If you want the retro experience without rummaging through flea markets for old hardware, a plug-and-play console is the easiest way in. These systems hook up over HDMI, include games out of the box, and add modern niceties like save states and clean menus. No cable drama. No weird adapters. Just power on and play.
1) Super NES Classic Edition
- Why it’s great: The 16-bit golden age—Super Mario World, A Link to the Past, Super Metroid—in a tidy box. The controllers feel right.
- QoL: Save states, rewind, crisp HDMI output.
- Best for: Platformer/RPG fans who want the SNES “feel.”
See SNES Classic listings on Amazon →
2) Sega Genesis Mini (and Mini 2)
- Why it’s great: A deep 16-bit catalog—Sonic 2, Shining Force II, plus fun extras like Virtua Racing on Mini 2.
- Setup: HDMI to TV, clean UI, instant play.
- Best for: Anyone who grew up on blast processing.
See Genesis Mini listings on Amazon →
3) PlayStation Classic (mod-friendly)
- Why it’s great: Hits the big beats—FFVII, Tekken 3, Metal Gear Solid—in a tiny package.
- Option to tinker: One of the easiest minis to expand later (optional).
- Best for: 32-bit nostalgia and clean living-room setup.
See PlayStation Classic listings on Amazon →
4) Atari Flashback X
- Why it’s great: A cheerful rewind to 2600 classics—Centipede, Pitfall!, Yars’ Revenge.
- Includes: Two joysticks, HDMI, and a boatload of games.
- Best for: Family-friendly pick-up-and-play nostalgia.
See Atari Flashback listings on Amazon →
5) HDMI “Retro Game Stick” (budget & portable)
- Why it’s great: Tiny, cheap, and comes loaded with classics across multiple systems. Often includes two wireless pads.
- Heads-up: Quality varies by seller—check reviews for stable menus and decent controllers.
See HDMI game stick options on Amazon →
How to pick your plug-and-play
- Game list first: Make sure your must-plays are included. No point buying nostalgia you won’t use.
- Controller feel: A good D-pad and low latency matter more than you think.
- Save & rewind: These features make older, tougher games way more approachable.
- TV compatibility: HDMI is a must. If the picture looks soft or laggy, see our TV setup guide below.
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Next up:
Connecting Retro Consoles to Modern TVs ·
Best SNES Controllers (Buyer’s Guide)