Whilemodern video game consolesare more powerful than ever before, with realistic graphics and immersive experiences, nothing will ever take away theshine of retro consoles. Whether one is a collector of retro consoles, an adult gamer looking to relive their youth, or a young gamer curious about the console wars of yesteryear, it makes sense to get one. Game Rant has compiled a list of the best retro game consoles that can seamlessly play classic titles while boasting modern features like HDMI ports and vast game libraries. And don’t worry, for those who want to stick to a tighter budget, there are a ton ofretro handheld consoles that can be picked up for under $75.
Game Rant’s Picks for the Best Retro Game Consoles in 2024
Evercade EXP
Looking for a handheld console that can play classic retro titles with ease? The Evercade EXP builds on the success of the first Evercade, offering a lot more features than its predecessor. An all-new TATE mode allows gamers to play arcade games the original way they were meant to be played: portrait mode. The console also comes with built-in Capcom titles, a USB-C port, a mini HDMI port, Wi-Fi, and a battery that’s good for around 4 to 5 hours.
The first Evercade was released in 2020, fully capable of running games originally developed for consoles like the Sega Genesis, the Mega Drive, and the SNES. The Evercade EXP, builds on the offerings of the initial Evercade with 18 built-in Capcom titles that allow gamers to relive the fun of playing famous games likeStreet Fighter II: Hyper Fighting, Mega Man, andFinal Fight. Additionally, the EXP supports the entire Evercade library of 380+ games.
The EXP has a 4.3-inch IPS screen that delivers vivid colors, ideal for an excellent retro gaming experience while still being cost-effective. The EXP sports a tempered glass bezel to protect the screen from potential damage without affecting the Evercade’s TATE mode, a functionality that allows gamers to play arcade games vertically as well as horizontally. Players can use the dedicated buttons to play classic arcade titles like1942andTruxtonby simply pressing the TATE button.
The retro console also comes with USB-C, mini-HDMI ports, and built-in Wi-Fi support for easy updates. The console’s battery life is between 4 and 5 hours, so gamers can enjoy extended sessions without needing to recharge. Despite not including Bluetooth and multiplayer functionality for two-player titles like Street Fighter, this feature-rich device is Game Rant’s pick for the best overall retro game console.
If these specs aren’t quite up to snuff for some players, you can always hold out untilthe Evercade EXP-Ris released at the end of July 2024. This updated version promises new retro adventures, starting with the classic Tomb Raider Collection 1 physical cartridge, which will come as part of the handheld console’s bundle.
Miyoo Mini Plus+
The Miyoo Mini Plus is the latest handheld console after the now impossible-to-get Miyoo Mini Plus 2. It comes in four colors: Gray, White, Transparent Black, and Transparent Purple. The efficient but powerful processor allows gamers to enjoy their favorite 8- and 16-bit games all day.
This powerful little portable gaming console is about the size of a deck of cards and can emulate a ton of retro games. Unlike the handheld consoles it is meant to emulate, the screen is incredibly bright, but this is a welcome improvement. With how affordable and small the Miyoo Mini+ is, it is a great place for gamers to start their journey into the world of retro gaming.
Regardless of what games are played with this handheld, the D-pad and the buttons will provide an excellent experience. The four action buttons are raised out of the shell, so it is easy to press them, and the high gloss finish gives the Miyoo Mini Plus+ a premium touch. The familiar shape is ideal for players used to retro gaming on Game Boy and Game Boy Color, although added features, such as a textured battery cover, make it more comfortable than ever.
Gamers who are not an expert at downloading and running emulated games, don’t worry. The Miyoo Mini Plus+ comes preloaded with thousands of games. This is not the most powerful portable console, but it can handle games up to the PS1 era. It excels in Game Boy games, though, and the overall design of the console makes it feel much more natural to return to those classic handheld game titles.
Atari 2600+
The Atari 2600+ comes with backward compatibility for vintage game titles from the original 2600 and 7800 consoles. Behind this, gamers get an HDMI output which makes it easier to connect to the TV. There’s also a widescreen mode which makes gameplay feel more immersive. Upon purchase, buyers also get a 10-in-1 cartridge that contains 10 rich Atari titles, includingMissile CommandandYars Revenge.
For any Atari fans who got rid of their old 2600 or want a more convenient way to play their old Atari games, the Atari 2600+ is an absolute godsend. Unlike many other retro re-releases that have come out over the last couple of years, the Atari 2600+ supports playing games from original cartridges and new ones.
The new version has an HDMI output, making connecting the console to a modern TV easier. It has a built-in widescreen mode, so gamers don’t have to deal with upscaling themselves. Upon buying the console, players get a 10-in-1 cartridge containing some of Atari’s most popular titles, includingMissile Command,Video Pinball, andYars Revenge.
Aside from allowing gamers to revisit the thrill of classic Atari titles, this console is backward compatible with hundreds of Atari 2600 and 7800 games. As such, playing famous games on the above consoles is possible using the 2600+. Another reason for considering the Atari 2600+ is that the console’s design still carries the oldies vibe despite being fitted with new tech. The vintage console’s legendary wood-grain finish can be found on the newer 2600+ model, which should satisfy fans' nostalgia fix.
Nintendo Switch Lite
TheNintendo Switch Liteis a more affordable, portable solution for players who want to play all the most exquisite Nintendo games on a tight budget. Nintendo Switch Lite provides an affordable and portable option, ensuring players on a tight budget can still enjoy the finest selection of Nintendo games on the go.
It may be the obvious choice, but there are a lot of reasons why the Switch Lite is simply the best retro console for Nintendo fans. First and foremost, the design of the Switch Lite is very familiar to Nintendo fans, especially those who enjoyed the SNES, Game Boy Advance, or the DS Lite. The low joysticks and responsive D-pad are comfortable and reminiscent of the gaming days of yore. Plus, the compact build and light weight of the device make it perfect for bringing along on any adventure and holding for long periods without your hands or wrists feeling fatigued.
Moving beyond the physical features, the available software makes an even stronger case for Switch superiority in the retro gaming sphere. Players can access over 100 classic games through the Nintendo Online membership, a fairly affordable game subscription service. Even if the membership doesn’t have exactly what you’re looking for, there are around 1,000 retro games available through the Nintendo eShop waiting to be cherry-picked by players.
Considering its very budget-friendly cost of just $200 (or lower during sales) and the fact that the console can also play modern games, it’s a no-brainer. The Switch Lite is a must-have handheld for retro Nintendo fans who don’t mind that it can’t connect to a television.
Neo Geo Mini
The Neo Geo Mini is an excellent retro console fit for playing arcade games. It comes with 40 games that players should remember from the original Neo Geo console. The titles includeMetal Slug,Fatal Fury Special,Samurai Shodown Special,King of the Monsters,and more. The Neo Geo Mini comes with an HDMI port for connecting to the TV, a headphone jack, and support for two gamepads.
The Neo Geo Mini is a retro game console with an arcade-like design that makes for an aesthetic addition to any gaming setup while also being surprisingly comfortable to hold. A remake of the classic Neo Geo console, the Neo Geo Mini, comes with 40 classic titles that will make players fondly remember the original Neo Geo.
With a 3.5-inch screen, the Neo Geo Mini will not give the same feeling as the original Neo Geo, but gamers don’t need to make much room for it, either. The Neo Geo Mini offers a stunning display, faithfully rendering all the classic arcade titles. Its compact size is easy to carry around in a backpack or luggage, making it ideal for retro game fans who commute or travel often. Plus, it’s pretty cute and perfect as a showpiece in a gaming room.
Despite being relatively small, the console sports a joystick controller and a handful of buttons, reminiscent of the classic arcade system. There’s also an earphone jack for players who want to listen to the action alone. Although the Neo Geo Mini can be connected to the TV using the HDMI port, users may not like that the console doesn’t include an HDMI cable. Another downside to this console is that it doesn’t come with a battery, meaning that it has to be plugged in to turn on. Given its small size, it’s odd not to include the option for batteries.
Capcom Super Pocket
From the makers of Evercade comes Hyper Mega Tech and the brand-new Capcom Super Pocket. A portable gaming device that can be taken anywhere and is pre-loaded with 12 excellent classic Capcom arcade games. Including Street Fighter II’: Hyper Fighting, Final Fight, 1943, Strider, Ghouls ‘n Ghosts, along with support for Evercade’s Cartridges
The Capcom Super Pocket is an incredibly affordable, fully-fledged portable console with an expansive library of arcade game cartridges that are also pretty affordable. The Capcom Super Pocket is a perfect option for gamers who want a handheld console that has a massive library of classics but don’t want to fuss around trying to figure out emulators. Just plug in a cartridge and be ready to game, like the good old days.
This hunk of plastic is neither sleek nor sexy, and it is not the fanciest console, even for its price tag. However, unlike some other options, it feels like the Super Pocket embraces this look. The Capcom and Taito versions come in bright and bold colorways that awaken a nostalgic feeling immediately. The usual array of face and shoulder buttons make playing these retro titles an absolute joy, although it’s worth mentioning that the thin D-Pad does take some getting used to.
The Capcom version comes with 12 arcade classics from Capcom,Street Fighter II, andFinal Fight,but, as mentioned earlier, gamers can also pick up cartridges for the Super Pocket to play a massive library of classic arcade titles. And best yet, Evercade is even working with some Indie developers to release newer games on their cartridges for a modern game with a retro feel.
SEGA Genesis Mini 2
The SEGA Genesis Mini 2 is a great way to enjoy some of SEGA’s classic hits, with buyers getting a vast library of 60 titles. Some of the included games areGolden Axe II,Clayfighter, andAfter Burner II.The new Genesis Mini console is also compatible with SEGA CD titles. Gamers also get the 6-button D-pad controller as an accessory.
The second version of the Sega Genesis Mini looks to build on the offerings of its predecessor by offering better hardware, a vast collection of games, and a smaller console design. The console ships with 60 classic titles, includingGolden Axe II,Clayfighter,After Burner II, andAtomic Runner. As a bonus, fans will be happy to know that SEGA CD games can be played on the Genesis Mini 2, with added features like full-motion video and smooth animations.
One of the Genesis Mini 2’s notable features is the six-button controller, which allows gamers to play all titles without hassle. Recall that the first Genesis Mini came with three-button controllers, which didn’t give gamers the best experience with titles that required a six-button controller. The only workaround for this was to buy the six-button controller separately. Fortunately, the Genesis Mini 2 has fixed this issue.
With 60 titles – 20 more than the 40 that the original Genesis Mini included – along with compatibility with SGA CD titles and a compact design, the SEGA Genesis Mini 2 is an absolute joy to play. It’s easily the best retro gaming console for Sega fans.
Steam Deck
Valve’s long-awaited portable console is here, and it’s taking the handheld gaming market by storm. Valve partnered with AMD to create Steam Deck’s custom APU, optimized for handheld gaming. It is a Zen 2 + RDNA 2 powerhouse, delivering more than enough performance to run the latest AAA games in a very efficient power envelope.
A Steam Deck might seem like an odd choice for retro gamers. Still, with a huge growing community working on Emudeck, fans of retro emulations will not be disappointed by the number of retro titles that run seamlessly on a Steam Deck. The Steam Deck can handle everything from truly retro consoles like the NES to what is now considered retro (much to the writer’s dismay), like the PS2 and the original Xbox.
The Steam Deck is an excellent example of why modern-day consoles shouldn’t be limited to just modern games. The fact that gamers can swap between playingCrazy Taxiand the latest AAA game in a few moments is ridiculous. It is undoubtedly a step in the right direction to make emulating a more mainstream option for gamers.
While the Steam Deck is easily the most expensive option in this guide, for gamers who are on the fence about picking up a retro console or just want a more versatile option, the Steam Deck is well worth the price. Plus, with the emulation community putting more and more support into Emudeck, it will only get better for retro fans as time goes on.
How to Pick the Best Retro Game Console
There are three main considerations when picking a retro game console: the game library, connectivity, and build quality. Researching these will help buyers pick the perfect retro game console for their needs.
Game Library: The game library of a console plays a major role in helping buyers determine whether it’s worth the purchase. Many people buy retro consoles because of nostalgia for playing game titles that they loved as a child. A competent retro console should be able to play many vintage titles that gamers can fondly remember. Consider the PlayStation Classic, which launched in 2018 as part of Sony’s efforts to compete with Nintendo’s Super NES Classic. However, it was heavily criticized for its meager game library.
Connectivity: Unlike the consoles from the ’80s and ’90s that had analog connections, today’s consoles come with modern connectivity like HDMI, USB, and Wi-Fi. An HDMI port makes it easier to hook a game consoleto a modern television. Just plug it in and play! When shopping for a retro console for gaming, ensure that it can be hooked up to a TV via HDMI.
Build Quality: It should almost go without saying that build quality is an important consideration when buying a retro game console. Generally speaking, gamers can trust well-known and respected brands like Nintendo and Sega. For lesser-known brands, it is recommended that potential buyers closely read user reviews. There are a lot of retro game consoles with cheap controllers and poorly-optimized operating systems. If a retro console on a site like Amazon has few user reviews, that is a potential red flag.
FAQ
Q: What are retro game consoles?
Retro consoles are devices built to play classic game titles from the 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit eras. While some consoles like the Analogue Pocket are handheld, the Sega Genesis Mini 2 has to be hooked up to a TV.
Q: Is the PS3 a retro console?
Consoles are typically given the retro tag when they’re at least 15 years old, with no new game releases in a long period. Released in 2006, 17 years ago, the PlayStation 3 should be considered a retro console.
Q: What are the most popular game consoles of all time?
The PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Switch, and Game Boy/Game Boy Color make up the top four game consoles in terms of units sold.
