Over the years, video games have grown ever more visually stunning and immersive. And next-gen consoles keep raising the bar higher. But for retro gamers, nothing beats the classics. So, do you feel like revisiting some old-fashioned entries? Sit back, relax, and take a nostalgic trip, as playing vintage games has never been so easy.
Mini consoles
If you got rid of your old console decades ago, you might feel like buying another one at a bargain. Unfortunately, old-school consoles have seen their prices skyrocket in recent years. But video game companies have seized the opportunity to put a modern spin on retro gaming with mini classic systems.
Nintendo pioneered the concept with the NES Classic Mini. Many more mini machines followed suit, from the Atari Flashback 3 to the Sega Mega Drive Mini 2. Some mini consoles even bring back the nostalgia of ancient arcades, such as the Evercade VS. All these tiny replicas are compatible with modern TV screens and come with extra quality-of-life features on top of customisation options.
While newcomers to the retro genre may have a field day, seasoned gamers might find these consoles’ libraries too limited. Thus, virtual consoles may be another option. Services like the Nintendo Switch Online and the PlayStation Now give access to hundreds of vintage games for a monthly subscription fee. Both Japanese gaming giants also sell remastered ports on their online stores.
Mobile ports
Retro gaming is trending, and mobile game developers have heard the message loud and clear. Several old-fashioned games have been ported onto mobile devices. Tetris, Prince of Persia, Mortal Kombat, you name it. Some publishers like SEGA even released a complete collection of free-to-play vintage games on the iOS App Store and the Google Play Store.
While convenient, all mobile ports are not equal quality-wise. Speed is an issue for a handful of titles, such as Mega Man X. But with the increasing number of mobile gamers, mobile ports have taken a qualitative leap, and many are now on par with the originals.
Hardcore gamers may dive into the lore of action RPGs like Baldur’s Gate, replay the first FPS ever with Doom, and enjoy a classic platformer like Sonic the Hedgehog. The technological advance of mobile devices has also made it possible to port open world entries, GTA V being a shining example. Gamers can now roam the streets of San Andreas on their daily commute, racing cars and hitting the poker table.
Like most classics ported on mobile, GTA was a game-changer, introducing casino mini-games that would make their way into many more mainstream entries. Such mini-games were especially popular in countries lacking real-life gambling venues, such as Thailand. But local players can now find top online casinos known in Thailand as เว็บคาสิโน เชื่อถือได้, คาสิโนออนไลน์. The best platforms boast a large catalogue of machine slots and premium table games. Attractive rewards like free spins and mobile bonuses make it easy to fund a bankroll. And expert reviews cover dozens of platforms for gamblers to find their match.
Emulators
Remasters and ports are great for playing established games. But they only cover a portion of all retro titles. That’s why emulators have long been the go-to option for lesser-known entries. Emulators on PC can act like hundreds of gaming systems, from the PS2 and Nintendo 64 to the semi-forgotten Sega Dreamcast. And they can emulate any game hardware, stretching from the golden age of arcade gaming in the 1970s to the 2000s.
Programs like Dolphin, MAME, and DOSBox allow you to play games of the past on your desktop. Most emulators even boast mobile-compatible versions running on devices such as the Raspberry Pi or modified game consoles. Some emulators are pretty straightforward to set up, while others require a bit of legwork.
Retro gamers may also stumble on another issue. If they do not own the original cartridge, gamers may be tempted to find other ways to run a game. But downloading licensed console games equates to piracy. Abandonware is more of a gray area. Still, the best action is to keep it legal and get your hands on a hard copy.
Vintage games are coming back in full force. Whether you grew up playing the NES or the Game Boy, you may find some of your favourite childhood games on mobile and consoles. If not, emulators may come in handy. So, get ready for your next nostalgic entertainment fix!
