In the spirit of gift giving season, we turn our attention towards the video game console market and specifically those classified as ‘retro’.
With the ever growing costs of the newer releasing consoles such as the Nintendo Switch 2, more eyes are moving away to alternative playing apparatus.
As modern gaming audiences continue to be extorted for endless DLCs and in-game purchases, here at the Sporting Loft we present you with five great retro consoles that could prove a great gift for children and adults alike.
5) Super Nintendo
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System – or SNES for short – provides an incredible portal into the early days of in home game consoles and is great for solo and multiplayer gameplay.
With titles such as Super Mario World, Donkey Kong Country and Super Mario Kart available to play, there are endless hours of fun available with the SNES system.
Modern official remakes of the console hook up easily to modern TVs and monitors – and have plenty of pre-installed titles already on the system.
This piece of gaming history provides a huge nostalgia trip for adults and sets up strong competition for family game nights at a fraction of the price of a brand new Switch 2.
4) PlayStation Vita
An underrated handheld console and one with an incredible library of games for incredibly cheap prices is the PlayStation Vita.
With the ability to play both Vita and PSP games, the console provides endless hours of gameplay that can be played on the go and at home.
Games such as Rayman Origins, LittleBigPlanet and Gravity Rush provide extensive platforming fun – and with a reliable battery, they can be taken on long-haul flights and train journeys.
With an incredible modding community behind it, the Vita can be transformed for far greater than originally designed – and with second-hand consoles selling for between £80 and £100, it provides a hugely cheaper alternative to modern handhelds.
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3) Nintendo Wii
Arguably the greatest console for multiplayer in-house gaming – and one that’s legacy continues to live on into the modern day – is the Nintendo Wii.
Its unique controls and endless catalogue of games has made it an almost essential purchase for any household intent on hosting game nights.
Best-selling classics such as Wii Sports, Mario Kart Wii and New Super Mario Bros have been religiously played by consecutive generations and provide hours of competitive and casual gameplay.
Second-hand consoles can be found for £50 and under, with most games available for purchase for under £10 per game from suitable retailers.
2) Nintendo 3DS
A third Nintendo console on this list and the second handheld, the Nintendo 3DS is possibly the best way to play all your Nintendo favourites on the go.
Whilst the Switch holds many unique titles and exclusive content, the 3DS holds the ability to play both its own catalogue and the catalogue of its predecessor, whilst providing a much more portable size.
Similar to the aforementioned PlayStation Vita, the 3DS also holds an extensive modding community – and consoles can have their output and functionality expanded with custom themes and new games.
Second-hand consoles in near perfect condition can be purchased for around £100-£120 and are a strong companion for gaming on the go.
1) PlayStation 2
The PlayStation 2 is often discussed with incredible fondness amongst the gaming community that were either children or young adults at the time of its release.
The system holds iconic titles such as GTA San Andreas, Resident Evil 4 and the Simpsons Hit and Run – and it still matches many modern system on frame rates and performance.
Additionally, the disc drive on the PS2 is also a functioning DVD player which can be a huge bonus should Netflix or Disney Plus be missing the movie you want to watch.
Consoles can be purchased for as low as £35 and systems remain compatible with the majority of modern TVs and monitors to this day.
For stay at home gaming I would argue there is no better choice of retro console than the PlayStation 2.
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