Sometimes we are nostalgic for the video games of our childhood ... And so many good reasons which push both young people and older people to turn to retrogaming. Of course, this has always been a niche of choice for collectors of retro games and retro consoles. So, we can ask ourselves what is the best retro gaming console .
What to know before purchasing
Some essential elements before purchasing:
- There are retrogaming consoles on emulator
- It is possible to do retrogaming from a modern computer thanks to emulators like Romstation.
- Retrogaming consoles are not excessively expensive, but the budget can quickly add up for collectibles
Comparison of the best retro gaming consoles
Are you a fan of retro gaming? Do you want to buy a game console, but you don't know which one to choose? Here is a complete and detailed comparison of the best retro gaming consoles currently available on the market.
1. PC Engine CoreGrafx Mini: (Re)live the golden age of 8 bits
Features and Reviews
Konami's PC Engine CoreGrafx mini targets video game enthusiasts and is the best finished of the best retro consoles, both in terms of software and hardware. It has an unusual graphical interface and software ergonomics which offer you beautiful illustrations from ancient times and which add a little extra to the experience.
The covers are shown in full size and the loading of the games depends on the memory card format it carries. This can be a HuCard cartridge or a CD. The PC Engine CoreGrafx Mini comes preloaded with 57 games of which 26 are in Japanese version and 24 in English version. The console controllers incorporate the turbo levers and are very faithful to the design of the prototype.
Another important point, the USB cable of the console measures 3 m which allows you to stay a good distance from the Television. Unfortunately, the console only has one controller.
2. Nintendo NES Classic Mini: The retro console that provides nostalgic sensations
Features and Reviews
Equipped with 30 spectacular games, the Nintendo NES Classic Mini console is a miniaturized version of the innovative NES. It features the ARM Cortex A7 processor which regulates its energy consumption. It has an internal memory of 256 MB (RAM) and storage space of 512 MB ( memory ).
It will delight nostalgic gamers thanks to its NES games playable in high definition. The Nintendo NES Classic Mini has a virtual save that allows you to resume your game where you left off. It also has a cathode filter and its 4:3 format allows you to obtain the NES appearance of the original games.
3. Nintendo Classic Mini: The 16-bit comeback
Features and Reviews
The Nintendo Classic Mini is the most beautiful reduced version of the NES Classic Mini console and remains above all a “retro” console whose price is justified by the catalog of games it has. It comes with a simple micro-USB cable connected to a USB charger, which allows it to be powered. We also note the presence of an HDMI cable which, connected to a television, will take you back to the 90s.
The controllers of the Nintendo Classic Mini are much narrower than those of the original console. In terms of consumption, the Nintendo classic mini console does not heat up and is less energy efficient unlike other retro console models. In fact, after one hour of use, the chassis does not release more than 31.1°C and the total consumption is 2.3 W!
4. Sega Console Megadrive: The best fourth generation gaming console
Features and Reviews
Sega Magadrive is the first 16-bit retro handheld gaming console. With its careful and distinguished design, it is designed to satisfy the desires of an adult audience, including several racing, sports and even adventure games...
It also includes several games from the old Sega Master System console such as Mortal Kombat, Shinobi 3 or Sonic the Hedgehog which further expand its game library. This retro game console is equipped with a range of accessories and peripherals such as: multifunction arcade stickpads, the Multitap and the Mega-CD.
It is compatible with original Mega Drive cartridges and has two wired controllers. The console has a 2 x AA rechargeable battery which gives you 5 to 6 hours of battery life.
5. PlayStation Classic: A reimagined version of the original PlayStation
Features and Reviews
With a design that closely resembles the original console, Sony's PlayStation Classic is 45% smaller than the '90s gaming console and comes with two wired controllers.
Equipped with two USB ports on the front for connecting controllers and an HDMI port which makes it easy to connect to a TV, this console will make you (re)discover the most popular games of the past!
In addition, it includes most of the best games from the original PlayStation including: Tekken 3, Battle Arena Toshinden, Wild Arms, Destruction Derby, Grand Theft Auto, Twisted Metal and many others... The PlayStaion Classic contains a total of 20 classic games and has a virtual memory card to save all your current games.
The three categories of game console
Before revealing our buying guide to the best retrogaming consoles , we would like to tell you about the three categories of old game consoles that can be found on the market. Some manufacturers have sniffed out the fashion around retro gaming and have therefore created modern consoles using the codes of yesteryear, which change from Fortnite or Apex Legends . This is how we find:
- All-in-one mini arcade terminals
- 100% retro consoles
- Retro but recent consoles
All-in-one arcade consoles
The all-in-one arcade console is presented as a terminal with the difference that it contains a very powerful emulator with sometimes thousands of video games installed on it . In a few seconds, you can launch any arcade game and have fun. This system exists in a large arcade terminal which is reminiscent of those found in cafes, but also in a countertop arcade terminal. These miniature models can be placed on a table, a bar counter or any piece of furniture in addition to being easily transportable. It's ideal when you want to share with friends.
Old consoles
This is the most obvious category when talking about the best retrogaming consoles . Here we are talking about the original and vintage consoles. The advantage is that they are real collector's items that we will enjoy plugging into an old television in order to rediscover a time when HD did not exist but where we also said that it would never exist such realistic graphics. However, this is also the fault of these consoles.
In fact, if you're lucky, they still work but you have to manage to plug it in! HDMI or even USB did not exist at the time and today's televisions no longer have SCART sockets. Therefore, you will have to invest in an adapter or an old machine to make it all go together. Note that it is also increasingly difficult to find original games.
Modern retro consoles
Retro-modern consoles are another category of the best retrogaming consoles . This is quite recent and comes from the retro gaming trend that video game manufacturers have rushed to seize. We therefore find ourselves with PlayStation 1 mini or even Super Nintendo Mini .
But then, is it a good deal?
Well, not according to the review. Okay, these consoles have the advantage of taking you back to the games of your childhood, but only certain! Indeed, the games catalog is very limited in addition to being just a box that contains an emulator available on your computer. You will therefore save money by not investing in these devices.
Our buying guide to retro gaming consoles
You now know the basics about retro consoles and you are probably convinced that you want to get one. It's totally normal, nostalgia is quite irrational and we tell ourselves that for a small price, we will have access to a huge game catalog. But then, how do you choose the best retrogaming game console? This choice will be made according to your desires but also your affinity with the console. However, we would like to give you some technical criteria so that you have all the cards in hand to make your choice.
The game catalog
One of the first criteria to take into account when turning to a retrogaming console is obviously the game catalog . The advantage of old consoles is that their catalogs are well stocked. Just determine in advance which games you want to get with the console.
This will prevent you from being disappointed if one of the video games you wanted to play is not available on a device. Here, only your affinity can guide you.
Do you like Nintendo licenses? So go for a Nintendo 64, an NES or a SNES ! Have you already cleaned up these consoles? Turn to rarer ones like the Jaguar or an Atari. Want to play up the nostalgia to the fullest? Go on a Megadrive. The possibilities are limitless.
The type of game
More than the size of the game catalog, you also have to look at the type of game available. Indeed, because first person views, modern FPS and TPS did not exist 40 years ago.
On our old consoles, no Assassin's Creed Valhalla. As a result, you will find a lot more action-adventure on one console, or puzzle games on another. Obviously, you won't find a Nintendo license anywhere other than N64, GameCube, NES or even SNES. If you like 2D games, these are the consoles you should go for.
Are you from the 2000 generation and prefer to focus on the games of your childhood? The Saturn, Sega CD or PlayStation are then excellent choices.
Console handling
In this article on the best retrogaming consoles , we want to be straightforward. Thus, the handling of the console is a criterion of choice for enjoying playing even though the nostalgia of a controller that hurts the finger can have its small effect.
Remember the N64 controller. Who had the idea of putting a controller right in the middle of the controller? If you've never seen this setup again it's completely normal, no one liked it. This is also the case for very old consoles like Atari where the controller looks more like a remote control than anything else.
The availability
This is another important criterion when looking at the best retrogaming consoles : their availability. Unfortunately, some game consoles are so rare that finding them becomes impossible. This is also the case for certain models released in very limited editions.
In Japan, a real cult is devoted to this type of device which can sell for thousands of euros. Unfortunately, this is what awaits you when purchasing certain consoles. Unless you are very lucky and find one at a low cost in a country flea market.
Console status
Now that you have found the console that you want, you need to make sure that it is in working order . Depending on this, you will be able to negotiate or not the price of the retro console. Note that if it is still in the original packaging and it is in good condition, it's the jackpot.
However, expect that it will also be a jackpot for the seller who will not fail to charge you a lot of money knowing that this type of game console is practically impossible to find on the market. In any case, check the external appearance of the console but also the quality of the cartridge reader or CD reader, this is often one of the parts that no longer works in old consoles.
Originality
Finally, selecting the best retro gaming consoles also means choosing the most original and intriguing ones . From this point of view, it is interesting to delve into the beginnings of wireless controllers or even attempts at virtual reality without forgetting the assistance robots which were fashionable in the 80s.
Clearly , retrogaming is a reflection of a time when video games were booming and where manufacturers sometimes played the mad scientist for better or for worse . It's now up to you to go and unearth the gems of your time. Some may have left an impression on you.
Our FAQ on retro gaming consoles
Even though our buying guide to retro game consoles was complete, we understand that certain questions remain unanswered. This is especially the case if you have little knowledge in the field and want to offer the right gift. Don't worry, we will answer the most common questions from Internet users and yours is bound to be among the lot. You will then have all the answers you need.
Where to buy retro gaming consoles and video games?
Depending on what you want, it will be more or less difficult to find what you are looking for. Firstly, you have the town and village flea markets . These have the advantage of providing good surprises for those who like to search but are often empty. It’s also an opportunity to find low-cost games and consoles. After that, you have the resale stores like Easy Cash. Consoles and games are not expensive there but they still try to carve out a margin. In any case, to refine your searches, you can scour the web with sites like Leboncoin or even Ebay. It is on these platforms that you will experience great surprises.
How to connect your console to a modern television?
Connection problems are common with retrogaming consoles and modern televisions . Obviously, you won't have a problem if you switch to a portable console. Anyway, the solutions available to you are to buy a socket adapter on the Internet. Now, you can simply go with an old television capable of transmitting a vintage image to you.
What are retrogaming mini consoles worth?
We talked about it previously but mini consoles like the Playstations Mini or the SNES mini are not good deals. Indeed, the game catalog is limited and the emulator inside is free on the web. You only pay the price for an installation which can take just a few minutes.
What is the budget for a retro console?
It is impossible to answer this question. Indeed, retrogaming consoles belong to a very specific market which will fluctuate depending on supply and demand, but also on the place where you buy, the people from whom you buy and the history of the console . As a result, you can find the best retro gaming consoles for €20 or €3000 depending on the store and the model. Always remember to include the price of games in your budget.
Isn't it better to play on an emulator?
It depends on your affinity. Collectors and the most nostalgic will buy an original console and will enjoy finding their favorite games in specialized stores. However, it's rewarding to experience old games on the comfort of a modern computer through an emulator. The principle is that your PC uses the codes of the original console to run the game on your screen. Just plug a controller into your computer and you're done.
