The world of gaming has changed so much since it’s humble beginnings. It’s not just the technology that has changed, but also the stories and characters have become more complex over time. Although these upgrades to gaming are necessary and loved, sometimes it’s nice to revisit some of the older consoles and games that brought us into gaming in the first place, such as the Super Nintendo Entertainment System since it has a wide variety of games.
We decided to help revisit these wonderful consoles, and have compiled a list that reviews some of the retro consoles that have come to the market. Just remember, simple graphics do not mean the game will be easy to beat.
Further reading
- The best video game consoles for 2020
- How to get into gaming: Games to try, electronics to buy, and more
- The best NES games of all time
Super Nintendo Entertainment System
The best retro gaming console
Why you should buy this: It has a brilliant library of games that are just as great now as they were at launch.
Who’s it for: Fans of Nintendo’s classic franchises, and those looking for a challenge and deep storytelling.
Why we picked the Super Nintendo Entertainment System: Nintendo’s original NES system launched in the mid-1980s and almost singlehandedly revived the dormant video game industry with heroes like Mario, Samus, and Link, but it was the follow-up machine that proved just how dominant Nintendo would be. The console features some of the best video games ever made, including Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Final Fantasy VI, Chrono Trigger, and Donkey Kong Country.
The Super NES also features one of the best controllers in gaming history, building on the design of the NES gamepad with two additional face buttons, two shoulder buttons, and the same pixel-perfect directional pad for playing classic platformers and fighting games. Few systems have been able to match it in the years that followed.
Because of the 16-bit processing power, most developers made use of classic pixel art graphics for their games, and because of it, they’re still gorgeous and fully enjoyable in 2020. There are a few exceptions, but the SNES’s library remains one of the best in history.
Those looking to experience the Super Nintendo Entertainment System’s library without purchasing the original console can also purchase the SNES Classic Edition, or play the free games available through the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service.
Sega Genesis Mini
The best plug-and-play retro gaming console
Why you should buy this: It comes with twice the games of the SNES Classic and the emulation is absolutely perfect across the board.
Who’s it for: Those who missed out on the original Sega Genesis, shoot-‘em-up and fighting game fans, and those looking to relive their past.
Why we picked the Sega Genesis Mini: Nintendo kicked off the craze of mini first-party video game consoles pre-loaded with classic games when it launched the NES Classic Edition back in 2016, and its SNES Classic Edition is arguably better. However, Sega absolutely surprised us with its Sega Genesis Mini. Not only does it come with 40 Genesis games plus two additional titles, but it features brilliant emulation, a slick user interface, and the classic controllers you remember.
The attention to detail on the Sega Genesis Mini is ridiculous, with the volume slider being replicated along with the cartridge slot, despite neither serving a function on the plug-and-play machine. It’s also compatible with third-party controllers because of its USB ports, meaning you can use alternative wireless controllers if the two included wired controllers aren’t doing it for you.
There is some overlap between games available on the SNES and the Sega Genesis Mini, such as a version of Street Fighter II, but many of the games were exclusive to the console. These include Contra: Hard Corps, Castlevania: Bloodlines, Sonic the Hedgehog, Phantasy Star IV, and Ecco the Dolphin.
Even better? The Sega Genesis Mini is not expensive. It launched at $80 but has gone on sale several times, occasionally for less than half its standard retail price. It’s also much easier to find than Nintendo’s systems.
Read our full Sega Genesis Mini review
Game Boy Advance SP
The best handheld retro gaming console
Why you should buy this: Despite only being Nintendo’s primary handheld gaming system from 2001 through 2004, the Game Boy Advance has some of its best portable games ever, and the SP is the best version of it.
Who’s it for: Kids looking for some classic games, and adults who want to play SNES ports on the go.
Why we picked the Game Boy Advance SP: The Game Boy Advance era saw Nintendo at its absolute creative peak, with some of its best games ever — handheld or otherwise. Now-enormous series Fire Emblem got its start in North America on the platform, and it also saw the first entries in the WarioWare series and the return of classic 2D Metroid games with Zero Mission and Fusion. It also got plenty of ports from the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, including The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and the updated version of Super Mario Bros. 2.
Series that began on the Game Boy received new iterations, as well, looking far superior with the system’s more advanced architecture. Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire are still worth playing, even with the 3DS remakes available, and you can even find surprisingly good Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater games to play on Game Boy Advance SP.
But why the Game Boy Advance SP over the original Game Boy Advance system? When Nintendo first released the Game Boy Advance, it still played games just as well as the SP, but it lacked a backlit screen and was thus hard to play during the daytime. The Game Boy Advance SP solved this and switched to a clamshell design that made it more portable and better protected it from falls and screen scratches. It is still Nintendo’s best handheld design all these years later.
Atari 2600
The best “antique” retro gaming console
Why you should buy this: It’s a piece of history with simple yet addicting games that have classic visual and sound effects.
Who it’s for: The Atari 2600 is definitely for older players who will remember with a nostalgic eye. The simplicity of the games means you can start playing them again in on time.
Why we picked the Atari 2600: It wasn’t the first available home video game console — that was the Magnavox Odyssey, designed by Ralph Baer — but the Atari 2600 is what made game consoles into the multi-billion dollar business they are today. Its controller consists of just a joystick and a button, but with this limited technology, designers were able to create memorable and enjoyable games.
The technology did certainly limit some of the visuals, with the game Adventure just using a square as the protagonist, but it was by filling in the gaps with your imagination that you were able to see the appeal of the Atari 2600. Great early Star Wars games were released for the system, with sound effects that make you feel like you’re flying through space and blasting ships.
Interestingly, Atari didn’t have the same success with home consoles after the 2600, making its later 5200 and 7800 systems much less collection-worthy and with far fewer games. But the Atari 2600 certainly didn’t have that problem, as you’ll find a game for just about everyone on the little woodgrain system that could.
PlayStation 2
The best not-too-retro gaming console
Why you should buy this: It has one of the largest game libraries of any console in history, and a large number of those games are exclusive.
Who’s it for: Fans of role-playing games, action games, sports, games, and Sony’s first-party franchises.
Why we picked the PlayStation 2: The PlayStation 2 was ludicrously popular during its heyday, and there was a very good reason for that — it had almost everything. Despite being the weakest of the three consoles during its generation, the PS2 had an absolutely massive library of games, including three Grand Theft Auto games, the Kingdom Hearts series, Metal Gear Solid 2 and Metal Gear Solid 3, Killzone, and Final Fantasy X.
A huge number of those games were also exclusive to the system for years, meaning that players interested in purchasing them had to buy the console. Its DualShock 2 controller was the perfect way to experience the games, serving everything from shooters to platformers well.
The PlayStation 2 is also where you’ll see the first iterations in some of the biggest current game series. This includes Ratchet & Clank, God of War, Devil May Cry, and Kingdom Hearts. Unless it’s a game made by Nintendo or Microsoft, there is a pretty good chance you’ll find it on PlayStation 2. The games are also not too old that they’ll be difficult to find or too expensive, especially if you’ve got a friend looking to clear some space in their home.
Ensure your television or monitor is compatible
Not all TVs are compatible with the retro gaming systems listed above. Most of these systems, with the exception of the Sega Genesis Mini, were all designed before HDMI ports became common. Never fear, it’s still possible to connect and play!
Like other electronic equipment, you can use a different cable (usually an RCA cable) with an adapter. In the case of the Atari 2600, you will need to get an RF adapter, and possibly an RCA-to-HDMI converter if your television only has HDMI inputs.
You might be aware of another problem involved in playing old-school games on today’s TV screens: low picture quality. These game systems were mainly designed for 4:3 CRT displays, and they look pretty jarring on modern systems. It’s playable, but it might not give you the retro vibe you’re looking for.
The Sega Genesis Mini has done a great job solving this problem, adapting their retro format to a modern screen without sacrificing their original look. Unlike any other console, this one features a 4:3 display to stay consistent with older displays, and you can add scan lines on your screen to amplify that old-school vibe.
But if you’re looking for an authentically retro experience, you might be better off buying an older TV set for gaming. Try combing a few local yard sales, flea markets, or estate sales to find a good set for a great price.
