Which retro gaming console is best?

When it comes to choosing the best retro gaming console, it really depends on your preferences, such as the games you enjoy, the nostalgia factor, and the type of games you want to play. However, several classic consoles stand out as being particularly influential and beloved by retro gamers. Here’s a list of some of the best retro gaming consoles and why they are worth considering:

1. Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)

• Launch Year: 1990 (US), 1983 (Japan)

• Notable Games: Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Super Metroid, Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI

• Why It’s Great: The SNES is often regarded as one of the greatest gaming consoles of all time. It had a fantastic library of 2D side-scrolling games, action RPGs, and platformers that are still considered some of the best ever made. The console also introduced some technical advancements, such as Mode 7 graphics, which allowed for advanced effects like rotating and scaling.

• Rarity and Collectibility: The SNES is widely available and affordable, but certain special edition or boxed versions are rare and highly collectible.

• More Info: SNES – Wikipedia

2. Sega Genesis / Mega Drive

• Launch Year: 1988 (Japan), 1989 (North America)

• Notable Games: Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage 2, Shining Force II, Phantasy Star IV

• Why It’s Great: The Sega Genesis (known as the Mega Drive outside North America) was Sega's answer to the SNES, and it introduced a host of iconic franchises. The Genesis was home to the fast-paced, action-packed Sonic games, as well as numerous other hits in the fighting and platforming genres. It also had great third-party support with games like Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter II.

• Rarity and Collectibility: While the Genesis is generally affordable, some special editions and Japanese-exclusive versions are more difficult to find and can be valuable.

• More Info: Sega Genesis – Wikipedia

3. Sony PlayStation (PS1)

• Launch Year: 1994 (Japan), 1995 (North America and Europe)

• Notable Games: Final Fantasy VII, Crash Bandicoot, Gran Turismo, Metal Gear Solid, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

• Why It’s Great: The PS1 revolutionized the gaming industry by making 3D graphics mainstream and accessible to a wide audience. The console is known for its impressive RPGs (like Final Fantasy VII and Chrono Cross), as well as platformers (like Crash Bandicoot) and action-adventure games (like Metal Gear Solid).

  • The PS1 also marked the start of Sony’s dominance in the gaming market and played a key role in shaping the modern gaming landscape.

• Rarity and Collectibility: The original PlayStation is widely available, but special editions (like the PSOne or clear consoles) can be hard to find and highly collectible.

• More Info: PlayStation (PS1) – Wikipedia

4. Neo Geo

• Launch Year: 1990

• Notable Games: King of Fighters '98, Samurai Shodown II, Metal Slug, Art of Fighting

• Why It’s Great: Neo Geo is known for its high-end arcade-quality games. While it was notoriously expensive at launch (costing more than most other consoles), it provided exclusive access to some of the best fighting and action games of the time.

  • If you’re a fan of arcade-perfect ports and fighting games, then the Neo Geo is a must-own for your collection.

• Rarity and Collectibility: The Neo Geo is very rare and expensive due to its limited production and premium price.

• More Info: Neo Geo – Wikipedia

5. Nintendo 64

• Launch Year: 1996

• Notable Games: Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie

• Why It’s Great: The N64 was a pioneer in 3D gaming, with Super Mario 64 revolutionizing how players interacted with 3D worlds. It also introduced the analog stick, which would become a standard for all modern controllers.

  • The N64 is home to some of the best games of the late '90s, with a focus on platforming, action, and first-person shooters.

• Rarity and Collectibility: The N64 is widely available, but certain limited editions and rarer games are highly collectible.

• More Info: Nintendo 64 – Wikipedia

6. Atari 2600

• Launch Year: 1977

• Notable Games: Space Invaders, Pac-Man, Adventure, Asteroids

• Why It’s Great: The Atari 2600 was one of the first home consoles to feature cartridges, making it a groundbreaking system in the early days of video gaming. It had a broad selection of arcade-style games and is credited with helping establish the home video game industry.

• Rarity and Collectibility: The Atari 2600 is relatively easy to find and affordable, but boxed versions and rare game cartridges can be worth a lot.

• More Info: Atari 2600 – Wikipedia

7. Commodore 64

• Launch Year: 1982

• Notable Games: The Bard's Tale, Elite, Impossible Mission, Pitstop II

• Why It’s Great: While technically a home computer, the Commodore 64 had a massive library of video games and is often considered one of the most important systems in the history of home computing and gaming.

  • Its affordable price and great graphics made it a popular choice for gamers in the 1980s and early 1990s.

• Rarity and Collectibility: The Commodore 64 is widely available and affordable, but certain special editions and rare software are highly collectible.

• More Info: Commodore 64 – Wikipedia

Conclusion: Which Retro Console is Best?

The best retro console really depends on what type of games you enjoy and your gaming preferences:

• If you love 2D platformers and RPGs, the Super Nintendo (SNES) might be your best choice.
• If you enjoy action-packed 3D games, then the PlayStation 1 (PS1) or Nintendo 64 would be great picks.
• For fighting game enthusiasts, the Neo Geo is unparalleled in terms of arcade-quality games.
• If you're more into arcade-style games and nostalgia, the Atari 2600 and Commodore 64 are great options.

Each of these consoles has its own unique appeal and library of games, and they all represent important milestones in video game history.

Where to Download Retro Games:

• Nintendo eShop: Nintendo.com (For modern access to retro games on newer Nintendo consoles).
• PlayStation Store: Store.PlayStation.com (To access classic PS1 games).
• Atari Vault: AtariVault.com (Play Atari classics on PC).
• GOG.com: GOG.com (Retro PC games and emulators).
• RetroArch: RetroArch.org (Open-source platform for running retro games via emulators).

These sites allow you to legally download or access retro games to enjoy them on modern devices.