10 Retro Consoles That Are Still Fun to Play

Retro consoles may seem difficult to get ahold of today, but they’re certainly not impossible to find. Some of them have faded away with the evolution of the video game industry. Some others, believe it or not, are still relevant today.

To some, retro consoles are all about childhood and a lovely feeling of nostalgia. To some others, it’s the joy of exploring a brand new world. Fortunately, there’s still some relevance in retro consoles. Here are some of the classics people just can’t let go.

Nintendo Wii

Wii revolutionized the industry, no doubt. It was no longer about games only, but also about motion control. It was something unusual for those times and it’s still incredibly addictive today too. People could physically interact with games, which inevitably led to a new phenomenon called Wii sports.

Wii sports became a hit, but the Wii wasn’t all about sports. You could also explore some classic involving Zelda or Mario. The console offered a diverse library that appealed to gamers of all ages and skill levels. Basically, it was an active type of gaming that put you right in the middle of action. Unsurprisingly, it’s still popular today.

Microsoft X-Box 360

X-Box 360 was Microsoft’s message to the video game industry that it’s about to take things to another level. It brought in some outstanding technologies, but it also made games more immersive. The console had a unique controller, while new games pushed graphical limits to another level.

From many points of view, narratives, intense action and cinematic presentations became synonymous with X-Box 360. Critically acclaimed titles like Mass Effect, BioShock, Red Dead Redemption, and the Gears of War series set new standards for storytelling.

While some of those games may seem a bit outdated today, the console is still relevant. It also came with access to a digital marketplace, not to mention the streaming capabilities.

Nintendo Game Cube

The Game Cube represented Nintendo’s attempt to dominate the disc gaming industry. Boosting a unique design that compromised size and boosted portability, the Game Cube offered an outstanding experience. Throw in the ergonomic controller and you’ll understand why it’s still so relevant today.

Some of the leading titles for this console include Super Smash Bros. Melee, which became a multiplayer hit. Then, you also have The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, an action-adventure classic known for its distinctive cel-shaded art style. Plus, you could connect the console with Game Boy Advance and smash even more games. It sounds like the perfect concept.

Sony PlayStation 2

Sony PlayStation 2 turned out to become the best-selling console in the world, with over 160 million units sold globally. It became such a big hit because it could play DVDs, so gamers gained access to a wide variety of releases. Boosting a DualShock 2 controller and an impressive library, PS2 had literally no competition during its time.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was probably the defining title for PS2, since it offered access to amazing graphics and a vast open environment. On the same note, those interested in action loved Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. Overall, PS2 is still a good choice for today’s gamers too.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System

The SNES was a massive step forward for the gaming industry. The gameplay stood out, but the graphics couldn’t be overlooked either. It came at a perfect time in 1991, as it became Nintendo’s big re-entry on the market. It also came with Super Mario World on it.

Some of the leading games for SNES include The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Street Fighter II, F-Zero and Super Mario Kart. These titles not only defined genres but also introduced innovative gameplay mechanics and memorable soundtracks that are still celebrated today.

It’s still a popular choice today, yet games might seem a bit difficult to find. However, you can download SNES games and play them on modern devices through an emulator.

Sure, you won’t get the same type of experience, but at least you can enjoy some of your favorite games from decades ago.

Sega Dreamcast

Sega Dreamcast was an ambitious project when it came out in 1999. In a market taken over by other brands, Sega made a big attempt to reclaim its leading position with this forward-thinking console. It came with a modem for online connections, as well as a solid 128-bit processor. For those times, it was quite an innovation.

It became a hit due to Sonic Adventure, yet that wasn’t the only big title. Shenmue took open world gaming to another level, while Phantasy Star Online redefined the multiplayer world. With all these, Sega Dreamcast was taken over by other big brands just years later.

Nintendo 64

Nintendo 64 was a pioneer in terms of 3D graphics, hence its popularity. It came with cartridges, meaning games would load much faster. However, this also limited storage capacity, which sometimes resulted in less detailed textures or shorter audio tracks compared to CD-based systems.

Despite facing competition from CD consoles, it did fairly well and it's still a popular choice today, with many games still available through emulators. Its library is filled with iconic titles that remain influential today, such as Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Mario Kart 64, GoldenEye 007 and Star Fox 64.

Sony PlayStation

Sony PlayStation drew attention with its polished graphics, but also with its storage. It’s the console that promoted games like Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, Tomb Raider, Resident Evil, Gran Turismo, Crash Bandicoot, and Tekken 3.

It became a cultural masterpiece within a few months only, leaving an undoubtful legacy in the industry. The PlayStation didn’t just compete; it changed the rules, leaving an indelible legacy as the console that brought gaming into the modern era.

Sega Saturn

Sega Saturn promised to take immersion to further heights. It came with a unique controller and brought in games like Virtua Fighter or Sega Rally Championship. These games, along with others like Nights into Dreams and Panzer Dragoon Saga, helped define the Saturn’s eclectic and beloved library.

They’re still popular today, hence the relevance of the console. It’s better remembered for filling a gap between 2D and 3D consoles.

Atari Jaguar

Atari Jaguar tried to redefine the gaming field in 1993. The problem is it was a bit ahead of its time. Its complex architecture made it a difficult console for game developers. Despite these hurdles, games like Alien Vs. Predator and Rayman showcased its graphical capabilities.

However, the Jaguar’s promise was ultimately undercut by its small and inconsistent game library, limited third-party support, and competition from more developer-friendly consoles.