Right now people are looking around them for every little boost they can get, and being nostalgic definitely does that. In a recent trend, some manufacturers have been bringing back the golden oldies at reasonable prices so that they can tap into a market that may have grown out of the current consoles.
The good news is that they have made them simple to set up and often loaded with loads of games as they can fit 1,000s onto the current memory cards. These can be great things to play with while you wait for more futuristic hardware like the PS5, the Xbox Series X and the Nintendo Switch Pro.
But with so much choice, it's always good to narrow it down to some of the best, and Stealth has got you.
Super Nintendo Classic Mini (SNES Mini)
- Classic Nintendo software and design
- Comes with 21 built-in classic games
- £129.99 from Amazon
There is an entire generation that was touched by the SNES. It came around at a peak of gaming explosion as the technology of both consoles and TVs reached a point that it could support sufficiently complex, but also fun, gaming.
With this blast from the past, you are getting 21 classics built into the kit. And they are the biggest and best, that are still as enthralling today as they were then. Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy VI, Chrono Trigger, and Donkey Kong Country are all included.
The only downside to this great purchase is the fact the controller leads are so short. They have actually lengthened them but they still aren't long enough to extend across a large living room. But sitting in front of the tv cross-legged is all part of the experience right?
It's so popular that finding a supplier seems to be the hardest bit.
Playstation Classic
- Closely matches the original but in miniature design
- Comes with 20 classic games
- £49.40 from Amazon
If SNES was the first console for many to get into gaming, the PS1 was the next one that generation had. And it was the first console to push 3D gaming. In that aspect, it's the king of retro-but-not-quite-retro.
For some, this will have everything you are looking for. Destruction Derby, Final Fantasy VII, Grand Theft Auto, Metal Gear Solid, Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee, Resident Evil, Ridge Racer Type 4, Syphon Filter and Tekken 3 are some of the highlights.
Although not having the likes of Gran Turismo feels like a massive own goal, Sony can be proud of what they have put together and it generally comes in a little cheaper than the Nintendo cousin.
Atari Flashback 8 Gold Deluxe
- Includes two wireless controllers
- Comes with 120 built-in games
- £109.99 from Amazon
For those that have read to this point thinking "whoever wrote this is in their 30's, I was playing well before the SNES" - well this one's for you.
One of the Grandaddies of gaming, with this you're getting a classic console and 120 built-in games with plug-and-play capability. The controllers are wireless so you don't need to worry about living room size like some of the others. It's a little pricier and the games are obviously slightly more simplified, but for those of that era, it will be a bargain to relive the memories.
Nintendo Classic Mini
- High-quality replication
- Comes with 30 built-in classic games
- £109.99 from Amazon
Nintendo have led the way with these console revivals and they have done a good job here. Faithful replication of the old system but with the improvements of slick menus and the best games they offered at the time.
The problem with the controller length continues but with games like Metroid, Super Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda and Excitebike then who cares. Bringing them to HD certainly makes for an enjoyable afternoon.
SEGA Genesis / Mega Drive Mini
- Lovely miniature design
- Comes with 42 built-in classic games
- £60 from Amazon
Another classic that defined gaming, this has been pitched right between the PS Classic and the Nintendo offerings, giving a decent value for yourtrip down memory lane.
With all the expected names like Sonic, Ecco the Dolphin, Earthworm Jim, Golden Axe and Street Fighter you won't be bored. This is the closest homage to the original on the list and if you're a SEGA fan of old, you won't be disappointed.
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