Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell Revisit Their Retro Gaming Roots

It has been three decades since Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell first rose to fame on All That, but their chemistry remains as sharp as ever. In the latest episode of Shelf Quest, the pair traded sketch comedy for the aisles of New York’s renowned videogamesnewyork, proving that their bond—forged in the high-pressure environment of 1990s television—is still going strong.

For fans who grew up watching the two, the trip down memory lane is a highlight of the episode. The duo spent the afternoon arguing over the merits of the Power Glove, reminiscing about the arcade intensity of Dance Dance Revolution, and attempting to recall every Sega Genesis title they once owned. For Mitchell, the nostalgia was particularly personal; he recalled his youth in Chicago, where he spent hours mowing lawns just to save up for his own Genesis to play OutRun and Altered Beast.

The High Cost of Childhood Nostalgia

Walking through the aisles of 2026, the duo faced a reality many collectors encounter: the shocking price tags attached to the games of their youth. Thompson and Mitchell spent the episode marveling—and occasionally balking—at the current market value of classic titles they once took for granted.

Thompson reflected on how the industry has shifted since their early days, noting, "Pixelation to HD is a wild journey, man." He added that many of the franchises they grew up with, such as Mario, Sonic, and Metroid, have managed to stay relevant by offering gameplay loops that focus on mental challenges and puzzle-solving mechanics.

From Sitcoms to Mobile Gaming

The duo hasn't just been looking backward. While Thompson continues his long-standing tenure on Saturday Night Live—now in its 23rd season—and Mitchell keeps busy with various projects, including his 2023 return to the role of Ed in the Good Burger sequel, they have also entered the gaming space themselves.

The pair recently launched Orange Pop!, a match 3 puzzle game. According to the duo, the project is intended to serve as a perfect time-killer, with hopes that it might even help sharpen the minds of the next generation of comedy writers and performers.

You can see the full trip to the shop, including the duo's reaction to the current price of retro hardware, in the latest episode of Shelf Quest.