Thanks to technological advancements, it is impressive how far video games have come over the years. Today, these games have stunning aesthetics, lifelike graphics, realistic scenes, unique sounds, online gameplay, etc.
The emergence of esports in recent years has also ultimately impacted the landscape, bringing competitive gaming to the forefront of entertainment. Besides competitiveness and incredible cash pools, esports bring new gambling opportunities. Today, you can place real money wagers on major esports tournaments, just like live cricket betting and other regular markets.
However, despite the domination of modern, sophisticated video games, old-school classics are making a significant comeback, driven by nostalgia. Many gamers are starting to want to relive the golden days of NES, Sega Genesis, PlayStation, etc. Thankfully, many new and modern retro consoles on the market use the latest technology, enabling gamers to play the games of their youth seamlessly.
This article explores some of the best retro gaming consoles in 2024, from faithful replicas of classic consoles to newly designed ones.
Evercade EXP
- Brand: Blaze Entertainment
- Release: 2022
- Portable: Yes
- Connectivity: USB-C, Mini HDMI, and WiFi
The Evercade EXP is a smart handheld retro console that perfectly blends modern tech and nostalgic gaming. Launched in 2022, the version console is a significant improvement on the first Evercade.
Like the initial version, this one runs games developed for other brand consoles, such as the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive and SNES. The console supports the entire Evercade library, granting gamers access to over 380 games. It also comes with 18 preloaded Capcom games that allow gaming enthusiasts to relive the experience of playing famous titles like Final Fight, Mega Man, and Street Fighter, among others.
One of the Evercade EXP's most exciting features is its built-in WiFi support, which is available explicitly for future updates. The console also comes with USB-C, mini-HDMI ports for TV connection, and a healthy battery life, making it playable for 4 to 5 hours before the next charge. It also features an all-new TATE mode, which allows gamers to play arcade games vertically in portrait mode.
What's oddly absent is Bluetooth, which would have been perfect for gaming with headphones or using a third-party controller.
Atari 2600+
- Brand: Atari, Inc.
- Release: 2023
- Portable: No
- Connectivity: HDMI, USB
The Atari 2600+ is a near-full-sized replica of the original 1970s and 1980s consoles, with the same nostalgic wooden detailing and classic joystick.
Upon purchase, you get a 10-in-1 cartridge containing some of the best Atari hits, including Yars Revenge, Missile Command, and Video Pinball. The best part is that it is backward-compatible with hundreds of original vintage game titles of Atari 2600 and 7800 consoles. You can enjoy games from original and new cartridges with the Atari 2600+ consoles, something you won’t find with most.
Another impressive feature of the Atari 2600+ console is its HDMI output, which allows gamers to connect to a modern TV. It also features a widescreen gaming mode that makes gameplay all the more immersive.
Miyoo Mini Plus
- Brand: Astarama
- Release: 2023
- Portable: Yes
- Connectivity: WiFi
Released in 2023, Miyoo Mini Plus is another must-have retro console for video game enthusiasts in 2024. Coming from a brand with an excellent reputation amongst emulator fans, the Miyoo Mini+ console shows a great capacity for emulating loads of retro games.
This handheld console, about the size of a deck of cards, can handle games even up to the PS1 era but is quite excellent with Game Boy games. It also features a comfortable design with four action buttons raised out of the shell and boasts a solid battery life, making it playable for up to 7 hours.
One of the best features of the Miyo Mini+ console is that it comes preloaded with thousands of games across multiple generations that you can enjoy. This can be an excellent feature for those who are not great at downloading and running emulated games. For gamers who prefer to add their favorite games, the console offers the convenience of microSD storage.
The only significant downside of Miyoo Mini Plus is that it can be small for gamers with large hands.
Nintendo Super NES Classic Edition Console
- Brand: Nintendo
- Release: 2017
- Portable: No
- Connectivity: USB-C, HDMI
The Super NES Classic console is a fun way to relive the nostalgia of Nintendo's games from yesteryear. It has the look and feel of the classic Super Nintendo entertainment system launched in the 1990s.
Ideal for retro games, the console comes preloaded with some of the best 16-bit video games ever. This includes the likes of Super Mario Kart, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Super Mario World, Donkey Kong Country, Super Metroid, Final Fantasy III, etc. From the visuals to the audio and everything in between, this console presents all its games pretty much as they were decades ago, kicking gamers’ nostalgia into overdrive.
Unlike the 80s & 90s consoles it replicates, the SNES console has improved modern connectivity features, including USB and WiFi and two controllers. It also has an HDMI port, allowing gamers to connect the console to modern television for immersive gameplay.
Others
Besides the ones listed above, video game enthusiasts can enjoy many other remarkable retro consoles. The table below shows other notable ones to buy in 2024.
Retro Console
| Brand | Type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
Analogue Pocket
| Analogue
| Handheld cartridge | micro SD card slot, USB-C port, stereo speakers,
|
Neo Geo Mini
| SNK Corporation
| Handheld arcade
| USB, HDMI, Headphone jack, controller jack
|
Retroid Pocket 3+
| Retroid
| Handheld emulator
| Touch screen,
720p Micro HDMI, Audio Jack, USB-C, WiFi
|
Steam Deck
| Valve/AMD
| Handheld emulator
| USB-C port,
Bluetooth 5.0, Dual-band WiFi radio, Micro SD slot
|
Closing Thoughts
In a world dominated by cutting-edge technology and hyper-realistic graphics, retro gaming consoles are resurging as a gateway to a simpler past. Whether you fancy the cartridge-based consoles or the classic appeal of emulators, there are loads of retro gaming consoles to suit every taste and preference. However, the ones on our list promise to offer the best nostalgic-fueled gaming experiences, whether you are an old-time gamer or just discovering the classics for the first time.
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