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Depending on the model chosen, you can find your favorite characters, Mario and Sonic in mind.

Even if a retrogaming console is not official, it nevertheless allows to recreate an atmosphere of another time, synonymous with pleasant memories and arcade machines.

That being said, it is clear that the 8-bit graphics and mono sounds have aged a lot.

Thus, the younger generations may not appreciate this backtracking, however pleasant for you.

Small selection of the ten best retrogaming consoles of the moment

  • RinTalen Console: a retrogaming console with 620 arcade games included

  • ELECTROTECHPRIVÉ console: a retrogaming console reminiscent of the Game Boy

  • Sega Megadrive: Sonic 25th Anniversary Collector's Edition Retrogaming Console

  • SeeKool Pandora 9D: a retrogaming console with a remastered image in HD

  • Sony PlayStation Classic: an iconic retrogaming console with a reduced design

  • Sega Genesis Ultimate Portable Game Player: a Gamegear-style retrogaming console

  • Retro Arcade ORB Gaming: a retrogaming console to rediscover the 8-bit of our childhood

  • Mini Super Nintendo: a retrogaming console faithful to the original

  • Game & Watch Super Mario Bros: a retrogaming console with the famous plumber's first game

  • Nintendo DS Lite console - white: a portable and tactile retrogaming console

RinTalen Console: a retrogaming console with 620 arcade games included

Those nostalgic for their first experiences on a video game will appreciate this retrogaming console.

Everything is there: the pixelated image that made our greatest joy, the very recognizable sounds and even the very classic controllers.

However, this console is not officially licensed by Nintendo although it looks a lot, that's why most of the great classics are not present.

The most

 :

  • An iconic design

  • 620 games included

  • A typically retro image and sound

  • Takes up little space

The least

 :

  • Few known games in France

Get the RinTalen model

ELECTROTECHPRIVÉ console: a retrogaming console reminiscent of the Game Boy

Want to remember how it felt when you had your first Game Boy?

This retrogaming console was designed for that, in particular thanks to its design and its portability.

Although unofficial and does not allow you to insert cartridges, it contains 800 games to take you back to childhood: Ninja Turtles, Jackal and of course the inevitable Tetris.

The most

 :

  • The pleasure of one of the first portable consoles

  • 800 games included

  • AV output

  • Several colors available

The least

 :

  • No official license

Get the ELECTROTECHPRIVÉ model

Sega Megadrive: Sonic 25th Anniversary Collector's Edition Retrogaming Console

The famous little blue hedgehog in sneakers rocked your childhood?

Find it alongside many other onboard games on the Sega Megadrive Genesis retrogaming console.

Officially licensed, this collector's edition model celebrates Sonic's 25th anniversary along with the brand's other flagship games: Alex Kidd, Mortal Combat or Shinobi III, not to mention all versions of Sonic games.

The most

 :

  • An official console

  • Real licenses

  • 80 games included

  • Modernized design

The least

 :

  • His price

Get the Sega Megadrive model

SeeKool Pandora 9D: a retrogaming console with a remastered image in HD

With its unique controller worthy of the greatest arcade machines, the SeeKool Pandora 9D has stood up to time by modernizing itself.

It includes some 2,700 different games, all remastered in HD for the occasion.

Even if they retain their vintage style, the games are however more colorful and bright.

The controller can be linked to a PC to play your favorite references.

The most

 :

  • A controller with buttons and joysticks like on an arcade machine

  • 2,700 onboard games

  • A reworked image in HD

  • A controller that can be used on a PC

The least

 :

  • Few known game references

Get the Pandora 9D model

Sony PlayStation Classic: an iconic retrogaming console with a reduced design

When Sony released its first PlayStation, it was immediately successful.

For lovers of old games, this retrogaming console takes the style and official games of the first version, in a design 45% smaller.

The 20 biggest game references are present: Resident Evil, Rayman, Final Fantasy VII, Grand Theft Auto… Enough to have fun for many hours with his favorite characters.

The most

 :

  • An official console

  • A design smaller than the original

  • 20 iconic games included

  • 2 controllers included

The least

 :

  • The absence of

    Tomb Raider

    in the games

Get the Sony PlayStation model

Sega Genesis Ultimate Portable Game Player: a Gamegear-style retrogaming console

Remember ... The Gamegear was at the time the first portable and full-color console (it consumed an impressive number of batteries).

To honor it and at the same time celebrate Sonic's 25th anniversary, the Sega brand has imagined this retrogaming console by including the main game references.

Thus, all versions of Sonic, but also of

Mortal Combat

or

Columns

are gathered on this retro console.

The most

 :

  • An official license

  • A portable console resembling the Gamegear

  • 80 games included

  • Good autonomy

The least

 :

  • His price

Get the Sega Genesis model

Retro Arcade ORB Gaming: a retrogaming console to rediscover the 8-bit of our childhood

The first portable arcade games were a great success at the end of the 1970s. To rediscover this childhood pleasure, the Retro Arcade ORB Gaming retrogaming console includes more than 150 different games.

The golden surface is reminiscent of the old Game & Watch portable consoles, even if we deplore the absence of iconic games such as

Donkey Kong

,

Fire

or even the official Nintendo references.

The most

 :

  • A recognizable retro style

  • Over 150 games included

  • Not very greedy in piles

  • Lightweight and easy to transport

The least

 :

  • Few known game references

Get the ORB Gaming model

Mini Super Nintendo: a retrogaming console faithful to the original

You learned your skills on the Super Nintendo and want to share your solid experience with the youngest?

The Mini Super Nintendo was designed for this.

This retrogaming console developed by Nintendo in person contains the 20 most famous games of the brand and even a new game (

StarFox 2

).

Plug in your console and relapse into childhood with Mario, Yoshi, Kirby, Link or Donkey Kong.

The most

 :

  • An official console

  • The main Nintendo references combined: Super Mario, Zelda, Donkey Kong ...

  • The official design reduced for the occasion

  • A built-in HDMI port

The least

 :

  • His price

Get the Super Nintendo model

Game & Watch Super Mario Bros: a retrogaming console with the famous plumber's first game

From the 80s, the playgrounds were invaded by small portable Game & Watch consoles.

Practical and light, these portable consoles also allowed us to discover iconic characters from the Nintendo universe.

This is the case with this official Super Mario Bros. retrogaming console, with which you can introduce younger generations to the game that rocked your childhood.

The most

 :

  • An official console to take you back to childhood

  • The universe of Super Mario

  • A clock mode for retrogaming fans

  • An automatic backup mode

The least

 :

  • Graphics that have aged badly

Get the Super Mario Bros model

Nintendo DS Lite console - white: a portable and tactile retrogaming console

Although it dates from 2006, the Nintendo DS console is nevertheless part of the retrogaming consoles, insofar as it was quickly replaced by larger versions (XL version) or more original (3DS version).

Portable and tactile, this retro console requires however to own original games, since no game is supplied with it, which is a shame given its price.

The most

 :

  • A pioneer of the touch screen

  • An official license

  • Lightweight and easy to use

  • Available in several colors

The least

 :

  • His price

Get the Nintendo DS Lite model

How to choose a retrogaming console?

Some fans will swear by Nintendo consoles, others by Sega ... If you want to offer the best retrogaming console to a loved one, it is strongly recommended to know their preferences beforehand.

Even if the original versions remain rare and very expensive, several brands offer unofficial editions, but reproducing the smallest details of the old video game.

Be careful though: these vintage console editions rarely contain the official licenses you grew up with.

The list of games included with each model should therefore be an integral part of your selection criteria.

Why play on a retrogaming console?

For many, the first video games were an opportunity to enjoy moments of relaxation and escape during the sometimes difficult period of childhood.

Even if parents did not appreciate seeing their offspring nailed to a screen, it is undeniable that this type of leisure has upset several generations.

This is why retrogaming consoles are a huge success, with official versions that are snapped up at gold prices from collectors.

Whatever its brand, the best retrogaming console is above all the one that reminds you of childhood memories.

If grown-up children always enjoy rediscovering their favorite games of the time, expect less enthusiasm from the younger generation, used to impressive graphics.

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Purchase guide

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The editorial staff did not participate in its realization.

The prices mentioned in this article are indicative and are subject to change.

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