Retro-A-Go-Go

[Neon Ignition]

Compatibility for older devices due to changing connection types, expiring components etc continues to be a bigger and bigger risk with retro gaming devices. Some get around this by buying newer devices that emulate old ones but some love the classic trueness of the original hardware.



What was the last Retro console/handheld you bought and why?

[Yakumo]

Thing is, I own everything I want that's retro.
The last one I bought was a N64 last year some time with a ROM cartridge. The only reason for buying it is because I get fed up with all the Emulator tweaking.
I have the RAM expansion but you know what, it's not a very nice looking system even in RGB. Saturn and PlayStation are far more appealing to look at.

[Neon Ignition]

Yep, I'm not sure there was ever a time where N64 games looked pristine outside of emulation. I love the systems design though, where it not for the cost and how flippant it would be I could easily have this display at home





The last retro system I bought was around two years ago when I picked up an original Xbox. I had a nostalgia wave for the stuff that was locked to the system but it didn't last long. It's become quite a small list of titles I still have much time for.

[CMcK]

The last retro system I bought was a FZ-1 3DO to replace the FZ-1 I sent for a RGB mod that ended up dead.

[Wools]

The last machines I picked up were a Dreamcast and a PlayStation. I could never get them working well through a modern TV and came to the conclusion that the only way I would be happy would be to hook them up to a CRT, and that wasn't going to happen in the year of our lord 2024.

Also, the idea that machines now are failing through capacitors leaking or drives failing to read, you then need an ODE or to get the machine re-capped and... I just don't have the time for it.

Software emulation is so good (Combined with the continuing improvement of FGPA machines) and the number of devices that now offer handheld emulation is so vast, it's so easier to play retro games through emulation. Combined with other benefits such as save states, widescreen hacks, cheats, the ability to use new controllers and translations like Bulk Slash, I would rather play retro games on my Steam Deck, Mac or PC than buying an old console nowadays. Using the OLED Steam Deck to play retro games really gives them a new lease of life.

If you have the time, space and expense to have a retro den with CRT's though, go for it!

[Baseley09]

For sure still buying older systems, I've emulated enough in my life I can't get passed the psychological barriers so need old plastic in my life. Using CRT's too, I like older AV so the stuff goes hand in hand, I've got 3 laserdisc players and hundreds of discs etc.

Still got my eyes on a Marty, Famicom disc system and Wondermega.

[phillv85]

There’s not many systems left for me to buy, but I still buy old hardware. My Japanese DC was on the blink so I bought another, and because I had a heavier box coming from Japan I bought a V-Saturn mk2 for good measure. They came a couple of weeks back.

I own enough games that I never feel the need to emulate anything, I’d rather just play the games I own. If I want to play a game I don’t own I’ll wait for a good deal on it to pop up. Sure I sometimes end up with a duffer of a game, but that’s part of the fun for me.

[egparadigm]

Last year: PS1, PS2 (like twenty of each, that was a mistake), 3DO FZ-10, Xbox 360.

This year (not retro as such): Analogue Pocket.

… did I forget any? Probably.

[egparadigm]

Software emulation is so good (Combined with the continuing improvement of FGPA machines) and the number of devices that now offer handheld emulation is so vast, it's so easier to play retro games through emulation. Combined with other benefits such as save states, widescreen hacks, cheats, the ability to use new controllers and translations like Bulk Slash, I would rather play retro games on my Steam Deck, Mac or PC than buying an old console nowadays. Using the OLED Steam Deck to play retro games really gives them a new lease of life.

My problems with emulation is I end up obsessing over the options in the menus father than just playing the game (when there are no configuration problems). That is a part-strength of FPGA (Pocket being my only experience of it), you pretty much just plug and play.

I would buy more retro stuff but the price is very off putting. Luckily I have most common consoles from about 15 years ago when I amassed them at much cheaper prices.

[Wools]

My problems with emulation is I end up obsessing over the options in the menus father than just playing the game (when there are no configuration problems). That is a part-strength of FPGA (Pocket being my only experience of it), you pretty much just plug and play.

I totally get that but I find a modern emulation solution (EmuDeck script on Steam Deck or OpenEmu on Mac) just works out the box so I accept what the defaults are as they worked perfectly for me. The RetroPi with my old RaspberryPi4 though, that was not a great experience, requiring constant tinkering as the hardware didn't have the grunt I was looking for, making me dig around in menus and not just enjoying the games.

[charlesr]

I've got all the ones I want. And games.

[dataDave]

My problems with emulation is I end up obsessing over the options in the menus father than just playing the game (when there are no configuration problems). That is a part-strength of FPGA (Pocket being my only experience of it), you pretty much just plug and play.

I would buy more retro stuff but the price is very off putting. Luckily I have most common consoles from about 15 years ago when I amassed them at much cheaper prices.

I spent 2010-2019 messing around with emulation and never ended up in a position where I was happy. It was compromises all over.

Then I came back to Europe and got my hands on a PVM. I had a plan to fully populate my trolley here with retro console goodness, but it was near impossible trying to source consoles in good enough condition. On top of that most consoles need RGB amps installing (even if they're already RGB capable). Most of these mods are very limited in quantity, and some only ship within the US. Then there's the bollocks associated with customs, having consoles shipped in and out. Then I had dodgy cables from Retro Gaming Cables to deal with... It was a total headache from every direction and turned me away from the hobby entirely.

After getting the MiSTer it was the solution of my dreams. Nearly EVERYTHING FPGA'd up for 100% accuracy. Now I only have to concentrate on sourcing, and in some cases restoring, OEM controllers. I've never played so much retro before.

My SFC, N64 and PSOne are all stored away now. The only reason I'm not selling them off is because I don't want to sell them without controllers.

[Neon Ignition]

I'm really bad at starting a thread and it then ending up costing me money. I've now ordered a cheap pre-modded PS3, it's one of the OG 80GB models so already reset the count

[wakka]

Yeah I'm still willing to buy retro machines. There are so many alternatives now, between emulation and FPGA, that it's far from necessary, but using original hardware can be a fun thing in and of itself, I think.

Although TV standards have changed and repair issues such as capacitor leaks are more frequent due to age, the products that have sprung up to keep OG hardware useful are extraordinary. You just couldn't imagine like the Retrotink4K, Memcard Pro, Satiator, etc, even ten to fifteen years ago. It's really cool and almost a hobby in itself.

[Neon Ignition]

I need to STOP. Having finished setting up the cheap Switch I got, the PS3 is now ready and I have a refurbed New 3DS XL in the post