Sometimes we get nostalgic for the video games of our childhood … And there are plenty of good reasons why young and old alike are drawn to retro gaming. Of course, it has always been a prime niche for collectors of retro games and consoles. So, one might ask, which is the best retro gaming console ?
What to know before purchasing
Some essential points to consider before making a purchase:
- There are retro gaming consoles on emulators.
- It is possible to play retro games on a modern computer using emulators like Romstation.
- Retro gaming consoles aren't excessively expensive, but the budget can quickly escalate for collectible items
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-bit
Features and Reviews
Konami's PC Engine CoreGrafx mini targets video game enthusiasts and is the most polished of the best retro consoles, both in terms of software and hardware. It boasts an exceptional graphical interface and user-friendly software that offers beautiful illustrations from the era, adding a special touch to the experience.
The game covers are prominently displayed, and game loading depends on the memory card format used. This can be a HuCard cartridge or a CD. The PC Engine CoreGrafx Mini comes pre-loaded with 57 games, 26 of which are in Japanese and 24 in English. The console's controllers incorporate turbo levers and are very faithful to the prototype's design.
Another important point is that the console's USB cable is 3 meters long, allowing you to stay a good distance from the TV. Unfortunately, the console only comes with 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 helps regulate its power consumption. It has 256 MB of internal memory (RAM) and 512 MB of storage space ( memory ).
It will delight nostalgic gamers thanks to its NES games playable in high definition. The Nintendo NES Classic Mini features a virtual save function that lets you pick up your game right where you left off. It also has a CRT filter, and its 4:3 aspect ratio ensures the original NES look of the games.
3. Nintendo Classic Mini: The 16-bit comeback
Features and Reviews
The Nintendo Classic Mini is the most attractive miniature version of the NES Classic Mini and remains, above all, a "retro" console whose price is justified by its extensive game library. It comes with a simple micro-USB cable that connects to a USB charger, allowing you to power it. It also includes an HDMI cable which, when connected to a television, will transport you back to the 90s.
The Nintendo Classic Mini controllers are much narrower than those of the original console. As for power consumption, the Nintendo Classic Mini doesn't overheat and is more energy-efficient than other retro console models. In fact, after an hour of use, the chassis temperature doesn't exceed 31.1°C and the total power consumption is only 2.3W!
4. Sega Mega Drive Console: The best fourth-generation game console
Features and Reviews
The Sega Genesis is the first 16-bit retro handheld game console. With its sleek and sophisticated design, it's designed to appeal to an adult audience, featuring a variety of racing, sports, and adventure games
It also includes several games from the older Sega Master System console, such as Mortal Kombat, Shinobi 3, and Sonic the Hedgehog, further expanding its game library. This retro gaming console is equipped with a wide range of accessories and peripherals, including multifunctional arcade stickpads, the Multitap, and the Mega-CD.
It is compatible with original Mega Drive cartridges and comes with two wired controllers. The console includes two rechargeable AA batteries that provide 5 to 6 hours of playtime.
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 game console and comes with two wired controllers.
Equipped with two USB ports on the front for connecting controllers and an HDMI port that facilitates connection to a television, this console will let you (re)discover the most popular games of the past!
Moreover, 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 more… The PlayStaion Classic contains a total of 20 classic games and is equipped with a virtual memory card to save all your ongoing games.
The three categories of game consoles
Before revealing our buyer's guide to the best retro gaming consoles , we'd like to outline the three categories of vintage game consoles available on the market. Some manufacturers have capitalized on the retro gaming and have created modern consoles that replicate the classic style, offering a change from Fortnite or Apex Legends . These include:
- All-in-one mini arcade machines
- 100% retro consoles
- Retro but recent consoles
All-in-one arcade consoles
The all-in-one arcade console resembles a traditional arcade cabinet, but with a powerful emulator that sometimes includes thousands of pre-installed video games . In just seconds, you can launch any arcade game and enjoy the experience. This system is available in large arcade cabinets reminiscent of those found in cafes, as well as in smaller, countertop models. These miniature versions can be placed on a table, a bar counter, or any other piece of furniture and are easily portable. They're ideal for sharing the fun with friends.
Old consoles
This is the most obvious category when discussing the best retro gaming consoles . Here, we're talking about original, vintage consoles. The advantage is that they're true collector's items that you'll enjoy plugging into an old television to rediscover a time when HD didn't exist, but when we also thought that such realistic graphics would never be possible. However, this is also the downside of these consoles.
Indeed, if you're lucky, they might still work, but you'll have to figure out how to connect them! HDMI and USB didn't exist back then, and modern televisions no longer have SCART sockets. Therefore, you'll need to invest in an adapter or an older computer to make everything work. It's also worth noting that finding the original games is becoming increasingly difficult.
Retro modern consoles
Retro-modern consoles are another category of the best retro gaming consoles . This category is fairly recent and stems from the retro gaming trend that video game manufacturers were quick to capitalize on. This has led to consoles like the PlayStation 1 Mini and the Super Nintendo Mini .
So, is it a good deal?
Well, not according to the reviews. Okay, these consoles do have the advantage of letting you relive your childhood games, but only for certain ones! In fact, the game library is very limited, and it's essentially just a box containing an emulator that runs on your computer. So you'll save money by not investing in these devices.
Our buyer's guide to retro gaming consoles
Now that you know the basics about retro consoles , you're probably convinced you want to get one. That's perfectly normal; nostalgia is quite irrational, and we tell ourselves that for a small price, we'll have access to a huge game library. But how do you choose the best retro gaming console? This choice will depend on your preferences as well as your affinity for the console. However, we want to give you some technical criteria so you have all the information you need to make your choice.
The game catalogue
One of the first criteria to consider when choosing a retro gaming console is, of course, the game library . The advantage of older consoles is that their libraries are often quite extensive. However, you should decide 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 isn't available on a particular device. Ultimately, only your personal preference can guide you.
Do you love Nintendo franchises? Then go for a Nintendo 64, NES, or SNES ! Already have a collection of these consoles? Look at rarer ones like the Jaguar or an Atari. Want to fully embrace nostalgia? Go for a Mega Drive. The possibilities are endless.
The type of game
More than the size of the game catalog, you also have to look at the type of games available. Indeed, first-person views, FPS, and modern TPS games didn't exist 40 years ago.
On our older consoles, there's no Assassin's Creed Valhalla. As a result, you'll find many more action-adventure games on one console, or puzzle games on another. Obviously, you won't find any Nintendo titles anywhere other than on the N64, GameCube, NES, or SNES. If you like 2D games, these are the consoles you should focus on.
Are you from the 2000 generation and prefer to play the games of your childhood? Then the Saturn, the Sega CD or the PlayStation are excellent choices.
The console's handling
In this article about the best retro gaming consoles , we want to be completely honest. Therefore, the console's ease of use is a key factor in enjoying the game, even if the nostalgia of a controller that hurts your fingers can be a little appealing.
Remember the N64 controller? Who came up with the idea of putting a controller right in the middle of the controller? If you've never seen that design since, it's perfectly normal; nobody liked it. The same is true for very old consoles like the Atari, where the controller looks more like a remote control than anything else.
Availability
Another important criterion when considering the best retro gaming consoles is their availability. Unfortunately, some consoles are so rare that finding them becomes impossible. This is also the case for certain models released in very limited editions.
In Japan, these types of devices are practically cult-like and can sell for thousands of euros. Unfortunately, that's what you can expect if you want to buy some consoles. Unless you're incredibly lucky and find one cheaply at a country flea market.
The console's status
Now that you've found the console you want, you need to make sure it's in working order . Depending on its condition, you may or may not be able to negotiate the price of the retro console. Note that if it's still in its original packaging and the packaging is in good condition, you've hit the jackpot.
However, expect it to be a jackpot for the seller, who will undoubtedly charge you a hefty price, given that this type of game console is practically impossible to find on the market. In any case, check the console's exterior appearance, but also the condition of the cartridge or CD drive; this is often one of the parts that fails in older consoles.
Originality
Finally, selecting the best retro gaming consoles also means choosing the most original and intriguing ones . From this perspective, it's interesting to delve into the early days of wireless controllers or attempts at virtual reality, not forgetting the assistance robots that were all the rage in the 80s.
In short, retro gaming reflects an era when video games were booming and manufacturers sometimes played the mad scientist, for better or for worse . Now it's up to you to unearth the gems of your time. Some may even have left a lasting impression on you.
Our FAQ about retro gaming consoles
Even though our retro gaming console buying guide was comprehensive, we understand that some questions may still remain. This is especially true if you have limited knowledge in this area and want to give the perfect gift. Don't worry, we'll answer the most common questions from our users, and yours is sure to be among them. You'll then have all the answers you need.
Where to buy retro gaming consoles and video games?
Depending on what you're looking for, finding what you want will be more or less difficult. First, there are town and village flea markets . These have the advantage of offering pleasant surprises for those who enjoy browsing, but they are often empty. It's also a chance to find games and consoles at low prices. Then there are resale stores like Easy Cash. Consoles and games aren't expensive there, but they still try to make a profit. In any case, to refine your search, you can scour the web with sites like Leboncoin or eBay. It's on these platforms that you'll find some great deals.
How do I connect my game console to a modern television?
Connection problems are common with retro gaming consoles and modern televisions . Obviously, you won't have this issue if you're using a handheld console. In any case, the available solutions include buying a power adapter online. Alternatively, you could simply use an old television capable of displaying a vintage picture.
How good are retro gaming mini-consoles?
We've discussed this before, but mini-consoles like the PlayStation Mini or the SNES Mini aren't good deals. Their game library is limited, and the emulator they use is free online. You only pay for an installation that takes just a few minutes.
What is the budget for a retro console?
It's impossible to answer that question definitively. Retro gaming consoles belong to a very specific market that fluctuates depending on supply and demand, but also on where you buy them, who you buy them from, and the console's history . Therefore, you can find the best retro gaming consoles for as little as €20 or as much as €3,000, depending on the store and the model. Always remember to include the cost of games in your budget.
Wouldn't it be better to play on an emulator?
It depends on your preference. Collectors and those feeling nostalgic will likely opt for an original console and enjoy finding their favorite games in specialty stores. However, it's also rewarding to rediscover classic games on the comfort of a modern computer using an emulator. The idea is that your PC replicates the original console's functionality to run the game on your screen. Simply connect a controller to your computer, and you're good to go.
