Discover the Best Retro Games to Play for Each Console

Ah, retro games. Like a comfy old sweater, those classic consoles and games take us back to simpler times, before microtransactions and online lobbies. Nowadays, retro gaming is making a comeback thanks to the dedicated bunch keeping old hardware alive. From garage tinkerers to specialized repair joints, retro game preservation is in full swing.

In this nostalgia-filled guide, we’ll highlight the best retro titles to revisit on their original consoles. Get your RF switch box and cathode ray tubes ready as we explore gaming’s hall of fame.

The Allure of Retro Game Consoles

Let’s briefly reminisce about the magic of early console generations. The NES brought gaming back from the dead after the infamous video game crash. The SNES showed us what 16-bit graphics and sound could do. The Genesis did what Nintendo did.

Beyond technical feats, these consoles left an indelible footprint on pop culture. Classics like Super Mario Bros., Sonic, and Zelda became synonymous with gaming. Their iconic sounds and gameplay innovations still influence modern titles today. It’s no wonder retro gaming remains appealing decades later.

Of course, playing retro games authentically means having the original hardware. Advances in emulation software have made it easier to play old favorites on new devices. But nothing beats blowing dust out of a vintage console, slamming in a game cartridge, and rotational d-pad jittering away.

This is where retro game repair and restoration comes in. From replacing capacitors to refurbishing plastic exteriors, specialized shops keep old systems alive.

Now, which console should you hunt down at the local thrift shop or eBay listing?

Finding the Best Retro Game Console

Choosing a retro console depends on your gaming tastes and budget. I’ll summarize some top contenders to consider:

Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) – This iconic 8-bit console boasts one of the most expansive libraries, including Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, and Mega Man. Its simple graphics and sound still hold charm today.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) – The 16-bit powerhouse improved visuals and sound. Ageless works of art like Super Metroid, Chrono Trigger, and Super Mario World have endured over the extremely long haul.

Sega Genesis – Sonic the Hedgehog got his start on this blast-processing beast. The Genesis rivals the SNES library with games like Gunstar Heroes, Streets of Rage 2, and Phantasy Star IV.

Nintendo 64 – While its 3D visuals look blocky today, experiencing legendary games like Super Mario 64, Ocarina of Time, and Goldeneye 007 in their original form is special. The trident controller takes getting used to though.

Sony PlayStation – Sony’s first console brought CD-quality games to the mainstream. Classics like Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil, and Final Fantasy VII look much smoother than earlier polygon games.

Nintendo Game Boy – Portable gaming began in earnest with this classic green-and-black brick. Tetris came packed in, but the expansive library like Pokemon and Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening makes it a must-have.

I’d recommend weighing each console’s game library against your budget. Rare or niche consoles like the Neo Geo and Sega Saturn have singular must-play games but limited libraries overall. For a balance of affordability, game variety, and ease of setup, the SNES or Genesis are great starting points.

Retro Game Repair Shops

Once you’ve picked your console, it will inevitably need repairs down the line. Capacitors dry out, connectors get finicky, and lasers stop reading discs. Thankfully, specialized game repair shops can restore your retro machine to working order.

These technicians have experience diagnosing issues and performing repairs to keep aging hardware functioning. Common services include:

• Cleaning and maintenance
• Replacing broken hardware like capacitors or fuses
• Fixing damaged connectors
• Disc reading repairs on optical media systems
• Repairing cosmetic damage like yellowed plastics
• Battery replacements
• Custom modifications and upgrades

When searching for retro console repairs, look for technicians who specialize in the specific system you need servicing. They are more likely to have the necessary parts and experience compared to general electronics repair shops. Don’t be afraid to ask about their repair experience and success rate with that console.

With some maintenance love, your retro games console can keep delivering gaming joy for decades to come. Now, which games should you seek out?

The Best Retro Games for Each Console

Below I highlight must-play titles for each major retro game system. I aimed for a mix of influential exclusives, third-party classics, and hidden gems. Let’s take a nostalgic trip through gaming history!

NES

The NES contains some of gaming’s most iconic and replayable classics.

• Super Mario Bros. 3 – The pinnacle of classic Mario platforming with seemingly endless secrets.
• The Legend of Zelda – A pioneering action RPG filled with cryptic secrets that inspire exploration.
• Mega Man 2 – Introduced series staples like E-tanks alongside tight platforming action.
• Castlevania – Established the Gothic vampire action vibe with challenging enemy patterns.
• Ninja Gaiden – Lightning-fast ninja action that’s equal parts exhilarating and punishing.
• Kirby’s Adventure – Charming platformer that introduced Kirby’s stealing abilities mechanic.
• Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! – Dodge and weave against larger-than-life opponents in this classic boxing game.

SNES

The SNES improved on NES formulas while introducing groundbreaking RPGs.

• Super Metroid – A moody, exploratory take on action platforming that still impresses.
• Chrono Trigger – The pinnacle of classic JRPG storytelling and combat depth.
• Super Mario World – Mario’s moveset expands dramatically in this cartoonish platforming joy.
• The Legend of Zelda: A Connection to the Past – Made the Zelda equation greater and profited from 16-cycle audiovisuals.
• Street Fighter II Turbo – Redefined fighting games with complex movesets and multiplayer.
• NBA Jam – He’s heating up! This over-the-top basketball game shone in arcades and on SNES.
• Donkey Kong Country – Pioneering 3D-rendered sprites wowed players alongside tricky minecart levels.

Sega Genesis

The Genesis matched the SNES with its own set of classics led by a certain hyperactive hedgehog.

• Sonic the Hedgehog 2 – Introduced Sonic’s buddy Tails and expanded the exhilarating gameplay.
• Gunstar Heroes – Treasure’s ingenious run and gun shooters filled with over-the-top spectacle.
• Streets of Rage 2 – The pinnacle of pixelated beat ’em-up action with killer music to match.
• Phantasy Star IV – An emotionally resonant JRPG with fast real-time combat and 3D dungeons.
• Shadowrun – A cyberpunk RPG based on the pen-and-paper franchise with deep lore.
• Shining Force II – Tactical RPG battles meet fantasy adventuring in this standout entry.
• Rocket Knight Adventures – Konami’s underrated platformer lets you fly and slash through enemies as an opossum knight (!).

Nintendo 64

While pioneering 3D games, the N64 also delivered memorable last hurrahs for classic Nintendo mascots.

• Super Mario 64 – is quite literally game-changing with its fluid 3D platforming. Still a joy to control.
• The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – Made Zelda completely 3D without losing its feeling of secret and experience.
• Goldeneye 007 – The seminal console FPS with stealth, gadgets, and multiplayer galore.
• Super Smash Bros. – Nintendo icons clashed long before it became a worldwide phenomenon.
• Star Fox 64 – Cinematic space shooter action with branching paths to explore. Do a barrel roll!
• Paper Mario – A fresh take on Mario RPGs with a charming papercraft aesthetic.
• Wave Race 64 – Showed off console water physics alongside challenging jet ski courses.

Sony PlayStation

As one of the earliest mainstream disc-based consoles, the PlayStation delivered gorgeously rendered 3D worlds.

• Final Fantasy VII – Made the JRPG series a household name with an epic sci-fi story.
• Metal Gear Solid – Stealth action cinema at its finest alongside a winding plot.
• Resident Evil 2 – Cinematic camera angles amped up the horror alongside grotesque enemies.
• Crash Bandicoot – Cartoony platforming action with neat perspective shifts.
• Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 – Laid the groundwork for extreme sports sims with slick combo systems.
• Oddworld: Abe’s Odyssee – A darkly funny platformer with smart puzzles based on controlling enemies.
• Castlevania: Symphony of the Night– Redefined the Gothic series as an expansive 2D open-world Metroidvania.

Nintendo Game Boy

Don’t overlook the Game Boy’s expansive library extending far beyond Tetris.

• Pokemon Red/Blue – Defined the monster-catching formula generation after generation built upon.
• The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening– Translated Zelda excellence into handheld form.
• Super Mario Land 2 – Mario goes big on the small screen with clever power-ups.
• Metroid II: Return of Samus – Challenging exploration platformer that pioneered Samus’ morph ball ability.
• Donkey Kong ’94 – A forgotten gem that remixed the arcade originals with puzzle platforming.
• Kirby’s Dreamland – Whimsical platforming to show off the Game Boy’s character animations.
• Tetris – Hard to top the classic pack-in puzzler that’s perfect for on-the-go play.

Modern Ways to Play Retro Games

While original hardware offers an authentic retro experience, modern solutions provide convenience and affordability. Let’s compare options:

Retro Game Collections- Console makers like Nintendo and Sega have released plug-and-play collections of classics on modern platforms. These provide a legal means to enjoy hits without hunting down cartridges. However, emulation quality and game selection vary.

Virtual Console- Nintendo Switch Online and other subscription services let you access retro titles through official emulators. This grants easy access but only as long as you’re subscribed.

Dedicated Devices– Third-party hardware like the Analogue Super NT replicates original consoles via FPGA technology. This results in very accurate emulation. But these premium devices are expensive.

Emulation Software– Open source emulators for PC let you play ROMs for free. However, legality is questionable and can require a complex setup.

At the end of the day, collecting physical retro games offers an experience that emulation still can’t fully replace. I recommend trying a bit of both!

Continue Your Retro Gaming Quest

Thanks for joining me on this nostalgic trip down gaming memory lane! Retro consoles may feel dated today, but their best games remain every bit as fun, influential, and replayable.

I hope this guide inspires you to seek out classic consoles and experience their finest moments firsthand. Just be sure to keep them in working order with help from your local retro game shop.

Did I miss any of your favorite retro games? Share your recommendations in the comments! Just keep it friendly – no console war flame bait allowed. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to blow on this NES cartridge a few dozen more times…

Relive the Magic at the Portland Retro Gaming Expo

Every year, retro gaming fanatics make the pilgrimage to Portland for the aptly named Portland Retro Gaming Expo. This three-day celebration of gaming’s past is hosted by a local nonprofit group simply looking to spread the vintage gaming gospel.

Fueled by Double Jump Events, the Expo unites all facets of old-school gaming under one convention center roof. We’re talking tournaments for classics like Street Fighter and Tetris, chiptune concerts, developer panels, and vendors hawking cartridges, consoles, and other sweet retro merch.

The next convention invasion goes down October 13-15, 2023 at the Oregon Convention Center. I’d keep an eye on their Instagram account (@retrogamingexpo) for more deets as the date draws near. Judging by the 5,000+ retro fanatics already following there, attendance will be in full force.

Whether you want to compete against fellow gaming archaeologists or simply bask in the warm glow of CRT televisions, the Portland Retro Gaming Expo is a must-visit. Just be sure to bring a sturdy backpack for all the gaming loot you’ll inevitably impulse buy.

Conclusion

Retro gaming offers a portal to gaming’s formative years. The classic consoles featured here represent watershed moments that shaped the industry. Their iconic games boast simplistic charm and historical significance that withstand the test of time.

Thanks to the efforts of retro collectors and repair shops, these vintage systems live on. New generations of gamers can continue discovering and enjoying gaming’s hall-of-fame hits for decades to come.

Which retro console and games should you start with? That relies upon your spending plan and individual preferences. Can’t go wrong with a SNES or Genesis to enjoy both Mario and Sonic classics. But every console here has worthy gems in its library worth experiencing firsthand.

Just make sure to properly maintain your retro hardware. With a bit of love and repair now and then, they can keep delivering gaming nostalgia just like the good old days. Game on!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why play retro games on original hardware?

• More accurate and authentic experience compared to emulators
• Enjoying the full nostalgic retro gaming package
• Preserving gaming history by using original hardware

Are retro consoles and games expensive to collect?

• Prices vary widely based on rarity. More common consoles and games are affordable.
• Be prepared to pay higher prices for rare, niche, or highly sought-after games.
• Focus on quality over quantity. Even a few memorable games can offer hours of fun.

How do I connect retro consoles to a modern TV?

• Older connections like RF, RCA, and S-Video require adapters to work on HDMI.
• Later consoles like N64 have native HDMI solutions available.
• CRT TVs provide an authentic experience but take up space.

Where can I find someone to repair my retro console?

• Search for video game-specific repair shops in your area. Avoid generic electronic repair.
• Join local retro gaming communities to find reputable technicians.
• Ask about your experience with your specific console model.

Is it legal to download ROMs of old games?

• Downloading commercial ROMs is technically illegal, even for old games.
• However, some companies turn a blind eye to non-profit usage.
• Physical cartridges and discs are the safest legal option.