Electronics Engineer & Retro Tech Obsessive

Real tests.
No fluff.
25 years in.

I'm Mark Baxman. I've owned nearly every home computer and games console ever made, starting with a Sinclair ZX81. This site is where I share everything I've learned — FPGA consoles, mini PCs for emulation, retro gadgets, and electronics tools. Hands-on, first-person, no PR samples.

FPGA Consoles Emulation Retro Gadgets Electronics Tools
Explore the lab
// lab_status.log
Years in Electronics 25 yrs
Consoles Owned 100+
Articles Published 110+
First Computer ZX81
Affiliate Bias NONE

Every recommendation is based on gear I've personally tested. When I say avoid something, it's because I've made that mistake.

What we cover

Four things I know better than most

Pick your interest and I'll point you straight to the best content and the gear worth buying.

🕹️

FPGA & Retro Consoles

The closest you'll get to playing on original silicon — without the hardware dying on you. I've tested MiSTer, Analogue consoles, and everything between.

Shop FPGA consoles on Amazon →
💻

Mini PCs & Emulation

Small boxes. Enormous game libraries. I've built and tested SBCs and mini PCs for PS2, GameCube, N64 and beyond — so you don't waste money on the wrong one.

Shop mini PCs on Amazon →
⏰

Retro Gadgets & Clocks

The gear that makes a desk look like it belongs in a different era. Flip clocks, gravity clocks, retro cameras, and genuinely weird stuff I actually own.

Shop retro gadgets on Amazon →
🔧

Electronics Tools

25 years of bench work means I've tried nearly every multimeter, power supply, and soldering station going. These are the tools I actually reach for.

Shop electronics tools on Amazon →
MB ENGINEER
Mark Baxman
Electronics Engineer
About

This isn't a content farm.
It's one person's obsession.

I've worked in electronics for 25 years and at various points I've owned nearly every home computer and games console you can think of. It started with a Sinclair ZX81 and honestly, it never really stopped.

Every recommendation on this site is based on gear I've personally tested or owned. When I say something is worth buying, it's because I'd buy it again. When I say avoid something, it's because I've made that mistake so you don't have to.

25
Years in Electronics
100+
Consoles Owned
1981
First Computer
Fresh from the bench

Latest from the lab

All articles →
Restoration

How to Clean & Preserve Retro Game Cartridges: Complete Kit Guide 2026

QUICK ANSWER Original NES/SNES/Genesis cartridges deteriorate from dust, oxidation, and humidity. Essential cleaning kit: Isopropyl alcohol 99% ($8-12) + soft cotton swabs…

17 Feb 2026 Read →
Raspberry PI

RetroPie Emulation Setup Kit: Complete Guide ($150-400) 2026

QUICK ANSWER RetroPie is free emulation software that plays thousands of retro games on affordable hardware like Raspberry Pi. Best hardware: Raspberry…

17 Feb 2026 Read →
Retro Gaming

Best Retro Gaming Controllers & Adapters: Compatibility Guide 2026

QUICK ANSWER Modern wireless controllers don’t work with retro consoles—you need period-accurate controllers or adapters. Best modern replacements: 8BitDo Pro 2 Wireless…

17 Feb 2026 Read →
Retro Gaming

Complete Retro Console Setup Guide: Connect NES/SNES/Genesis/N64 to Modern TV 2026

QUICK ANSWER Connecting retro consoles to modern TVs requires three components: (1) The original console, (2) An HDMI conversion cable or adapter…

17 Feb 2026 Read →
Displays

HOW TO CONNECT YOUR RETRO CONSOLE TO A MODERN TV (15 minutes)

What you’ll need: Step-by-step: Step 1: Choose Your Conversion Method Determine which cable/adapter matches your console. Check the comparison table above to…

17 Feb 2026 Read →
Displays

Best HDMI Cables & Converters for Retro Consoles 2026

QUICK ANSWER The best way to connect retro consoles to modern TVs is using HDMI conversion cables paired with the original AV…

17 Feb 2026 Read →