Do you love to play retro games? Do you want a new gaming console for the classic look but with all the current specs? Also, Do you wonder which are the best retro games consoles?
If you enjoy retro gaming but don’t want to sacrifice the latest and most incredible advancements in video game technology, check out my list of the best retro games consoles.
In cases when they lack some of the older hardware. The 2nd hand market is full of old PS1, N64, or Amiga systems. The best part might be that you can throw your old CD-ROMs or cartridges inside and start playing!
Whether you’re an old-school gamer who loves the classics or want to experience some retro games from your childhood in a whole new way, you need one of these consoles:
1. Atari Flashback
First, on my list of best retro games consoles-The Atari Flashback is a great way to introduce yourself to classic Atari games.
It’s also a plug-and-play console, so you don’t have to worry about connecting it via HDMI or anything like that—you plug in power, turn it on, and start playing.
The console has 100 games preloaded onto a cartridge and features two wireless controllers. The controls are friendly and responsive, but they feel slightly cheap compared with other modern consoles (or even older ones).
However, they get the job done well enough that you should have no problem enjoying any of the included titles.
2. Sega Genesis Mini
The Sega Genesis Mini is the Second on my list of best retro games consoles. It is a miniaturized version of the original Sega Genesis console.
It comes with 80 built-in games and has a cartridge slot for original Sega Genesis games so that you can play both old favorites and new ones.
The console has an HDMI port for connecting to your TV and includes a new save state feature so you can keep your progress at any time during gameplay—an essential addition for some games where progress is lost when the console turns off.
The included titles include classics like Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Streets of Rage 2, Golden Axe III, Altered Beast II: Jaws of Death (yes), Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium (wait…is this series even over yet?)
3. N64 Classic
The N64 Classic is an emulator for the Nintendo Switch that allows you to play all of your favorite N64 classics.
It’s one of the best retro game consoles and will let you enjoy all these great games from childhood.
You can play some great titles like Super Mario 64, Paper Mario, Donkey Kong 64, and many other great games!
The console has two controllers, which means you can now play multiplayer with friends or family members!
The design of this console is also very similar to the original Nintendo 64 consoles, so it looks fantastic on any TV stand or shelf.
4. Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) Classic Edition
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) Classic Edition is a mini console that comes preloaded with 21 games.
It’s smaller than the original but has the same look and feel. The SNES Classic Edition includes two wired controllers and has an HDMI cable, AC adapter, and USB charging cable.
5. C64 Mini
The C64 Mini is a miniaturized version of the classic Commodore 64 computer.
It has 64 preloaded games, including classics like California Games, Impossible Mission, and Paradroid. Retro gaming has never been easier than with this console.
6. PlayStation Classic
The PlayStation Classic is a mini version of the original PlayStation console and comes with 20 preloaded games. It has an HDMI, USB, and a built-in LCD screen.
The virtual memory card allows you to save your progress in games such as Metal Gear Solid and Final Fantasy VII. This device comes with two controllers.
One controller is shaped like the original controller for PlayStation 1 consoles; however, it does not have analog sticks as you would find on modern remotes or keyboards (which might be annoying if you want to rewind through dialogue).
The second controller looks similar but has four shoulder buttons instead of three and can be used for games like Resident Evil or Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 that require pressing more than one button at once (the originals only had two).
7. NES Classic Edition
The NES Classic Edition is a mini console that comes with 30 games pre-installed. The system includes an HDMI cable, two wired NES controllers (which are pretty good for being wired), and an AC adapter. You can find it in three colors: gray, white, or black.
The NES Classic Edition was released in 2016 and discontinued in 2018 due to low stock levels and high demand—but if you’re lucky enough to find one at the total price on Amazon or eBay, it’ll cost you around $60-$70.
While this may seem like too much money for a retro console you can easily emulate on your PC or Mac, we think it’s worth the price tag thanks to its excellent selection of games and nostalgic throwback design!
8. PXP 3 Handheld Retro Console
The PXP 3 Handheld Retro Console 2.8 Inch, 8 Bit Game Player with AV Cable and Games (White) is an excellent choice for those who want to relive the glory days of gaming.
This console comes with 20 classic games pre-installed so that you can enjoy hours upon hours of fun right out of the box.
The handheld console features an easy-to-use joystick and buttons, which makes playing games on it a breeze—you don’t need any experience with game consoles to enjoy these titles!
Plus, since they’re housed in an ultra-portable device that fits in your pocket, you can take them anywhere: play on the bus ride home from work or while waiting at your kids’ soccer practice (or even just during commercials).
This retro handheld also offers users some cool features not found on most other consoles: first off is its rechargeable battery that allows for up 10 hours of gameplay without needing to be plugged into an outlet; second, there are multiple ways users can load new games onto their devices—they could buy cartridges online or create their own using SD cards; finally (and most importantly!), there are two modes available depending on whether users want simple controls or more advanced options like saving data between sessions.
9. Nintendo Switch Lite – Turquoise
Next on my list of best retro games consoles – The Switch Lite; is an excellent console for anyone looking to get into video games or even wants to play with friends.
Its lightweight design makes it easy to take on the go, and its fast processor allows you to play single-player and multiplayer games without any problems. The Switch Lite also has a good selection of games available right now (more than 600!).
It’s great for families because it can be used by kids and adults alike—and since there are so many different games available already, you’ll have no problem finding something everyone in your family can enjoy playing together!
There are plenty of options out there when shopping around for retro game consoles like these; however, these are some of the best choices we’ve found so far!
10. Super Famicom Mini Console (Renewed)
If you’re looking for a classic console with many games and an HDMI port so you can play on your big-screen TV, this is the console for you.
The Super Famicom Mini (Renewed) comes with 21 preloaded games, including many hits from Nintendo’s legendary Super Mario series.
You’ll also get a controller, an AC adapter (allowing for easy plug-and-play gameplay), a power cord, an HDMI cable, and a USB cable.
The system is powered by an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 30 hours on one charge—way better than any other retro consoles out there!
And if you want more titles to play through? A total of 700 more games are available to purchase in cartridge form at $20 each (thereby making it cheaper than its competitors), though they’re only available in Japan right now.
11. TheC64 Mini Computer
The C64 Mini is a tiny version of the Commodore 64 computer, available in various colors. It has several games pre-installed and an SD card slot for extra fun.
The C64 Mini is compatible with the original Commodore 64 cartridges, meaning you can play all those old favorites at home like Battlezone or Impossible Mission II!
12. Sony PlayStation Vita
Finally, on my list of best retro games, consoles-The PS Vita; is a handheld gaming console that was released in Japan on December 17, 2011, and then in other parts of the world in February 2012.
It is the successor to Sony’s PlayStation Portable (PSP). This device has a 5-inch OLED touch screen, which makes it easy to play games with your fingers or use the stylus pen.
Users can also connect their devices to their TVs to play games on larger screens and watch movies streamed from Netflix or Hulu Plus. With these features, you will never get bored playing on this console!
Conclusion
So, which are the best retro games consoles? There’s no way of knowing – it depends on your budget, taste, and preferences. We can say that these 12 consoles will give you some classic gaming experiences with a modern twist.
If you’re a gamer, then you remember the golden age of consoles. Although things have changed a lot since then, the memories are still there for many, and for a good reason.
If you look hard enough and research, many old-school games from your past (and present) can be easily purchased or played.
