Want to play retro games but don’t know how to? We can relate — it’s pretty frustrating. You want to dive in to the nostalgia and get that dopamine hit but just can’t find a way.
Well, times are going to change. This guide will help you play any retro game you want to and bring back your childhood.
Specifically, we’ll look at:
- Are retro games still worth it?
- Best ways you can play retro games
- Pros/cons of all the ways
- Can you use emulators?
- Additional FAQs about playing retro games
Let’s start playing!
Are Retro Games Still Worth It In 2022?
Retro games are characterized by simple gameplay, and individualistic art styles and are generally pretty challenging. With a Spritework-fuelled uniqueness that current releases simply can’t offer, old-school games are more than just collectibles for nostalgic folks. We have witnessed a boom in their trade during the COVID19 pandemic, so it’s safe to say retro games are still worth it and are expected to stay evergreen.
4 Best Ways To Play Retro Games
There are generally two types of ways, legal and illegal. As a responsible blog, it’s our job to ensure you enjoy the games in the most ethical way possible. You’ll find the unethical ways below as well, but we advise against going with them. Some options are better at capturing the essence of retrogaming than others.
Here’s a review of the four best ways there are to play retro games:
1. Original Consoles — Nothing Better
The authenticity of playing retro games on an original console is simply unreal. For most people entangled in stressful adult life, gaming on a retro console is the closest they can get to reversing time and being a child again.
Originals are durable, and the cartridges most of the systems have are incredibly heavy-duty. A good console is a one-time investment that lasts many years and ensures seamless gaming sessions.
It can be difficult hunting down rare original consoles of good quality at the best prices, but you can check out our inventory at RvG to see if you can find the console you were looking for.
Also read: 10 best old retro gaming consoles to buy
2. Digital-Only Consoles and Subscriptions — Okay & Not Okay
Imagine Netflix, but for retro gaming. You can subscribe by paying a small fee and access a constantly growing library of games.
These lab rats of industry giants are the ultimate future of retro gaming, where everything becomes digitized.
Though they are great if you don’t have a console, you won’t feel the classic retro gaming experience, which sort of crushes the whole point. Plus, you can only own the license to a game, not an actual copy – if the manufacturer removes it, you can’t get it back.
However, they are much better than illicit emulators as a game dev company has licensed them directly.
Also read: 7 Best 2-player Retro Games To Buy
3. Emulators — Nothing Worse
When a manufacturer stops producing a console, it risks the extinction of innumerable games. A lot of legendary retro games aren’t available for consoles anymore for this very reason.
The only way to access vintage games that aren’t even found in flea markets is by using emulators (pretend consoles) to run ROMs (illegal copies of games).
Where emulators might have preservative value, we suggest you don’t breach the retro gaming industry’s ethical and legal limits to have a sneak peek at your favorite childhood classics.
Making a game or releasing a console takes a lot of effort, and emulators are disrespectful to the labor of all those involved. Pretty much like subscriptions, emulators kill the warmly innocent, homely vibe of retro gaming.
4. Mini Consoles — Pocket Retro
Mini consoles are the instant coffee of retro gaming hardware. They are small, portable, and much less likely to break the bank than their original counterparts.
Big names like Nintendo and Sega have released miniature models of their classic consoles, which come preloaded with scores of vintage blasts from the retro gaming past.
You’ll feel great playing classics of the golden age on the go, as these units are usually half the original’s size. However, even though they are more “retro” than digital-only consoles, they can’t match the joy of holding a vintage controller or the trademark aesthetic many people play classic games for in the first place.
Where Can You Get Best Console Deals?
Technically, you can buy consoles anywhere.
However, the price, quality, and most importantly, availability of retro gaming consoles varies from place to place.
A trustable online retailer is your best bet at finding the console you’re looking for. At RvG we ensure strict quality control, 24/7 customer support, and a 90-day return warranty, with free shipping.
Most interestingly, when you’ve played the games, we can repurchase them from you — something no other offers for sure.
FAQs — How to Play Retro Games
Here are our answers to some questions retro gamers usually ask. We hope you’ll find them helpful.
What is the best way to play retro video games?
Using an original console is hands down, the best way to play retro games. Nothing can emulate the gamer’s itch it satisfies. They offer you the crispiest gameplay, the most classic designs – the vibe is all that you pay for.
Old-school consoles are a time capsule. They are a remnant of digital art’s earliest forms, which teaches you how it evolved from 8-bits to VFX. They represent a different gaming era which makes them worth the money even if we don’t factor in the nostalgic experience.
In fact, if you find someone more enthusiastic than yourself, you can sell them your console for a profit. So, quality old-school consoles are definitely pricey but worth the investment.
You’ll have to connect your retro gaming console with your TV. In case your TV is HDMI-only and the ports of your devices don’t match, it’s best if you use an adapter instead of an emulator. We have plenty of them for Sega and Nintendo.
Unlicenced emulators are unethical and using them to run ROMs for playing retro games on your PC counts as illegal infringement. It’s the most common way users play games online, but it’s not the best.
Conclusion
Retro gaming is heavily rooted in time traveling to the good old days. We have found original consoles exceptional at giving users the experience, followed by miniature consoles.
Despite this, no matter the number of guides you read about the best ways to play retro games, the final choice should be tailored for your tastes. The only pro that matters is that you have fun, and that’s when all the cons disappear. We’ll appreciate it if it’s not illegal, though.
So, what way have you decided to pick? Do you think we missed something? Comment & let us know — we love discussing retro games!
