Top 10 Retro Gaming Consoles You Can Still Buy Today


Retro gaming has seen a massive resurgence in recent years, with both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike seeking to relive the golden age of video games. Whether it’s the nostalgia of playing classic titles or the charm of pixelated graphics, retro gaming consoles have become highly sought after. The good news is that many of these iconic consoles are still available for purchase today, either as original hardware or modern re-releases. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 retro gaming consoles you can still buy today, diving into their history, standout games, and where you can find them.


1. Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) Classic Edition

Why It’s Iconic:

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) revolutionized the gaming industry in the 1980s, bringing gaming back from the brink after the infamous video game crash of 1983. With classics like Super Mario Bros.The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, the NES set the standard for home gaming consoles.

What’s Included:

The NES Classic Edition is a miniaturized version of the original console, preloaded with 30 classic games. It comes with one controller, but you can purchase a second one for multiplayer action. The console connects to modern TVs via HDMI, ensuring crisp visuals.

Where to Buy:

You can find the NES Classic Edition at major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. Prices typically range from 60to60to100, depending on availability.

Standout Games:

  • Super Mario Bros.
  • The Legend of Zelda
  • Metroid
  • Pac-Man
  • Donkey Kong

2. Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) Classic Edition

Why It’s Iconic:

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is often regarded as one of the greatest consoles of all time. It introduced gamers to 16-bit graphics, iconic franchises like Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and innovative gameplay mechanics.

What’s Included:

The SNES Classic Edition comes with 21 preloaded games, including some of the most beloved titles from the 16-bit era. It also includes two controllers, making it perfect for multiplayer gaming.

Where to Buy:

Like the NES Classic, the SNES Classic Edition is available at major retailers. Prices usually range from 80to80to120.

Standout Games:

  • Super Mario World
  • The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
  • Super Metroid
  • Street Fighter II Turbo
  • EarthBound

3. Sega Genesis Mini

Why It’s Iconic:

The Sega Genesis (known as the Mega Drive outside North America) was Sega’s answer to the NES and SNES. It was home to iconic franchises like Sonic the HedgehogStreets of Rage, and Phantasy Star. The Genesis was known for its “blast processing” and edgy marketing campaigns.

What’s Included:

The Sega Genesis Mini comes with 42 preloaded games, two controllers, and HDMI connectivity. It’s a faithful recreation of the original console, complete with a miniaturized design.

Where to Buy:

You can purchase the Sega Genesis Mini from retailers like Amazon, GameStop, and Target. Prices typically range from 70to70to100.

Standout Games:

  • Sonic the Hedgehog
  • Streets of Rage 2
  • Phantasy Star IV
  • Castlevania: Bloodlines
  • Gunstar Heroes

4. PlayStation Classic

Why It’s Iconic:

The original PlayStation brought gaming into the 3D era, with groundbreaking titles like Final Fantasy VIIMetal Gear Solid, and Resident Evil. It was also the first console to popularize CD-based games, offering superior audio and visual quality compared to cartridges.

What’s Included:

The PlayStation Classic comes with 20 preloaded games and two controllers. While it doesn’t include every classic title, it offers a solid selection of games that defined the era.

Where to Buy:

The PlayStation Classic is available at major retailers, with prices ranging from 50to50to100.

Standout Games:

  • Final Fantasy VII
  • Metal Gear Solid
  • Resident Evil
  • Tekken 3
  • Grand Theft Auto

5. Atari Flashback Series

Why It’s Iconic:

Atari was one of the pioneers of home gaming, with consoles like the Atari 2600 introducing millions to video games. The Atari Flashback series brings back the simplicity and charm of early gaming, with a focus on arcade-style titles.

What’s Included:

The Atari Flashback consoles come with a variety of preloaded games, ranging from 50 to over 100 titles. They also include modern features like HDMI output and wireless controllers.

Where to Buy:

Atari Flashback consoles are widely available at retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon. Prices range from 40to40to80.

Standout Games:

  • Pac-Man
  • Space Invaders
  • Asteroids
  • Pitfall!
  • Missile Command

6. Nintendo 64 (N64)

Why It’s Iconic:

The Nintendo 64 was a game-changer in the mid-1990s, introducing 3D graphics and analog stick controls. It was home to legendary titles like Super Mario 64The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and GoldenEye 007.

What’s Included:

While there isn’t an official N64 mini console (yet), you can still find original N64 consoles and games on platforms like eBay and retro gaming stores. Alternatively, you can use emulators to play N64 games on modern devices.

Where to Buy:

Original N64 consoles can be found on eBay, retro gaming stores, and online marketplaces. Prices vary widely, but expect to pay between 100and100and200 for a complete setup.

Standout Games:

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

7. Sega Dreamcast

Why It’s Iconic:

The Sega Dreamcast was ahead of its time, offering online gaming and innovative titles like Shenmue and Crazy Taxi. Although it was discontinued in 2001, it has since gained a cult following.

What’s Included:

You can still find original Dreamcast consoles and games on platforms like eBay and retro gaming stores. The console is known for its unique VMU (Visual Memory Unit) controllers.

Where to Buy:

Dreamcast consoles are available on eBay and retro gaming stores, with prices ranging from 100to100to300 depending on condition and included games.

Standout Games:

  • Shenmue
  • Crazy Taxi
  • Sonic Adventure
  • Jet Set Radio
  • Power Stone

8. TurboGrafx-16 Mini

Why It’s Iconic:

The TurboGrafx-16 (known as the PC Engine in Japan) was a pioneer in 16-bit gaming, offering a unique library of games that blended Japanese and Western styles. It was also the first console to use CD-ROM technology.

What’s Included:

The TurboGrafx-16 Mini comes with 57 preloaded games, including titles from both the TurboGrafx-16 and PC Engine libraries. It also includes a controller and HDMI output.

Where to Buy:

The TurboGrafx-16 Mini is available at retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, with prices ranging from 100to100to150.

Standout Games:

  • Bonk’s Adventure
  • Castlevania: Rondo of Blood
  • Ys Book I & II
  • Splatterhouse
  • Street Fighter II

9. Commodore 64 Mini

Why It’s Iconic:

The Commodore 64 was one of the most popular home computers of the 1980s, offering a wide range of games and productivity software. It was a favorite among gamers and programmers alike.

What’s Included:

The Commodore 64 Mini comes with 64 preloaded games, a mini keyboard, and a joystick. It’s a great way to experience classic C64 games on modern TVs.

Where to Buy:

The Commodore 64 Mini is available at retailers like Amazon and Walmart, with prices ranging from 70to70to100.

Standout Games:

  • Maniac Mansion
  • The Bard’s Tale
  • Impossible Mission
  • California Games
  • Pitstop II

10. Neo Geo Mini

Why It’s Iconic:

The Neo Geo was known for its arcade-quality games, with titles like Metal Slug and The King of Fighters becoming instant classics. It was a premium console, offering unparalleled graphics and gameplay.

What’s Included:

The Neo Geo Mini comes with 40 preloaded games, a joystick controller, and HDMI output. It’s a compact version of the original console, perfect for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Where to Buy:

The Neo Geo Mini is available at retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, with prices ranging from 100to100to150.

Standout Games:

  • Metal Slug
  • The King of Fighters
  • Samurai Shodown
  • Fatal Fury
  • Art of Fighting

Conclusion

Retro gaming consoles offer a unique way to experience the history of video games, whether you’re reliving your childhood or discovering classic titles for the first time. From the NES Classic Edition to the Neo Geo Mini, there’s a retro console for every type of gamer. Many of these consoles are still available for purchase today, either as modern re-releases or original hardware. So, dust off your controllers, fire up your favorite games, and take a trip down memory lane with these iconic retro gaming consoles.

Whether you’re a collector, a casual gamer, or a hardcore enthusiast, these retro consoles are sure to bring hours of entertainment and nostalgia. Happy gaming!

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