Looking for the best retro game consoles can be challenging and expensive. However, if you don't want the original hardware and just want to play classic games, you'll be happy with some of the options available.
Look into the best retro game consoles, which you can buy for yourself, a friend, or even a family member. Let them enjoy the glory days of gaming on their TVs. Sure, they may have Game Boy Advance games or a Nintendo Switch as a handheld console, but sometimes you want to play on the TV.
As you take a look at classic titles and get a feel for options outside of modern games, you can make the most of the best retro gaming consoles available. Sure, you could purchase the original consoles, but learn what makes modern retro gaming a great option among the choices.
Find a Modern Retro Gaming Console
Naturally, you'll wonder what a modern retro gaming console is, since the term seems like an oxymoron. To keep it simple, many companies have released modern versions of retro gaming consoles. These consoles come with classic games preloaded on them, and they support HDMI output.
This makes it easy to play your favorite retro consoles on a modern TV with minimal lag, since older consoles require different input types. Instead of pulling out an old console, or spending tons of money on the console and the games, why not go with a mini version or the classic editions?
Doing so will save you money, effort, and make it easy to play retro games with modern tech. You also don't have to worry about swapping out your cartridges, letting you make the most of your new system. See which ones are the best choices from the bunch.
Nintendo NES Classic Edition
Whenever people think of classic games, they can't help but turn to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). This one was a juggernaut back in the day, so Nintendo decided to release the Nintendo NES Classic Edition, allowing people to enjoy some of their classic games.
If you love the idea of playing classic titles on the Nintendo Entertainment System, you'll appreciate the games preloaded on this system. Some of them are the most iconic options on the console, making them worth going through and seeing what they offer.
Classic Games on NES
The Nintendo Entertainment System is famous for many classics, so it comes as no surprise that you'll enjoy multiple games on modern TVs when you purchase the classic edition. From Super Mario Bros. to Metroid, you should see what makes this one of the best retro gaming consoles available alongside some great games.
Castlevania
Anyone who enjoys classic retro gaming will appreciate Castlevania. it's a challenging game with a straightforward premise: make your way through the castle and defeat enemies you encounter, alongside different bosses.
While it's not an arcade cabinet that will take away all your quarters, it's still a hard game that will take you time to beat. If you want to beat it in one go, you'll find plenty of replayability, and you can also enjoy save states if you want to avoid unexpected deaths.
Kirby's Adventure
While you look into retro consoles and games, you should try out Kirby's Adventure. This is Kirby's first game, allowing you to enjoy multiple platforming levels while exploring the land as this iconic character and taking on adorable bosses.
While Kirby doesn't have his iconic power stealing ability yet, you can enjoy his adventure and see where Kirby's roots came from. Some people consider the NES to be the best retro console for 2D platforming games, so see why many people love this beginner friendly option.
The Legend of Zelda
You can also start with Zelda's roots by going with this retro console and trying out The Legend of Zelda. This one was before the iconic formula was established, so you can travel through the world, make discoveries, and handle many parts in whatever order you want, including the dungeons.
Many people enjoy the sense of adventure they can experience, and if you name your character Zelda, you can play on a harder difficulty, giving you more replay value. This can help you get your money's worth from what some consider to be the best retro console.
Mega Man 2
While some people may question why they should go with Mega Man 2 over the first one, it's important to remember that this one established the formula. You take on challenging levels in these games and fight bosses at the end while making the most of your platforming skills.
As Mega Man defeats different bosses on this retro console, you'll gain their powers as weapons. Such a setup lets you make Mega Man more powerful as you play, so you can find the best order to play the levels as you go through the game.
Metroid
Speaking of classic games from retro consoles, you should look into the original Metroid game. Most of the Metroid games are great, thanks to the winning formula established early, focused on exploration and seeing what the planet offers.
As you take down different enemies and enjoy what the game has, you'll quickly see what makes it a replayable game that people return to often. Metroid holds up well to this day, making it a great choice for nostalgic and new gamers.
Super Mario Bros. 3
If you want the best of the best games, you should check out Super Mario Bros. 3. While the other two are excellent games, many people consider the third one to be one of the best classic games, thanks to its saving function while sticking to the original gameplay.
It adds to the original game's formula by giving you more levels, power-ups, and mini-games. You can quickly find yourself sinking hours into this game, and it has a save feature, which many NES games lack, making it less punishing whenever you need to redo a section.
Nintendo Super NES Classic Edition
If you're looking for better graphics, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System Classic Edition. is an excellent choice. Just like the previous one, this option offers some of the best retro games you can find. With the convenience of the HDMI output, you'll quickly appreciate this game.
If you're looking for classic old games without dealing with the game cartridges, you'll quickly fall in love with this version. Even if you prefer a modern console, such as the Xbox Series X, you'll quickly find out how these games from the SNES Classic hold up today.
Popular Retro Games on Super NES
With that in mind, you'll quickly pickup on some fun games that you can find on multiple systems. If you want to play them on the original controller while enjoying a modern TV, here are some of the great choices you'll find on the classic version.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Some people consider The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past to be the best 2D Zelda game. As you go on your adventure to save Zelda, you'll enjoy another open world with plenty of items to discover and use. The game has an excellent dungeon format that's both fun and challenging on a retro game console.
Not only will you get to explore the world and fight bosses, but you'll also get to visit the Dark World as well. You'll enjoy a fun experience that will make any Zelda fan happy. You can even get the game on Game Boy Advance if you prefer, but some people like original consoles.
Super Mario World
While some people love Super Mario Bros. 3, others enjoy Super Mario World more. Once again, you have more powerups, ways to save, and some unique levels and enemies. This one had to be added to the SNES Classic, so it comes as no surprise that it's here.
You'll enjoy some excellent worlds and can go on this journey with one of Mario's most famous characters: Yoshi! Hop on Yoshi's back and enjoy his unique powers, helping you take down different enemmies and save the princess
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island
If you would rather have Yoshi as the main characters, go with this gem of a retro game. Yoshi's Island provides a unique experience where you must protect Baby Mario and get through the levels. On top of fluttering around and using eggs, you have fun boss fights.
Enjoy the world created in this game, and even spend time with different Yoshis to make the most of your experience. It's even a great game for yougner gamers if you have a child or anyone else you want to join, thanks to the easy controls, straightforward levels, and colorful designs.
Super Metroid
Speaking of action-packed adventures, you need to see what you can find in Super Metroid. It stands out as an excellent retro gaming experience, allowing you to explore and collect different equipment to help you reach new areas.
On top of excellent boss fights from one of the best Metroid games available, you'll explore the planet as Samus. It'll provide you hours of fun on with one of the best retro game consoles available.
Sega Genesis Mini
Rather than paying for some old Sega Genesis cartridges and putting them in the cartridge slot, you can go with the Sega Genesis Mini, another option that offers HDMI output. Even though it doesn't include the Sega CD or the Sega Saturn, you'll have plenty of great games to choose from.
As you look through the included games on the console, you'll quickly see what makes the Sega Genesis one of the best retro games consoles for anyone nostalgic. It'll quickly stand out, making each of the games a fun project for you to play through.
Excellent Games on Sega Genesis
While the Sega Genesis Mini doesn't have Sonic CD or Final Fight CD, there are plenty of notable games to check out. While you may instantly recognize while others are lesser known, they remain great choices that will be worth your time and money.
Gunstar Heroes
As for a fun run and gun experience, you should try out Gunstar Heroes. This game has an arcade style, making it great for people who want to enjoy the glory days of arcade machines, but from the comfort of their homes.
Sometimes, you want a game heavily focused on skill that lets you shoot down enemies and have a blast. Gunstar Heroes isn't the go-to for this console, but it's still one of the best games on the system, making it worth your time.
Mega Man: The Wily Wars
People love the Mega Man games, so try out The Wily Wars, which has the first three Mega Man games. You'll get to enjoy multliple Mega Man games, making the most of your purchase while also seeing what each of these games offer.
The setup makes it a great choice if you love the idea of playing Mega Man games, why not go with the Sega Genesis to make the most of your purchase? Doing so will save you money in the long run while giving you other games.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
If you want a great Sega Genesis experience, look no further than Sonic the Hedgehog 2. This game allows you to run at fast speeds while taking down Dr. Robotnik's minions to save various animals in the forest.
You can also play as Tails in this version, Sonic's friend who can fly. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 also has multiplayer, giving you a fun retro gaming experience to have with friends, family, or anyone else who wants to join you on this adventure.
Streets of Rage 2
Going with the classic beat'em up style can be a blast. Instead of hopping onto a Neo Geo for this experience, try out Streets of Rage 2, which offers a wide casts of characters, encouraging you to try different playstyles to see what they offer.
Make your way through the game and see how you can take down hoardes of enemies, enjoying a power trip. It's a great experience, and Streets of Rage 2 stands out as one of the best in the series.
Sony PlayStation Classic
If you're used to the Xbox Series X and other options, you can always go with the Sony PlayStation Classic. This one focuses on some of the best games from the 90s, many of which offer 3D graphics if you prefer them over 2D games.
When people think of old games, some of these amazing options on the PlayStation Classic stand out, making it worth considering while you look into them. When you add the HDMI output, you'll quickly appreciate its convenience and some of the great choices.
You have a variety of genres on this retro console, making it a great choice for anyone wanting to play a classic video game. While you look into these options, with some that are new games to you, you'll learn why some people consider it to be one of the best retro consoles available.
Final Fantasy VII
Sometimes, you want an epic RPG that will provide you dozens of hours of fun. Many people consider Final Fantasy VII to be the pinnacle of RPGs, which comes as no surprise when you consider the characters, story, and fun combat.
Sure, PC gamers can play this one on Steam or even dive into the remake, but why not enjoy the original experience on a classic PlayStation controller? Enjoy the Materia system, save the world from Sephiroth, and experience Cloud's adventure.
Metal Gear Solid
Sometimes, you want one of the great stealth games, so why not take a look at Metal Gear Solid? This 3D game has you playing as Solid Snake, tackling a crucial mission while using stealth to avoid the different guards.
You'll encounter both funny and serious moments while playing this game on the retro console. You don't need to play the original games on the Game Boy to understand this one, so hop into it and enjoy an excellent game when it comes to retro gaming.
Mr. Driller
While the PlayStation is known as an excellent retro game console for teenagers and adults, you'll find some fun games that are appropriate for kids. Mr. Driller provides a fun puzzle experience, making your way down the map.
The bright character designs and overall aesthetic make it a noteworthy option on what some people consider the best retro game console, so you should check it out. See how much fun this game can provide, and even play it with your kids.
Resident Evil: Director's Cut
Having an excellent scare can be a blast on a retro game console. While the Analogue Pocket or the Neo Geo Mini may not offer many scary experiences, you'll want to make the most of 3D graphics and see what makes Resident Evil stand out.
On top of the limited save system to make you afraid, this retro gaming horror classic also has terrifying monster designs that stand out even more with the older graphics. It provides the game with an uncanny feeling you can't match nowadays, making it a great choice for the PlayStation Classic.
TurboGrafx-16 Mini
If you're looking for other retro consoles with a wider range of classic video games, you should see what the TurboGrafx-16 Mini offers. While some of these mini consoles only offer 20 or so games, you can enjoy over 50 fantastic games on this mini console.
Whether you want a platformer, beat-em up, or an RPG, you'll be happy with the older games in this collection. Thanks to the value compared to the games you get, this is seen as one of the best retro game console options regarding what you spend and get.
Notable TurboGrafx-16 Games
If you plan to play games on this console, you should take a quick look at some of the notable classics included in the collection. Such choices make it great if you want one of the best retro gaming experiences available, feeling like you're in the good old days of gaming.
Cadash
Instead of grabbing a Neo Geo, why not play Cadash on the TurboGrafx-16? This game mixes platforming with RPG elements, allowing you to enjoy multiple genres and have a game that will provide plenty of fun.
On top of that, you have multiple characters you can play as, encouraging repeat playthroughs and learning more about the game. This makes it worth looking into the game, purchasing it for yourself, and enjoying a TurboGrafx-16.
Castlevania: Rondo of Blood
If you want a more Metroidvania experience, you should check out Castlevania: Rondo of Blood. The pixel graphics hold up well, offering enough detail to make it stand out while also maintaining colors and a style that will be appealing to many.
You can also play as multiple characters, letting you experience the game in different ways. You'll have a unique experience where you explore the castle and can experience everything Castlevania offers.
Snatcher (Japanese-Only)
Even though Snatcher is a japanese-only game, you may enjoy a story-focused game that offers excellent twists and turns. The game is dialogue heavy with plenty of reading, so if you plan to play this game, you'll need to know Japanese or have a translating program handy.
While this game may not appeal to everyone, it's still a great experience overall that's worth your time if you find it interesting. Even if you don't, this console offers multiple fun games, so take some time to look through them and try out some fun games.
Splatterhouse
As for another platformer with some unique elements, take a look at Splatterhouse. It has a horror aesthetic, except you play as a masked character and get to navigate the levels taking down plenty of monsters.
This one provides some great graphics and unique level designs. It'll stand out as a fun experience that will likely provide you with fond memories. Thanks to the shorter run time, you can play through it multiple times, making it a great game for Halloween or whenever you want to play it.
Look for Your Ideal Retro Gaming Consoles
As you look for another home console to put alongisde your Nintendo Switch or any other modern consoles, you should look into the best retro console available. That way, when you don't want to play Xbox games or other modern systems, you can enjoy some time with the classics.
Some of these classics can be new games to you or ones that you enjoyed in the past. If you want to see what you can find, come and visit Fair Game Retro in Sacramento. You'll find plenty of original consoles and more games.
You have other enjoyable options you should consider, such as the Analogue Pocket, Neo Geo Mini, or the Game Boy Color. It never hurts to go through the options and find out which has the best games to suit your style, such as one having a MicroSD card slot.
We're happy to show you our retro game section, have most modern systems, and can help you find the best retro consoles for you. Feel free to ask us questions, see what you like, and we'll point you in the right direction.