Thinking about buying a retro console but not sure where to start? The right answer depends on the games you remember, who you'll be playing with and what TV you have. Here's a plain-English guide to the most popular retro consoles in 2026: what each is best at, what to watch out for, and roughly what they sell for.
The short answer
| If you want… | Get a… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The biggest, cheapest game library | PlayStation 2 | Over 4,000 games, most of them affordable, and it plays original PlayStation discs too. |
| Four-player couch multiplayer | Nintendo 64 | Four controller ports built in. Mario Kart 64, GoldenEye and Smash Bros. |
| A family console for all ages | Nintendo Wii | Simple motion controls, cheap games, and the original model plays GameCube discs. |
| 16-bit classics | Super Nintendo | Super Mario World, A Link to the Past, Super Metroid, Chrono Trigger. |
| Pure 8-bit nostalgia | NES | Where Mario, Zelda, Metroid and Mega Man began. |
| Retro gaming on the go | Game Boy Advance SP | Plays Game Boy, Game Boy Color and GBA games, with a rechargeable battery. |
Want to know what consoles are selling for right now? See our 2026 retro console price guide.
Nintendo consoles
NES (1985)
The original Nintendo Entertainment System is pure nostalgia: Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Mega Man and Punch-Out!!. Games are short and tough by modern standards. The original front-loading model relies on a 72-pin connector that wears over time, which is why a tested, refurbished console matters.
Super Nintendo (1991)
Many people's favorite console of all time. Super Mario World, A Link to the Past, Donkey Kong Country, Super Metroid and Chrono Trigger have aged beautifully. Prices for popular games have climbed, so the SNES is a great choice if you want quality over quantity.
Nintendo 64 (1996)
The four-player console. Mario Kart 64, Super Smash Bros., GoldenEye 007 and Mario Party defined a generation of sleepovers, and the N64 has four controller ports built in. Some games, like Donkey Kong 64 and Majora's Mask, need the Expansion Pak.
GameCube (2001)
A small console with a big reputation: Super Smash Bros. Melee, Wind Waker, Metroid Prime, Animal Crossing and Mario Kart: Double Dash. Many GameCube games have become collectible, so buy the games you really want first. You'll need a memory card to save.
Wii (2006)
The best-value Nintendo console for most families. Games like Wii Sports, Mario Kart Wii and Super Mario Galaxy are inexpensive, and the original white Wii (model RVL-001) also plays GameCube discs with GameCube controllers. It's also one of the easiest retro consoles to connect to a modern TV.
PlayStation, Sega and Xbox
PlayStation (1995)
Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, Crash Bandicoot, Spyro and Resident Evil. If you love these, you may not need a PS1 at all: every PlayStation 2 plays PS1 discs.
PlayStation 2 (2000)
The best-selling home console ever, with a huge library of affordable games, from GTA San Andreas and Kingdom Hearts to Guitar Hero and Shadow of the Colossus. It plays most PS1 games too, which makes it the best value retro console for many people. The original "fat" model and the Slim play the same games; you'll need a memory card to save.
Sega Genesis (1989)
Sonic, Streets of Rage, Phantasy Star and Gunstar Heroes. The Genesis has a punchier, more arcade feel than the Super Nintendo and many games are still affordable.
Sega Dreamcast (1999)
Short-lived but beloved: Sonic Adventure, Jet Set Radio, Soulcalibur and Crazy Taxi. Its disc drive is the part most likely to wear out, so buy one that's been tested.
Original Xbox (2001)
Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Fable and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Built like a PC with a hard drive inside, the original Xbox is a great choice for 2000s shooter and RPG fans.
Shop refurbished retro consoles
PlayStation 2 (PS2) Slim Console · $189.97
The best-value retro console: huge library, plays PS1 games.
How to connect a retro console to a modern TV
- Composite (red, white and yellow) cables work with almost every retro console. Many TVs still have this input; if yours doesn't, an inexpensive AV-to-HDMI adapter is the simplest fix.
- Better picture: the Wii, PS2, original Xbox and some GameCube models support component cables, which look noticeably sharper on modern TVs.
- Light guns like the NES Zapper and many PS1 and PS2 gun games only work on old CRT TVs.
What to check before you buy
- What's included: a controller, the right power supply and AV cable. A "console only" listing needs all three added.
- Saving: GameCube, PS1 and PS2 games need a memory card.
- Disc drives: on PS1, PS2, Dreamcast and GameCube, a worn laser is the most common fault. Ask whether it has been tested reading discs.
- Warranty: retro hardware is decades old. Buying tested hardware with a warranty saves a lot of frustration.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best retro console to buy first?
For most people, a PlayStation 2 or a Nintendo Wii. The PS2 has the biggest affordable library and plays PS1 games; the Wii is family friendly and the original model also plays GameCube games.
Which retro console has the best games?
Fans most often name the Super Nintendo, thanks to Super Mario World, A Link to the Past, Super Metroid and Chrono Trigger. The PS2 has the largest library.
What is the best retro console for multiplayer?
The Nintendo 64, with four controller ports built in, followed by the GameCube and Wii.
Are retro consoles a good investment?
Buy them to play, not as an investment. Prices go up and down, although complete, boxed and rare consoles have held their value best over the last decade.
Can I play retro games on a 4K TV?
Yes. Most retro consoles connect with AV or component cables; if your TV lacks those inputs, an adapter converts them to HDMI.
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