The Best Retro Gaming Consoles
Compared to the Nintendo and Sega consoles of yore, today's gaming systems can feel like a revelation. Graphics are better, the gameplay is more immersive, and the sheer variety of options is enough to keep even the most dedicated gamers forever happy. Still, for anyone who grew up playing them — and even for those who only came to realize their value later — there's something irreplaceable about the original consoles. Whether it's their beautiful simplicity, the iconic games and characters, or just plain old nostalgia, these systems continue to hold a special place in our hearts many decades later. Luckily, the enduring popularity of retro consoles has led to a re-issuance of many of the most beloved models, so it's not hard to relive the gaming glory of your youth. We put together this list to help you do just that.
What to Look For
In our research, we found that the best retro gaming consoles provide an HDMI input for better image quality, feature a variety of games, and are user-friendly. For all the 90s kids out there, there were two major console rivals, Sega and Nintendo. While Nintendo was certainly the most popular, Sega had (and has) a strong fan base. Enter: the Sega Genesis Mini. This retro gaming console comes with a generous selection of classics, such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Kid Chameleon. If you consider yourself a retro gaming guru, chances are you own your fair share of cartridges. The Retron 5 console has slots for everything from the Gameboy to Genesis. Read on to learn more about our favorite picks.
Sega Genesis Mini
Sonic fans unite
If you were a 20th-century gamer, you likely defined yourself by your favored console — which in that era mainly included Nintendo and Sega. The former had games like Mario and Donkey Kong, while the latter offered edgier (and arguably more fun) games like Sonic the Hedgehog and Street Fighter. Luckily, both companies have reissued versions of their most popular systems, with the Sega Genesis Mini representing a particularly worthy reentry to the field.
Pros:
- It’s much smaller than the original, making it easy to tote over to a friend’s house, and it comes loaded right out of the box with a whopping 42 classic games.
- It also comes with two wired controllers for playing with a partner.
Cons:
- Though it’s a minor inconvenience, the power cord is shorter than we’d like. You might have to use an extension cord to plug it in.
Super NES Classic
Nostalgia embodied
If you were more of a 16-bit player than an 8-bit one, don’t fret: Nintendo has also re-released a miniature version of its wildly popular Super NES console, which is every bit as faithful to the original as their NES Classic model. It’s packed with 21 games, from Final Fantasy to Super Mario Cart, and also includes two controllers so that you don’t have to play alone. Perhaps one of the most significant upgrades over its ’90s predecessor, however, is the built-in “suspend point” feature, which allows you to save your game right in the middle of it instead of waiting for an in-game save point.
Pros:
- One convenient feature is that the console works with NES Classic controllers, so if you happen to have old consoles in storage, you’ll be able to put them to use.
- It comes with an HDMI output (as well as an HDMI cable), so you won’t have to buy adapters to connect it to your high-tech TV.
Cons:
- Given this console’s enduring popularity, the going price is pretty darn high. Still, considering how true to the original this console is, we feel it’s worth it.
PlayStation Classic
A crowd favorite
If you’re a mid-to-late ’90s kid, Sony’s PlayStation probably holds a special place in your heart. The console still stands as one of the most popular models ever made, shipping over 100 million units within the first ten years of its initial launch and boasting a library of games that captured and shaped the imaginations of a similar number of kids across the globe. This new miniaturized version, which is 45% smaller than the original, includes all of the most iconic titles, from Metal Gear Solid to Resident Evil, letting you relive the glory days of your gaming youth.
Pros:
- Unlike similar retro console remakes, this one is very affordable.
- If you’re trying to introduce a young family member to the realm of retro gaming, this console’s inexpensive price makes it a good low-risk gift.
Cons:
- You won’t be able to insert your old game discs; you can only play the games that are pre-loaded onto the console.
Hyperkin RetroN 5
Everything you'll need
While retro and vintage gaming consoles have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, there’s a catch. Many of them are scaled-down replicas of their originals that have sacrificed cartridge slots for a pre-loaded library and a more compact and convenient size. For the most part, that’s good news. But if you’re the kind of dedicated gamer or collector who saved all of your cartridges from decades ago and is looking for a way to play them today, it can seem like a headache. Fortunately, Hyperkin offers the RetroN 5, a multi-system player that accepts cartridges from five different classic systems, such as Sega Genesis, NES, and Super NES, and even GameBoy.
Pros:
- The included controller is programmable so that you can tailor your button preferences according to the game.
- The console also has six built-in ports to accommodate each console’s original controllers. Those of us who have saved our controllers will definitely appreciate that.
Cons:
- It isn’t the most durable console, so you’ll have to be careful that it doesn’t get banged up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a retro gaming console?
As the name suggests, a retro gaming console refers to a style of gaming console belonging to the past. In this case, retro gaming consoles include models from the early days of video gaming, such as Nintendo’s NES and Super NES, and Sega’s Genesis. Now more than three decades old, many of these systems are enjoying a resurgence in popularity and interest, resulting in a revival of the top consoles on the market.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.