Nostalgia is likely the main reason why people splurge on retro consoles.
However, it’s not only an expensive hobby but also a challenging one, as gamers will have to contend with outdated hardware that’s not easily serviced or fixed.
Plus, getting your hands on the games won’t be easy, especially one that’s in good condition, and they’re likely to be priced high.
Fortunately, you can still enjoy the retro experience in a modern way with these devices, but you may still have to wait for some to become available in the near future.
Analogue Pocket
As the Analogue Pocket is compatible with Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance cartridges, users can game on the go, ala retro style, but with a sleek new device.
Users can also upgrade the device with cartridge adapters that support games made for the Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket Color and Atari Lynx.
The device can also be connected to a TV using a docking station, which comes with two USB inputs for wired controllers.
The Analogue Pocket has a 3.5in screen (1,600 x 1,440 pixels), a 4,300mAh battery and a microSD card slot for storage.
It’s available for pre-order on www.analogue.co for US$219.99 (RM999).
Playdate
Playdate is a pocket-sized gaming device with a crank – yes, you read that right – that can be used in unique ways in games.
Unlike the other retro-inspired devices on the list, Playdate doesn’t rely on existing or older games.
Instead, the developers made new, original titles specifically for the device, such as Crankin’s Time Travel Adventure (players use the crank to advance or rewind time) and Lost Your Marbles (a visual novel that uses crank and tilt controls for gameplay).
The console, which is made in Kedah, comes with a 1-bit display (400 x 240 pixels, monochrome), WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, 16MB RAM, 4GB flash storage and 24 free titles.
The Playdate is on pre-order for US$199 (RM910) on play.date.
My Arcade Atari
Gamestation PlusAtari, a pioneer in the video game industry, released Pong in 1972, which is widely considered one of the earliest arcade video games.
However, attempts to revive Atari classics for modern users have not been successful, but the company is not giving up.
It’s hoping to turn things around with a retro-styled gaming console dubbed the My Arcade Atari Gamestation Plus through a collaboration with My Arcade, a US-based retro gaming company.
In January, Atari tweeted that the console will be able to play games from the Atari 2600 (released in 1977), the Atari 7800 (1986) and Atari Arcade games (titles released between 1972 and 1984).
In the tweet, the company also teased a preview of the console, along with two joysticks as game controllers.
However, it has yet to reveal other details, including pricing and specifications.
Evercade EXP
The Evercade EXP is a handheld gaming device featuring 18 built-in Capcom games, giving users access to arcade and console classics like Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting (arcade version), Mega Man (8-bit) and Breath Of Fire (16-bit).
Users can rotate the device to play games such as Centipede, Millipede, and Super Breakout from Atari Arcade 1 vertically or in TATE mode, the Japanese word for vertical.
It has dedicated buttons that allow users to enjoy arcade shooters, platformers, and more in TATE mode, as they were intended to be played.
It also has a slot that supports games released on cartridges (sold separately) by Evercade, with the collection boasting more than 380 titles from the Atari Lynx, Bitmap Brothers and C64.
Also, in April, the company announced a Game of the Month initiative that gives users a free new game every month.
The device has a 4.3in IPS screen (800 x 480 pixels) with WiFI connectivity, USB-C charging, and four to five hours of battery life.
Evercade EXP can be purchased from evercade.co.uk for US$149.99 (RM682).
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