But high tech consoles and the death of a genre are not enough to quell our joystick-twiddling cravings. That's why we now wake up to a cacophony of reassuringly familiar gaming sounds courtesy of the Arcade Alarm Clock.
Standing 15cm tall, this LCD alarm clock looks just like a retro arcade cabinet, complete with colourful invaders-style artwork. The only things missing are the fag burns and puerile graffiti.
Joystick controls and snooze button
Just use the joysticks to program the alarm and rest your geeky head, safe in the knowledge you'll be shaken out of boboland by a barrage of jingly jangly beeps. Game (and snooze) over!