If you’re feeling nostalgic and want to relive the old times spent with your pals, then a retro gaming console would be just what the doctor will order! Of course, they can whisk you back to your sweet childhood.
To bring you hopes, we would love to tell you that the best retro gaming consoles of the ’90s have been brought back in various forms. That means revisiting your glory days of Golden Eye 007 are not that far away!
But wait! How to know which retro gaming system should you buy? Don’t worry! That’s when we come into play.
No matter whether you played games on Nintendo, Sega, or PlayStation, we have compiled and reviewed every single one of them. Furthermore, we have also given a complete buying guide on what things to look for in your perfect old gaming system worth the money.
So prepare to vanish into nostalgia! Let’s dive into the best retro gaming systems of all time:
1. Super Nintendo SNES
Back in the ‘90s, Nintendo SNES was considered one of the best gaming consoles. It might not be wrong to say that this gaming system brought back gaming from the brink of extinction!
Today, you can play your favorite SNES games on modern hardware due to Hyperkin Supa Retron HD. It retains the vintage look while showcasing the same themes as first introduced in the early 1990s. This will surely immerse you in nostalgia!
This old gaming system features a button to enjoy the 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios. What more? It comes with an AV cable so that hooking up to your old TV sets is not an issue. The Hyperkin featured pin technology enables faster readability of the data from the cartridge, so you can enjoy your games without experiencing any lag. SNES brings you a huge library of games comprising 1700+ games that you can enjoy.
The Super Nintendo SNES comes with two specialized premium controller, while the system does have the ability to support the classic ones as well. Cool eh? This will allow you to play your favorite games just like you used to. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the controller cords are a bit short, so you’ll probably have to sit close to the system.
Recommended Games of Super Nintendo SNES
Pros
- A huge library of games
- Classic craftsmanship
- Classic software design
Cons
- The controller cords are a bit short
2. Nintendo 64
For sure, the Nintendo 64 can be awarded as one of the greatest consoles of all time! This awesome gaming console was released on 29th September 1996, and it has blessed gamers ever since. With only one push of a button, you can relive your most incredible adventures with Mario or Pokemon. Already remembering the good old days, eh?
It might be hard to duplicate the feeling of waking up on a Saturday morning, knowing that you have a full weekend ahead with your favorite Nintendo characters. The N64 console is the perfect gaming system to play with your family and loved ones. Though, look out for some video games with blurry graphics.
The Nintendo 64 controller is certainly one of a kind as it has three flanks; a central and two laterals. The accurate way of holding the Nintendo 64 controller is holding the central flank with your left hand and the right flank with your right hand. The left flank should be totally ignored.
Although game systems have now evolved considerably into high definition and cordless devices, a pure retro gamer will always adore Nintendo 64.
Recommended Games of Nintendo 64
Pros
- Unique, yet classic controller
- It is easy to use the controller
- One push start
Cons
- Some games are a bit blurry
3. Nintendo Wii
The Nintendo Wii was the first-ever gaming console to introduce the perfect motion control with its controllers as it is the main gameplay mechanic of this retro game system. It has an extremely user-friendly interface. The system has internet options as well, so it allows you to play video games with your friends and download softwares while keeping your system up-to-date.
Nintendo Wii is packed with strong specifications and is twice as powerful as its competitors. While managing to boast a 792 MHz processor, this Nintendo variant has everything you want in an all-in-one classic video game console. It is a point of reference for today’s gaming systems because of its accurate motion control that changed the gaming industry once and for all!
Your game files can be saved in the 512 MB of internal storage which is meager but can be upgraded to 32 GB via memory card. Nintendo Wii has more than 1500 games ready for you to enjoy with your friends and family. If that doesn’t intrigue you, feel free to launch the Virtual Console Mode to gain access to 400+ games.
Recommended Games of Nintendo Wii
Pros
- Perfect motion control
- Easy to use the controllers
- Huge library of games
Cons
- Inadequate internal storage
4. GameCube
Are you looking for fast gaming and sleek graphics? Look no further, GameCube is just what you need! The fast Gekko 485 MHz Processor gives you lightning game speed while providing you excellent resolution at the same time.
GameCube gives access to two memory card slots so the progress of your game is secured. Talking about the controller, just like Nintendo 64, it is one of the most innovative of all. If you are a function-key junky, you will certainly fall in love with the design of the controller. Prepare yourself to embark on the dreadful journey of Resident Evil Zero with your friends.
Considering the weight of this console, it is quite light compared to other consoles like Playstation 2 and Xbox 360. Hence, GameCube is easy to travel with.
The downside of this retro gaming console, however, is that it only has a 16 MB memory card add-on available. This is a bit low, considering the games you might want to play. Nonetheless, you have the option to play more than 600 games which is a treat to the eyes.
Recommended Games of GameCube
Pros
- Fast Gekko 485 MHz Processor
- Lightweight
- Highly innovative controller with lots of keys and functions
- More than 600 games available
Cons
- Only 16 MB memory card add-on available
5. Sega Genesis
Remember Aladdin and Mortal Kombat? Who can forget the great Sonic the Hedgehog? Behold, Sega Genesis is back! To take you back to the ‘90s, this console comes with MegaRetron HD that allows you to play your favorite games at 720 pixels with ease.
The console has a simple startup that can bind you to play various genesis titles all day long. The beauty of this console lies in the grey and black design that retro gamers have loved ever since the dawn of video games.
One remarkable feature of this old gaming console is that you can switch between 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios with just a push to a button. Do you still have an old TV set? No worries, Sega Genesis comes with an AV cable as well that allows you to hook it up with your old TV, thank God!
Since the game has no region locking, you can play games from all around the world. Sega retro gaming console comes with an impressive library of more than 900 games for you to relish so getting bored is completely out of the question. One thing though, that many gamers felt was a lag in the audio. While some of the games do give a lag in the sound, others play completely fine.
Recommended Games of Sega Genesis
Pros
- Good graphics
- Aspect ratios can be changed
- No region locking
Cons
- Lag in audio
6. PlayStation 1
This gaming console not only brought Sony into the gaming industry but broke the sales record for that year as well; over 100 million units!
The best thing about PlayStation 1 is the processor which has a clock speed of 33.86 MHz and a graphics chip that is integrated within. Now you know why gaming changed once and for all! All games, be it 2D or 3D, run efficiently on this console.
PlayStation was among the very first gaming consoles that introduced CD games. This dramatically increased both the video as well as audio quality while playing. So, are you ready to play TTomb Raider once more?
On the contrary, some PS1 games have average quality graphics but who cares? Back in the ‘90s, every other game had the same issue and it doesn’t matter to the die-hard retro fans.
A fun fact about PlayStation is that initially, it was planned to be a Super Nintendo CD add-on but due to some reasons, Sony thought it’s better to make their gaming system that led to the making of PlayStation 1.
Recommended Games of PlayStation 1
Pros
- One of the first consoles that introduced CD games
- Fast processor
Cons
- Average graphics
7. PlayStation 2
After the already successful PS1, Sony introduced its successor; PlayStation 2! This console was the real game-changer. It came with backward compatibility, a DVD player, and internet connectivity options. Most of these features were fairly new to all gamers at that time.
Were you dazzled by the processor of PS1? Well, that was nothing compared to PlayStation 2 which had an even swift processor of 294.912 MHz. The graphics and resolution of this gaming console are absolutely phenomenal. You can play your favorite PS2 titles like GTA Vice Ciry and Tekken 5 at high frame rates without any lag.
As far as memory capacity is concerned, however, it is not up to the mark according to some gaming geeks as it can only be increased up to 8 MB via memory card. Also, it is a bit heavy and might cause you inconvenience while traveling.
PS2 has prided itself with the great Dolby Digital sound system to provide life-like experiences to PlayStation fans. With over 10,000 games for you to relish, PS2 might be the best retro gaming choice for you! The controller of PlayStation 2 has various controls and keys which provides the best experience to all gamers.
One fact many people don’t know is that Sony released a Linux disc, Ethernet adaptor, and VGA adaptor so that gamers can use open source code and can make their own games as well. How cool is that?
Recommended Games of PlayStation 2
Pros
- Has a built-in DVD player
- Swift processor of 294 MHz
- Dolby Digital Sound System
- Gamers can make their own games as well
Cons
- Runs low on memory
- A bit heavy than other consoles
8. PlayStation 3
Released on November 17, 2006 in the US, this console was considered the daddy of all video games. It is the successor of PlayStation 2 and comes in 2 models; Flat and Slim. Don’t even name the CPU! It comes with an impressive 3.3 GHz processor that is capable of running highly detailed games like Call of Duty: Black Ops and GTA V.
When playing such graphic-intense games, you also need a huge memory as well. For that reason, Sony gave this beauty 120 GB of internal storage so the gamers can save every success without having to worry about remaining memory.
PS3 is a strong machine with a Nvidia RSX chip for those amazing graphical experiences along with 256 MBs of video memory. Carefully following the previous versions, PlayStation 3 also comes with a built-in Blu-Ray system. This makes PS3 a good enough media player as well.
On the downside, unlike PS2, this one of the best retro gaming console has a fairly small library of 1400 games released on DVD plus 700 more that are available as download-only games. The titles, however, are much more intriguing and enjoyable because of better graphics and a larger processor.
Recommended Games of PlayStation 3
Pros
- 3.3 GHz processor
- Highly detailed games
- Comes with a Nvidia RSX Graphics chip
- A huge internal memory of 120 GB
- Blu-Ray system available
Cons
- The gaming library is smaller than its predecessor
9. Original Xbox
Have you been thinking about where the Xbox is in this article? Well, here you have it; the much-awaited console! The Original Xbox has continued to remain a beloved gaming console for many years till now. The reason behind it is the unique features that it offers.
Developed by Microsoft in 2001, Xbox was more powerful in terms of graphics than its rivals. Other than that, it featured a 733 MHz Intel Pentium III Processor. This processor was found in PCs quite easily but was integrated into a gaming system for the first time, and it did wonders, to say the least.
Another unique feature of this retro gaming console is that besides the usual 8/10 GB internal hard drive, Xbox has a removable solid-state memory card of 8 MBs as well. This memory card can be plugged into the controllers. Who could have thought about that? Pure intelligence!
As far as the gaming library is concerned, Xbox has around 1000 titles you can choose from. These numbers are a bit less, considering PlayStation 2 with over 10,000 games at that time. A lot of them made a great impact in the gaming community though and were loved for many years. The controllers are somewhat similar to those of PlayStation but have more function keys on the top.
Recommended Games of Original Xbox
Pros
- More intense graphics
- A removable solid-state memory card available
- The controller has more keys than others
Cons
- The gaming library is smaller than its rivals
10. Xbox 360
After the introduction of the Original Xbox, the successor was evident, and after 4 years the Xbox 360 finally peeked through the curtains. Released in 2005, this gaming console caught the eyes of even five-year-olds. This beast is packed with a triple-core Xeon CPU that was clocked at 3.2 GHz. With the 5000 MHz ATI Graphics Processor, this console truly made HD gaming possible as it was capable of providing 1080p resolution.
Revolution was just around the corner when Xbox Live made online multiplayer gaming possible. Now, gamers could enjoy live voice chats while playing their favorite titles at home. The simple, yet elegant interface made gaming highly enjoyable. Xbox 360 had some of the best features and might be considered the gaming console of the decade as far as technology is concerned.
The Xbox family is proud of its gaming library as well. With over 2000 addictive titles to play, Xbox 360 won’t let you down in any way possible. Though, some extreme gamers say it does get heated up at times when used for a long time.
Recommended Games of Xbox 360
Pros
- Triple-core Xeon CPU
- 5000 MHz ATI Graphics Processor
- Live voice chat available while playing online
- More than 2000 games available
Cons
- Does get heated up when played for a long time
What to Consider While Buying an Old Gaming System?
Whether you are a modern gamer who wants to know how video games evolved or a nostalgic retro game player, there has never been a better time to be a vintage gaming fan. Due to various online marketplaces, buying an old game system has become a piece of cake. But still, there are certain factors you need to consider before buying an old gaming console. Let’s discuss these factors in detail:
Emulation Troubles
A very important decision that you need to take today is whether you are comfortable with an emulated experience or are you fond of originals?
In easy terms, emulation takes place when a new computer simulates the original game that previously ran on another computer. The game might probably be unchanged if the emulation is perfect, but if not, it might cause the game to run at the wrong speeds. So, it is better to buy the original hardware if you have the option.
Buy the Original Gaming Console
It may seem obvious but nowadays, buying an original retro console is extremely hard. Someone who has really taken good care of their console might be able to offer you an original piece. Usually, online marketplaces have original gaming consoles for you to choose from and enjoy.
Although you might be able to buy a console online, connecting it to a modern TV is an even greater challenge. So, make sure to buy a console that is compatible with your TV.
Don’t Go For the All-in-ones
There are two types of systems; ones that come with built-in games, known as All-in-one systems while others accept only the originals. The downside with All-in-one systems is that you don’t have the option to insert external cartridges. So, unless you are completely okay with only the built-in games and would never want to play a game other than those, you can consider the All-in-ones but we would recommend you not to.
Avoid Games Requiring “Special Peripherals”
You would have certainly realized by now why we stressed the term “special peripherals”. Nowadays, it is extremely hard to find a retro gaming console, and even harder to find its peripherals.
So, even if you happen to find them once and enjoy them to the fullest, they are electronics at the end of the day. So, there is a fair chance that the peripherals might get damaged and you might not be so lucky to buy them for the second time.
Wrap-Up
If you are someone who is having severe nostalgia and wants to go back to the times of glory, then you should definitely buy an old game system. Many gamers today believe that old video games still have a spark and a soft corner in their heart. Though it is really hard to find an original vintage gaming system, if you find one, it is truly worth the money.
We have compiled and reviewed the best retro gaming consoles of all time and hope that you found the one you are looking for. Happy gaming!
