at all
Of course, it is not perfect. Some sites use old WordPress themes, clunky plugins, or very stiff AI style content. You might need to clean things up. Also, there is always a small risk that numbers were inflated, or the previous owner did weird SEO tricks that can backfire. You have to be a bit skeptical.
When you buy a nostalgic affiliate site, act like you are buying a used game console. Check the outside, test the buttons, and do not assume everything inside is in perfect shape.
2. Start your own nostalgic site from scratch
The other choice is simple. Register a domain, set up hosting, install WordPress or whatever you like, pick a theme, and start writing about things from your past that still have products tied to them.
This can feel slower, but it also gives you clean ground. No old technical mess, no weird link history, no content you do not like.
You might be better off starting from scratch if:
- You enjoy writing or tinkering with layouts
- You want a very specific angle that existing sites do not match
- You have a limited budget and prefer to spend on content rather than on buying a site
Both paths work. The more honest part is that neither path is magic. You still need time, small experiments, and a bit of patience. If you expect money in a week, you will probably be disappointed.
Ideas for nostalgic niches that still have buying intent
Some nostalgic topics are very emotional but do not lead to many purchases. Other topics are heavy on products. You want a mix of both: memory and money.
Old gaming and retro consoles
This one feels obvious, but it is still strong. People search for retro consoles, hand helds, and accessories all the time.
Some sub topics:
- Mini consoles with preloaded games
- Reissue controllers and adapters
- CRT style monitors and upscalers for old consoles
- Cartridges, repro carts, and special editions
- Protective cases and display stands for old systems
You can write “best of” guides, comparisons, and also small stories, such as “The first time I completed this game without cheat codes” or “Why this weird off brand controller was my favorite.” Those little things separate you from generic review sites.
Physical media: CDs, DVDs, VHS, and vinyl
Streaming is everywhere, but there is a quiet group of people going back to physical media. Some of them want higher quality. Some just want that feeling of holding a case.
Possible site angles:
- Best DVD or Blu ray box sets for specific shows that used to air on cable
- Guides to collecting VHS or LaserDisc without wasting money
- Beginner turntable setups that match old vinyl styles
- Storage and cleaning kits for retro media
This type of site works well with long guides. For example, a full guide to starting a small VHS collection that does not fall apart in a year. You can link to players, tapes, cleaning kits, shelving, and more.
Toys and figures from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s
A lot of older toy lines now have reissues, “classic” versions, or anniversary sets. Some are expensive. Some are fairly cheap. All of them trigger memories.
You could cover:
- Modern reissues of classic toys
- Display stands and protective cases for figures
- Books and documentaries about toy history
- New lines that are inspired by old cartoons or games
One thing that helps here is using your own tiny stories. Maybe you never found a certain figure as a child. Maybe you only saw it in catalogs. That kind of story hooks readers who felt the same.
Old school hobbies: model kits, magazines, and crafts
Some hobbies never went away, they just moved online. Model trains, plastic kits, old magazine collections, old school knitting patterns. There is still a market.
A site about “old school hobbies” might cover:
- Tutorials for new people who want to try a retro hobby
- Gear guides, from cutting tools to paints
- Reprints of classic magazines or pattern books
- Storage solutions for collections
If your nostalgic side hustle helps a beginner start a hobby that meant a lot to you years ago, it feels less like selling and more like handing over a favorite book.
Types of nostalgic affiliate sites you can buy
Not every site you find for sale will look the same. Some are tiny blogs. Some are full catalogs with hundreds of products. It helps to know what you are looking at.
| Type of site | What it looks like | Good for | Possible drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small content blog | 10 to 50 articles, simple layout, mostly text and images | People who want to write and grow slowly | Lower income at first, may need redesign |
| Product review site | Many “best X” and comparison posts, lots of affiliate links | Direct product focused niches like gear, hardware, toys | Can feel too commercial if you do not add personality |
| Hybrid site | Mix of stories, guides, and product pages | Nostalgic topics where memories matter | More complex to manage, needs clear structure |
| Mini store style site | Looks like a shop, but sends people to other shops | Curated lists of retro products from different sources | Needs constant link checks and product updates |
When you look at any listing, ask simple questions:
- Does the topic match things I actually care about?
- Do I see clear products tied to the nostalgia, or is it just memories with no buying link?
- Can I picture adding 20 more posts without running out of ideas?
If the honest answer to any of these is “not really,” then it might not be the right site for you, even if the numbers look nice in a chart.
How to give a bought site a nostalgic voice
Many pre built sites feel flat. They might rank and even earn a bit, but they read like they were written by a robot that never played a game or held a DVD case. You can fix that.
Add short memory hooks in each article
You do not need to write long essays about your past. A few lines can be enough.
For example:
- “I first played this on a borrowed console, and I still remember the weird smell of the plastic.”
- “I rented this movie 3 times before finally buying the DVD.”
- “This was the only toy I never traded away, and I still regret losing the box.”
Small notes like that make the content feel grounded. It also gives you a more natural tone, which fits a nostalgic audience much better.
Simplify the language, even if you know more
Some hobby sites fall into a trap of showing off knowledge. Long technical terms, deep specs, and dense paragraphs. A few readers enjoy that, but many just want to know which retro console to get for their living room and why.
If you can say something in plain words, do that. It makes your site easier to read on a phone and easier to remember. You can always link to advanced guides later.
Use comparison tables for clarity, not for show
Tables are great for nostalgic topics where hardware or editions differ slightly. For example, different versions of a retro console, or different reissues of a music album.
Here is a very simple example for classic console reissues:
| Console | Games included | Save feature | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini 16 bit console | 40 built in games | Yes, multiple save slots | People who want many options at once |
| Handheld classic | 1 built in game, cartridges sold separate | No save, pure old style | People chasing that original feeling |
| Hybrid retro system | Plays old cartridges, no built in games | Dependent on game | Collectors with existing games |
Notice that the table focuses on what a nostalgic buyer actually cares about: does it save, how many games, who is it for. Not just raw specs like processor type.
Monetization paths that fit nostalgic sites
Affiliate links are the core, but there are extra touches that make sense for nostalgic topics.
Standard affiliate programs for retro products
Most large online shops have affiliate programs. You sign up, get approved, and then link to products.
For nostalgic niches, you might look at:
- Large general shops for consoles, DVDs, toys, and hardware
- Specialty retro gaming shops with their own programs
- Music stores that still sell vinyl and CD box sets
- Hobby shops for kits and crafts
One helpful approach is to avoid linking to 20 different stores in one article. That can confuse readers. Try to keep it simple and clear.
eBay and similar platforms for second hand nostalgia
A lot of nostalgic items are no longer made new. Original cartridges, posters, actual CRT televisions. For those, you might look at auction or second hand platforms.
You can link to searches, like “original release of X game” or “vintage deck with cassette.” Then you explain what to check before buying, such as condition, region codes, or whether a remote is included.
This approach is more variable. Prices change, availability changes, and you do not control the supply. But it can match the nostalgic hunt feeling pretty well.
Digital nostalgia: ROM packs, emulators, and legal issues
This area is a bit tricky. People search for ROMs, emulators, and ways to replay old games on modern devices. Some of that ties into legal gray areas, depending on where you live and what is allowed.
If you tread here, you have to be careful and respectful of legal rules. You might focus on:
- Official collections and compilations for modern systems
- Licensed projects that repackage old games
- Commercial emulation systems that are sold with legal content
There is demand in this space, but you cannot just recommend anything without thinking through the legal angle. Sometimes the safer route is to talk about the history and then direct people toward official remasters or collections.
Where to find nostalgic affiliate sites for sale
People list sites in many places. Some use large public marketplaces, some use smaller brokers, and some sell in private groups. Each has pros and cons.
Large open marketplaces
Public marketplaces are easy to access. You browse listings, sort by price or topic, and reach out to sellers. You get volume, which is nice, but also a lot of noise.
Things to watch out for:
- Overly optimistic earnings claims without proof
- Sellers who cannot explain how they got traffic
- Very new sites being sold as long term projects
I think it helps to assume that some listings will be bad fits or even a bit questionable. Your job is to find the few that match your nostalgic angle and seem honest.
Smaller brokers and curated sellers
Some brokers only accept certain sites, or they check things before listing. The selection can be smaller, but the average quality may be higher. Prices may also reflect that.
If you go this route, ask simple questions such as:
- How long has the site been live?
- Where does most of the traffic come from?
- What kind of content tends to perform best?
You are not trying to interrogate anyone, just trying to see if the story of the site makes sense.
Private deals and hobby communities
An overlooked approach is hobby communities. Forums, Discord groups, Reddit, or even old mailing lists about specific nostalgic topics.
Sometimes people in those spaces run small sites and quietly want to move on. They might be more emotionally attached to the niche and care that the new owner also cares, not just about money.
The drawback is that deals are less formal. You need to use some common sense, ask for access to traffic stats, and maybe use a simple contract. If that kind of negotiation bothers you, a public platform may feel safer.
Balancing nostalgia and honesty in your content
Nostalgic topics tempt people to exaggerate. “This is the best game ever.” “No modern toy can match this.” That sort of thing. It can be fun to say, but it also can hurt your credibility if every product is “amazing” and “perfect.”
A more grounded approach tends to work better long term.
- Share both what you liked and what annoyed you in the past
- Be clear that memory is not always accurate, and some things age poorly
- Compare old and new fairly, without stating that one is always better
Nostalgia is powerful, but your readers still live in the present. Help them make smart choices now, with a gentle nod to the past, not a blind rush back into it.
People will trust you more if you can say, “I love this, but honestly the buttons feel worse than I remembered,” or “This DVD set has great extras, but the video quality is not amazing compared to current streaming.”
Time, expectations, and the “slow hobby” mindset
There is a common myth that affiliate sites are quick side money. Sometimes they are, but usually that happens when someone already knows what they are doing.
If you are just starting, treat this closer to a slow hobby that can pay for itself and maybe more later. That mindset makes it easier to enjoy the process.
Some real points to accept early:
- It can take months before a new article gets any serious search traffic
- Some posts will fail, and that is normal
- You will change your mind about structure and design more than once
The upside is that a nostalgic site can also be emotionally rewarding. You might reconnect with old games, shows, or hobbies. You might hear from people who share the same memories. That part is hard to put a price on, but it does matter.
Common mistakes when buying nostalgic affiliate sites
Before you pull out a card or hit “buy,” it helps to be aware of some frequent traps. I have seen people fall into these again and again.
Chasing income screenshots without context
A seller shows one month with very high earnings. It looks great, but you do not see the months before or after, or the traffic sources. Maybe it was a short viral event. Maybe it came from paid ads that you do not want to run.
Ask for several months of stats. Look at patterns. If the site made serious money during a holiday sale and then almost nothing outside that, be realistic about what you are buying.
Ignoring your own interest level
You might see a nostalgic site in a niche that you never cared about. For example, vintage car magazines, but you are not into cars at all. The numbers look good, so you feel tempted.
Sometimes that can still work, especially if you plan to hire writers who care. But if this is a personal side project, lack of interest will catch up with you. Writing or editing content about something you do not care about feels like homework.
Underestimating content cleanup
Some ready made sites use low quality content. Overly generic wording, filler sentences, or strange keyword stuff. You might need to rewrite a big chunk of it. That takes time or money.
When you look at sample articles, ask yourself if you would be happy reading them as a regular user. If the honest answer is no, then factor in the cost of improving them.
Simple content plan for a nostalgic affiliate site
If you do not know where to start after buying or launching a site, a basic content plan can help. No need for complex spreadsheets.
Step 1: Core guides
Pick 3 to 5 big topics in your niche and write longer guides about them. For example, if you focus on retro consoles:
- Guide to choosing your first retro console in 2025
- How to connect older consoles to modern TVs
- Beginner friendly classic games that still feel good today
These pieces give new readers a starting point. They also give you space to place affiliate links in natural spots.
Step 2: Focused product reviews
Next, pick 10 to 20 products that people in your space actually buy. Not random filler. Quality over quantity.
Each review should cover:
- What the product is and why it exists
- What you like about it
- What you do not like, even if it is small
- Who it suits and who should skip it
Try to keep your tone honest and calm. Avoid repeating the same praising adjectives on every page. That makes the site sound fake.
Step 3: Nostalgic stories linked to products
Every few posts, write something a bit softer. A memory piece that still gently points to related products.
Examples:
- “Weekend memories with my first portable console” tied to current reissues
- “Why Saturday morning cartoon DVDs still matter to me” with links to box sets
- “The toy I waited all year to get and what I would buy now instead” with links to modern versions
These pieces can bring in readers who are just browsing for nostalgia, and some will convert into buyers later.
Is a nostalgic affiliate site right for you?
Not everyone should buy or build one of these. Some people just want the quickest possible return with no personal angle. If you feel that way, you might get frustrated by nostalgic niches that involve stories and slower growth.
But if you:
- Still feel a real spark when you see old hardware, packaging, or show intros
- Like the idea of writing in a relaxed, personal way
- Can accept that money may come slowly at first
Then it might be a good match. It will not replace a full time income overnight, but it can turn your memories into something that balances fun and financial sense.
Common questions about nostalgic affiliate websites
Q: Can a nostalgic affiliate site really make money, or is it just a hobby project?
A: It can make money, but the size depends on effort, niche choice, and time. Some people earn enough to cover bills, others just cover hosting and extra retro purchases. The honest view is to treat it as a side project that might grow, rather than counting on it to pay rent from day one.
Q: Is it better to pick one narrow nostalgia topic or several?
A: Starting narrow tends to help. If you pick “retro handheld consoles” instead of “retro stuff” in general, your content will be more focused. Once your site has some traction, you can slowly expand into nearby areas, such as classic game collections or related accessories.
Q: I am not a writer. Can I still run a nostalgic affiliate site?
A: Yes, but you will either need to practice writing in simple language or hire writers. If you hire, give them clear guidance and ask them to include personal style notes. Purely generic content rarely works well in nostalgic niches.Your own small edits and memories can still shape the final output, even if someone else drafts it.