Are you longing to revisit memories from years past? Retro video game consoles provide the perfect way to do just that – from reliving classic pixelated adventures to exploring groundbreaking worlds, these devices will bring back fond gaming memories.
The Evercade EXP is an innovative console that allows you to combine cartridges from different games for maximum customization and game discovery.
Atari 2600+
The Atari 2600+ is an incredible replica of its 1970s counterpart. Based on the four-switch VCS model first introduced in 1980, its tactile satisfaction cannot be replicated by copycat consoles (nor even this slightly smaller one!). Flipping its power, TV Type, Game Select, and Game Reset switches provide tactile satisfaction in equal measure as its predecessor.
Although Atari games might appear outdated and blocky when played across an HDMI-capable screen, they still make great fun! This version includes a 10-in-1 cartridge featuring its best titles, such as Adventure, Combat, Dodge ‘Em, Haunted House, Missile Command Maze Craze, and Video Pinball.
The system lacks modern amenities like menus and save/rewind functionality – yet that only bothers a few gamers; it simply does what it needs to do without adding unnecessary distractions.
Sega Genesis
Genesis stands as one of the greatest 16-bit consoles ever released, boasting an extensive library of high-quality titles that have aged beautifully over time. Its powerful processor allowed for rapid platformers, high-speed shooters, RPGs, and one-on-one fighters – perfect for entertaining gamers on this timeless console.
Sega’s innovative marketing, impressive hardware, and groundbreaking games, such as Sonic the Hedgehog, eventually brought it worldwide recognition and have given rise to some amazing titles that remain enjoyable today.
The Genesis was based on Sega’s System 16 arcade board. It featured a Motorola 68000 CPU, Zilog Z80 sound controller, and a video system supporting hardware sprites, tiles, and scrolling. Its cartridges featured an eye-catching rounded design, and add-ons such as Power Base Converters and Sega CDs could also be purchased.
PlayStation Classic
The PlayStation Classic follows Nintendo’s lead with their NES Classic, offering retro games on an adorable compact console. Designed to look like the original gray system (only 45 percent smaller), its faux disc tray doesn’t open, power, reset, or eject buttons as its counterpart, thus keeping with this trend.
The 20 games included are big-name hits and intriguing rarities; all represent early steps into 3D gaming after decades of 2D sprites. Their graphics may appear primitive today, but at their time, they were cutting-edge.
The main issue here is that nine of the games are European PAL versions designed for 50Hz TVs, so they have noticeable frame artifacts and judder. With greater consideration paid to emulation code and presentation and more thought into selecting suitable titles for this compilation disc, this could become an attractive collector’s item or addition to your games room.
Nintendo NES Classic Edition
As proof that classics never go out of style, the NES Classic Edition provides an unrivaled nostalgia trip for 8-bit gamers. A fully self-contained emulation system that looks and plays like the original Nintendo Entertainment System and connects directly to your TV via HDMI port, this fully self-contained system delivers true Nintendo-esque nostalgia in an enjoyable package.
Ars Technica anticipates that it’ll provide superior display options than Nintendo’s console re-releases of NES Virtual Console games, which have had noticeable issues with color matching and blurriness. There will be 4:3 aspect ratio option so games appear like they did on the NES; old school filter; “pixel perfect mode” that displays square pixels instead of stretched and distorting images;
It comes preloaded with 30 NES games, such as Castlevania, Donkey Kong, and Super Mario Bros – however, due to licensing agreements (there are no Ducktales or Capcom Disney titles, for example), some games cannot be included; furthermore, there is no online functionality, and you can only ever play them once.
Nintendo 3DS
Many modern gamers fondly remember the days of 8-bit and 16-bit game consoles, which dominated after-school gaming sessions. From recreating the nostalgic adventures of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) to experiencing Sega arcade games, there is sure to be a retro console suitable for you out there.
NEC’s futuristic white PC Engine with its mini cartridges (HuCards) stood out among most game consoles of the mid-’80s as being sleek and futuristic, featuring 16-bit graphics that added an aesthetic to R-Type and Ninja Spirit arcade conversions, making this system a cult classic today.
The Evercade EXP is a smart retro handheld that plays classic gaming cartridges or indie releases from independent developers. It is a sizable yet easy-to-hold console that can also be used vertically. The Evercade has an 800×480 IPS screen and feels just like any modern device that plays old games!
