Gaming doesn’t begin and end with the newest releases, some of the best titles ever made are only accessible on the best retro consoles. New releases push things forward with technology, but the classics are often more polished experiences. If you’re looking to play the games from the best video game consoles ever, what are your options? What is the best retro console?
The first choice for many is often the original hardware. Although, that’s increasingly becoming difficult. The march of times means there’s fewer pieces of original hardware that still work, to compatibility increasingly causing problems. If you want to play the best video games of all time without having to worry about HDMi conversions and other problems, modern retro consoles could be the solution. Many go beyond just being a host for good emulation platforms too.
Plenty of developers have produced new versions of retro hardware. From modern consoles that can take original cartridges, through to plug in and play hardware. Some are even the best retro gaming console with built-in game and titles. These are our picks for the best retro consoles in 2025.
Best Retro Consoles in 2025
SNES Classic
Source: Nintendo
The SNES Classic is take on the modern retro games consoles dedicated to one of the best consoles ever made, the Super Nintendo. It’s an officially licensed retro console from Nintendo. Which means you’re getting a level of care in recreating the game that often you don’t get with emulators.
The SNES Classic contains ROMs you can play of quite a lot of the best games made. That includes major Nintendo franchises like Zelda and Mario Kart, but also more cult favorites on the SNES like Earthbound.
The console provides a lot of options or recreating the original experience of the SNES. The biggest benefit is that right out of the box it looks great on a modern TV. No stretching things to fit our bigger screens, or weird distortion you get with plugging in old hardware.
Beyond being one of the best retro games consoles, we’ve got the controllers. They’re not wireless, but they are a great representation of the originals. They work well and avoid the problems you normally get with cheap third-party controllers.
The big drawback with the SNES Classic is that you’re limited to a specific batch of games. However, since these are some of the best games ever made, there’s still a lot to like here.
Sega Genesis Mini
Source: Sega
The SNES Classic is a fantastic console, but if you’re more interested in Sega games then the Genesis Mini is one of the best retro consoles. This is essentially the same thing, but for Genesis. Or Mega Drive, if you’re a player outside North America.
A new version of a Genesis which runs on modern TVs perfectly. Containing a batch of the best and most iconic games or the platform, which you can play freely on the device. Controllers to do multiplayer, and the options to ensure it looks as good as physical possible on your modern hardware. The Sega Genesis Mini is just as polished of a device.
Just like the SNES, the big drawback is its limits. However, you’re not messing around with emulators, or trying to convert an old output for a Genesis to a 4K TV. There’s decent variety in with the games too. The Sonic titles you’d expect, but the Sega also contained some of the best games ever in other genres and the Mini is a great way to relive those.
Analogue Pocket
Source: Analogue
The Analogue Pocket is a unique device and quite different from the best Retro consoles we’ve covered so far. This isn’t a console with build in games, but a retro console to play original cartridges. Particularly those of the Game Boy, giving you access to the catalogue of one of the best video games consoles of all time.
The Analogue Pocket is a new console to replace an old Gameboy. It’s got all the upgrades you’d expect. A modern device with features like a backlight that makes things easier to play. Plus, it offers support to play cartridges for a ton of original consoles. The most obvious is the Game Boy, it’s even looks like one. However, they also support other systems like GBA, Game Gear, and more.
NES Classic
Source: Nintendo
Just like the SNES Classic, those looking to relive the days of the original Nintendo Entertainment system have an option with the NES Classic. It’s a mini version of the NES which is pre-installed with a ton of the most iconic games from that era.
The NES Classic’s library features the first instalments of a low of now iconic video game series. You’ll be able to play the games that started it all for Zelda, Mario, and more. There are some more unique picks in here too, along with all the Mario games packed in. The NES was one of the best video game consoles ever, and this has all the highlights.
Just like the SNES, the controllers and console itself are worthy of praise too. They’re an exact miniature replica of the original. About as close as you can get without having to deal with hooking an old NES up to your TV. Definetely one of the best retro games consoles, but you are limited to the pre-selected NES titles.
Analogue 3D
Source: Analogue
If you’re asking what is the best retro console, the original hardware is often brought up. But Analogue makes the best retro consoles that go further than the original hardware.
Analogue don’t just make Pocket, they also take the same approach to other consoles. The Analogue 3D is a modern console built to be compatible with the Nintendo 64. But, one that can play all original games and hardware without the compatibility issues.
If you still have your old cartridges and controllers, but don’t want to shell out for a decent HDMI convertor (which can get quite expensive if you don’t want your game to be a blurry mess) then this is the perfect pick. It’s compatible with every N64 game ever made.
As well as the improvement in picture clarity, it’s playable with original and wireless controllers. It’s an impressive feat for a famously difficult console. However, the Analogue 3D can recreate the Nintendo 64 experience with improvements.
Switch
Most modern consoles offer a lot of ways to play classic games, but out of the current generation the Switch is probably the best value for it. The Switch comes with the capacity to play the highlights of Nintendo’s entire back catalogue, available as part of a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online.
These Switch ports offer the quality-of-life features players expect from emulators like Save States and even rewind. However, they’re especially good or making classic games look good on modern hardware. You’ll also have the option of playing handheld or on a TV or monitor. There’s plenty of games on Switch online from consoles all the way up to the Nintendo 64.
Analogue Cartridge Consoles
Source: Analogue
Yet another Analogue device worth mentioning as one of the best retro games consoles, they have cartridge-based consoles for the vast majority of popular systems. These are essentially the same concept but for different consoles. So, if you want to play your SNES collection, there’s an Analogue console for that. Same for Sega Genesis, and more.
The Cartridge consoles are the easiest way to play games from the best video game consoles ever. They’re compatible with pretty much all original tools and hardware. Not to mention adding new functionality like for wireless controllers. Getting one for each console isn’t ideal, but this is the best way to play older games right now. They run very smoothly too, each is one of the best retro consoles.
Raspberry Pi (For DIY)
Source: RaspberryPi
One solution you’ll see players promote pretty much whenever you ask what is the best retro console, is the Raspberry Pi. It’s a tool for home computing, open to being whatever you want it to be. But one which can also be a perfect fit for retro gaming. With a bit of work (plenty of tutorials can help there), you can set a Raspberry Pi up to play emulators of a good number of consoles.
The main drawback with the Raspberry Pi is that it is emulation based and it needs to be set up yourself. However, the Pi is quite a fun device. Half the fun of getting this sorted is to get everything running exactly how you’d want it. Making it a little project can even make it one of the best video game consoles for families. Once done, you can have a library of all the retro games you want available to play.
Those are some picks for the best retro consoles. While new devices push tech forward, we also see developments with retro hardware pretty frequently. Including new ways to make retro games accessible with modern technology. There are loads of great ways to play old games right now, from original cartridges to emulation.