Retro Reloaded 2025: The Top 10 Consoles Every Gamer Should Know

Retro gaming is having a massive moment in 2025, and for good reason. Classic titles from the NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and PlayStation eras still deliver incredible gameplay that holds up decades later. At iFixPros, we've been repairing gaming devices since 2012 and have worked on over 10,000 consoles, so we know what makes a great gaming experience. Whether you're a longtime collector or just getting started with retro gaming, we've tested and researched the best options available right now.

The modern retro console market offers everything from affordable plug-and-play systems to premium FPGA devices that perfectly recreate original hardware. Some let you play your original cartridges, while others come preloaded with hundreds of games. We've broken down the top 10 options to help you find the perfect fit for your gaming style and budget.

What Makes a Great Retro Console in 2025?

Before jumping into our top picks, let's talk about what separates the best retro consoles from the rest.

Key features to look for:

• HD output via HDMI for modern TVs

• Accurate emulation or FPGA hardware

• Quality controllers (or compatibility with originals)

• Good game selection or cartridge compatibility

• Reasonable price for the value offered

• Reliable build quality that won't break down

  
  

According to GamesRadar's comprehensive retro console testing, the best devices balance authenticity with modern conveniences like save states and visual filters.

The Top 10 Retro Game Consoles

1. Nintendo SNES Classic Edition

Price: $80-$100 (when available) Games: 21 pre-loaded classics

Best For: Nintendo fans and first-time retro gamers

The SNES Classic remains one of the best official retro consoles ever made. Nintendo included an incredible library featuring Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Super Metroid, and the never-before-released Star Fox

Why it's great:

• Authentic Nintendo quality and presentation

• Perfect emulation of SNES games

• Rewind and save state features

• Adorable miniature design

• Two controllers included

  
  

The downside: Limited availability means you'll often pay above retail price. The game library can't be expanded officially, though modding is possible.

2. Sega Genesis Mini

Price: $60-$80 Games: 42 pre-loaded classics

Best For: Sega fans and value seekers

The Genesis Mini offers incredible bang for your buck with 42 classic games including Sonic The Hedgehog, Streets of Rage 2, Gunstar Heroes, and Castlevania: Bloodlines. The attention to detail is impressive, from the working cartridge slot (for show) to the menu music composed by 16-bit legend Yuzo Koshiro.

Why it's great:

• Twice as many games as most mini consoles

• Excellent game selection spanning genres

• Authentic Sega design and packaging

• Superior value compared to competitors

  
  

The downside: Controllers are a bit small for adult hands, though they're authentic to the originals.

3. Retroid Pocket 5

Price: $220-$250 Games: Emulates NES through PS2 and GameCube

Best For: Serious retro enthusiasts who want premium performance

The Retroid Pocket 5 represents the cutting edge of handheld emulation. With a Snapdragon 865 processor and gorgeous 5.5-inch OLED screen, it handles everything from 8-bit NES games to demanding PS2 and GameCube titles with impressive stability.

Why it's great:

• Handles the widest range of systems

• Beautiful OLED display

• Premium build quality

• Active development community

• Hall effect joysticks

  
  

The downside: Requires technical setup and sourcing your own game files. Not plug-and-play like official mini consoles.

4. Anbernic RG Cube

Price: $150-$180 Games: Emulates NES through PS2/DS

Best For: Portable retro gaming with unique design

The RG Cube features a perfectly square screen and horizontal Steam Deck-style layout that makes it comfortable for extended play sessions. It runs everything from NES classics to PS2 adventures smoothly.

Why it's great:

• Unique square display works perfectly for retro games

• Comfortable ergonomics

• Solid battery life

• Excellent build quality

• Good price-to-performance ratio

  
  

The downside: The square screen isn't ideal for widescreen content, but that's not really an issue for classic games.

5. Evercade VS-R

Price: $100 Games: 380+ games available via cartridges

Best For: Retro purists who want physical media

The Evercade VS-R takes a unique approach by using physical cartridges with officially licensed game collections. It's an authentic retro experience that spans five decades of gaming, from Atari to more recent indie titles.

Why it's great:

• Physical cartridge system feels authentic

• All games officially licensed

• Dual cartridge slot

• HDMI 1080p output

• Multiplayer support

• Under $100 price point

  
  

The downside: You'll need to purchase additional cartridge collections to expand your library, which adds to the cost over time.

6. PlayStation Classic (Modded)

Price: $40-$60 Games: 20 pre-loaded (expandable via mods)

Best For: Budget gamers willing to mod

The PlayStation Classic had a rough launch with a mediocre game selection, but the modding community has transformed it into an excellent mini PS1. For under $60, you can get a console that plays most PS1 games perfectly.

Why it's great:

• Very affordable

• Easy to mod with BleemSync or AutoBleem

• Authentic PlayStation design

• Two controllers included

• Can play the entire PS1 library when modded

  
  

The downside: Requires modding to reach its potential. Stock game selection is disappointing.

7. Retro-Bit Super Retro Trio HD Plus

Price: $70-$90 Games: Plays original NES, SNES, and Genesis cartridges Best For: Collectors with original cartridge collections

If you've held onto your original game cartridges, the Super Retro Trio HD Plus is your best bet for playing them on modern TVs. It features three cartridge slots and outputs in crisp 720p HD.

Why it's great:

• Plays your original cartridges

• Three systems in one console

• 720p HD output

• Compatible with original controllers

• Ranked #1 for cartridge compatibility

  
  

The downside: You need to already own games to play. No games included.

8. Atari 400 Mini

Price: $120 Games: 25 pre-loaded Atari classics

Best For: Atari fans and computer gaming historians

How-To Geek's retro console roundup highlights the Atari 400 Mini as the best way to experience classic Atari computer games, many of which are hard to find elsewhere.

Why it's great:

• Authentic Atari 400 design

• Unique library of computer games

• Working keyboard

• Can load additional games via USB

• Excellent emulation quality

  
  

The downside: More niche appeal than other options. Atari computer games have a steeper learning curve than console titles.

9. Anbernic RG35XX

Price: $60-$70 Games: Emulates 8-bit and 16-bit systems

Best For: Budget-conscious Game Boy fans

The RG35XX offers incredible value for anyone focused on 8-bit and 16-bit gaming. Its Game Boy-inspired design and compact size make it perfect for on-the-go gaming.

Why it's great:

• Very affordable

• Compact and portable

• Great for NES, SNES, Genesis, Game Boy

• Solid emulation performance

• Long battery life

  
  

The downside: Can't handle more demanding systems like PS1 or N64 well.

10. Super Pocket

Price: $50-$60 Games: Varies by edition (Capcom, Taito, etc.) Best For: Budget portable gaming

The Super Pocket is one of the most affordable official retro handhelds, with different editions featuring games from Capcom, Taito, and other publishers. It's simple, portable, and gets the job done.

Why it's great:

• Very affordable entry point

• Officially licensed games

• Portable Game Boy-style design

• Compatible with Evercade cartridges

• Headphone jack and built-in speakers

  
  

The downside: Smaller 2.8-inch screen. More limited features than premium handhelds.

Retro Console Comparison Table

*Requires user-provided game files

Which Console Should You Buy?

The right retro console depends on what you want out of your gaming experience.

For plug-and-play simplicity: Go with the SNES Classic or Genesis Mini. They work right out of the box with no setup required.

For maximum game variety: The Retroid Pocket 5 or Anbernic RG Cube can emulate dozens of systems, giving you access to thousands of games.

For authentic cartridge play: The Super Retro Trio HD Plus lets you use your original games on modern TVs.

For budget gaming: The PlayStation Classic (modded) or Anbernic RG35XX offer incredible value under $70.

For portability: Any of the handheld options work great, but the Anbernic RG Cube offers the best balance of performance and portability.

Common Issues and When to Repair

Even quality retro consoles can develop problems over time. Here's what we see most often at iFixPros:

HDMI port damage: Frequently plugging and unplugging can wear out HDMI ports. We can replace these ports on most retro consoles.

Controller issues: Worn-out buttons, drift, or connectivity problems are common. We repair or replace controllers and controller ports.

Power supply failures: Retro consoles often use external power adapters that can fail. We stock replacement power supplies for most systems.

Screen issues on handhelds: Cracked screens or dead pixels on portable retro consoles can be replaced.

Battery problems: Handheld retro consoles with rechargeable batteries eventually need battery replacements.

Overheating: Gaming devices pushed to their limits can overheat. We clean, apply new thermal paste, and ensure proper cooling.

The Case for Repairing vs Replacing

Before buying a new retro console, consider if your existing gaming devices just need repair. We see countless systems that could be fixed for a fraction of replacement cost.

Common fixable issues:

• PS4/PS5 disc drive problems

• Xbox overheating

• Nintendo Switch Joy-Con drift

• Charging port damage

• HDMI output issues

• Power supply failures

  
  

A $79-$129 repair often saves you $300-$500 on replacement costs, and you keep the system you're already familiar with.

What About Original Hardware?

Some purists swear by original retro consoles like the actual NES, SNES, or Genesis. While we respect that approach, modern alternatives offer real advantages:

Modern conveniences:

• HDMI output (no need for converter boxes)

• Save states

• Rewind features

• Better compatibility with modern TVs

• No cartridge cleaning or connection issues

  
  

Original hardware challenges:

• Capacitors that have degraded over 30+ years

• Cartridges that need constant cleaning

• RF or composite video that looks terrible on HDTVs

• Limited availability and rising prices

  
  

If you do want to use original hardware, we can help. We repair classic consoles, replace capacitors, install HDMI mods, and restore systems to working condition.

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Retro Console

Use quality HDMI cables: Don't skimp on cables. A good HDMI cable prevents visual issues.

Adjust display settings: Most retro consoles offer CRT filters, scanlines, and aspect ratio options. Experiment to find what looks best to you.

Update firmware: Devices like the Retroid Pocket 5 and Anbernic consoles get regular updates that improve performance and compatibility.

Get a good case: If you have a portable retro console, invest in a protective case. Screen repairs aren't cheap.

Back up your saves: For devices that use SD cards, regularly back up your save files and game data.

Join the community: The retro gaming community is incredibly helpful. Join forums and Discord servers for tips, troubleshooting, and game recommendations.

The Bottom Line

2025 is an incredible time to be a retro gamer. Whether you want official Nintendo and Sega mini consoles, powerful emulation handhelds, or ways to play your original cartridges, there's a perfect option for every budget and preference.

For most people, we recommend starting with either the SNES Classic or Genesis Mini depending on which library appeals to you more. They're affordable, require zero setup, and deliver authentic experiences.

If you want more flexibility and don't mind a bit of technical setup, the Anbernic RG Cube or Retroid Pocket 5 offer incredible value with access to multiple systems in one device.

And if your current gaming consoles need attention, remember that repairs are often much more cost-effective than replacements. Our team at iFixPros can help extend the life of your gaming devices, whether they're brand new retro consoles or classic systems from decades past.

Our expert team repairs all gaming consoles, from retro to modern

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between emulation and FPGA consoles?

A: Emulation uses software to mimic how old console hardware worked. It's flexible and can play many systems, but accuracy varies. FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) devices like the Analogue Pocket recreate the actual hardware at a circuit level, providing perfect accuracy but typically supporting fewer systems. For most gamers, good emulation is more than accurate enough.

Q: Are retro game ROMs legal?

A: The legality of ROMs is complicated. Downloading copyrighted games you don't own is illegal. However, creating backups of games you own is generally considered fair use. Official mini consoles and cartridge-based systems avoid this issue entirely by using licensed or original games.

Q: Can I play original cartridges on modern TVs?

A: Yes, but you need the right equipment. Systems like the Retro-Bit Super Retro Trio HD Plus accept original cartridges and output via HDMI. Alternatively, you can use HDMI converters with original hardware, though results vary.

Q: Do retro consoles work with modern controllers?

A: It depends on the console. Many emulation-based devices like the Retroid Pocket 5 support Bluetooth controllers. Official mini consoles typically only work with their included controllers. Some systems like the Super Retro Trio accept original controllers via their authentic ports.

Q: How do I connect a retro console to my 4K TV?

A: Most modern retro consoles use HDMI, so connection is simple. The console handles upscaling to your TV's resolution. For original hardware, you'll need an upscaler or converter box to transform composite/RF signals to HDMI.

Q: Are handheld retro consoles worth it vs home consoles?

A: Handhelds offer portability and often better value since they include the screen. Home consoles provide big-screen gaming and work better for multiplayer. Many enthusiasts own both types for different situations.

Q: Can iFixPros repair my retro gaming console?

A: Yes! We repair modern retro consoles like the Retroid Pocket series, Anbernic devices, and official mini consoles. We also service original vintage consoles including NES, SNES, Genesis, PlayStation, and more. Common repairs include issues with HDMI ports, power problems, controller malfunctions, and screen replacements on handheld devices. You can book an appointment here.

Q: What's the best retro console for introducing kids to classic games?

A: The SNES Classic or Genesis Mini are perfect for kids. They're simple to use, include great games suitable for all ages, and are durable. The Evercade VS-R is also excellent because its cartridge system teaches collecting and makes expanding the library feel special.