After a decade, I recently dusted off my old game collection since I got a free CRT TV! I pulled out a bunch of retro consoles: Wii, Xbox 360, GameCube, PS2, N64, SNES, NES, Genesis, and Dreamcast. Unfortunately, I discovered that about a third of my games are missing or in the wrong boxes! I guess my old friends might’ve borrowed them. I bought most of these games around 2008 when they were super cheap, but now the prices seem crazy on platforms like eBay. I’m especially bummed about missing some classic titles on GameCube and N64. Now I’m debating whether to restock my collection or just go the emulation route. Is there a real difference in experience between playing on the original consoles and using a flash cart, apart from nostalgia? And if I choose the emulation path, should I get a flash cart for each console or opt for a multi-console box to play on my CRT?
4 Answers
I’d suggest going for flash cartridges for all cartridge-based consoles and modding the Wii and PS2 for convenience. My setup is cost-effective; I always look for cheaper options online. $200 can cover a lot if you shop smartly.
I know the pain! I went to my childhood home and found my old Genesis was in great shape, but all the games were gone too. I’ve been using emulation and found it offers more flexibility. I even modded my Wii to play all my favorite retro games—it’s super easy! Plus, I’ve discovered I can run GameCube games on my new PC, which handles it flawlessly. Emulation has its perks!
Dude, that really sucks! Your best bet might be to explore emulation since it’s quite easy now. I modded my old console for it, and it works like a charm. You can even play on other devices like an Amazon Fire Stick or a PC. Don’t let the collection vibes hold you back too much!
It’s really up to your personal preference! I transitioned to using Everdrives and ODEs, and I feel like I didn’t lose anything. I enjoy playing on original hardware and using CRTs, and going this route actually gives me access to a huge library of ROMs without breaking the bank. Some consoles require more investment, but for instance, the Genesis Everdrive is quite affordable and covers everything I need. For the PS1, it gets a bit pricey, but I think it’s worth it if you plan to play a lot on that console. Overall, I’d say it’s a good way to keep enjoying those old titles without losing the atmosphere of the original setup.
If original hardware is important and you want a bit of everything, I’d go for a mix of flash carts and ODEs. They let you keep your cherished console experience. Also, if you haven’t yet, consider modding your Wii for a cheap way to play GameCube games!