You Can Play Your Classic Games On These Four Devices Right Now
You Can Play Your Classic Games On These Four Devices Right Now

Recommendations for gamers who still have their classic cartridges lying around

I was born in 1984, and grew up during the age of the Nintendo Entertainment System. As time marched on, so did technology. Today, we’re staring at the Playstation 5 and the Xbox Series X. This wasn’t the only technology that marched forward, though. Look at the back of any television, and hooking up that older system might prove more difficult. Sure, there are adapters that MIGHT work, but what if you want to play the games with minimal hassle and the best look? Well, my friends, I’m here to discuss the four systems that I use to get my classic gaming on in the modern world.

All of these opinions are my own. I was not compensated, nor given any of these devices. I paid with my own money.

RetroUSB AVS

I still own a lot of NES cartridges, including custom cartridges built by resellers. I also enjoy collecting Famicom cartridges which offer different colors and an assortment of games that didn’t make it over from Japan. The AVS handles all of them flawlessly.

The system itself “feels” like an original NES, which can be good, but also bad. Sliding an NES cartridge in, and also removing it can feel a bit awkward, but I have yet to damage anything, and it seems to stand up to it.

With an assortment of settings to make your game look the way you want it, and also a built-in Game Genie, the AVS stands out as a top candidate for the best NES clone system. Sure, there are cheaper clones out there, as the AVS will set you back a cool $185 without a controller, but the quality I’ve experienced from the AVS is the best as of today for both.

One REAL nitpick: The shape. the trapezoid is a bit off-putting. A simple square would have sufficed. Though it really doesn’t matter, aesthetics are a thing for me.

You can purchase the AVS here.

Analogue Mega Sg

Going chronologically in the order that I received different consoles, the Analogue Mega Sg covers the Sega Genesis (or the Master System for some of you). The sound and graphics of the system are so good, they rival the original. With adapters to play from other systems (as well as a Sega CD port), the Analogue Mega Sg is the way classic Sega gaming is meant to be done.

Another addition: a built-in canceled game entitled “Ultracore”. Super fun Contra-style side-scroller, and great to just see what the system can do right out of the box.

I love Rocket Knight and old Sonic games, and the Mega Sg does not disappoint. The old games feel crisp and look great. The sound is awesome. It reminds me of when I first unboxed my Genesis on Christmas and tore into Sonic 2.

Again, the price tag here: $189.99 (without a controller). Not cheap, not even reasonable, but for the quality, you’re not going to find a better system. Analogue builds their systems from the ground up, they do not emulate, they run the game as it’s meant to be, and that costs money. If you’re a purist, this is the Genesis/Master System Clone for you. You can also pick between 4 different color styles (I chose the JPN version).

You can purchase the Mega SG here.

Analogue Super Nt

While all the previous systems were incredibly important to my growth as a video game connoisseur, the Super Nintendo is quite possibly where I plant my flag for my favorite system. This is when I really was immersed in JRPGs, such as Final Fantasy 2 & 3 (4 & 6 in Japan), Chrono Trigger, and the Breath of Fire series. There are also some really awesome classics such as The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Super Mario World, Super Mario RPG, Super Metroid and so much more. The Analogue Super Nt does an amazing job of reliving these titles and more.

Just like the Mega Sg, the Super Nt does not emulate, so you get the game as it is expected to run. The sound and graphics are exactly how they were intended. The system “feels” quality with weight and the buttons that give a satisfying click. If I were to look at an old SNES and the Super Nt, I’d prefer the looks of the Analogue device.

The system also comes with a built-in game, Super Turrican, another Contra-like game, which is really fun, and great to just get going with.

I’m currently reliving some memories in Breath of Fire II, and the system is just flawless for it.

The Super Nt will run you $189.99, as quality comes with a cost, and you can choose from 3 different colors.

You can purchase the Super Nt here.

The Last Resort: Hyperkin Retron 5

I have a lot of Gameboy Advance titles in my collection. However, Analogue’s Pocket sold out in a mere minutes after going up for presale. My gaming is very much in front of a monitor or television, anyway. Enter the Retron 5!

The Retron 5 is more than a Gameboy Advance clone system. It can also play NES, SNES, Genesis, Famicom, Super Famicom, and Gameboy/GA games! Wow, how is this not the only device I own?! Well, quality.

While Hyperkin does a great job with the system itself, it emulates. When you insert a cartridge, it rips the ROM from the cart and plays it on the system itself (not permanently). This can produce less than expected results. The games are still playable and pretty good quality, but if you’re expecting results from the previous 3 systems, then….maybe pull back just a bit.

The design is very functional and comes in 2 colors. Some of the connections are a little finicky when you try to insert the cartridges in, so just be careful not to slam them in and rip them out.

The Hyperkin Retron 5 will run you about $159.99. It does come with a controller, but you might want to bring your own as I did not like the feel.

You can purchase the Hyperkin Retron 5 here.

Bonus Content: Controllers

There are a lot of controller manufacturers, as well as the originals, that work well with the systems listed. However, one can definitely appreciate a wireless controller that has the classic feel.

Enter 8BitDo.

This manufacturer makes some of the best 2.4Ghz wireless controllers for classic consoles (yes, these will work with the originals, as well as these clone systems). They typically run between $30–$40 but are well worth it.

Take a look at their site for more information, but I use a wireless one for all 4 of these consoles depending on the need.

You can check out 8BitDo here.

Plenty of Options

With these consoles and controllers, you’ll have plenty of ways to continue playing that retro game library you’ve been cultivating. As my kids get older, they ask about games that I used to play. With these consoles, I’m able to share in the joy that I had when I hit the power button for the first time.

Let me know in the comments if you own any of these “clone” consoles or love a different one not listed here!
['Joe Lavoie']
['Technology', 'Gaming', 'Features', 'Retro', 'Videogames']