Hey everyone! I have a rich background in gaming, especially with emulators and building dedicated MAME machines back in the day. Unfortunately, due to health issues, I’m unable to dive into those projects anymore. I’m searching for a gaming system that I can just plug into the TV and have it work right out of the box. Ideally, I want something with a high-quality controller that’s pre-loaded with games, sorted out, and ready for my kids and me to enjoy together. I’ve seen many options on Amazon, but I’ve had some bad experiences, including one that came with the wrong power adapter. Any solid recommendations? Thanks a lot!
4 Answers
Those mini consoles that have been released in recent years are awesome! I have several like the SNES Classic and the Genesis Minis. They’re a bit on the pricier side, but worth it for the nostalgia and quality. Plus, they are official products, so you won’t have to deal with those awkward ethical dilemmas over game piracy with your kids. Don’t forget that the Switch Online subscription also offers a growing library of classic games. Just avoid those cheap knock-off ‘10000-in-one’ systems; they’re unreliable and not curated well. You’d be better off using an older laptop with emulators if you want a more robust solution.
You might want to take a look at Retro Games Fan on Facebook. Their products are great for emulating games, and I personally love mine. It works perfectly with an LG OLED TV and comes with all the right games ready to go. They even have a new version that includes PS2 games! Just be prepared to wait a bit for info when you message them.
I’d suggest checking out the Evercade if you’re after something with proper support. The Nintendo Switch also has a ton of retro games available through its online service, including some good ports from old consoles and Sega games.
If you’re okay with a little setup, getting a mini PC and running Batocera OS is a good way to go. You just need to drop your ROMs in the right folder, and any controllers that work well will do the job. There are also preloaded Batocera images available with tons of games, but be cautious with those options.
Thanks, that’s definitely starting to sound like the best option!