Are you longing for the good old days when gaming was simpler? Or would you like to experience the classics of video game history for yourself? Whether you want to relive your adventures with Mario, Zelda, or Pac-Man, or introduce the new generation of players to these great video game classics, this guide will help you find the perfect retro console. We’ll show you the best places to buy games and give you tips on what to look for when buying.
Key Takeaways
- There are different types of retro gaming consoles, from original devices to modern emulator consoles and arcade machines.
- When choosing a retro console, design, material quality, controllers, software and emulation capabilities, and support for physical or digital media are important criteria.
- Official retro consoles from manufacturers like Nintendo, Sega, and Sony offer an authentic experience, but are often limited to pre-installed games.
- Emulator consoles offer advantages such as improved graphics and additional features, but can have legal gray areas with pre-installed games.
- When buying games, compare prices, read customer reviews, and look for deals, whether you’re searching online, in physical stores, or at flea markets.
The Different Types Of Retro Gaming Consoles
Do you want to go back to the golden age of video games? Great, because you’re really spoiled for choice! There are so many different retro systems, there’s something for everyone.
The Original Home And Handheld Consoles
These consoles, which we now call “retro,” are actually the ones we used to play back then! Of course, it’s almost impossible to find these things new anymore, but there are tons of used devices on the internet and in specialized stores, often in really good condition. The problem? As collector’s items, these parts are sometimes hard to get, or at least not exactly cheap. And then there’s the thing about connecting to modern TVs – not so easy! Not to mention the risk that the console will simply give up the ghost after all these years. But hey, the nostalgia factor is unbeatable!
Emulator Consoles
If you’re in the mood for retro gaming but aren’t necessarily tied to a specific console, then emulator consoles might be just the thing for you. These devices are super versatile and can emulate games from different platforms. This means you can play a whole collection of classics on a single device! Often even with improvements over the original systems. But remember: The quality of these consoles can vary greatly, so do your research beforehand!
Retro Arcade Machines
Anyone looking for the ultimate retro feeling can hardly avoid an arcade machine. Imagine standing in your own living room in front of a real machine and playing your favorite games from the 80s and 90s. Sure, such a machine takes up space and isn’t exactly cheap, but the feeling is simply priceless. There are both faithful replicas and modern versions with multiple games. A great investment for anyone who loves the arcade experience!
Many of these retro consoles operate on the fringes of legality, as they offer pre-installed games that are often acquired illegally. Without proof of ownership of the original titles, the use of ROMs (i.e. digital copies of the original game) is considered illegal and violates copyright law.
How To Choose The Right Retro Console?
There are so many retro consoles on the market, it’s easy to lose track! But don’t worry, I’ll help you find the perfect console for you. There are a few important things to look out for.
Design And Material Quality
Sure, the inner values count, but the look is also important! Many retro consoles are a tribute to the classics. Make sure you like the design and that the console is well made. Cheap plastic quickly spoils the fun. Remember: The feel has to be right!
Controller And Accessories
What’s the point of the best console if the controller is crap? Test whether the controller fits well in your hand and the buttons react precisely. Do you perhaps need additional controllers for multiplayer sessions? Is an HDMI cable included or do you have to buy it separately?
Software And Emulation Capabilities
The heart of every retro console is the software. Can the console even play your favorite games? Does it support different systems like best retro handheld consoles? How good is the emulation? Are there any stutters or graphical errors? Read reviews and watch videos to get an impression.
Physical Or Digital Support
Do you want to unpack and play your old modules again? Then you need a console that supports physical games. Or is a console with pre-installed games or a digital shop from which you can download games enough for you? Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Keep in mind that many retro consoles with pre-installed games operate on the fringes of legality. Often the games are illegally copied. Make sure you only play games that you legally own.
To make your decision easier, here is a small table:
| Feature | Physical Games | Digital Games |
|---|---|---|
| Game Selection | Own Collection | Pre-installed/Shop |
| Legality | Safe | Can be questionable |
| Comfort | Module change | Ready to play immediately |
| Nostalgia Factor | High | Medium |
In the end, it’s your decision. Think carefully about what’s important to you, and then you’ll find the perfect retro console for you!
The Best Official Retro Gaming Consoles
Do you want the authentic retro feeling? Then the official retro consoles are just the thing for you! The big manufacturers have reissued their classics, and that’s really cool. But beware: Most of the time you can’t use old game modules anymore, but are limited to the pre-installed games.
The Retro Consoles From Nintendo
Nintendo has been really busy! There are a few cool parts with which you can travel back to your childhood. The Nintendo products are great to revive the old times.
- Nintendo Classic Mini: Nintendo Entertainment System (NES): The little NES is awesome! It comes with a controller that looks confusingly similar to the original and has around 30 games pre-installed. Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda and Donkey Kong are of course included. Really nostalgic!
- Nintendo Classic Mini: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES): The SNES Mini is also awesome! Here you even get two controllers so you can play directly with your friends. Included are 21 games, including Super Mario World, Super Mario Kart and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.
- Nintendo Game & Watch: The Game & Watch series is also great for retro fans. The small handhelds are not as powerful as the NES or SNES Mini, but they are perfect for a quick round in between. There are different models with different games, such as Super Mario Bros. or The Legend of Zelda.
The official retro consoles are great if you just want to play without having to deal with emulators or complicated settings. Just plug it in and get started!
The Retro Consoles From Sega
Sega has also released a few cool retro consoles. They are not quite as well known as those from Nintendo, but still worth a look.
- Sega Mega Drive Mini: The Mega Drive Mini is a great implementation of the 16-bit console. It comes with two controllers and 42 pre-installed games, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage and Golden Axe. The Retro-Gaming experience is really authentic!
- Sega Genesis Mini: Basically the same as the Mega Drive Mini, only it was sold under the name Genesis in North America. But the game selection is almost identical.
The Retro Consoles From Sony
Sony has also launched a retro console with the PlayStation Classic. But it was not quite as well received as those from Nintendo or Sega.
- PlayStation Classic: The PlayStation Classic is a mini version of the first PlayStation. It comes with two controllers and 20 pre-installed games, including Final Fantasy VII, Tekken 3 and Metal Gear Solid. However, there were some problems with the emulation, and the game selection was not to everyone’s taste.
Emulator Consoles: The Ideal Choice?
Okay, let’s talk about emulator consoles. Are they really the best choice if you want to dive into the retro gaming world? There are so many options out there, from the original consoles to these modern things that can emulate everything. Here’s a little overview of what you can expect.
Advantages Of Retro Consoles
Emulator consoles really have some cool advantages. One of the biggest pluses is that you can often play games in better quality than on the originals. Imagine your old favorite games in HD! Many of these consoles also offer features that didn’t exist before, such as save states at any time. This is super practical if you’re playing a game that used to be really hard. You can also often emulate different systems on one console, which means you don’t need a separate console for every old system. That saves space and money!
- Better graphics and resolution
- Save states at any time
- Support for multiple systems
Disadvantages Of Retro Consoles
But of course there are also a few disadvantages. Not all emulator consoles are created equal. The quality can really vary, especially with the unofficial consoles. It’s important that you read a few reviews before you buy one. Sometimes there are also problems with the emulation itself, such as bugs or delays. And of course there’s the issue of legality. You should only emulate games that you also own the original of.
Emulator consoles can be a great way to experience retro games, but it’s important that you do your research beforehand and choose a console that meets your needs. Pay attention to the quality of the emulation, the supported systems and of course the price.
Where Is The Best Place To Buy Games?
Okay, so you want to expand your retro collection? Great! But where do you get the best games without spending all your savings? There are different options, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look.
Online Shops And Digital Platforms
Online shops are of course super convenient. You can browse and compare from home. Digital platforms such as Steam, GOG or the Nintendo eShop often offer a huge selection of retro titles for download. This is practical because you don’t need physical modules. But beware: Not all that glitters is gold. Be sure to read the descriptions and reviews before you buy. Sometimes the emulations are not so great, or there are problems with compatibility. And remember: With digital purchases, you don’t really own the game, you only have a license.
Physical Stores And Flea Markets
Visiting a physical store or a flea market can be a real adventure. You can pick up the games, check the condition and maybe even get a bargain. Many small stores specialize in retro games and offer a great selection. At flea markets you often meet other collectors with whom you can exchange ideas and maybe even trade. But be careful: Not every seller is honest. Take a close look at the games before you buy them and ask if you can test them.
Auction Houses And Collector Exchanges
Auction houses like eBay or special collector exchanges can be real treasure troves if you are looking for rare or particularly well-preserved games. Here you can often find copies that cannot be found anywhere else. But be careful: The prices can quickly skyrocket here. Find out about the value of the games before you bid and set yourself a limit. And make sure that the seller is reputable and has good reviews. Sometimes there are also fakes or inferior copies in circulation. It is important to compare prices and do your research before placing a bid.
Remember: No matter where you buy your games, it’s always a good idea to compare prices and read reviews. This way you avoid nasty surprises and find the best deals for your retro collection.
Tips For Buying Games
Compare Prices
Okay, before you blindly accept the first offer you see, you should check the prices! There are so many different shops and platforms, you can really save if you invest a little time. Don’t just look at the big providers, but also at smaller retailers and specialized shops. Sometimes they have real insider tips and better deals. And don’t forget to take the shipping costs into account – they can quickly negate the supposed bargain price.
Pay Attention To Customer Reviews
Sure, the description of the game sounds great, but what do other players actually say about it? Be sure to read the customer reviews before you buy. They give you a good impression of whether the game really delivers what it promises. Pay attention not only to the star rating, but also read the comments. Often you will find valuable information about bugs, difficulty level or the general fun of the game. And remember: Tastes are different! What one person likes doesn’t necessarily have to appeal to you.
Pay Attention To Offers And Sales
Those who have patience will be rewarded! Almost all online shops and platforms regularly have sales and special offers. If you have a specific game in mind, it’s best to put it on your wish list and wait until it’s on sale. Sometimes the prices plummet quite a bit. Seasonal sales such as the Summer Sale or Black Friday are also a great opportunity to get new games cheaply. And don’t forget to look for voucher codes – they can give you extra discount.
It is also worth keeping an eye out for bundles. Often games are offered together with accessories or other games at a reduced price. This can be a good way to kill several birds with one stone.
Conclusion
So, now you really have all the information to find the perfect retro console for you. Remember, it’s about what YOU want. Whether you’re looking for something to take with you or prefer to play comfortably at home, whether you want to have many games at once or prefer the original feeling, there’s sure to be the right console for you. And if you want to pimp up your gaming room, check out our decoration tips!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are retro consoles?
Retro consoles are special gaming devices that bring old video games back to life. They are either replicas of the original consoles or modern devices that can play old games through emulation. This allows you to enjoy classics like Super Mario or Pac-Man even today.
What types of retro consoles are there?
There are different types: The original consoles from back then (often expensive and difficult to connect), official mini consoles from manufacturers like Nintendo or Sega (with pre-installed games), and emulator consoles that can emulate many different systems. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
How do I choose the right retro console for me?
That depends on what’s important to you. Do you want a real collector’s item that looks exactly like it used to? Or is it more important to you that many games run and the console is easy to connect to modern TVs? Pay attention to the design, the controllers, the game selection and whether you can use your old game modules.
Are emulator consoles a good choice?
Emulator consoles are often very versatile. They can play games from many different old systems and often offer improvements such as better graphics or save functions. However, it is important to know that playing games that you do not own as originals can be legally problematic.
Where is the best place to buy retro games?
You can buy games online in digital stores or on platforms like Steam. For physical games, check out second-hand stores, flea markets, or specialized retro gaming stores. Auction houses and collector exchanges are also good places to go, especially for rare titles.
Do you have any tips for buying games?
Always compare prices before you buy something. Read customer reviews to make sure the game or console is good. And keep an eye out for special offers and sales, you can often get a bargain!
