Retrogaming is a part of the world of video games that fascinates many players. Nostalgia or rediscovery of great classics, we all have a good reason to treat ourselves or take a trip back in time with a retrogaming console.
THE retrogaming refers to video games released during the first four to five generations of game consoles, therefore from the early 1970s to the mid-1990s. However, everyone will have their own definition of retrogaming. For some, the cursor will be placed until the fifth generation of consoles which introduced 3D (Nintendo 64, PS1, Saturn), released around 1995. Others will even consider that a console becomes retro beyond two generations difference (as such, the PS3 and Xbox 360 are already retro). For others, 3D is still too modern to be retro.
Manufacturers therefore understood that they had everything to gain from riding the retrogaming wave rather than letting players have fun on their own on an emulator. Nintendo, PlayStation and Sega have thus released “mini” versions of their old flagship consoles, directly integrating the best-known games. You can find the emblematic titles of 8 and 16-bit retrogaming consoles there. And if you’re also interested in current game consoles, take a look at our guide to the latest generation consoles. We can also advise you if you are looking more specifically for a portable console.
To enjoy a beautiful Proust madeleine and rediscover the pleasure of playing the games of your childhood, or to share this with your own offspring, you are in the right place…
Which physical retrogaming console to choose?
There are two possibilities: buy one of the reissued consoles with a modern twist, in a mini version, or buy the original console, used. Be aware that mini versions can also be difficult, if not impossible, to find new. Overall, count on at least 150 euros for a used retro-mini purchased online.
In all cases, you can go to physical second-hand stores (such as Easycash, CashExpress, etc.), but also consult online classified ads (Le Bon Coin), and of course, buy second-hand goods online at e-commerce sites such as Fnac, Amazon and Rakuten. You will then find a jumble of NES and Super NES, Mega Drives, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, PS1… in more or less good condition. Be careful when purchasing.
If you fall for an original console, don’t forget that these old machines were connected to the television with an RCA jack. However, these ports are no longer necessarily present on our recent TVs. So consider purchasing a RCA to HDMI adapter.
For the following retro-mini consoles, the HDMI cable is the standard and it is systematically provided in the box.
Nintendo Classic Mini: the 8-bit retrogaming console
The Nintendo Classic Mini is the very first version of a vintage console reissued in small format. It was marketed from 2017, and, like almost all mini consoles that will follow, it is no longer sold new in the usual circuits, but only second-hand.
There NES Classic Mini faithfully reproduces its illustrious ancestor (the NES, therefore) released in 1987 in France, and includes 30 games. No cartridge here, the games are directly installed. You will find your favorite 8-bit titles: Super Mario Bros 1, 2 and 3, Dr. Mario, Kirby’s Adventure, Castlevania, Metroid, Mega Man 2, Kid Icarus, The Legend of Zelda…
Note that the console comes with only one controller (the cable is still too short…).
Super Nintendo Classic Mini: the star retrogaming console
In 2017, Nintendo produced a revamped version of the Super NES, the Super Nintendo Classic Mini. It lives up to its name since it fits in the palm of the hand. It includes 21 games, including the greatest classics: Super Mario World, Secret of Mana, Starfox, Donkey Kong Country, Zelda: A link to the Past…
It will be difficult for you to find the SNES Classic Mini new, because it is no longer produced. On the other hand, you can turn to second-hand. You will come across, for example, numerous second-hand offers on Rakutenaround 150 euros – even if it was originally marketed at 79 euros. Also remember to consult ad sites between individuals.
Nintendo Game & Watch: the old portable game console
The Game & Watch are small portable consoles released during the 80s and containing a single game. Nintendo has reissued two versions of these consoles: one dedicated to Mario games and one to Zelda. The Mario version, which we were able to test when it was released in 2020, includes Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels And ball in Mario version.
The Zelda version also offers three games, namely The Legend of Zelda, The Legend of Zelda II And The Adventure of Link, Link’s Awakening. In these new versions, the screen is this time in color…
PlayStation Classic: Sony’s mini games console
There PlayStation Classicis a miniature version of the PlayStation, the first of its name. The latter, Sony’s very first console, was marketed in 1995 in France. The Mini version, for its part, is offered by Sony from 2018, the firm following in the footsteps of its best enemy Nintendo. It includes 20 games, including Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, GTA, Resident Evil, Rayman, Tekken 3…
Sega Mega Drive Mini: switch to Sega
Sega has also succumbed to the retro-mini trend. The original Mega Drive (“Genesis” in North America) was released in 1990 in our region. It has long tried to overtake the SNES on the 16-bit market… without success.
The Mega Drive Mini includes no less than 60 games, including Ecco the Dolphin, Sonic, Virtual Fighter 2, Thunder Force IV… Like the SNES Mini, it comes with two controllers. It is unfortunately a victim of its success and sells very expensively. on the second-hand market. Otherwise, it is possible to play some of these retrogaming games on the title of PS4 Sega Mega Drive Classics.
After the first version released in 2019, Sega returns with the Mega Drive Mini 2published in 2022.
Neo-Geo Mini: the arcade gaming console
The Neo-Geo was a home console adapted from arcade machines, very popular in Japan. Released in 1991, it mainly offered fighting games and was not cheap.
SNK, historic manufacturer of the Neo-Geo, has released an astonishing version of this console, reproducing an arcade game in a mini and cute version. So you will have a nice little 3.5 inch screen, a joystick and buttons. It is also possible to purchase controllers to plug into one of the USB-C ports. Note that one of them must be reserved for powering the console. A mini-HDMI port and a headphone jack are also integrated.
Good surprise, this is one of the rare reissues of vintage consoles that you can find in a new version, for less than 100 euros.
Game Boy: the pocket retrogaming console
If you’re interested in retro portable consoles, you can definitely opt for an original Game Boy (yes, we know, we’re supposed to say A Game Boy…). Everyone knows the Game Boy, and it still remains one of the best-selling consoles in the world today, with nearly 120 million units.
Some versions are very rare, notably special editions created in partnership with brands. If you find a specific model, you can make an early geek happy.
Basic Game Boys sell for at least 70 euros used, online and in stores. To find Game Boy, Game Boy Pocket and Game Boy Color, take a look at BackMarket. For games, it is possible to find second-hand titles in certain stores.
And Atari?
Finally, fans of the Atari 2600 can turn to the very recent Atari Flashback 8 Gold, 50th Anniversary Edition, and enjoy the 130 games included.
Playing retro games: Raspberry Pi, console subscriptions…
The Online subscription on Nintendo Switch: a vast catalog of retro Nintendo and Sega games
If you own a Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite, then there is a very simple way to play the Kyoto company’s iconic games.
Via subscription Nintendo Switch Onlineyou have access to a selection of games from NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64 and Mega Drive.
However, to have access to 64, Game Boy Advance and Mega Drive games, you will have to opt for the most expensive option, via the subscription containing the “ Additional pack “. The latter is offered at 39.99 euros per year instead of 19.99 euros per year for the classic subscription.
With Nintendo Switch Online, you have access to around a hundred games, on NES and Super NES alone, including:
- Dr.Mario
- Kid Icarus
- Mario Bros.
- Metroid
- The three Super Mario Bros.
- The Legend of Zelda
- Donkey Kong Country
- Earthbound
- F-ZERO
- Kirby Super Star
- Pilotwings
- Star Fox
- Super Mario World
- Super Metroid
-
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past…and many others.
Are you unsure about which Switch model to choose? We help you decide here.
Emulators and the Raspberry Pi
Of course, you can also install emulators on your computer or smartphone, such as Snes9x, ePSXe, Project64, RetroArch… It is perfectly legal to use the vast majority of emulators. On the other hand, flashing a ROM of a game, even if you own the physical version, is illegal. Also note that there are a whole bunch of emulation consoles geared toward retrogaming. You will find loads of them on sites like Amazon. They can take the form of portable consoles or connect via HDMI to your television.
Do you own a Raspberry Pi or want to buy one? This microcomputer is capable of running all retro games without worry.
Produced by the foundation of the same name, this microcomputer works with an ARM chip and comes in the form of a small motherboard. The user must then install a micro SD card, to store the operating system, add a case most often, as well as a power supply.
Unfortunately, the Raspberry Pi has suffered the full brunt of the Covid crisis and the shortage of semiconductors. Therefore, it is very difficult to find one at its normal price (between 15 and 40 euros, depending on the model). However, the foundation announced that stocks would be back in 2023. If you want to obtain, for example, the Raspberry Pi 4 model or the Raspberry Pi Zero, we advise you to wait. In the meantime, you can turn to second-hand.
