We see amazing developer portfolios every single day, so every now and then it’s nice to stop and shine a light on some of the very best.
This time, we’re looking at five nostalgic and beautifully nerdy portfolios from around the web to give you some inspiration.
Mitch Ivin: Windows XP Experience
Mitch Ivin’s portfolio is a work of art… with a Windows XP twist. The UI is an impressively accurate clone of the classic OS, down to every tiny detail (yes, it does make that sound on load).
The start menu, the bubbly taskbar, even dotted outlines when you click desktop icons, and a monitor-like texture on top it all really show off Mitch’s creativity and attention to detail.
Like so many on this list, you’ll find yourself clicking around on Mitch’s site to find all the hidden gems he’s packed into this amazing portfolio.
Win95 Portfolio
So if Windows XP wasn’t enough of a nostalgia trip for you, let’s go a little further back.
This Windows 95 Portfolio recreates that low-res look the OS is known for, with pixel fonts, flat icons and even the classic default Windows background.
Each section of the site opens in its own draggable window, just like the real thing.
The best part about this one is you can follow along with a tutorial to learn how to make it for yourself, or just fork the repo.
Joey de Ruiter: UNIX Desktop Simulation
Joey de Ruiter’s site takes a different route down memory lane — this time to the early UNIX era.
You don’t just browse Joey’s portfolio, you login. The site simulates a full 3D desktop environment, with draggable folders, file systems, and even an emulated DOS window where you can play Doom (shoutout to John Romero).
It’s nerdy, brilliant, and the kind of thing we imagine started as a small side project and spiralled into an absolutely incredible, functioning virtual operating system.
Matteo Santoro: GameBoy Portfolio
If you’re a 90s kid, the chances are you played Pokemon on the GameBoy as a child. Matteo Santoro built his entire portfolio as a pixel-perfect GameBoy game, with a Pokemon-like feel.
The UI is pure nostalgia. Block drop shaodws, greyscale sprites, chiptune sound, and a smooth D-pad navigation system.
It’s technically clever but also so charming. A little bit of playfulness can turn something simple like a résumé into an experience.
Sat Naing: Terminal Portfolio
Finally, something for the command-line purists.
Sat Naing’s portfolio opens straight into a terminal interface. No buttons, no mouse, just a blinking cursor and an instruction on how to get started.
Type help, and you’ll find a list of commands that lead you to his projects, contact info, and more. The ASCII profile picture is a great touch, too.
It’s well-executed, fast, and fun to explore, without relying on any complex graphics.
In a world where boilerplates, templates, UI kits and component libraries have made website designs more standardised, these developers remind us that portfolios can be fun and show off your character.
They’re not just résumés, they’re little creative worlds that tell you as much about the maker’s personality as their code ever could.
So if you’ve been meaning to rebuild your portfolio, maybe it’s time to dust off your old OS themes, or dig out some pixel art , and don’t forget and ask yourself the most important question of all… “What if my CV could run Doom?”