Side by side
NostalgiaDB vs RAWG
Both stand on game databases. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APIWeb
NostalgiaDB combines searchable retro game metadata with API access, SQLite downloads, and a browser-based portal for locally stored ROMs. Play and database downloads require a free account, and API use requires a key.
Visit NostalgiaDB
Free plan APIWeb
RAWG offers a large game database and discovery data through an API, with free and paid access options. Request caps, attribution requirements, and limits on redistribution matter when planning an integration.
Visit RAWGThe facts
| NostalgiaDB | RAWG | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Web | API, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Business: $149 a month |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | nostalgialab.org | rawg.io |
| On game databases | #4 of 14 | #8 of 14 |
NostalgiaDB: what it does well
- Archive spans 45 gaming platforms.
- Search accepts natural-language queries.
- Free SQLite database downloads are available.
- Play reads ROM files from a local folder.
- Google, Microsoft, and Discord sign-in supported.
What to know first
- Play requires a Chromium-based browser.
- API queries require an API key.
- API query depth is limited to six levels.
- Database downloads require free registration.
RAWG: what it does well
- Lists 500,000+ games across 50 platforms.
- Game records can include ratings and system requirements.
- Free plan allows up to 20,000 requests monthly.
- Business plan includes commercial use and email support.
What to know first
- Every API request needs an API key.
- Free plan is limited to non-commercial projects.
- Pages using data require an active RAWG backlink.
- Business costs $149 a month.
Alternatives to NostalgiaDB Alternatives to RAWG The whole list