The retro gaming movement has lasted for a few years but has exploded since 2020. Many people, especially Gen Xers and Millenials, seek old-school gaming consoles to relive their childhoods.
If you’re looking for classic gameplay, check out some of the best old-school consoles you can buy online.
Key Highlights
- Atari 2600+ is the only retro console with backward compatibility
- Sega Genesis is as cheap as $30 for a used one
- Although NES Classic Edition only includes 30 games, they are among the best NES games of all time
Atari 2600+ – Reissue that Is Actually Backwards Compatible
If you grew up in the 1980s like I did and couldn’t afford an NES, your first gaming system was likely the Atari 2600. The Atari 2600+ has the look, feel, and even the compatibility of the original 2600. Still, it also has modern features, like HDMI compatibility and multiple screen resolutions.
While the system has a 10-in-1 cartridge that includes games like Missile Command and Adventure, it is backward compatible with original 2600 cartridges. While I would have liked to see a few more popular titles in the system, you can still find copies of old Atari games for a few bucks.
PlayStation Classic – Classic Look But Light On Games
The PlayStation Classic is a retro console that looks and plays like the original PlayStation. The console is 45% smaller and does not accept game disks. Instead, it comes pre-loaded with 20 games, including Final Fantasy VII, Tekken 3, Rayman, Twisted Metal, and Metal Gear Solid.
The system has a memory card, two controllers, and an HDMI cord. Overall, it is a good throwback but lacks backward compatibility and has a small library of games. I would not pay full retail for this console, but you can find one on eBay for around $70.
The difference between the Sega Genesis Classic and other so-called retro consoles is that many of the games are ones players want to play.
Sega Genesis Classic – Classic Sega Retro Console With Games You Actually Want to Play
The Sega Genesis Classic Console was released in 2016 and proved popular among old-school Sega players. Its most significant selling point is its 80-game game library. The difference between the Sega Genesis Classic and other so-called retro consoles is that many of the games are ones players WANT to play.
Some games include Mortal Kombat I, II, and III, Sonic, Sonic & Knuckles, Altered Beast, Golden Axe, and more. You get two controllers so you and a friend can play. While it still requires an A/V connection, it is compatible with old-school and new-school TVs. Also, this console has been out long enough to find used versions online for as little as $30.
NES Classic Edition – Only the Best Games Included With this Retro Legend
If you grew up in the 1980s and early 1990s, you probably owned or played on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The Nintendo NES Classic Edition is a mini-console that focuses on bringing the best of Classic NES gaming to old-school gamers. While there are only 30 games on this console, they are 30 of the best NES games ever.
You get Super Mario, Mario 2, Mario 3, The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II, Castlevania I & II, Kirby’s Adventure, Final Fantasy, and Dr. Mario. You even get Punch Out, although Mr. Dream is the final boss, not Mike Tyson. It comes with an HDMI port, making it compatible with modern TVs. However, the one downside is that it only comes with one controller. For solo gaming, you can’t go wrong with this one. This one will hit you for $80 to $100 new. You can find some used ones online with multiple controllers for around $60 to $80.
Beware Retro Consoles With Hundreds of Games
You will find many listings online for retro consoles containing hundreds of classic games from NES, Sega, Super NES, and more. These systems can seem like a good deal, but they are often suspect.
Many of these systems will have a conglomeration of ROM software for various gaming systems that can be incredibly buggy. You’ll also find a lot of duplication of games. For example, there may be 40+ copies of Mario but with different names, color schemes, etc. Your best bet is to stick with a name-brand retro console to get a quality product.
