What is Retro Mode in MLB The Show 21?

Fan-favorite Retro Mode has made a reappearance in MLB The Show 21—confusing some newer players.

Sony San Diego has packed MLB The Show 21 full of unique modes, matches, options, and opportunities for the player. While some of these are obvious like trading players, team uniforms, stadiums, and the like, others a bit more complicated. In fact, it may take a veteran eye to remember just how many features this game can hold.

For example: Retro Mode.

What is Retro Mode in MLB The Show 21?

Retro Mode is an arcade-like option that transforms the gameplay into a simpler, potentially lower-poly experience. It rolls the game and controls back to the very first digital baseball titles with fewer buttons, toggles, and triggers.

In fact, batters and pitchers only really have a single button and joystick to function. Pitchers throw the ball with the action button and only have the joystick to control it as it careens toward the batter. In return, the batter can choose where to stand in the hit box and use the action button to swing.

That's it. That's the whole game. No fancy power hits or elaborate curveballs—just straightforward throw, curve, swing, and hit.

Now, if only players could actually get into the servers to play.