Kirby and Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai announced that his Game Designers Award will be discontinued due to his inability to find a successor.

Since 2010, Sakurai has presented the award at the Japan Game Awards, and at 2026's event – where Pokemon Pokopia took home the grand prize (its version of game of the year) – the prize went to Word Game by Team9. The award is presented by Sakurai, who is also the head judge and responsible for inviting other judges, with the criteria being those who have made innovative games; these have included the likes of Ico designer Fumito Ueda, Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami, and Undertale's Toby Fox.

Upon presenting the 2026 award, Sakurai confirmed he would discontinue it, claiming he was unable to find anyone to replace him as its leader. Granted, this may sound harsh – as if no one is worthy of taking on the role – but the reality seems to be no one else was able to take on the time-consuming responsibility. Sakurai also spoke about creativity in games (translation from Automaton) – something that is central to this award – noting that while "originality doesn’t really have much impact on sales," it's still crucial, as "an industry that loses its originality will simply die a slow death."

In an era when budgets are getting even bigger for every game, it's becoming rarer to see that kind of originality on the AAA scale. A perfect example is given to us by Sony over this last week, where Marvel's Wolverine has caught flak for feeling very homogenous – especially with other Sony first-party games – while the publisher dropped Hideo Kojima's next game, Physint; reportedly due to budget issues.

Opinions on Kojima and his games aside, he is one of the few creators left in AAA whose creativity still shines through. You know when you are playing a Kojima game, just like when I booted up Kirby Air Riders last year I felt the Sakurai shine through; the same goes for a Hideki Kamiya or a Yoko Taro game. Thankfully, indie games have creativity to spare, meaning that even as AAA is forced to be safer than ever, we'll still have people pushing boundaries.

Super Smash Bros creator Masahiro Sakurai sometimes "sounds exactly like Goku," ex-Tekken boss says: "A Saiyan who genuinely believes he's just another ordinary human"

It turns out Unico Traveller ULW10, a retro console LCD monitor that looks like a CRT, is already in the hands of creators. That may come as a surprise, especially since its Kickstarter campaign previously used AI imagery in place of product photos. However, there's now a video out there that reveals the prototype's innards all while highlighting a pretty nasty lag issue.

The early look comes courtesy of RetroRGB, as fellow CRT lover Robert Neal was sent a Unico Traveller ULW10 to review ahead of the Kickstarter campaign. In the video, the creator and website founder says that while he "loves the idea" of the faux PVM, the company put him in a "pretty bad situation" by going ahead with the launch despite various issues with the prototype.

One of the biggest flaws with the Traveller ULW10 lies in lag, as Neil measured over 100ms of delay, which translates to 6-9 frames. Those stats apply to both the HDMI and RGB outputs at 1080p, 720p, 480p, and 480i, and it turns out the screen both lacks 240p support and doesn't actually have composite input. RetroRGB has summed up the situation in a Shorts video, but the bottom line is that it's impossible to recommend the display in its current form.

Effectively, the Traveller ULW10 prototype is currently miles away from the same latency levels as a good-quality upscaler connector to a gaming monitor. It's certainly miles away from being a CRT alternative, but Unico claims the issues will either be remedied through firmware or using a completely different panel.

After catching RetroRGB's video and included teardown, I am relieved to see that there's not a cheap security camera LCD stowed away in the shell. While the prototype is 3D printed, the box also seems to be pretty sturdy and physically well designed. At the same time, it's extremely clear that the accompanying innards, the part that you'll ultimately be playing games on, aren't fit for purpose.

In a harsh early verdict, RetroRGB says Unico has "taken about $250,000 of your money for a product that's not finished and was never properly tested." That much is clear from the absurd lag measurements, but I'm also scratching my head at the fact that there's no composite connection, which you'll need for the NES or if you're looking into how to play N64 games, and the fact that it converts 240p signals to 480i, jitters and all.

That said, I want to join RetroRGB in saying I don't remotely think Unico intentended to decieve anyone with its faux CRT. The issues seem to be down to a lack of testing or awareness of what is required to make a screen like this. I also fully believe the company is listening to feedback, as it previously promised to purge all the AI images from its marketing and will avoid the tech in the future.

I also think that the Traveller ULW10 has lots of potential as a retro gaming panel. It's never going to be a replacement for an actual CRT, but features like scanline emulation, having flat sides so you can flip it vertical for TATE arcade shooters, and the internal storage for systems like the MiSTer are pretty appealing. The issue is that for $300, minimal latency and full connectivity are a bare minimum, and Unico has fallen at the first hurdle.

• Retro upscalers at Amazon
• Retro consoles at Amazon

Check out the best retro handhelds if you'd rather take your classic console collection on the go.

It'd be silly of me to deny the hype for GTA 6, as like it or not, it'll likely be the game of the decade. The thing I'm struggling to process is the fact that, in the grand scheme of things, the sandbox formula hasn't really changed that much. In fact, Rockstar is gearing up to bring back some of its more realistic features, which has me wondering why I wouldn't just stick with my PS2 and the biggest GTA game from the 2000s.

I'm naturally talking about Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, an open-world romp that has players scrambling for how to play PS2 games to this very day. It's easy to see why once you get a feel for what the GTA Vice City sequel is all about, as it trades the glitz and neon glimmer for the institutionally corrupt Los Santos and CJ's struggle to clear his family name and take on rival gangs.

Here's my big confession: I've never been that big into GTA as a franchise. Therefore, when it became clear that the latest entry would take us back to modern-day Vice City, I really wasn't too enthused. If anything, the fact that it's set to drop the '80s vibes that enticed me to drop into Leonida adds to that, and while my ears perked up upon hearing it will bring back a fan-favorite San Andreas mechanic, I reckon many of us should still just plug back in our PS2.

Play a GTA you actually own

Before you rush to the comments, I know full well a retro console from 26 years ago won't remotely provide the same absurd GTA experience as a new system. That is to say, if you're financially barred from playing the new sandbox, which is exclusive to the PS5 and Xbox Series X, you'll naturally want to reach for good old GTA V as a modern-day alternative.

At this stage, though, anyone who's hyped for GTA V has likely drained it for every piece of open-world novelty it can provide. It's for that reason that I reckon it's high time we pitched back up the PlayStation 2 in our living rooms, and not even just because I reckon fresher-faced players probably missed out on the third 3D entry.

Here's the thing: GTA 6 is arriving during one of the worst periods in history to buy new video games. Sony is rightfully coming under fire for choosing to end physical PS5 disc support in 2028, and Rockstar has already chosen to shove its sandbox in an empty box. This has prompted some anger from fans, with a rather unorganised collective attempting a "blackout" last month, but I reckon if you really want to make a punch via a protest, you should go completely offline just as GTA 6 lands.

I know there's no talking anyone who's got GTA 6 pre-ordered into passing it up for an offline PS2 experience. Therefore, I'm largely speaking to those of you who can't afford it or are choosing not to play, as if everyone who's not venturing into the sandbox switches back to the PS2, it could be enough to catch Sony's attention this time around.

As for how you're going to do that, there are really cheap ways to get the old PlayStation 2 up and running today. It largely becomes a question of how to connect retro consoles to modern TVs and monitors, and having spent the weekend testing a pretty cheap HDMI adapter, I can confirm it's a decent place to start.

For context, I usually use a dedicated upscaler like the GBS Control, as it takes an RGB signal via SCART, upscales things to 1080p, and deals with any funky, wobbly deinterlacing nonsense. However, I decided to give an adapter similar to the versions you see for $13.99 at Amazon a shot, and it got the job done with zero visual nonsense.

If you really want your consoles to look the part, you'll want to invest in either a GBS-C or an OSSC, as that will provide you with upscaling, retro scanline settings, and other perks that'll help things look crispier. But, I get that the whole deal here is acquiring an old GTA game to play in protest to the industry at large when you potentially don't have any gear already, so a passive HDMI adapter is a perfectly acceptable way to play.

On that note, you can pick up GTA San Andreas on PS2 for around $20 these days, and if you've not got an old console to play it on, you can grab one for under $80. Effectively, you can grab an old Grand Theft Auto and the hardware to play it on for potentially less than GTA 6 Ultimate Edition, which Sony claims you won't actually own.

You could say statements like that are fuelling my decision to revisit San Andreas rather than think about GTA 6. I get that it's completely cynical of me to say both games feature the same core mechanics of automobile theft, gunplay, and law-breaking missions, but really, Rockstar's whole shtick has remained the same for 30 years.

Old crime caper, new controller

I recently had the same conversation of "you should just re-play San Andreas on the PS2" with a friend. They initially fought me on the basis that they didn't want to use a wired DualShock 2 in the living room, so like some sort of spiv, I opened my metaphorical jacket to reveal a bunch of relevant gadgets.

I know for a fact some of you will be scrambling to say "just play the Definitive Edition on PC." Okay, yes, you can do that for a quick fix, but if you also want this project to double up as a light protest over the state of things, you should stick with an OG PS2. You can still help the old system feel nice and fresh by learning how to use new controllers with retro consoles, as if you grab an 8Bitdo Retro Receiver for $24.99, you can sync up a DualShock 4 or even the DualSense to your 26-year-old machine.

Will using a PS5 controller to play San Andreas feel authentic? Nah. Will it help cut the cord and make the setup feel discrete and slick? Absolutely. I absolutely understand that not everyone wants janky old ensembles cluttering their play spaces, and while I'll normally choose an OG pad as an enthusiast, I also test the best retro controllers made today in an effort to put together modern-feeling setups.

A bit of San Andreas inspiration

The initial reason San Andreas ended up on my mind amid GTA 6 is admittedly the mechanical links. The new sandbox is set to borrow the realistic lifestyle routine elements of the PS2 caper, with weight fluctuation and sleep requirements ready to become a part of the formula again. Both of those features were first introduced in 2004, and if it's part of the reason to buy the latest entry, then I'll choose to go backwards.

I should note that you don't have to specifically replay San Andreas to protest by playing other GTA games. Now is a pretty good time to revisit the OG romps like GTA 3, Vice City, or even some of the spin-offs like Liberty City Stories. If you get a base PS2 setup in place, you'll have access to those outings while the modern industry has its very expensive moment, and if you really have no interest in Grand Theft Auto, there are over 4,000 OG PlayStation 2 games that'll save you paying for anything new.

• PS2 adapters at Amazon
• PS2 controllers at Amazon

Swing by the best retro handhelds if you'd rather play classic GTA on the go.

The Neo Geo AES+, a remake of the at-home arcade console by SNK, has been delayed by almost a year. While retro console maker PLAION hasn't quite provided an exact reason as to why the re-engineered system is now landing in September 2027, component shortages and prices are once again to blame.

In a statement, PLAION prefaces its news by saying, "we know many of you have been looking forward to receiving your NEOGEO AES+ this year," before lamenting that the "worldwide release will now take place on 16th September 2027." That means the resurrected best retro console contender will be showing up ten months later than originally announced, as it was meant to emerge this November.

Again, a direct reason for the Neo Geo AES+ delay isn't given, but PLAION does mention "global component supply constraints." Whether that means the availability of the specific ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) chips used to replicate the original parts is limited, or factories are too busy dealing with AI data centre demand, is unknown, but the company claims it is trying to fortify its production.

"Rather than launch with severely limited availability, we're taking extra time to explain production, secure the components we need, and invest in an even bigger future for NEOGEO AES+," explains PLAION. In the same breath, it reassures players who have already pre-ordered that reservations "remain secure" and that "there is no price increase and no action is required."

Those of you who did choose to pre-order a Neo Geo AES+ are apparently getting a "Founding Supporter Bonus," a free wireless controller if you reserved the standard or anniversary editions. Ultimate Edition buyers will get 30% off at PLAIN REPLAI's online store, which includes consoles like The Spectrum, versions of the Atari 2600+, and the upcoming Amiga A1200 remake.

The Neo Geo AES's grand return is off to a pretty chaotic start, especially since SNK's ties to Saudi Arabia and the country's human rights record are deterring many fans from supporting the console. While the delay is being framed as productive, I'm already seeing many players who pre-ordered the $1,000 bundle question why they wouldn't just wait until it lands, as there's still lingering skepticism over whether its re-engineered ASIC chips will truly deliver hardware perfection.

Part of me also wonders if PLAION realized that November 2026 is now a pretty terrible time to even launch anything gaming-related. Yes, players who pre-ordered the machine regardless of anything would have happily tucked into King of Fighters, Shock Troopers, and other arcade classics in a few months' time, but the majority of the scene will be preoccupied with the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake or GTA 6, both of which require a Switch 2 or PS5.

All that aside, we'll need to wait the best part of a year to see what the Neo Geo AES+ is really all about. Again, the fact that Saudi Arabia holds a majority stake in the SNK Corporation is already having an effect on appeal, and technical enthusiasts will need to see some gameplay before dubbing it a true 1:1 recreation with added HDMI.

• See more retro consoles at Amazon
• See all Neo Geo consoles at Amazon

Swing by the best retro controllers for authentic pads with modern console tricks.

GOG just took its Preservation Program to the next level, as you can now print Big Box PC game packaging and make your own physical releases. Effectively, you'll be able to download 3D scans of original boxes and print them at home, and while the '90s retro console and PC player in me is hyped, it's probably the last thing my collapsing shelf needs right now.

In an announcement, GOG declares, "If they won't give you physical games, make your own" before revealing that its Preservation Program now covers Star Trek: 25th Anniversary, Armikrog, Descent, Hitman: Codename 47, and Myst (cheers, Time Extension). Rather than just ensuring these releases remain DRM-free and playable on gaming PCs old and new, the storefront is collaborating with Big Box Collection to also fully preserve their packaging.

"We’re adding downloadable 3D scans of legendary boxes of these selected games, ready to view, rotate, and explore using the default 3D apps on Windows and Mac." announces GOG before adding, "And for those who want to take their nostalgia offline, we’re also providing printable versions, so you can build your own DIY boxes and give these classics a place on your shelf once again!"

I really get a buzz out of finding big-box PC games out in the wild today, as decades of disrespect towards cardboard packaging mean complete games are rare. I tend to have luck looking amongst board games and puzzles in thrift stores, but just like NES, SNES, and N64 games, the old boxes are either actively disintegrating or were launched into the bin years ago.

Effectively, this new GOG program means you have the power to put big-box PC games back into production. That should come as a delight if you've been mourning the death of physical discs for your rig, as I personally kept buying DVD releases right up until 2014 (I believe my last was Titanfall); everything went completely digital.

If you've been paying attention to the console side of things, you'll be aware that Sony is planning to end PS5 discs as of 2028. As you'd expect, players aren't remotely pleased with this decision, and while you can't just make your own copies of PlayStation 5 releases, we've already witnessed preservationists make DIY physical PC games even before GOG's announcement.

By allowing players to make accurate replicas of old PC boxes, GOG could draw in collectors to its platform who'd normally avoid digital storefronts altogether. I can honestly see myself leveraging the service to potentially even re-house original discs in reproduced packaging, as while the service is currently restricted to just the newly added titles, I am the type of person who will acquire a loose copy of Hitman and make a custom box for it.

And hey, even if you don't like to clutter up your shelves with big box PC games like me, it's neat even being able to get a proper 3D look at them on a screen.

• External DVD drives at Amazon
• Blank CDs at Amazon

Take a peek at the best retro controllers if you want an authentic setup with modern perks.

Retroid just gave its Pocket Duo handheld a proper reveal, and the 3DS handheld is accompanied by a "Lite" sibling. While the full-fat version will start at $269 and pairs dual OLED displays with a Dragonwing Q-7790 chipset, its budget-friendly counterpart will step into the same ring as the Anbernic RG DS with a $149 price tag.

Before revealing the new Lite model, the Retroid Pocket Duo took to the stage in a gameplay demo. The four-minute clip puts the retro handheld to work running everything from Mario Kart 7 to Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (timely, I know), all running at 4x resolution on the 3DS emulator Azahar. Pretty impressive considering this clamshell is just 23.2mm thick, almost matching an actual 3DS XL.

Yes, the Pocket Duo packs a portable dual-screen punch that should make even the mighty Ayn Thor sweat. But shortly after showing off its take on the 3DS, Retroid also shared a trailer featuring the additional Pocket Duo Lite, and it's very much gunning for the same DS throne as the Anbernic RG DS Plus (and existing contenders like the $98 non-Plus original model.)

Since the RG DS is expected to arrive for under $100, you will potentially be paying $50 more for the Retroid Pocket Lite. However, the extra expense is invested in a beefier Qualcomm Dragonwing QCS6125 chipset that can dabble with lighter 3DS games. In fact, you can already see Mario Kart 7 running on its top 5.5-inch IPS display in an additional demo at x2 resolution, and that should mean it'll cover more of Nintendo's library.

If you're wondering how Retroid managed to create a $149 version of the Pocket Duo, know that its 5.5-inch and 4.5-inch IPS displays and lower-spec chipset come with other tweaks. Notably, you're getting in-line digital triggers instead of the double-stacked bumpers and triggers of the full-fat model, and other specs like Wi-Fi and RAM speed won't be as swanky, tying back to the QCS6125 SoC.

Retroid hasn't graced us with a Pocket Duo release date yet, so it'll be a while before I can take it for a dual-screen test drive. If one thing's certain, it's absolutely a great time to get into dedicated handhelds for 3DS and DS emulation, as not so long ago, one of the only options out there was a very pricey (and chonky) Ayaneo Flip DS, and Windows 11 weirdness meant its emulators were restricted to just OG DS romps.

• More DS handhelds at Amazon
• More retro handhelds at Amazon

Check out the best retro consoles for remakes, emulation systems, and plug-and-play machines.

It's safe to say the Zelda Ocarina of Time remake plans to leave the original's janky N64 controller in the past. That much is clear from Nintendo's reveal, as the revamped classic now has a free-moving camera and dedicated buttons for jumping and sprinting, but I'd argue adding support for the classic gamepad could honor the OG 3D Hyrule outing.

Okay, yes, if you really want to play Ocarina of Time with the arguably cursed retro controller, you should probably explore how to play N64 games instead. While the glossy new Switch 2 remake naturally uses the groundbreaking 1998 outing as a template, this Zelda romp will look and feel like something from 2026.

I'll concede that it'd be senseless to tether the Ocarina of Time remake to antiquated controls designed for retro consoles almost 30 years ago. At the same time, though, I fully believe playing N64 games using a controller with one stick and those massive A and B buttons is an experience in its own right, and the setup could add something unique for players seeking authentic gameplay vibes.

I dread to think how many hours I've sunk into Ocarina of Time over the past three and a bit decades. It has shown up on almost every Nintendo console I've owned since the N64, hitting everywhere from the GameCube to the Wii Shop, and it even got a remaster for the 3DS.

Each port feels every so slightly different to the next thanks to their respective gamepads, but there's one consistency across every single version: Z-targeting. It was Nintendo's take on camera controls, or arguably a lack thereof, and cemented a directional rhythm that turns what could be considered awful camera controls into something atmospheric.

If you've played the N64 original, the sensation of tapping the back Z button to shift the camera will be ingrained in your mind. Yes, it's primarily used to quickly reorient your point of view, but the controls also come with a tonal shift that adapts depending on where you are. In dungeons, the confirmational letterboxing, an element designed to emulate the feel of Samurai movies when you're actually locking onto an enemy, is accompanied by an eerie stone echo, which makes even trying to peek at the forward path ahead a bit more daunting.

In the overworld, Z-targeting produces a jauntier pan-flute sound, which shifts things to fit a more whimsical sense of curiosity when repositioning the camera. In both instances, using a button instead of just swinging a secondary stick around freely adds visual and audio cues that personally get me into the zone, whether I'm locking onto a ReDead trying not to pee myself or just peering down Hyrule Field at LonLon Ranch.

I've only got Mr. Aonuma's gameplay demo to go on, but it looks like the Ocarina of Time remake is leaving those atmospheric elements in the past with the mandatory Z-targeting. The latter will still be a thing, but gone is the widescreen letterbox shift and, potentially, the scene-appropriate jingles with it, leaving only the specific, almost phaser-like, enemy target sound alongside Navi's cries of "watch out!"

If Nintendo did add the option to play with an N64 controller, just like with its recent StarFox Switch 2 remake, it could help preserve these important original elements. I'm sure there are plenty of players who grew up with Breath of the Wild who'd prefer to move the camera around in a contemporary fashion, but for those of us who like the quick snap and associated sounds of the old Z-button controls, having the option to play that way could help things feel right.

Including the fixed camera controls could even help introduce fresher players to the art of using an N64 layout. Whether you think that trident design is clever or cursed, it adds a unique, and arguably now novel, hardware experience into the mix, and if you really can't bear using the starship-shaped original, the 8Bitdo N64 controller works with Switch 2 and pops the exact button layout onto a contemporary shell.

There's nothing stopping you from trying to play the Ocarina of Time remake with an N64 controller. In theory, you shouldn't be blocked from using the NSO N64 controller or the aforementioned 8Bitdo version. The issue is that playability will come down to whether the Z-targeting system can quickly snap the camera behind Link, or if it only works around targetable NPCs, enemies, and objects; and even then, all the associated atmospheric goodness will be potentially missing.

Will that stop me from immediately trying to play the Zelda Ocarina of Time remake with an N64 controller when it lands November 6? Well, no, as I'm the idiot who tried to play Donkey Kong Bananza with a set of GameCube Donkey Konga bongos. If Nintendo is snooping in on these words, though, just know that if you add a Nintendo 64 controller mode, a bunch of '90s kids will be very happy (even if the realistic, uncanny art direction still feels weird).

• See Nintendo 64 controllers at Amazon
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Check out the best retro handhelds if you'd rather replay Ocarina of Time on the go.

The PS3 emulator RPCS3 just cracked running PS3 games straight from discs. That means you can theoretically just treat your PC or handheld like a real PlayStation 3 by popping Blu-rays straight into a drive, but I've already hit an unfortunate compatibility roadblock that spoiled my evening plans.

Technically speaking, I really don't need to use RPCS3 to play PS3 games at home since I still use the real retro console (yes, it's 20 years old, get over it). However, upon catching the news that the emulator had gained the ability to run games directly from the disc drive, I fancied using a mini PC to make a compact version of the PlayStation 3 with access to emulation bells and whistles.

Sadly, that's not on the cards for tonight, as only specific Blu-ray drives are able to actually read PS3 games. RPCS3 kindly provides a shortlist, and while I did check ahead of time and thought my specific Verbatim external writer was compatible, it turns out even near-identical models can lack the required chipset and firmware to read Sony's discs.

For context, I specifically have a Verbatim 43890 slimline external USB 3.2 Blu-ray Writer to hand. It's virtually identical to the Verbatim 43888 specifically mentioned on the RPCS3 compatibility list, but alas, it won't read PS3 discs. While there could be models not in the collection that haven't been tested, you can write off this particular variant.

Actually finding a compatible drive is trickier than you'd think, and many brands have already thrown in the Blu-ray towel. Verbatim has committed to keeping external models like the 43888 in circulation, but while it's available at Amazon in the UK (albeit with a "price higher than typical" warning), it's MIA on the US site.

Your best bet is somewhere like eBay, where you'll find a compatible LG BP50NB40 Blu-ray drive for $120. It's naturally more convenient to go the external route since many gaming PCs don't even have optical drive bay slots anymore, but I will check back with whether an LG internal drive I have lying around happens to be compatible.

Side note: If the PS3 isn't remotely old enough for your tastes, I do also have you covered on how to play PS2 games using original hardware or emulators.

• PS3 controllers at Amazon
• PS3 accessories at Amazon

Swing by the best retro controllers for fresh gamepads that will work with old consoles.

I've spent a chunk of time pitting the 8Bitdo FlipPad against the GameSir Pocket Taco in a Game Boy controller gauntlet, but I'm struggling to declare an overall winner. Both gamepads take pretty different approaches to arming your doomscroller with physical buttons, so for a fresh perspective, I handed both off to someone who doesn't test handhelds on the daily.

Who is this Game Boy gamepad testing guinea pig I've drafted in? Well, it's my partner in retro console collecting crime who isn't employed to test the best retro controllers available to the masses, but certainly enjoys playing the oldies on portables old and new. By handing both the 8Bitdo FlipPad, the latest pad for $29.99, and GameSir Pocket Taco that arrived previously for $34.99, to someone who's got a comparatively casual perspective, I hoped that I'd be enlightened with a new third-party perspective that'd help me wrap up my testing.

I get it, some of you may think this sort of A/B testing is overkill for a set of four face buttons and a d-pad. However, with both the GameSir Pocket Taco and 8Bitdo FlipPad targeting two very specific types of players who could be easily lured by the prospect of easy Pokémon access, I want to identify every pro and con possible. Therefore, I reckon drafting in a fresh pair of non-reviewer hands is absolutely justified and should help you pick out the perfect Game Boy pad.

FlipPad preconceptions

Again, I've already put the 8Bitdo FlipPad through its paces, although the daft placement of the Asus ROG Phone 8's USB-C port meant I had to use the Razer Edge as a very long Game Boy before borrowing my partner's Google Pixel. That testing was enough for me to form my own likes and dislikes, in turn giving me a notion of how other players may feel about the gamepad.

Starting off with some of the FlipPad's strengths, I really feel like 8Bitdo is onto a winner with its sleek profile. There's far less plastic bulk to the hinged USB-C controller than the Pocket Taco, and that helps it feel less like a bulky add-on. The clicky dome switch buttons also hit tactile high notes compared to standard membranes, which also feed into a premium vibe.

The FlipPad's slightness comes at a cost, though, particularly when it comes to the USB-C. Pardon the pun, but the controller's fit and grip hinges solely on the bottom connector, and the fact that it's "one size fits all" creates some problems. My main gripe lies with the fact that unless you pick the exact right thickness of case, you're likely going to experience some side-to-side wobble, which isn't great for more frantic games (shmups like Truxton are a wiggly nightmare).

I'm also wary that by containing the controller to just the phone screen, it subjects players to the usual ergonomic caveats. By that, I mean your fingers will just be hanging around at the side or back of your device rather than resting on some shoulder buttons (something the Pocket Taco provides). Surprisingly, though, none of this seemed to bother my volunteer test subject, and while initially hesitant to play games on her freshly modified Google Pixel 7, she ended up getting right into Zelda: Link's Awakening using both pads.

A bit of A/B Game Boy testing

I don't want to imply that I turned my beloved into a Game Boy guinea pig, but I did sit back and observe her as she used both the 8Bitdo FlipPad and GameSir Pocket Taco. In an effort to pick up on any third-party ergonomic quirks and real-life gameplay benefits, I watched as she roamed around Koholint Island for the first time while checking in to ask for takes on the d-pad, button tactility, and overall feel.

I immediately noticed that her index fingers would rest on the upper sides of the phone when using the FlipPad, and I figured this was due to the lack of junk in the trunk. It turns out this is more of a weird ergonomic preference, though, as she would still pop her digits on the side when using the GameSir Pocket Taco. To me, this was a sign that while the latter should provide better ergonomics in theory, it's easy to see why 8Bitdo went with a sleeker, front-focused design based on play habits.

Continuing to quash my expectations, my helpful test subject also informed me that she preferred the feel of the FlipPad's clicky D-pad over the arguably more authentic Pocket Taco's membrane directionals. This is despite the fact that she owns several real Game Boy handhelds, as while GameSir's design should feel close to those portables, I was immediately informed that the controls felt "mushy".

One complaint that re-emerged with the 8Bitdo FlipPad was indeed the wiggly USB-C connector. My volunteer's phone normally uses a standard shell case with a cut-out for chargers, and while the controller does fit, it still leaves a gap. That's a little strange considering my ROG Phone 8 Pro Devilcase is too thick for the connector, and it feels like you need to buy something very specfic for an exact fit.

I'm not sure which cases the FlipPad is actually compatible with, but I do know that without one as a packer, the leftover tolerance will lead to some nervous "oop" sounds when it moves around slightly. You're more likely to notice this when making more frantic d-pad movements, like when, say, encountering enemies on the shores of Link's Awakening for the first time and being caught off guard.

Ultimately, the wiggle served to break any sort of "my phone is now a Game Boy" immersion the FlipPad is aiming to achieve. Comparatively, the Pocket Taco's sandwich approach provides a steadier grip, even if that means adding extra bulk to the back and front and swapping out direct USB-C connectivity for Bluetooth.

The FlipPad steals the crown (with caveats)

After an extended stint running around exploring Koholint Island, then foolishly wrapping things up by attacking some chickens, my partner finally picked the FlipPad as her preferred Game Boy controller. That at least proves that 8Bitdo has nailed things in terms of comparative feel and button quality, both of which I'd assumed the controller maker had in the bag anyway.

However, the wiggly USB-C connectivity haunts what would otherwise be a stellar Game Boy mobile controller experience. It's something my playtester said would put them off playing anything more than Pokemon on their phone, even though they prefer 8Bitdo's approach to the bulkier, non-clicky Pocket Taco.

This extra user test will absolutely help back up some of my thoughts for a wider 8Bitdo FlipPad review, but I'm aware it largely focuses on casual play. Having already spent a chunk of time with the GameSir Pocket Taco, I know it provides players with extra perks like actual shoulder buttons and compatibility with other retro consoles, and that will ultimately factor into whether it's worth grabbing instead of its USB-C competitor.

• More 8Bitdo controllers at Amazon
• Game Boy handhelds at Amazon

Check out the best retro handhelds if you're seeking a dedicated portable console.

Just three days ago, Anbernic unveiled a revamped version of its Nintendo DS clone, but specs suggest it isn't geared for 3D games. That said, the brand just let the handheld strut its stuff running everything from the N64 to the PS1 and Sega Saturn, cementing the fact that the clamshell isn't just for dual-screen shenanigans.

In a demo that lasts just under six and a half minutes, the Anbernic RG DS Plus is mostly put to task running Nintendo DS games. Hardly surprising given it looks almost exactly like Nintendo's best gaming handheld contender, but the latter half of the video loads up GTA: Vice City Stories for the PSP alongside Super Mario 64, Crazy Taxi on Dreamcast, the Sega Saturn RPG Shining Force III, and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night for PS1.

Yes, the clip covers a lot of ground and proves the RG DS Plus packs a retro handheld punch. It does skip emulating any 3DS games, though, which is likely intentional so as not to confuse its objective. That is to say that while the video highlights the new integrated stylus in its natural dual-screen environment, the portable's Rockchip RK3568 chipset isn't going to wow when dealing with the sequel system.

That's not to say the RG DS Plus won't run 3DS games, and it might even fare well in some of the lighter library entries. That should be the case given that it can run Dreamcast and PSP games, but if you're looking for solid performance in said outings, you'll likely still need to look to something like the Ayn Thor for elevated dual-screen abilities.

What you should keep in mind when pondering comparative performance against those two is price. The Anbernic RG DS Plus will apparently be available for under $100, whereas you're looking at $259 for a base Ayn Thor Lite model. If you're really not fussy about frame rates and full speed across entire libraries, the new Plus version of the clamshell could pull some great moves, all while still prioritising the system it's mimicking on an aesthetic level.

The Anbernic RG DS Plus is shaping up to be a fantastic, affordable DS machine if the demo is anything to go by, but I'll reserve any verdicts until I've tried it myself. Touches like that 4.3-inch 1024 x 768 display will help sweeten the deal, and the integrated stylus is undoubtedly the cherry on top of this slicker portable with ever so slightly reduced specs.

• More retro handhelds on Amazon
• Original Nintendo DS handhelds on eBay

Swing by the best retro consoles for excellent remakes, emulation systems, and plug-and-play minis.

I can't think of a handheld with more versions than the Super Pocket, but the new Activision Edition absolutely aesthetically slays. Yes, I am a sucker for the whole '70s Supergraphics rainbow thing, and the publisher's old getup really makes for a pretty portable. The catch is that it feels more like another Atari capsule, and that's less exciting than, say, the console with Banjo-Kazooie built in.

That's not to say the Super Pocket Activision Edition won't find its people. I can guarantee there are retro handheld enjoyers out there with an affinity for third-party romps missing from the Atari version. It's more than the 34 built-in classics are less impressive in a lineup featuring portables with one of the best 3D collectathon platformers ever included, and I guess that applies to most of the other models too.

Yes, I know not everyone is searching for how to play N64 games like Banjo-Kazooie on the go, and the Rare Edition only includes one 3D outing. Again, the Activision Super Pocket also has a different target audience, and there's a lot of fun to be had with the publishing titan's roots. Better still, since this is still an Evercade device just like every other model, you can play most other games via cartridges, and doing so on the prettiest version makes sense.

The Activision Super Pocket dropped right on my doorstep in time for the weekend, and it really helped me revisit a chunk of my collection without setting up the Atari 2600+. I won't lie, there are entries in the 34-game list I couldn't be less fussed with, specifically the sports titles like Boxing, Skiing, and Checkers. But those are outnumbered by a bunch of other excellent capers from the era that demonstrate what '80s gaming was all about.

Classics like Pitfall and its sequel are natural headliners on the Activision Super Pocket, and they capture basic platforming fun with a bit of exploration. Even though I emerged on this planet in 1991, the same day that Cher reached number one with The Shoop Shoop Song, the jungle adventure was actually one of the first games I ever played, albeit via a crummy TV Boy plug-in-play that swapped the color palette to night for copyright reasons. So, playing it on something far nicer to hold than that oval monstrosity felt like the right way to revisit a bona fide classic.

While sifting through the Activision portable's library, I did make something of a bittersweet discovery. Perhaps calling it a realization is more appropriate, but upon spotting Dragonfire, one of my favorite Atari games by long-gone publisher Imagic, I realized that Blaze has ditched the old label's cover art.

In the old silver and red box's place is a green Activision-style cover, and the swap admittedly made me feel a bit gaslit. I know it ultimately doesn't matter since you're getting a standout speedrunner with a gameplay mechanic that feels somehow spiritually linked to those videos of people darting through Scientology centres for kicks. That said, including the Imagic artwork would have preserved historically significant third-party vibes that help provide somewhat of a backdrop.

Demon Attack is also present with a new Activision-flavored costume, a right afforded to the modern-day publisher after aquiring a few of Imagic's properties back in the '80s. The old brand was never picked up in its entirety, which could be why we aren't getting the authentic box art, but the old logo is still baked into the start screen before you dive into the frantic fixed shooter.

I want to give an honourable mention to other entries like Beamrider, H.E.R.O, Keystone Kapers, and Moonsweeper, just so you don't think I'm strictly here for the Imagic games. Ultimately, though, I think it takes a certain player type to get caught up in the addictive arcade loops these old Activision relics provide, and even if you do spend a solid hour repeatedly playing Moonsweeper like me, you'll probably pick this one up for its shell.

I am absolutely comfortable calling this portable the best-looking Super Pocket yet, and it'll catch some eyes on the train or on your shelf. The rainbow wave really pops against the black shell, providing a look you just aren't going to find with other handhelds (and not just because it looks like an LGBTGQIA+ gadget).

Before picking a specific Super Pocket, I'd have a think about whether you care about built-in games. If so, you'll want to consider the various other models out there before the Activision version, like the Neo Geo edition for fighting games or the aforementioned Rare model for Banjo. If you're fully on board with building an Evercade cartridge collection, or even buying the upcoming Banjo-Kazooie double pack, I'd take your chance to buy the prettiest console by Blaze yet.

• More Evercade consoles at Amazon
• Evercade games at Amazon

Swing by the best retro consoles for emulation machines, fancy FPGA remakes, and everything in between.

The Nintendo 64 is now 30 years old, and the question of how to actually play N64 games today is more relevant than ever. Yes, the short answer involves simply getting hold of Ninty's first 3D system, but the original retro console is a bit of an oddball. Therefore, it's well worth putting a bit of love into your modern setup, whether you opt for the OG hardware, a fancy HDMI remake, or an emulation-based solution.

No, I'm not dunking on the N64, as I fully believe it's one of the best retro consoles ever created. That doesn't mean it's not a bit of a dorkus, though, as some of Nintendo's design decisions haunt the original hardware experience today. I've been wrestling with this problem child in my collection for decades now in an attempt to retain reliable, authentic access to familiar classics like Super Mario 64 and Donkey Kong 64 alongside lesser-known personal favorites like Body Harvest and Quest 64, so I've got years of advice to share.

Plenty of fresh-faced players have emerged since 1996 who didn't grow up with the Nintendo 64, not to mention it's likely imprisoned in the attics of those who did. Therefore, I'd say now is the perfect time to dive into how to play N64 games, and that journey starts with dusting off those old consoles, cartridges, and that funky spaceship controller (no, you don't need three hands).

N64 original console versus emulation

Yes, I know you're itching to play some of the best N64 games out there (or even the stinkers if you live for the jank). However, I'd have a long, hard think about where you want to play your desired Nintendo 64 capers and the level of authenticity you seek, as there are two paths you can follow that'll either get you playing Ninty's early 3D adventures on real hardware or via emulation.

Okay, yes, there is a secret third path to playing N64 games thanks to the powers of FPGA tech. If you have the funds for something like the all-singing, all-dancing 4K Analogue 3D, you can embrace full hardware accuracy while plugging straight into a modern display and having heaps of settings at your disposal. We'll get to why that could be well worthwhile for some of you, but the traditional split is between using your carts with an actual system or backing them up for use in a software emulator.

Keep in mind that there's more to both original N64 console setups and DIY setups beyond this simple rundown. That said, you should have more of an idea which route you want to take, meaning you can focus on the specific way you want to play gems like Majora's Mask and Perfect Dark.

Using an original N64 console

Before discovering why the N64 is a bit of a bugger to use today, you'll need to actually grab the system. Kudos to you if you've still got one to hand, be it still in your living room or in a dusty old box, but if you've yet to own one, you'll need to hit up the second-hand market for your very own Nintendo 64 (exciting).

Retro console prices fluctuate constantly, but right now, you're looking at around the $80 mark on eBay in the US for an N64 with cables. The UK tends to get listings for around the £60 mark, but again, you might find consoles for more or less than that at your local game stores, thrift shops, or flea markets. You absolutely will pay more if you go to somewhere like GameStop or CeX in the UK, though, with both selling systems for $129.99 and £85 respectively.

Those guide prices are for a standard black N64 model, so keep that in mind if you'd prefer a funky translucent Funtastic console or the rare Pikachu model. While I'm about to dive straight into everything you'll need to get all those systems up and running, I would keep the optional RAM Expansion Pack in mind while hunting, as if you can bag one already installed without paying over the odds, you'll be able to instantly play games like DK64, Majora's Mask, and Perfect Dark.

What you'll need

If you're lucky enough to still have a CRT TV, or even an older LCD with composite or S-Video, you can plug your cables in right now and start playing. It's safe to say that won't apply to the majority of you, though, even if I do personally think the ultimate way to play N64 games is via the retro scanlines produced by old tube sets.

Therefore, your first port of call is figuring out how to connect the retro console to a modern TV or monitor. That effectively boils down to taking an N64 S-video or composite cable and converting the old analogue video into a digital signal over HDMI, and there are a bunch more ways to do that compared to even just ten years ago.

Connecting an N64 to your modern screen

I need to hold the N64's hand when I say this, but the console's visuals look really scrappy on modern displays. It's not really the Nintendo 64's fault, as it was designed for a world dominated by CRT TVs, and its visuals are designed with proper pixel separation, shadow masks, and lower native resolutions in mind.

That is to say that when you do use an adapter or upscaler to get N64 visuals on your TV, they might look a bit unsightly at 4K. The fact that Nintendo chose to skip clean RGB output and stick with just composite and S-Video for its first 3D console really doesn't help, but effects like anti-aliasing and dithering baked into games by developers are also at play.

With that in mind, I need you to curb your expectations when it comes to original N64 graphics on new displays, especially larger 4K displays. Native graphics will look a bit muddy, but the right gadgets can make the best of a bad visual situation. That starts with using S-video where you can rather than composite to avoid that "Vasoline" effect, which will then provide your chosen upscaler with the cleanest signal possible without modding.

The issue is that retro cables are becoming increasingly more expensive, and when it comes to the N64, quality really matters. If you want to avoid the blight of interference or brightness issues, you'll want to grab something from the likes of Retro Gaming Cables for around £21 ($28), but ironically, the UK company's cables are only for NTSC systems, and unless you have an early PAL unit, S-video won't be an option at all.

Yes, this is already getting pretty messy, but if you're looking for a straight, simple HDMI solution, you can go with a simple passthrough adapter. Options by the likes of Kaico will pull the available signal and convert it to HDMI, but again, the results will look rough without any upscaling applied.

Provided you're not fussy about clarity, N64 passthrough adapters may serve you well. Those of you who'd rather crisp things up will need to consider a dedicated upscaler, and my go-to affordable option is the OSSC. Unlike traditional upscalers, the Open Source Scan Converter uses line doubling to increase the horizontal resolution of RGB signals, leading to far cleaner results and next to no input lag.

The catch? Well, the N64 can't natively do RGB, so you'll need to also pick up a composite transcoder. I happen to use a really old Sony unit that converts things into a red, blue, and green signal the OSSC can use over SCART, but add-on boards for the upscaler and alternatives like the ODV-II will help with compatibility.

Alternatively, there's also a "Pro" version of the GBS-C, the upscaler featured in my how to play PS2 games guide. It's not my preferred N64 upscaler, but it will provide you with on-board composite and S-Video, saving you from daisy-chaining devices. Of course, you can also branch out into premium options by RetroTINK (like the newly announced 1440p 6X CE) or Morph 2K, but you're talking much higher price tags for FPGA features and elevated results.

N64 mods

If you're up for a bit of modding, you can help the N64 really shine as part of a modern setup. A bit of tinkering can not only give the console enhanced abilities, but it can even solve some of the connectivity woes already mentioned by enabling RGB output or even adding an HDMI port for extra convenience.

RGB modding your N64 will help provide upscalers with the cleanest N64 signal possible. If you're up for a bit of soldering, kits are available at AliExpress that will allow you to use SCART or component cables with an NTSC console's Multi Out port. However, if you want the highest quality parts possible, and PAL compatibility to boot, it's best to invest in a Tim Worthington board since it'll also de-blur games.

Alternatively, you can HDMI mod your N64 using affordable kits, and it will save you from using a standalone upscaler. Kits by the likes of Highspeedio are available for under $40 and will extract a clean signal straight from the console's PPU that's then outputted at 720p, and the results aren't too shabby. You can spend more on higher-res parts like the UltraHDMI, but I'd say the difference is minimal considering the price gap.

FPGA hardware

Yes, getting clean visuals out of a real N64 is hard work, and that has fuelled a demand for FPGA tech that can replicate the original hardware and strip out the caveats. That's exactly what you'll get when investing in an Analogue 3D, as it's designed to mimic the innards of the console with 100% accuracy while enabling invaluable features and scaling up to 4K.

For all intensive purposes, the Analogue 3D is an N64. Or, at least it thinks it is one on a hardware level, as it boasts 100% compatibility with the console's library. Sure, if you're a speedrunner or rely on cycle accuracy, you're still better off sticking with the real deal, but you're otherwise getting complete original support for carts, controllers, and accessories alongside convenient HDMI output.

On top of that, the Analogue 3D can also tap into some pretty impressive features, including a library that will track your carts, screenshots, and save states. The FPGA chipset can even overclock games that need a performance boost and even disable dithering, blur effects, and anti-aliasing to clean up visuals. The real game-changer, though, is the 3D's "Original Display Modes", which effectively mimic the look of CRT screens using model-specific scanline, shadow mask, and Aperture Grille effects.

Throw some of the 3D's latest horizontal resolution upscaling tricks into the mix, and you've got one of the best-looking N64 experiences out there. Analogue isn't the only one with an FPGA alternative, though, as you can put together your own MiSTer setup using specific cores and run your ROMs with similar hardware accuracy.

Controllers, accessories, and add-ons

In typical Nintendo fashion, there's a wealth of N64 accessories out there, both original and brand new. Some add-ons, like the Rumble Pak for adding controller vibration and the Memory Pak for saving non-gameplay data, are optional, but there are absolutely a few mandatory gadgets I'd look at right away.

The first is, surprise surprise, a gamepad, as Mario isn't going to be doing sweet backflips without one. Picking up the OG accessory will keep things authentic, but it also means dealing with its weird three-grip trident ergonomics and worn, wobblily joysticks that are prone to stick drift and response issues.

The quick solution here is to pick up a redesigned retro controller that boasts Nintendo 64 compatibility. One of my personal favorites, the 8BitDo N64 controller, launched alongside the Analogue 3D and adds Nintendo's specific layout to a contemporary shell while adding Bluetooth or 2.4GHz capabilities.

If you'd rather just use Switch, PS5, or Xbox controllers you've got lying around, I'd also recommend picking up a Blueretro Bluetooth adapter. This doohickey will let you sync four pads wirelessly, meaning you won't be caught short when hosting a GoldenEye sleepover.

As convenient as opting for a new controller is, especially those with improved ergonomics and Hall effect sticks, I get why you perhaps want to stick with the OG pad. Those of you in this camp may want to consider fixing up the real deal with new parts as a compromise, as you can swap out worn-out old thumbsticks for something newer.

I'm lucky enough to still have box-fresh pads, but I have dabbled with modding N64 controllers with hall effect thumbsticks. If you opt for something by the likes of Hyperkin ($14.99 at Amazon, FYI), you'll get the feel of a GameCube-style stick and something that's immune to stick drift, and I can confirm it provides almost the same level of input range and accuracy as the old optical-mechanical stick.

Outside of picking up a controller, you'll also want to pre-emptively consider picking up an N64 Expansion Pak. The memory upgrade module that goes in that front slot is technically optional, but without one, you won't be able to run some of the console's greatest outings, like Majora's Mask, Donkey Kong 64, or Perfect Dark. Therefore, I'd nip things in the bud and get one from day one.

What I will say is that the N64 Expansion Pak is pretty pricey for what it is, and no, it's not thanks to RAMageddon. You're looking at around $50 at eBay for the original accessory, and there's a distinct lack of new third-party options out there. The easiest way to identify an actual memory module is usually the red plastic grill at the top, but some old unofficial versions have extra funky covers that replace the original flap.

On that note, you'll also want to make sure you don't pick up a standard Jumper Pak like the all-black one that's already in your console, as while that will allow you to power things on if it was missing, it won't give you the required memory boost for specific games. I've noticed an increase in second-hand sellers listing the dummy bridge Paks as Expansion Paks, and AliExpress has a nasty habit of confusingly calling them "Expansion Cards".

While we're on the subject of memory, I'm hesitant to completely dub the Memory Pak for game saves as mandatory. However, there are specific releases that require it for game saves, like Doom 64, Turok, and Rayman 2: The Great Escape. For that reason, I do think it's worth picking one up before you start diving back into carts, but if you opt for a Blueretro Wireless Adapter or the 8Bitdo N64 controller, both actually come with storage included that's detected as a memory card.

The biggest nuance tied to using a Memory Pak is that it then occupies your controller slot, preventing you from also using gadgets like the Rumble Pak or Transfer Pak for Pokémon Stadium. Third parties once sold units that combined the two functions and allowed you to toggle them with a switch, but those can be harder to find today and pricey to boot.

Playing cartridges on the N64

With the core of your N64 setup in place, you're ready to jam those old cartridges into your system. Theoretically, that's as simple as grabbing a cart, popping it into the top loading slot, and flicking the switch, but there are hurdles that can lead to a dreaded black screen.

The first isn't exclusive to the Nintendo 64, as it ties to the cartridge contacts. If your carts are dusty, dirty, or potentially even corroded, they might not work on your console, and the quickest fix is to give them a quick clean with a Q-tip and some 99% isopropyl alcohol. You can also grab cleaning kits, but those can be pretty pricey compared to DIY solutions.

I'm not going to lecture you about blowing into the cartridge like a harmonica, as for some of you, it's part of the experience. Just know that if you do it, though, you're contributing to the very issues you're trying to sort, as the moisture from your breath can corrode the pins over time. Yes, it's a quick way to remove dust, but I'd get yourself some supplies so you can keep old adventures spittle free.

The other stumbling block ties to region locking, as Nintendo really didn't want you importing games back in 1996. To hinder you from doing so, it made physical tweaks to the carts and slot so that they don't fit, but you can actually play Japanese games in an American N64 and vice versa with a really simple mod.

Effectively, the only thing stopping NTSC games running on every system is a plastic insert. It's designed to line up with cut outs on the cart, with Japanese games using squares and USA releases featuring narrower corner indents. If you pop the top off your N64, you can replace the cartridge tray with one missing the notches, either via 3D printing or pre-made kits at Amazon, which will then let you insert every cartridge type.

The catch is that while it will also let you insert PAL region games, those still won't run on your NTSC system. The reason is explicitly tied to technical differences with the encoding system standards, with European and Australian games being designed to run at 50Hz instead of 60Hz. You can get around this by using old region adapters like the N64 Passport that spoof compatibility by using two carts simultaneously, but the results are unpredictable.

If you'd rather avoid fumbling around with multiple carts, and fancy diving into the wonderful world of N64 homebrews, you'll also want to consider a flash cart. I can personally vouch for the SummerCart64 ($87.99 at Amazon), as the open-source accessory lets you load your collection onto an included 8GB SD card and even simulate N64 Disc Drive games. I've been primarily using it to check out fantastic Zelda ROM hacks, and it works well on both OG hardware and the Analogue 3D.

The Summercart64 also solves the issue of region locking, as it's designed to fit in every model and cater to PAL and NTSC. There's specifically a modal option for setting your TV type for each game, which is incredibly handy if you're trying to avoid playing imports in black and white on an old CRT or region-specific screen.

Top tips

Troubleshooting

My N64 won't show up on my TV

If you've got an HDMI adapter or upscaler plugged into your N64 and you're still not getting an image, you'll want to check your connection type and console model. Later revisions of systems, like the NUS-CPU-P-02 and the pretty Pikachu edition, actually lack S-video, so if you've got that cable specifically plugged into a upscaling device, it's not going to work. There's also a chance you've got an RGB cable plugged in, which also isn't going to output an image since the Nintendo 64 natively lacks support.

Failing that, you should also check your Jumper/Expansion Pak is properly inserted and that your games are clean. Both can result in games not starting up, meaning you'll get a black screen.

My cartridge won't fit

Over the years, N64 games for overseas have made their way to different countries. That means you could end up trying to insert a Japanese game into an American console, and thanks to specific notches inside, that's not going to work. If you're itching to play in import, you can modify your system by replacing the internal cart tray plastic, but PAL region games will require special adapters.

My N64 joystick is wobbly

Finding N64 controllers with a joystick that doesn't wobble is becoming a rarity, and it's caused by wear and tear. Years of swinging Bowser around causes the optical-mechanical mechanism inside to grind away the bottom bowl, meaning there's extra space at the bottom. The quick fix for this is to replace the internal module either using a like-for-like replacement or a new hall-effect thumb stick, with the latter ensuring stick-drift is a thing of the past.

Good to know

Emulation

It's needless to say that while playing on real hardware is a treat, plenty of you will be looking to emulate N64 games. The issue is that unlike other consoles from the '90s, the Nintendo 64 is notoriously difficult to emulate using software, and while there are solid options for playing, your milage will vary based on your device.

What you will need

One of the biggest challenges you'll face trying to play your N64 cartridges on other devices is actually getting them on there. Yes, you will need to own an actual cartridge and a the real console regardless, as you'll otherwise be sailing the seven seas of piracy. Even then, the whole process should be strictly for private use, and if you'd rather steer clear of legal grey areas and long-standing arguments that extracting ROMs is a copyright infringement, you might want to just stick with licenced ports of classics.

Yes, I know being told to consider a modern console for N64 games isn't ideal, but the Switch will provide you 44 classics without faffing with emulators and ROMs. You'll also be able to use authentic controllers like the 8Bitdo N64 controller or Ninty's own NSO Nintendo 64 controller, so you won't be stuck with JoyCons or a modern pad. What you won't have is access to specific options and overlay settings, but in return, you're getting set, reliable performance.

Retro handheld options

The best retro handhelds are designed with emulation in mind, but not every portable will play nice with N64 games. For the best results, you should aim for at least a mid-range gadget, while some of the more premium options will cover more of the Nintendo 64 library with minimal caveats.

I've wrestled with N64 emulation on everything from handhelds to PCs over the past two decades, and sometimes extra horsepower won't save you. That said, I find that aiming higher with handheld specs does help difficult-to-run N64 games out in the frame rate and visuals department, so if you've got the funds, something like the Anbernic RG Cube can provide nice results.

If you'd rather pick up something more budget-friendly, you can get away with lower-spec options like the RH36, unbranded portable that's typically under $50. The main issue there is that you'll have to stick with some of the earlier adventures like Super Mario 64, as games that require a Expansion Pak or are harder to run will suffer in the frame rate department (like Perfect Dark and Goldeneye).

How to play N64 games on a handheld

• Fetch a compatible emulator like Project64
• Import your N64 ROMs to your device
• Let the app scan your game collection folder
• Launch your chosen game to check performance
• Tweak scaling or graphics API if required

How to play N64 games on PC

• Install an emulator like Ares and Gopher64
• Import your game ROMs to the app's library folder
• Scan the folder for your games to add
• Plug in a compatible USB gamepad and map buttons in the settings menu
• Check performance and tweak graphics/scaling settings if required

How to play N64 games on iOS

• Head to the app store
• Download Delta or Retroarch emulator for N64 games
• Add the folder with your game ROMs
• Let the app scan for files and launch your game

Check out how to play PS2 games if you're looking for more retro setups.

Anbernic's take on the Nintendo DS is getting the "Plus" treatment, as the RG DS is back with enhanced specs. Compared to last year's model, the new version is set to be a "next-generation dual-screen handheld" with four times the resolution of the 2000s portable, a brand new interface designed for two screens, and even a stylus authentically tucked in at the side, but we're not in 3DS clone territory yet.

The Anbernic RG DS Plus looks a bit more like a 3DS XL, but it's not gunning for that retro handheld throne. The trailer makes that clear by revealing a single thumbstick, not unlike the MagicX Zero 40 (the vertical screen oddball that's $55 at AliExpress) and specifically highlighting the increased resolution compared to the 256x192 pixels provided by the OG DS.

By way of "4x pixel perfect scaling" and a "16-in-1 pixel density", the RG DS Plus hopes to enhance the clarity of original DS games. That means revisiting those romps on a 1024 x 768 display compared to just 640 x 480 on last year's version, which should crisp things up.

Anbernic doesn't fully reveal specs in the trailer, but Retrohandhelds has the scoop. The fact that it dials back memory from 3GB to 1GB may throw some of you off, but since this version swaps Android out for Linux, it arguably isn't as ravenous for RAM. It also lacks built-in eMMC Storage, which again, is viable since the OS can function with a microSD.

Those measures are naturally an effort to keep RAMageddon at bay, and considering the RG DS Plus will be available for under $100, it seems to be working. Yes, if you do value more memory and storage over higher-resolution screens, you'll want to stick with the vanilla RG DS since it's also under $100 at AliExpress, but I'd argue this revamp feels like a better fit for OG DS romps.

Had Anbernic swapped out the Rockchip RK3568 chipset with something beefier and kept the memory, we'd be looking at a 3DS portable. Instead, the handheld maker is dialling in everything you'd want from a normal DS, including a new baked-in NNDDSS emulator and a tailored front-end for your library. The 2000s console cherry on top, though, is the included stylus that slides in at the side; while it's just a capacitive stick with a rubber end, it really helps hit all the right vibes.

We'll need to wait a touch longer for an official RG DS Plus release date and spec sheet, but Anbernic seems to be faring well despite the current pricing situation. Its apparent plan of refining each portable for its respective platform, rather than cramming specs and features in, feels like a wise move that combats associated hikes while improving the overall experience for specific libraries. But alas, I'll need to get hands-on with the copycat NDS to confirm whether it's worth its $100 price tag, and I'd still like a proper 3DS clamshell with a respectable cost.

• More retro handhelds at Amazon
• Anbernic handhelds at AliExpress

Swing by the best retro consoles for remakes, emulation machines, and HDMI plug and play systems.

Yesterday, I highted a faux CRT TV by arcade hardware makers Unico that's launching on Kickstarter. It's undeniably early days for the campaign, but the fact it's currently using AI-generated imagery only added to my scepticism as a retro console and cathode-ray tube enthusiast. However, the brand has reached out to say it's ditching the artificial photos, signalling a willingness to course correct.

Reaching out via email, a representative for Unico and the TRAVELLER-ULW10 faux CRT has confirmed that the team is "updating all the asset packaging to be real assets as they become available." That means that the current, highly questionable AI-generated lifestyle images should be switched out with actual photos, starting with the official webpage then the Kickstarter campaign.

I always appreciate when retro console and accessory makers pro-actively listen to feedback, and Unico seem to be paying attention. While passionate CRT display devotees aren't really the target audience for the 4:3 TRAVELLER-ULW10, especially since it's focussed on easy connectivity over authentic tube visuals and replicating retro scanlines, AI images only serve to hamper its chances before it even gets going.

Unico says up front that the "ULW10 isn’t trying to be the best conventional monitor." Without specs to hand, it's hard to decipher what that actually means, though, as it could be that the Sony Trinitron PVM-inspired cube will use a basic LCD and inputs that don't deal with upscaling in an ideal way.

Thankfully, the brand says it will share TRAVELLER-ULW10 specifications, and I'm hoping that puts some of my fears to rest. I'm really hoping it's not using one a security camera LCD display at its core with inputs like composite, RGB, and VGA built in, as while those will save you working out how to connect your retro consoles to a modern TV, you'll be at the mercy of latency and poor response timings.

Ideally, Unico won't be using off the shelf displays or boards for the TRAVELLER-ULW10, or will at least use a decent upscaler like the GBS-C ($89 at Amazon) with a good quality LCD panel. Despite my reservations, I'm keen to get hands on with this faux CRT TV to find out first-hand whether you can replicate the functionality of an old tube set, and while the AI images have me on edge, I'll reserve proper judgement for those eventual specs and upcoming real images.

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Check out the best retro controllers for brand new gamepads with modern tricks.

After being shunned for plasma and LCD in the 2000s, CRT TVs are once again desirable. The only issue is that while retro gamers have spent the past decade hunting down working tubes and keeping them in the home, there's now a shortage after that initial household cathode ray cull. Yes, that means there's a big old gap in the market now that tube sets are all the rage again, so I'm not surprised there's now a faux Sony PVM on Kickstarter.

Here's the thing: while the TRAVELLER-ULW10 by Unico looks like a CRT, specifically an ultra-desirable Sony Trinitron PVM, it's basically just a 4:3 LCD. The idea is that by making something with an aspect ratio that matches most of the best retro consoles and the right inputs to boot, you'll be able to "relive the glory days of console gaming".

If that sounds familiar, it's likely because Unico, an arcade hardware maker founded in 2019, isn't the only company pitching a CRT revival. Back in January, a startup by the name of RetroBox promised to bring back the "VHS combo TV", but the faux portable tube set has yet to land. You may have also scrolled past other LCD-based Sony PVM remakes on social media by Retrooldtech, which have a very similar vibe to the "new" TRAVELLER-ULW10.

All these screens, including the Unico TRAVELLER-ULW10, will save you the trouble of figuring out how to connect retro consoles to modern TVs. I'd love to gulp down the proverbial Kool-Aid and believe that this latest pseudo-tube will actually emulate the look and feel of a cathode-ray tube set, but I suspect there's nothing particularly special lurking inside the box.

It doesn't help that Unico avoids delving into actual specs or letting you see what's powering that 10-inch 4:3 LCD display. Even the cheesy lifestyle marketing is AI-generated, and while that's majorly off-putting in its own right, it also makes the screen look far larger than it actually is in some images. All of that, paired with no insights into the tech itself, leads me to believe we're looking at a box that won't do anything specific to combat the cons of using old consoles with new displays.

That's not to say the TRAVELLER-ULW10 won't provide you with somewhere to ram your retro cables, as it'll apparently boast RGB and VGA input alongside HDMI for modern consoles. It could be using something similar to a GBS-C upscaler inside ($89.90 at Amazon, FYI), but if it goes down that route, it will also have to include an extra transcoder for composite-only systems like the NES and N64.

I should note that getting a GBS-C or any other dedicated upscaler in there is a best-case scenario. It could very well be using a cheap HDMI adapter with all the relevant ports, meaning you'd then have to deal with input lag and graphical quirks like artificing. All I can do is speculate since the actual main board is a mystery, and being able to pop your console in the leftover void is pretty neat, but I've been laughing for five solid minutes at the fact there are no speakers behind the side grills in the promo video.

It's my job to help you easily play retro consoles in the modern age authentically, and solid modern alternatives to CRT TVs would ease my burden. It's for that reason that I hope the Unico TRAVELLER-ULW10 delivers everything it's promising and more, but the issue is that the company hasn't explicitly detailed what it wants to achieve beyond a virtual 360 demo and rendered ideas (I suspect Nintendo didn't grant permission for the NES games featured in the former).

Keep in mind this is a pre-launch page, so we'll hopefully find out more about the TRAVELLER-ULW10 in a grand reveal. So far, the Kickstarter only has six backers, which makes sense given the lack of information and AI-generated marketing. Simply put, Unico really needs more than a 10-inch 4:3 display to emulate the look of CRT tech, and I'm really hoping it doesn't just use a cheap AliExpress security camera screen at its core.

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Check out how to play PS2 games if you're trying to hook up Sony's legendary system.

Upon stumbling across a new PS1 homebrew with a Quake demo included, I thought I'd finally found a solid way to play the shooter on Sony's console. Unlike DOOM, the iconic MS-DOS romp didn't get an invite to the PlayStation party back in the '90s, but my dreams of playing it AFK were shattered by one caveat: it's made using AI.

Yes, this is another impressive retro console project that has AI lurking beneath the surface. It's a pity too, as the PSxOxide demo bundles Quake in with a wonderfully odd bunch of PS1 projects, including a version of Minecraft, Guitar Hero, and Rocket League. You can even dive into Celeste Classic if you fancy some platforming, but alas, it'll fuel AI-aided development.

Over at the demo's GitHub, PSoXide's developer, EBonura, discloses that they used "substantial AI assistance under human direction and hardware verification." Simply put, while the code wasn't completely generated, Claude was used for debugging and as a developmental aid.

I admittedly hadn't checked for a way to play Quake on PS1 for a while, as it turns out the PSoXide demo is based on an older project. Dubbed QuakePSX, dates on the page suggest it's been around for at least five years, and it received updates nine months ago. The older shareware port doesn't leverage AI as far as I'm aware, so it is possible to give it a whirl regardless.

Having played both the PSoXide and original QuakePSX demos over the weekend, the latter actually feels closer to what I'm after anyway. That's largely thanks to the fact it features support for the PS1 mouse, meaning you can get a bit of a PC feel on the '90s console. It also felt like it was running at a higher fps, but you should brace yourself for frame rate frights well below 30.

I should note I also shot myself in the proverbial PS1 setup foot right after discovering these Quake ports. Foolishly, I decided to re-shell the modded OG PlayStation I was using to run the shooter via a burned CD, and the subtle changes to the laser alignment mean both aren't loading properly.

That's worth keeping in mind even if you're debating picking up more modern accessories like a PSxMemCard for TonyHax abilities or swapping out the disc drive for something like an XStation SD card ODE ($51 at Aliexpress, FYI). The latter will save you from the pain of trying to load in Quake, but as someone who's very passionate about keeping physical media alive, I am investigating why a shell swap is messing it up.

It feels like we're getting closer to seemingly impossible ports making their way onto the OG PS1. The issue is that there are far too many projects using AI rather than the traditional journey, and while I'd love to play a crunchy version of Quake for the console, I'd rather avoid fuelling tools that are actively eroding the art of development.

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You'll want to check out how to play PS2 games next if you've got the original console or handheld emulation on your mind.

Anbernic finally has a Snapdragon contender in its new RG 55G1 handheld. Yes, it follows the portable console maker's cosplaying traditions, as it's dressed up like a Switch Lite, but for under $140, it certainly won't be running games from the past few generations.

Starting at $139.99, the Anbernic RG 55G1 instead has its sights on the mid-range best retro handheld throne. It's armed with a respectable Snapdragon G1 Gen 2, again meaning it's the first Qualcomm option by the portable maker. It's also rocking 4GB/64GB and 8GB/128GB RAM and memory combos, but the latter raises the bill to $164.99.

That's not too shabby considering retro handheld prices are spiralling upwards, and other console makers like Ayn are fighting Qualcomm-specific hikes. The chip does give the RG 55G1 an edge over other sub-$200 options like the Anbernic RG Cube (the square one that's $170 at Amazon), although if you're looking into how to play PS2 games specifically, I'd maybe aim slightly higher.

In an early look at the Anbernic RG 55G1, Retro Game Corps has already put the portable through its PS2 paces. The YouTuber notes that while the performance in games at native resolution is "pretty impressive" for the price, provided you stick with something like Jak and Daxter. However, you will experience slowdown in heavier classics like Burnout Revenge and God of War, meaning it's anything but a PlayStation 2 juggernaut.

Of course, those limitations with the now 26-year-old PS2 mean that while it looks like a Switch Lite, it doesn't quack like a Switch Lite. The portable's comfort zone is very much up to and including N64, PS1, and Sega Saturn. Nintendo GameCube capers are completely doable too, but the jist is that the Snapdragon G1 Gen 2 starts to sweat when dealing with 3D-based engines.

It's easy to get hung up on a handheld's limits, but the Anberic RG 55G1 is the right kind of portable given the current climate. The company could have gone all guns blazing and made a PS2 powerhouse flagship with a beefer Snapdragon G2 or even G3 in. Instead, it's seemingly being conscious of what those dedicated to the brand can actually afford, and making a slick faux Switch Lite that balances tried-and-tested ergonomics with specs that don't lead to an ever-deepening money pit.

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Peek at the best retro consoles for remakes, emulation systems, and HDMI plug-and-play solutions.

The mystery Evercade cartridge set to ditch its legacy status is the Piko Interactive Collection 1, as Blaze has announced it's back in print. While the original compilation featured 20 classics, this edition knocks that number down to 19, but while the previously included shmup Magic Girl is now MIA, you're still getting a 40-hour Sega RPG alongside other excellent 16-bit capers.

That RPG is Brave Battle Saga, a turn-based RPG for the Sega Mega Drive that arrived in Asia back in 1996. In an announcement post, Blaze reveals that the "fan-favorite" outing will return as part of a 19-game collection housed in a clamshell case with new refreshed artwork. Losing Magic Girl, a vertical shooter with big anime vibes, is a bummer, but I suspect leaving it behind helped this re-release happen.

Collections like this are what arguably help elevate the Evercade range within the best retro console race. There's every chance you've played a bunch of these romps, as while inclusions like The Immortal, Drakkhen, and Radical Rex will perhaps be on your radar already, the likes of 8 Eyes on NES is a bit more obscure.

The fact that Blaze is actively bringing back discontinued Evercade carts is a great sign. Not only does it mean we could end up with even more shelved releases making a comeback, but it means you won't miss out if you're only just getting round to grabbing a retro handheld or system.

The bigger event for the brand is naturally the Evercade Nexus, a handheld with a focus on 3D games. It's pricer than previous portables at $199.99, but you are getting a full thumbstick ensemble, a larger 5.89-inch IPS screen, and elevated specs, so it could make for a nice upgrade from the Super Pocket or an older Evercade handheld.

Even if you do choose to go for the Super Pocket (the Rare Edition is $74.99 at Amazon), you'll still get access to all the same games. The re-release of the Piko Interactive Collection 1 means you'll now have access to one more compilation as well as over 500 other outings, and that's pretty impressive for a platform that's only six years old.

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Swing by the best retro controllers for new pads with wireless tricks and modern features.

GameStop has been bartering with trade-ins for decades, and its program allows you to even swap your retro consoles for in-store credit. That's how it keeps itself stocked with old systems on its website that normally cost a chunk above second-hand listings, but whenever you see an in-store sign prompting you to "trade in gaming history", I need you to stop.

I should note that I live in Scotland, so my retro console collection is out of GameStop's reach. However, Bluesky User GWIZ shares a photo of in-store signage tempting players to trade in valuable systems and games, and even the wording of the pitch should be a red flag.

The sign in full reads, "Nintendo Wii controllers? Dreamcasts? Your original copy of Final Fantasy VII? We'll take those and other retro items off your hands." Yes, the poster is assuming you have more than one of Sega's last console lying around, but the overall message reads like it's doing you a favor by taking your classic systems.

The part that worries me is that even the Xbox Series X, released six years ago, now starts at $749.99, and some people may end up trading in their systems to fund inflated prices. This specific pitch may appeal to players who don't know how to connect retro consoles to modern TVs and monitors, thinking the old platforms aren't any use in 2026.

In case you weren't aware, that's not remotely the case, and those retro consoles can still serve as a portal to some of the best games ever made. In fact, they will arguably provide a refreshing experience compared to modern systems since you can just pop in physical games and dive straight in, whereas Sony is inching towards an all-digital future with the PS5.

Again, trade-ins are nothing new at GameStop, and it has a whole retro gaming page at its storefront. I should also note that as someone from a working-class background, I'm not remotely against trade-ins since they help people continue to buy new games. What I will say is that, unlike trading in a new game you've just completed and never plan on playing again, swapping your classic systems will mean potentially parting ways with your collection while the store makes double what they paid you for reselling it.

As a quick example, let's just say you give GameStop one of those Dreamcasts it's hungry for. On the website, it claims it'll give you "up to $70" store credit or just $49 cash. It will then sell that same system for $129.99, which is actually above the going rate at second-hand sites like eBay.

It goes without saying that those rates are pretty pants, but GameStop is well aware that retro gaming is having another resurgence. Now is its window of opportunity to get you to part with consoles that players will be looking to revisit when they can't afford new machines or simply don't want to use something with no physical discs, and even if you are desperate to pick up GTA VI and something to play it on, I can promise you'll regret trading in your trusty systems and collections.

Rather than heeding GameStop's ravenous call for retro consoles, I want you to instead think about all your favorite old adventures. If there's something you'd honestly rather dive into than most new releases, then it's worth considering hooking them back up and investing in a new retro controller that'll help add modern perks like wireless connectivity.

If you need a bit of a hand getting started with classic systems with funky video cables, it just so happens I specialize in retro console setups. I've already got you covered on how to play PS2 games, and I plan on covering just about every platform out there. There's plenty of gaming life in those old machines, and as a preservationist, I fully believe that "gaming history" deserves more than being kept in a GameStop warehouse.

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Check out the best retro handhelds if you'd rather emulate your favorite consoles on the go.

Blaze has a habit of discontinuing Evercade cartridges, but the console company is bringing back a legacy collection. While we'll find out which compilation is getting re-released on Friday, it's a sign that it can and will bring back physical games you may have missed.

In an Evercade teaser post headlined "Something is coming... back!", the retro console makers confirm a legacy cartridge will return on Friday, August 28. By my count, 19 physical games are now marked as "legacy", including the Namco collections 1 and 1 alongside the Atari Lynx compilations and both Piko Interactive carts.

There's a complete list of legacy cartridges for reference at the Evercade site. It's handy for identifying the games you can and can't buy right now for retro handhelds like the Super Pocket (like the Rare Edition that's currently $71), but will also give you an idea of what's coming back this Friday.

Some of you might be wondering why physical Evercade games vanish from sale to begin with, and it's largely for the same reasons as digital delisting. It all ties back to the idea of licensing agreements and, for the most part, said rights have usually expired when it comes to discontinued carts. All it really takes is for a publisher to increase their fees or even keep some games for other projects, and it means a game can no longer legally be kept in print.

It's anyone's guess what the cartridge might be, although I'm already seeing Evercade collectors place their bets (I won't spoil what they're saying). The re-release does mean you'll have an extra game cart to consider if you're picking up the Evercade Nexus this October or even the Activision Super Pocket. I suspect Blaze is continually trying to find ways to bring back legacy carts regardless, so it's nice to see one actually return since it's now one of the last bastions of physical gaming.

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Swing by the best retro controllers for authentic pads with wireless connectivity and new tricks.

Atari and Activision have somewhat of a turbulent history, but the two publishers are teaming back up in the name of new cartridges. The collection will provide vintage console fans with the chance to nab 12 standard edition releases, including Pitfall!, River Raid, Kaboom!, and H.E.R.O, and if you're feeling really fancy, you can add 39 "deluxe" boxed classics to your shelf with ludicrous price tags.

The Atari x Activision Collection almost feels like two old pals finally falling back in. While there hasn't been any real animosity between the two publishing giants, the developer of '80s hits like Pitfall and River Raid originally broke away from the retro console maker in 1979 to become the first-ever third-party developer for the 2600. Let's just say the four programmers who started the legendary company, David Crane, Alan Miller, Bob Whitehead, and Larry Kaplan, weren't happy with their treatment at Atari, and the rest is history.

Of course, even though those grudges were left back in the '80s, the two companies evolved as seperate entities. That matters today since we now have shiny new systems like the Atari 2600+ remake ($129 at Amazon, FYI) accompanied by real carts and even retro handhelds like the Activision Super Pocket loaded up with the developer's classic capers. Normally, you have to opt for something attributed to Atari or Activision, but the new cart collaboration unites the two after almost 50 years.

If you're simply seeking physical Activision cartridges you can play using original hardware or the new Atari 7800+ or 2600+ emulation-based remakes, you're looking at $34.99 / £27. That batch of cardboard releases sticks to just 12 of the console's third-party greats, but you can go absolutely wild and pick up the four "Deluxe" collector's boxes at a staggering $249.99 / £261 a pop.

I should note that with the Treasure, Speed, Secrets, and Victory Deluxe boxes, you're getting a bunch of feelies with each of the 39 games. You'll be treated to collectable patches and pins to stick on your denim jacket, and if you somehow have $999.96 / £1,006 (?!) for the "Complete Collection", you'll also get a mysterious to-be-announced collectable item.

For just shy of $1,000, I'd personally be expecting a solid gold Atari, but I don't want to yuck anyone's collectable yum. At the same time, the Atari x Activision clearly isn't geared towards casual players who want to embrace physical retro gaming, as even the $35 MSRP tied to the standard editions is a little steep.

I'm not completely down with the price tags, but I do appreciate the sentiment behind the Atari x Activision collection. In a statement marking the reveal, the company's VP of hardware, Matt Burnett, acknowledges the historical significance of the breakup that happened way back in the '70s.

“In 1979, a group of Atari programmers set out to prove that great games could come from independent creators and ended up changing the industry forever,” remarks Burnett. “The Atari x Activision Collection brings that legacy to life through the games themselves, giving fans an opportunity to experience, collect and preserve the work of the developers who helped establish a new model for the video game industry.”

The real question is whether the Atari x Activision collaboration will be a one-off, or if we'll continue to see first and third-party games co-exist on the same new systems. That would save the need for separate handhelds like the Super Pocket, but I'm also holding out for new editions that even bring back the likes of Imagic since that developer is owned by Activision.

I'm not asking for much, perhaps even just some nice re-releases of Dragon Fire, Laser Gates, or Moon Sweeper in those metallic boxes. I'd even settle for a nice handheld with all of those baked in, and I guess the Atari x Activision proves that it is possible despite any licensing divisions in the big 26.

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Swing by the best retro controllers for authentic gamepads with new tricks.

Commodore is making a Cyberpunk 2077 version of the C64 Ultimate, marking its first-ever hardware collaboration. The special edition microcomputer is powered by the same FPGA hardware as last year's remake, but the new machine is cosplaying as an Edgerunner and includes a "shard" C64 demo cartridge.

Dubbed the Commodore 77, the special edition microcomputer will drain your CredChip account. The gritty yellow breadbin will set you back $377, which is a chunk more than the Beige and Startlight Commodore 64 Ultimate models, but not quite as steep as the $549.99 Founders Edition (keep in mind that the C64 Mini is $68). That said, if you happen to fall in the middle of this very specific Cyberpunk 2077 and '80s microcomputer-loving Venn diagram, you'll already have your eddies at the ready.

In a press release marking the reveal, Commodore's CEO Christian Simpson (Perri Fractic) uses an amusing (if not slightly cheesy) allegory to highlight the C77's purpose. “In a world dominated by corporate surveillance, algorithmic feeds, and private security, the safest tech is sometimes the oldest,” heralds Simpson. “Commodore 64 owners have never needed a corporation’s permission to build something new on our hardware, and that’s very much the spirit of Cyberpunk 2077.

Yes, the offline, low-spec nature is once again being pitched as an escape from the horrors of online algorithms and social media. But, it's clear to see the Commodore 77 is targeting retro console and microcomputer collectors who also love either the CD Projekt RPG, the Edgerunners anime, or both.

Visually, the Commodore 77 does just look like a standard C64 with an artistically scuffed-up yellow breadbin. If you zoom in, though, you'll see that the shell is clad in various little visual easter eggs, including a "NiCola" soft drink faux sticker on the side and a "Daemon" shift key. The shell itself also has a transparent bottom, meaning it'll have the same RGB twinkle as the previously released Starlight Edition.

Better still, upon powering on the machine, you'll be treated to a special version of BASIC that uses a Cyberpunk 2077 font. These tiny details make sense given that the RPG's developers worked with Commodore on the machine, and Patrick Mills, Franchise Content Strategy Lead at CD PROJEKT RED, really seems to understand the assignment.

“When we signed the deal with Commodore to collaborate on the Commodore 77, I was thrilled,” remarks Mills. "As an old-school PC gamer myself, I can still remember when the Commodore 64 was the pinnacle of gaming tech. Commodore’s legacy wasn't the only thing that excited me, though. The tech in Cyberpunk 2077 is chunky, tactile, and substantial — meaning that the Commodore 77 can really feel like a device lifted straight out of the game world and onto your desktop."

Mills also touches on the exclusive demo content created by long-standing Polish C64 demo group Arise. You could say the bundled cartridge is inspired by the RPG's physical media Shards is a reason to pick up the Commodore 77 on its own, as it includes a chiptune soundtrack by composer LukHash and a visual showcase that takes full advantage of the FPGA machine's SID chip, 24-channel stereo audio, 2MB cartridge (up from the original 16KB), and controllable RGB lighting.

The Content Strategy lead sums that up, saying, "The Commodore 77 demo similarly brings a slice of Cyberpunk 2077 and Night City to the long-established C64 demo scene, a demonstration of technical skill and the power of the Commodore.” It feels like both the physical design of the C77 and its demo scene origins are a perfect match, and I can't wait to see it show up as part of setups pushing the hardware's limits.

I won't lie: Cyberpunk 2077 wasn't on my C64 collab bingo card. On the sci-fi side of things, I figured Alien would maybe have a look in purely based on aesthetics, which would have tied in beautifully with Commodore's return to game publishing with an Alien Breed collection. Failing that, the microcomputer makes cameos in everything from John Wick to Fast and Furious 9, so there's plenty of scope for cinematic tie-ins.

That said, there's something creative about making a microcomputer designed in the 1980s look like something from 2077. The janky vibes compared to the advanced in-game terminals and cybernetics feel like it feeds into Edgerunners lore, almost like something a netrunner would use to take on the Megacorps without being detected. It's a vibe I'm more than on board with, but the $377 price tag means it's firmly for a specific target audience.

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Swing by the best retro controllers for new gamepads that still feel authentic.

By rights, the original PlayStation should be an icon, but I can't help but feel the PS1 lives in the shadow of the PlayStation 2. After all, the latter is the best-selling console of all time, not to mention it can run its predecessor's library thanks to backwards compatibility. However, I need everyone to stop telling new players to just "pick up a PS2", as if you're specifically looking to play those original black discs; it could end in tears.

That's not to say that if you've already sussed out how to play PS2 games on original hardware, you can't use it for PS1 discs. The sequel system has the same MIPS R3000A microprocessor as the '90s retro console, and that means it can run 98% of the OG PlayStation library. The problem is that various other hardware differences can get in the way of you playing certified classics, and the issues stem from subtle differences with the PlayStation 2 outside of backwards compatibility.

When I first got my hands on the mighty PlayStation 2, it evicted every other console from my CRT TV trolley. Luckily, I've never gotten rid of a console in my life, so upon running into various weird hiccups with PS1 games, including even Tomb Raider 2, I fetched the original and popped it on top of its successor. To this day, I still use a separate system for PlayStation discs, and if you're serious about that specific library, you probably should too.

Laser tolerance turmoil

Functionally speaking, the PS1 and PS2 perform similar tricks. Pop in a disc, close the lid, and boom, you're playing a video game. Of course, even those of you who aren't tech-savvy will know the PlayStation 2 is designed to run DVDs, whereas its predecessor deals in CDs, and while that doesn't stop the sixth-gen system from running both, it's more a secondary role.

I don't want you to think the PS2 is bad at reading CDs; that's not strictly true. It's got a dual diode laser assembly that's specifically designed to run DVDs and those black discs. Out of the box, it'll have no trouble with either, but feed it something that's perhaps been resurfaced in a shop a few times back in the day, and the game's potentially a bogey.

I actually learned this the hard ware first hand upon aquiring a commercial disc resurfacing machine. The victim was a copy of Croc 2 for the PS1 that had scratches that looked deliberately inflicted, likely out of rage since the platformer is painful thanks to its slippery mechanics. Initially, its only issue on PS2 was that it'd refuse to play cutscenes, but after a few whirls in the Disc-go-devil, it refused to work in the PlayStation 2.

Whenever you "resurface" or "polish" a disc using a commercial machine, you're taking a microscopic layer off of your CD or DVD. One instance of repair shouldn't impact anything, but keeping it in for extended periods will reduce your discs density. This is exactly what trips the PS2 up, as it's setup is specifically sensitive when you change the 780nm CD requirements of its blue laser.

On the flip side, Croc 2 still works perfectly fine in both a standard PS1 and the slim oval PSOne from the 2000s. Its single diode laser assembly has a better time powering through scratches that the PS2 simply can't tolerate, and that also applies to reduced layers.

My anecdote might sound like it won't apply to you, but reality is that you won't know how many times a game shop has ran your disc through a machine, and that could lead you to thinking your PS1 disc is busted. If you have a PS1 to hand, though, you may find that it's simply out of tolerance range for the PS2's dual-diode laser. Simply put, if you use an actual PlayStation, you chances running battered and bruised games theoretically increase.

Some PS2 consoles are PS1 emulators

The whole point of picking up a real console is arguably to avoid emulation. While many PS2 models will run PS1 games "natively" using a chipset, there are a few later systems that actually use software emulation. That means your games will be theoretically subject to worse compatibility, and from my experience, the issues can catch you off guard.

I should note that Sony's emulation software has a good track record, which makes sense given it almost ended up in a PS1 DualShock "PUGA" plug-and-play console for the Brazilian market. It also brought PlayStation classics to retro handhelds like the PSP and makes the PS3 a solid HDMI-capable option, and while it's technically a different emulation suite to that included with the SCPH-75000 models and SlimSCPH-900xx systems, it does work fairly well.

The main issue with the PS2's "Deckard" emulation is simply that it's emulation, so it's subject to all the usual quirks. Audio issues, freezing, and loading issues are all on the table, and I even encountered a system that had trouble playing Tomb Raider 2 with a third-party DualShock 2 controller. Just to be clear, the gamepad was working both with other games and consoles with the PS1 chipset, meaning there was something odd going on with the way it interfaced with the emulator via the controller port.

Even when things are running fine, PS2s that use PS1 emulation can suffer performance-wise. I specifically recall bringing my copy of Spyro 3: Year of the Dragon to my friend's house to play on a Slim system. Everything seemingly went swimmingly, but when I fired it up back home, my nine-year-old eyes could swear it was running smoother.

That's due to the fact I was still using a PS1 to play, whereas my friend had "updated" to a PS2 Slim after their fat version had an unfortunate run-in with a foot (yes, someone kicked the disc tray in a rage fit). The point is that while you might not care about frame rates when playing janky early 3D games anyway, there is a difference to be found, and that could sway whether you use a PS2 for everything or opt for an original PlayStation.

Playing PS1 games on a PS2 or PS3 has its perks

Okay, I don't want to completely dismiss the idea of playing PS1 games on a PS2 or even the PS3. Using other systems, even those that rely on emulation, can help you tap into different output types, including component and HDMI, in turn saving you from looking up how to connect retro consoles to modern TVs or monitors. I'd argue it's still worth grabbing a GBS-C upscaler to combat jittery de-interlacing in PS2 games anyway, but it'll still save some faff.

The PlayStation 2 also has some sneaky texture smoothing tricks hidden in its menu, and they're worthwhile if you hate the blocky look of some games. By hitting triangle in the main menu and selecting "PlayStation Driver", you can toggle the effects and take the harshness off early 3D capers like Metal Gear Solid, but I personally prefer the raw pixel look.

Later, the PS3 built upon these effects with "PS Smoothing", which effectively adds in anti-aliasing to properly combat jaggies. It can work well depending on the game, but you'll want to avoid using it on anything 2D or stylistically blocky, as it'll hamper definition even when using clean HDMI output.

The PS1 just hits different

Even when you place all those objective PS1 benefits aside, I still prefer the vibes when playing PlayStation games on the OG hardware. Everything from getting the full ominous Sony Computer Entertainment BIOS screen to the chirps of the original laser are a wonderful, hardware-specific experience, even if the latter spoils jump scares in horror romps.

The technical quirks when trying to play PS1 games on PS2 are really just part of my wider quest to keep Sony's first console relevant. I'll have plenty more specific words to say about the OG PlayStation for years to come, but for now, I want you to consider picking one up if you'll be largely playing '90s classics anyway.

Side note: if you're looking for something timely to play, I've been revisiting an obscure PS1 stealth game with connections to Coyote vs Acme, released 25 years before the spoof courtroom drama.

• Retro consoles at Amazon
• Retro upscalers at Amazon

Check out the best retro controllers for modern PS1 and PS2 gamepad alternatives.

Commodore just announced it's bringing back Alien Breed, an iconic Amiga shooter that's been in limbo for over a decade. The new 35th Anniversary Collection ports all six original Alien-inspired romps to modern consoles and PC, marking the retro hardware company's new venture into game publishing.

Scheduled to land September 24 on PS5, Xbox, Switch, and PC, the Alien Breed 35th Anniversary Collection bundles the six original shooters together. If you need a recap, that covers the 1991 Alien Breed original as well as the 1992 Special Edition, Alien Breed II: The Horror Continues (1993), Tower Assault (1994), and Alien Breed 3D I and II released on the Amiga CD32.

Yes, this is the same company that makes the Commodore 64 Ultimate and has a C64C remake on the cards. That's worth highlighting since there are so many fingers in the Amiga right pie (there's an unrelated Amiga microcomputer remake at Amazon for $189), but this publishing debut follows a recent deal that'll make releasing anything Amiga-related less painful. That's not to say we'll suddenly see an influx of retro console and microcomputing hardware, but bringing back Alien Breed feels like a positive sign of things to come.

In a press release marking the announcement, Commodore's CEO Christian Simpson (Peri Fractic) shares his love for the Amiga shooter with a personal backstory. “When I was 8, I persuaded my parents to let me watch a certain Ridley Scott movie," shares Simpson. "For the first time, they said yes. I had nightmares for two years afterwards. A few years later, it was payback time! Alien Breed is the reason a lot of us stayed up way too late as kids, creeping through those corridors with the motion tracker beeping and no idea what was waiting around the corner.”

Rosy memories aside, Christian Simpson also praises original developers, stating that "Team17 built something that still holds up without any nostalgia required, and bringing all six games together in one place, running the way they were meant to run, felt like exactly the right project to launch Commodore back into publishing.”

Bringing back the entire '90s Alien Breed series indeed feels like a power move. Not only is the original one of the best Amiga games of all time, but it's also notably absent from the likes of the THEA1200 microcomputer remake. The only other ports I can personally think of that still live are on GOG, which happen to be MS-DOS versions.

The Alien Breed revival is a collaboration between Commodore and "gaming preservationists Antstream, a studio that's normally associated with the Antstream Arcade streaming service. No, you won't need an internet connection to play the new collection, as the team's role here is seemingly on the porting side.

“As a British game studio, we are immensely proud to be working on a legendary gaming legacy from such an important British publisher,” says Antstream CEO Steve Cottam. “We believe it is absolutely vital to preserve games for future generations, and this collection honors that mission while opening it up to a new generation of gamers.”

There's certainly a bit of a dance required when it comes to making dormant retro games digital. By that, I mean you have to strike a balance between catering to new-age players who download everything and people who'd rather Alien Breed made its return on an Amiga 3.5-inch floppy, not to mention there are now lots of players fighting for physical media of the back of Sony's PS5 disc situation.

I certainly won't snub the chance to play the Amiga version of Team17's eerie top-down horror shooter on the Steam Deck OLED. But, there is part of me that's hoping we'll see an actual physical version of the collection launch alongside an Amiga FPGA machine I can plug into a CRT, and if that's the path ahead, Commodore could really help keep the physical gaming space alive.

• Retro consoles at Amazon

Swing by the best retro handhelds if you'd rather take your Amiga collection on the go.

Coyote vs. Acme challenges the idea that some Looney Tunes characters are born to be screwed over. Yes, there is something bananas about Willie E. Coyote getting his day in court as the “little guy” against an evil mega-corp, but 25 years prior, the Road Runner-chasing wolf’s cousin was exploited in a spoof game show PS1 stealth game with a mean streak.

The star of Sheep Raider (called Sheep, Dog n’ Wolf in Europe) isn’t everyone’s favorite dynamite-wielding, chaotic Coyote. Instead, it’s Willie’s blue-collar cousin, Ralf Wolf, who somehow managed to get his own video game before the Hollywood star. The two are almost indistinguishable, but if you see a big red nose and slightly darker fur, you’re looking at a nine-to-five sheep thief with no interest in Road Runners or lawsuits.

Ralph is perhaps the last Looney Tunes character you’d expect to get his own PS1 game. While trying to catch Road Runner is a vocation for Willie driven by animalistic hunger and obsession, pinching livestock is just a job for Mr Wolf. In the classic '50s Chuck Jones cartoons, he even punches in and out for shifts and has a working relationship with his “nemesis”, Sam Sheepdog. The PlayStation puzzle-stealth platformer shakes up that daily ritual with a satirical take on the false hope of wealth and success propagated by game shows, feeding into the vibe that the Wolf/Coyote family has historically been swindled (or at least has felt hard done by).

Mutton to lose (but your dignity)

Nothing good can come of Daffy Duck rocking up to your abode in a limo wearing a Talking Heads-sized suit. That’s especially true if you’ve just spent a day being bonked in the head for a living by a buff canine, but Sheep, Dog 'n' Wolf sees Ralf forced into what’s essentially unpaid overtime in the guise of a lucrative game show (and a PS1 gameplay loop).

Again, some Looney Tunes characters are destined to be the butt of a joke, and that’s tied to Ralf’s lack of agency. At no point in the game’s intro cutscene does he look thrilled to be dragged from his shack and onto the set of “Who wants to be a sheep stealer?” a game show that’s purposely made to put the wolf back to work and televise the labor for entertainment.

Regardless of whether you’re born for slapstick, you’d think Ralf would simply say no. He’s seldomly speaks, but unlike his cousin, he can indeed spit out a few words when off the clock. Getting caught up in the moment is what grants us one hell of a PS1 puzzler, and while I don’t want to completely spoil the 25-year-old platformer just yet, the whole situation is actually tied to the Wolf’s inner desire for career success and a break from the monotony of the daily grind.

Following Acme cartoon conventions

I’m not sure Ralf has the same case against whoever’s paying Daffy to run a dystopian game show as Willie E. Coyote vs Acme. Still, part of me feels bad for thoroughly enjoying making the wolf work for the grand prize of catapulting the duck to “super stardom.” Make no mistake, the core loop here is the very same labor carried out by the critter in those classic cartoons, with the core objective being to sneak past Sam Sheepdog with sheep in hand.

The thing that really separates Sheep, Dog, and Wolf from other interactive puzzlers or stealth games is that this is like a cartoon RPG. Almost every mechanic in this platformer draws influence from Looney Tunes tropes, from dressing up as bushes to using Acme mail-order packages and launching sheep with bolder see-saw contraptions. Even the laws of physics conform to Merry Melodies conventions, as you can run over canyon gaps and use rubber bands to slingshot yourself.

This caliber of cartoon caper on the PS1 wasn’t anything new; the console has multiple Looney Tunes outings in its catalogue, including Bugs Bunny: Lost in Time, Bugs and Taz: Time Busters. It’s more than “Sheep Raider” plays more like an animated sequence than those other platformers, drawing even more on interactive tropes and having you play out the slapstick situations that drive the 10-minute episodes.

I also appreciate that while this isn’t a Willie E. Coyote game, Infogrames still incorporates plenty of nods. Yes, that includes racing Road Runner with “Wheel-O-Feet” legs on a treacherous path littered with the usual occupational hazards. The fact that more nods and references are infused into the 18 stages as the game progresses makes for a driving reason to keep playing. You might start off pinching sheep, but you’ll swiftly find yourself role-playing the Rabbit Season / Duck Season saga wearing a bunny costume in a bid to confuse Elmer Fudd.

Yosemite Sam, Toro the Bull, and Gossamer the hairy red monster all make an appearance as “threats” too, which all play into their respective gameplay tropes. The cameos ramp up until you find yourself in space thanks to Marvin the Martian, providing more puzzle-solving playpens beyond the intro farmyard work floor.

I’ll admit that the surprisingly authentic cell-shaded graphics and those aforementioned cartoon trope mechanics dress up what is otherwise just a puzzler. Don’t get me wrong, the conundrums are pretty solid, featuring the same style of “trial and error” as some of the greats like Portal. But it’s those same challenges ramping up in difficulty throughout that will keep you playing for eight hours tops, and once you know what you’re doing, a sub-five-hour completion time is more than achievable.

You’ve just won… a bonk on the head

For the player, the excellent early 3D visuals, the banging electronic and jazz mishmash soundtrack, and environmental puzzles are all the prize. Despite ultimately winning “Who wants to be a sheep stealer?” though, and managing to fetch sheep even from deep space, Ralf’s grand prize is being punched over the head by his colleague Sam. Or, at least it would be if this wasn’t all a post-work dream. Talk about a Christopher Nolan-level twist, huh?

That does mean that Infogrames effectively turned the anxiety dream of a 70-year-old cartoon character into an excellent PS1 romp. It also means that, unlike Willie E. Coyote, Ralf can’t legally challenge the fact he was dragged onto a TV show and put through a slapstick rigmarole for nothing. However, I reckon there’s a deeper-seated issue going on with this Looney Tunes family, as it feels like both characters long for the same level of success as the main Space Jam cast.

This is something that’s even represented in the real world, as Coyote vs Acme was almost shelved as a tax write-off. Sure, Willie’s core objective in the flick is to take on Acme and get reparations for the occupational harm inflicted, but I also like to think the critter simply wanted the same Hollywood break as Bugs and his seemingly immune-to-harm inner circle.

In turn, these are similar ambitions to those of his cousin, with Ralf ultimately dreaming himself into a scenario to attain status within his field. Both Coyote vs Acme and Sheep, Dog, N’ Wolf are arguably just vehicles that’ll take both canines somewhere they can feel vindicated. I’m not so sure that panned out for Ralf since the PS1 game ultimately stands by its mean-spirited tropes, whereas 25 years later, Willie has found an alternate route to respect via the art of courtroom drama.

RetroTINK retro upscalers are something of a gold standard, but they come with a heavy price barrier. Yes, I am a classic console setup connoisseur, but even I could only dream of spending $750 on the lavish FPGA-powered 4K Pro model. Even the 4K-CE version with scaled-back specs comes with too heavy a toll, so when even cheaper 6X CE rolled into town with QHD abilities, I was instilled with hope.

I'm still not convinced I can personally afford the RetroTINK-6X CE at $239 / £225. However, the lower MSRP and impressive specs for the money mean I've been sneakily crunching numbers. In a reveal posted to X, the retro console gadget maker's founder, Mike Chi, unveils the 1440p upscaler alongside some headline abilities, including "true HDR10 CRT Simulation", alongside VGA, SCART, YPbPr (component), S-video, and composite for hooking up virtually everything.

Getting deeper into the accompanying blog, RetroTINK claims the 6X CE "redefines what's possible in an entry-level retro gaming video processor." I'm not sure I'd call it "entry-level" at $239, but the key there is that this isn't really just a traditional upscaler, as it uses FPGA tech to accurately translate old resolutions into a native QHD image with ridiculous color accuracy and zero visual nonsense.

One of the biggies here is that the RetroTINK 6X CE actually uses the same "end to end RGB pipeline with internal 12-bit precision." That allows for minimal quantization errors during more complex resolution upscaling jobs, all while paving the way for detailed effects.

Just like the Analogue 3D, the RetroTINK 6X CE can simulate the look of a CRT TV. While the 4K N64 has this baked in, the latter upscaler adds detailed shadow masks and mimics the look of Sony's old tube-set Aperture Grille tech. That's all achieved by waving in retro scanlines alongside specific mask shapes and faux electron beam modulation to hit the same glow you'd get from old displays.

If you're specifically exploring how to play PS2 games using original hardware, the 6X-CE will also solve the console's jittery visuals. Like the much cheaper GBS-C, RetroTINK's new QHD upscaler boasts motion-adaptive de-interlacing, but it's admittedly on a different level. Both will steady the shaky effects produced by stitching odd and even scanlines together, but the 6X CE and its siblings will do it using an FPGA to completely avoid artifacting or any other visual degradation symptoms.

If you have a massive retro console collection, picking up a pricey upscaler makes sense. The RetroTINK 6X CE takes almost everything the lavish 4K version supplies, including profiles for specific systems and advanced image processing tricks, and shoves them into a new, cheaper QHD package.

$239 is still what I'd consider steep, especially since line doublers like the OSSC and the aforementioned GBS-C upscaler do provide nice results for half the price. That said, you'll end up having to let your TV or gaming monitor deal with a 1080p signal, which then can add softness compared to a RetroTINK with higher resolution capabilities. Plus, most of those RGB options can't deal with composite or S-Video out of the box, which is a pain for systems that are stuck with both.

If I can find a way to afford the RetroTINK 6X CE, I'll certainly put it through its paces with almost every retro console out there. I'm extremely keen to see how both really compare to sub-$100 options like the GBS-C or the slightly pricier OSSC, as I've certainly got casual players in my life who will argue there's no meaningful difference.

• Retro upscalers at Amazon
• Retro consoles at Amazon

Check out the best retro controllers to arm your setup with fresh wireless gamepads.

For years now, I’ve been asked by friends and family how to play PS2 games now that the console is considered “retro.” It’s tempting to simply point towards an original console and give them a big thumbs up, but even if you do have Sony’s 2000s system to hand, replaying PlayStation 2 classics in the modern age can feel like a rigmarole rabbit hole.

I haven’t been keeping count, but I’d say more people in my life have asked about playing PS2 games over any other classic gaming library. That makes sense given that it’s the best-selling system of all time, not to mention the kids who grew up with Sony’s best retro console contender are now adults with adult money. All it really takes is for someone to mention a bona fide classic like Silent Hill 2 or Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and boom, a bunch of millennials are searching for how to dive back in.

Of course, there will be a bunch of you who didn’t sink hours of your teens into playing PlayStation 2 capers. Whether you weren’t into gaming at the time, or you’re a fresher-faced player, now is the perfect time to experience the retro console that arguably changed gaming forever, and it’s my goal to show you how to play PS2 games while getting the most out of your original hardware and new gadgets with emulation abilities.

PS2 original console versus emulation

Before you step foot into some of the best PS2 games out there, you'll first have to deal with a crossroads. If you care about the physical experience of popping discs into a tray and letting the ominous start-up jingle send you back 26 years, you'll want to go down the original PlayStation 2 hardware route. The alternative path, however, leads to a world of emulators that'll enable you to play on everything from fancy new retro handhelds to even your PC.

I'll say up front that I'm a bit of a purist and fully believe the whizzing sound of discs and those green and blue LEDs piercing your eyeballs is all part of the full PlayStation 2 experience. That said, opting to emulate your PS2 collection if you've got original copies of games to back up comes with its perks, especially for those of you who prefer streamlined setups.

Don't worry, I'm going to delve into the ins and outs of using original PS2 hardware and DIY solutions. However, this initial rundown should help set you on the right PlayStation 2 path, as while you'll ultimately end up replaying gems like Jak and Daxter, how you go about doing so will feel drastically different.

Using a original PS2 console

Look, I get it, the PS2 in the grand scheme of things isn't that old. Some of you will no doubt be shouting online about how it isn't a retro console, which will give others the impression using one isn't any different to a PS5. Sadly, that's not going to be the case for the majority of players out there, as chances are that your TV has completely ditched support for the 26-year-old machine.

Before I even get to that, though, I should check if you even have an original PS2 to hand. If not, then your best bet is to head out into the wild west that is the second-hand market and try and snag one. These days, you're looking at around $100 for an original "fat" model or up to $120 for the slim model, typically with a controller and the cords, on eBay in the US, while the UK site has listings for under £30.

Prices on retro consoles are constantly fluctuating, and you might be better off checking local ad listings or even Facebook Marketplace if that's your jam. Once you've got hold of at least the base console, you're ready to look round the back of your modern screen, scratch your head, and wonder where the old video cable is meant to go.

What you'll need

We're at another crossroads: if you happen to still have an old CRT TV from 20 years ago, or even something newer with traditional analogue video inputs, you're actually good to go. Just like back in the glory days when GTA: Vice City was all the rage, all you technically have to do is plug your standard RCA cable into your compatible display, and voila, you've got yourself a PlayStation 2 setup.

I should note that I am a CRT enthusiast, and while I am passionate about keeping old tube TVs going in the modern age, they're not for everyone. Yes, features intrinsic to the way the old tech works, like scanlines used by retro consoles, will give you super authentic visuals and help everything look "right", but you're still talking about standard definition on aging hardware that might not look so box fresh anymore.

Using newer LCD panels that are still old enough to have RCA composite or component inputs also comes with major caveats. Plugging straight into those displays will save you looking into how to connect retro consoles to modern TVs and monitors, but screens aren't particularly good at upscaling the PS2's interlaced standard definition visuals to HD and beyond. That's where upscalers and adapters come in, as these doohickies will handle the signal for you, help it look sharp, and minimize input lag.

Connecting a PS2 to your modern screen

I've tested plenty of upscalers with the PS2 over the years, ranging from crummy HDMI adapters to dedicated devices. By default, you'll want to avoid generic boxes that take an analogue signal and spit out an "HD" signal through HDMI, as these will often introduce blur and input lag that'll spoil your PlayStation 2 experience.

That said, I've identified some issues specific to Sony's console that can be a nuisance even when using half-decent adapters. The main issue stems from the PS2's interlaced video signal, as most devices will use "Bob" deinterlacing to turn visuals into full frames for your modern screen. This can introduce an annoying flicker effect that's impossible to ignore once you've spotted it, but devices like the GBS-C can kick those jitters to the curb and put out a nice clean RGB signal.

For other retro consoles, I tend to use the OSSC where I can since it can produce sharper results using line doubling over traditional frame buffer upscaling. The GBS-C has it specifically beat when it comes to PS2, though, as its motion adaptive deinterlacing ensures visuals are free from the jitter tied to stitching together odd and even image lines.

Here's Silent Hill 2 with motion adaptive deinterlacing off and on to illustrate the benefits:

I should note there are upscalers and adapters at each end of the budget scale. If you're really not too fussed about color accuracy, jitter-free visuals, and minimal input lag, direct HDMI adapters are a thing. They will do the trick for under $30, but I've yet to find one that doesn't do OG PlayStation 2 visuals a disservice. Plus, you'll be buying a gadget that'll only work with the PS1 and PS2, so the cheaper price tag becomes anything but if you then end up with more old systems.

Controllers and convenient accessories

Provided that you've now got PS2 visuals blaring away on your screen, it's time to chat controllers. If you have an original DualShock 2 to hand, then you're technically all sorted on that front, but there are absolutely ways to go the extra mile and use new controllers that are less likely to be caked in years of hand grime.

I've got a literal bucket of PS2 controllers, but having also spent years refurbing old sticky pads, I'd say it's worth considering new options. There's nothing worse than crusty buttons deciding not to work halfway through a session, and even clean DualShock 2 pads will be starting to wear down inside. Plus, if you've accidentally grabbed an original PS1 DualShock, you'll find that it won't actually work with PS2 games, mostly because Sony likes to be really annoying.

Thankfully, there are heaps of gamepad options for the old timer today, and as unholy as it sounds, you can even pair your PS5 DualSense with the PS2. That's thanks to the 8Bitdo Bluetooth Retro Receiver, a dongle that goes straight in the console's port and wirelessly links almost every pad after the Xbox One.

That's just one way you can use new controllers with retro consoles like the PlayStation 2, but you can also use entirely new pads. One of the best retro controllers I've tested for the PS2 yet is the Retro Fighters Defender, as it hooks up via its own low-latency 2.4Ghz adapter and will save you from the horrors of stick drift with Hall-effect thumbsticks.

New gamepads and the best retro controllers purpose-made for the system will feel pretty slick across most of the PS2 library, but there's a genre of accessory that was almost obliterated post-CRT era: light guns.

Unless you've still got a tube TV parked in front of you, PS2 light guns simply aren't going to work with your modern setup. Until recently, that meant that arcade clock-watching, gun-slingin' classics like Time Crisis 2 were impossible to play on new screens, but shiny new gadgets like the Intec Time Breaker Lightgun will help bridge the compatibility gap.

Light gun games might sound a bit niche to the unacquainted, but they were a big deal back in the PS2's heyday. The Time Breaker works to ensure you can revisit more of the console's back catalogue with ease today, and while it's a pricey peripheral, it provides surprisingly close to CRT aiming accuracy for a wireless controller that uses an IR sensor as a workaround.

Moving on from controllers, another vital piece of the OG PS2 setup is sitting right above the gamepad port. That's right, I'm talking about the memory card, an ancient relic from before consoles packed terabytes of solid-state storage into their expensive shells. Unless you're a sicko and plan on completing Metal Gear Solid 3 in a single session, you're going to need one, and you've got options old and new.

If you do opt for an old PS2 memory card second hand, it's usually best to stick with official options by Sony. While not every third-party version needs to be avoided, cheaper cards can be prone to issues and corrupt your save files, which is always heartbreaking when you've not backed up the 150 you've spent on Final Fantasy X (yes, this happened to me back in 2001).

If you'd rather avoid old memory cards altogether, you can actually pick up brand-new versions that use microSD cards rather than old flash memory chips. This will sound bananas, but the likes of the PSxMemCard can hold the equivalent of 8,000 virtual PS2 memory cards in terms of blocks capacity, and it also boasts neat tricks like FreeMcboot support for running backups and homebrew games.

Playing discs on the PS2

If you've been following along, then the hard work of putting an OG PS2 setup together is over. You should be sitting with a controller in hand, ready to dive into old favorites, and that means spinning up some discs.

This isn't something you really need guidance for, as using those old DVD games is as simple as ejecting your PS2 disc drawer (or flipping the top if you're rocking a slim model), popping it in label facing upwards, and letting the magical "PlayStation 2" mark the start of your journey. You can even play PS1 games thanks to the handy dandy backwards compatibility chip within the console, but the pearls of physical media, and in turn deadly disc scratches, absolutely apply.

Basically, those of you picking up games second hand may very likely encounter games that simply won't work. This is one of the perhaps big forgotten drawbacks of older physical media, as the PS2's laser is particularly sensitive. Ultimately, if you end up at that dreaded cloudy red "please insert a PlayStation or PlayStation 2 format disc" screen, the jig is up, and you'll either have to get the disc resurfaced, try and buff out the scratch yourself, or get another copy.

I'm currently experimenting with disc repair methods, largely to prove that Sony is wrong to discontinue PS5 discs despite the caveats. I'll check back in with an update once I've got some results to report, but if you don't have a local shop with a disc repair machine, or a way to repair it yourself, it could be worth instead using something like FreeMcboot to try and run a backup of your chosen game instead.

Given the price of some rarer PS2 games (cough cough, Rule of Rose), and even just general pricing across the library, I can see why investing in discs that could have issues is off-putting. It's all part of the OG console setup experience, and if you're going to spend hundreds on a collection, you may as well use the physical thing you've paid for rather than instantly opt for digitization.

Outside of games, the PS2 also plays CDs and DVDs. In fact, you could say it helped usher in the move from VHS back in the 2000s, and it could serve as a way to watch physical movies today. All the functions you'd normally get from a standalone player can be accessed using the DualShock 2, but Sony and third parties also released a DVD remote, and you won't even need a controller port receiver if you have an SCPH-70xxx, SCPH-79xxx, or SCPH-90xxx model since they have it built in (look for the tiny "R" under the power button).

Top tips

Troubleshooting

My PS2 won't show up on my TV

If you've got the PS2 plugged into a functioning HDMI upscaler or adapter and you're getting nothing on screen, there's a chance the console is set to the wrong output type. If you're using an RGB cable and your system is set to use component (or vice versa), you can switch output types by powering the console on, waiting ten seconds, then hitting Down and X to reach the configurating screen despite no visuals. Then, hitting Down, Down, Down, X, Right, X on your controller will navigate to the right option and hopefully prompt visuals to reappear.

Wrong configurations are the most common PS2 output issue, but if you still can't get anything to show, it's worth swapping out your cable or upscaler. Failing that, your console might have faulty internals that deal with the video signal that need replaced.

I can't get imported games to run

The PS2 is a bit of a bugger when it comes to region locking, and your console will only play games from its country of origin by default. That means if you have an American NTSC system, it won't run games from Japan or Europe, and the same applies to those territories too. Historically, this is something modders have bypassed with physical mods, like a flip top for disc swap exploits, but modern softmods like MechaPwn can help you bypass region checks when using older models.

My PS2 Slim is scratching my games

Uh-oh! The PS2 Slim has an annoying issue with its laser ribbon cable, as it can poke up from the assembly and make contact with your disc. This will then leave a perfectly circular scratch on your disc, ranging from a singular line to a more severe scuff if the adhesive has lifted completely. To stop it happening again, you'll have to secure the cable back onto the shielding while ensuring it can still move with the mechanism, while you'll need to get your disc resurfaced to remedy games that will no longer play.

PS2 says "Please insert a PlayStation or PlayStation 2 format disc"

The dreaded "Please insert a PlayStation or PlayStation 2 format disc" is usually linked to scratched or dirty discs. If you're lucky, a quick clean with a microfibre cloth will get the game booting up, but if the disc is damaged, you'll need to buff out any heavy damage or resurface the game using a professional machine. In some instances, PS1 games that have been resurfaced too many times can struggle to run on the PlayStation 2's laser, whereas an original PlayStation will fare better.

Good to know

PS2 Emulation

Those of you who prefer the new devices of today, or simply don't want a retro console taking up space in your house, will be thinking about PS2 emulation. The catch is that to legally play classic PlayStation 2 games on a device of your choosing, you will actually need to own an original system, copies of games, and the means to use both software and your system's BIOS in emulators.

What you will need

The good news is that it's easier to emulate PS2 games without sailing the seven seas now than before. The process boils down to extracting your console's BIOS and digitizing your collection, as once you've got both to hand, you'll have everything you need to start using popular emulators like PCSX2 for Windows, Linux, and Mac, or NetherSX2 on Android.

You'll of course need a PS2 console to do any of this, so make sure to hunt one of those down first along with some games. Once those are in hand, you can use homebrew tools like FreeMcboot (via something like a PSXMemCard) and a utility like Biosdrain to pull a copy of the BIOS from. To back up your games, you'll then need a DVD burner and disc-imaging software like Imgburn to turn your physical discs into digital .ISO files for use in emulators.

Retro handheld options

Most of you out there with PS2 emulation on your minds will be thinking about handhelds. We're pretty much at a stage where you can buy Linux and Android portables that can run most of the PlayStation 2 library with ease, boasting full controls and specs that'll help each classic shine.

I've tested plenty of handhelds over the years, and PS2 games have always been trickier to emulate than other consoles. You can get away with using some upper mid-range handhelds with Unisoc T820 chipsets, like the Anbernic RG Cube, but you'll see slowdown in more demanding games like God of War II, Jak and Daxter, or Gran Turismo 4.

You'll also be primarily playing at original native resolutions, rather than taking advantage of the lavish screen specs handhelds can provide. Therefore, I would advise spending a little more on something like a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 or beefier, like the Retroid Pocket 5 or Mangmi Pocket Max, as you'll then have room to play with x2 or x3 scaling.

That in itself will justify your decision to emulate over using the original PS2 hardware. However, there's certainly something nice about taking your collection with you and treating your thumbs to Hall-effect joysticks and tactile buttons while blasting the benefits of new screen tech into your eyeballs.

How to play PS2 games on a handheld

Many of the best retro handhelds out there already come with emulators pre-installed. What they won't provide is a BIOS file or games, and if they do, you should discard these and use your own. If you've not got any emulators already loaded, you'll find versions for Linux and Windows based on PCSX2 at the official site or third-party derivatives on the Google Play Store if you're using Android.

• Install a compatible emulator like PCSX2
• Add your PS2 BIOS via the setup screen
• Let the app scan your game collection folder
• Launch your chosen game to check performance
• Use the settings to tweak scaling or graphics API if required

How to play PS2 games on PC

If you're using your own PC-based emulation setup, playing PS2 games pretty much involves the same steps as on a handheld. In fact, if you're using a portable PC like the Steam Deck OLED or something Windows-based, you'll be able to fetch PCSX2 directly from its maker and use the device's built-in controls. On a desktop rig, you will have the extra step of providing your own controller, but the emulator will auto-map gamepads using XInput.

• Download and install PCSX2
• Import your PS2 BIOS using the setup screen
• Scan the folder with your game collection files
• Plug in a compatible USB gamepad and map buttons in the settings menu
• Check performance and tweak graphics/scaling settings if required

How to play PS2 games on iOS

Playing PS2 games on iOS devices is little more complicated compared to Android phones and handhelds. That's primarily due to the fact emulators like Play! or iPSX2 aren't on the Apple App store, meaning you'll need to sideload them onto your iPhone or iPad using a tool like SideStore. It's also best to use a fairly new model of either with good single-core CPU performance (newer than iPhone 15 Pro or an iPad with an M-series chip) as you'll otherwise run into performance issues.

• Install SideStore on your iOS device
• Download the latest IPA release of Play! or iPSX2
• Sideload your emulator via SideStore
• Launch the app to configure folder structures
• Place your BIOS and ISO game files in the relevant folders
• Let the app scan for files and launch your game

Swing by the best gaming handhelds for portables that'll run games old and new.

Believe me when I say I didn't wake up yesterday looking to make a Razer Game Boy. Just like most of you, I picked up the 8Bitdo FlipPad to do that to my smartphone, but the tiny hinged controller ended up incompatible thanks to silly design choices with the Asus ROG Phone.

Yes, I'll get to exactly how I created a Razer Game Boy using 8Bitdo's new flippy retro controller. But first, I want to explain how I got here, just in case some sort of retro handheld court wants to hear my story. The short answer is that my daily driver, the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro, isn't compatible, and upon discovering that unfortunate hiccup on my review path, I started rummaging for something that could accommodate the buttons.

My whole experience using the 8Bitdo FlipPad so far feels like that "Junk Cars" meme. You know, the one often used to depict monstrous Lego creations that deviate from the instructions, preceded by a "We buy junk... Aw man, what's wrong with my car?" Case in point:

Yes, Asus' daft offset USB-C port means you can't use the FlipPad to turn it into a Pokémon machine. You'll have to stick with the GameSir Pocket Taco if you've got that gaming phone, a sentence that sounds absurd when you say it out loud. What you can easily do, though, is pop 8Bitdo's rival onto the Razer Edge, an Android handheld with a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen, flip it vertical, and you've got yourself a stupidly long, high-spec Game Boy.

I can already hear an angry mob, gearing up to hunt my Razer Game Boy Frankenstein monster and me. One friend remarked, "Ew, what is that?" while another jabbed at my creation, saying, "Game Boy? Looks more like a Long Boi." In making the questionable decision to pair the FlipPad with the Edge, though, I've actually made a handheld that slaps for 2D romps and uses length to become a solid machine for TATE arcade shmups.

Naturally, having 5 inches of screen length stretching past the 8Bitdo FlipPad feels a little unbalanced. Some handhelds that use an extra-long screen, like the MagicX Zero 40 for Nintendo DS games, give you something to grip onto, but holding the Razer Edge by the buttons on the bottom feels a bit like flipping pancakes.

I'd say the benefits of flipping that 20:9 aspect ratio screen really outweigh the cons, though, as you'll end up with a 4-inch Game Boy play window that's larger than the Analogue Pocket. Plus, the colors and contrast rival my Game Boy Color AMOLED screen mod while tapping into the handheld's 6.8-inch display and 2400 x 1080 144Hz capabilities.

Is using the Razer Edge as a Game Boy overkill? Perhaps, but extra length at the top aside, you'll still end up with a really high-spec vertical handheld if you spin it and use the 8Bitdo FlipPad. As I've already spoiled, its real strengths lie in its natural TATE abilities, as that extra 5 inches is perfect for vertical shmups like Truxton.

The only handheld I can think of that offers up a larger screen for blasting down alien ships in a longer dogfight is the Evercade EXP-R. It specifically boasts a TATE mode while placing two alternative A and B buttons to suit the orientation, and Blaze also sells an optional grip. I'd argue the Razer Edge and 8Bitdo FlipPad provide a really similar experience to that portable, albeit with elevated screen specs.

I'll be giving the 8Bitdo FlipPad proper review treatment over the weekend, and that includes sourcing another smartphone for testing. So far, I'm absolutely delighted at its clicky metal dome switches, satisfying magnetic hinge for retaining full screen access, and its overall feel. On the flip side, I reckon phone compatibility, putting the shoulder buttons on the face, and no real standalone connectivity options will stand as controller cons, and that makes sense given my situation right now.

• Retro handhelds at Amazon
• Retro controllers at Amazon

Swing by the best retro consoles for classic remakes and emulation machines.

Call me a Debbie Downer, but I initially assumed the Intec Time Breaker Lightgun would ultimately be a waste of time. I figured that a wireless, modern-day recreation of the mighty PS1/PS2 Guncon that's compatible with modern TVs would be riddled with caveats, especially compared to an original CRT experience. You know what they say about assumptions, as after having a blast playing all my favorite arcade shooters with the faux firearm, I now feel like an ass.

My original reservations were linked to the Intec Time Breaker Lightgun for PS1/PS2 being fully compatible with original retro consoles, rather than flat screen compatibility. After all, I've already put plenty of modern alternatives through their paces, including the mighty Sinden Lightgun for custom PC emulation setups and the G'AIM'E Time Crisis Lightgun console that serves as its own standalone system. Those retro setup sidearms serve as enthusiast and entry-level options respectively, whereas Intec's console-compatible piece sits somewhere in the middle.

That's not to say this retro controller is "mid-range", it's more that it's one of the only modern PS1/PS2 compatible lightguns that'll play nice with modern gaming monitors and TVs. I do have qualms with calling this acessory "plug and play", as you'll need to go through the usual calibration rigmaole to start your retro raid. But, once you have things set, this plastic pistol offers respectable responsiveness and accuracy that justifies its $160 price tag.

Assembly required before jumping into action

I'm not entirely sure why, but Intec's light gun is separated into two parts. Before getting started, you'll have to unite the grip with the body, which feels a bit like being a gunsmith. However, there's a specific step that is a bit iffy for something at this price range, as you'll have to connect wires to a socket in the magazine.

Sure, given that I fix retro consoles and mess around with PCs, I'm comfortable plugging cables into bare PCBs. I suspect some people might find it uncomfortable, though, and there are various ways you could damage the socket or yank the wires out of their connector. You'll also have to slide the mag into the body without pinching the wires between the plastic, so keep that in mind if you've already picked up these plastic arms.

That said, the two-step assembly process is fairly simple if you take care, and once you've secured a side hex screw into place to hold everything together, you're ready to start shootin'. Or, you're at least primed to plug either the included PS1 receiver or PS2 USB dongle into your Sony console of choice and start calibrating.

Calibration obligations

The Time Breaker boldly states that it's "plug and play" on the box, so you might be fooled into thinking you can simply plug in your appropriate console dongle alongside the included IR receiver on the top of your screen and start landing virtual bullets in the noggins of fictional terrorists.

Compared to the Sinden Lightgun, the Time Breaker's plug-and-play qualities ring true since you won't have to touch additional software. You also won't have to go through a whole calibration rigmarole every time you switch your system on (looking at you, G'AIM'E console), but if you don't get the initial tweaks quite right, accuracy will feel more like "plug and nae".

Unlike either the Sinden Lightgun or the G'AIM'E system, Intec's accessory works more like a Wiimote. No, that isn't a dig, but the fact its camera sensor uses the IR bar to calculate positioning does feel more rudimentary. This works in conjunction with additional screen edge mapping, represented by two LEDs on the back, that can help you determine the top corners and set a more exact boundary.

Not unlike the G'AIM'E box, the Time Breaker comes with both a quick setup sheet and a full manual. Both will guide you through the calibration process, but I found that while it details each step, there are some intricacies it could have elaborated on more. I'm specifically hung up about the pivoting side dial that adjusts the camera sensor angle for vertical calibration; if that's not precise, it will throw off the horizontal mapping step.

After messing in the Time Crisis 2 initial calibration screen trying to get everything to play ball, I eventually figured out how to accurately adjust the vertical sensor angle. It sounds obvious as I typed this out loud, but the best approach is to get the moving reticule on screen (by shooting the target and sticking the thumbstick), then tweaking the dial so that shots land exactly in view of the top orange iron sight.

Once the vertical side of things feels precise, you'll find that the back lights will let you better set the horizontal screen boundaries. You'll know things are functioning when the LED displays one red and one green when pointing at the left and right corners, allowing you to press their respective buttons and fire to confirm their positioning and achieve all green.

Of course, environmental factors can throw off the Time Breaker's aim too, like bright lights near your screen or the IR sensor sitting at a weird angle. You'll also want to pay attention to the manual's distance advice based on your display size, as that will absolutely matter. Providing you've nailed the steps both via the pamphlet and the nuances I've described above, you should be ready to start making a ruckus in your favorite PS1 and PS2 shooters.

A solid shooter with surprising features

Again, I feel like a fool for doubting the Time Breaker when it comes to build quality. I figured it would feel slightly lighter in the hand than both the Sinden and G'AIM'E light guns, but it actually feels more solid than the latter and includes plenty of fancy extras that give it a premium vibe.

Naturally, the Time Breaker avoids looking exactly like a Guncon for copyright reasons, but it still looks very much like a spiritual successor. It's got plenty of detailing on the body, like faux barrel and "cocking serration" ridges that actually serve a purpose on a real gun, not to mention it's got big A and B buttons on the sides that add to the '90s at-home arcadey vibes.

Simply put, it nails the Guncon aesthetics and sprinkles in some lavish extras like RGB side lights and illumination behind those aforementioned A and B buttons. That should all come second to the actual feel of this piece in the hands, and I'd actually go as far as to say that it pleases my hands more than the G'AIM'E and Sinden guns, albeit in different ways compared to each.

I don't want to accuse the G'AIM'E guns of now feeling plasticky, but they are certainly on the light side compared to the Time Breaker. Yes, part of that is all the extras, including the 3,500 mAh rechargeable battery crammed into Intec's accessory. The latter also means you won't have a cord pulling the magazine ever so slightly downwards, which in itself is a testament to the benefits of cutting the cord.

The Sinden gun is far weightier than either light gun, providing a heft that's closer to the arcade pistols. That's in part due to the solenoid recoil that provides each shot with an extraordinary kick, but I do almost prefer the clickiness of Intec's trigger switches and the larger side buttons.

I still think the Sinden is a different class of light gun, providing perks like pump action reloading and a d-pad before we even get to overall performance accuracy. That said, the Time Breaker feels more like a comfortable PS1/PS2 Guncon alternative that'll suit modern players, providing conveniences like on-board toggles for rapid-fire, recoil, and a full thumbstick where the hammer would live for a modern controller feel.

The Time Breaker aims to please, but only in Guncon games

Behind the scenes, I've been putting together a general run-through on how to play PS2 games using an original console and other means. The Intec Time Breaker has accompanied me on that journey, assisting in the light gun side of things, and while raining bullets upon masked goons in the Time Crisis series has been delightful and surprisingly close in feel to a CRT TV setup, the experience is exclusive to Guncon-compatible games.

The intricacies of lightgun tech aren't often relevant in 2026, largely due to options like the Sinden working with emulators via a PC app for compatibility. Where the Time Breaker differs is that it has to spoof the functionality of an actual accessory for specific games, and it has chosen to mimic Namco's light gun exclusively.

There is a technical reason for sticking to one, as the OG Guncon used different tech to the likes of the Konami Justifier. The latter solely relied on specific game programming and the PS1's controller port, whereas both the Guncon 1 and 2 tap into your retro console cable's composite signal. It's a clever process that uses video sync data for frame timing, allowing for more accurate shots based on calculated aim coordinates.

Of course, that technique can only be used by CRTs since it relies on detecting a white flash drawn by an electron beam scanlines. That's why I'm now talking about a modern alternative in the first place, but the Time Breaker still needs to mimic the inputs of that process back to your console using signals from its IR strip and camera sensor combo. I suspect the issue is that it'd either cost more or be more complicated to also mimic the solo controller port elements used by non-Guncon games, but it does limit your library scope.

With that in mind, my tests exclusively apply to Guncon games for now, even if I may delve into workarounds in the future. That means playing a hell of a lot of Time Crisis 2 and 3, and the Time Breaker really struts its stuff when gunning down Wild Dog's silly soldiers.

All I really want from a light gun is to gun down some guy on a balcony like I'm 007. Bond's shots always seem to land true in every old flick, with said soldier normally hurling to their demise following the traditional Wilhelm scream. The Time Breaker basically helped maintain that vibe in both Time Crisis games after getting calibration on point, and I was pretty taken aback with how accurate every shot felt when really trying to use the iron sight.

I suspect in most cases you would get away with minimal setup if you're playing casually. I've played on enough neglected Time Crisis cabinets to know that you can Scarface your way to the end by carefully watching the shot animation and adjusting your aim accordingly. Actually lining up your shot and kneecapping a goon really hits different, though, and it proves this gun can boast the same precision as the OG accessories.

I even had more success during the frustrating speedboat segment in Namco's shooter sequel, which is a bit of a bugger. The 60fps camera tech of the Sinden gun does ultimately feel that bit more pinpoint compared to the Time Breaker, but shots landing first time is a win in my book. Plus, keep in mind we're talking about a setup with no white borders, which feels like an appropriate tradeoff.

Ducking to reload matters just as much as unloading your mag, and the Time Breaker's button setup works wonderfully. I prefer to hold my thumb on the left A button when it's time to open fire, but the larger C button at the bottom is nice to have too. Using the on-board crouch feels nicer on Intec's gun compared to both the Sinden's smaller buttons and the G'AIM'E's oval toggles, but both of those options do have easy access to additional pedals.

Let's face it, stomping on a big switch to fire is far more satisfying than a button press. I do wish the Time Breaker came with a foot pedal for the price, but I ended up realizing late that you can actually plug a 3.5mm into into the bottom of the gun. I haven't had a good chance to test this yet, or sourced a pedal that will work, so I'll come back with an update once I've messed around with the setup.

Less clack clack, more rumble rumble

Let it be known that I think it's nice that the Time Breaker includes recoil at all. I also fully believe it enhances the experience, but it ultimately feels more like traditional rumble than a proper hand-shuddering clack.

You're only going to get that arcade recoil feel from the Sinden Lightfun since it uses a solenoid, whereas the G'AIM'E and Time Breaker guns stick with a subtler rumble response. Even though both are using weighted motors, the latter is a subtler burst compared to the Time Crisis console, and I suspect that's tied to preserving wireless battery life.

The feedback is still more than enough to aid immersion, not to mention it makes less of a racket when playing, say, at 2am when you should be sleeping (what can I say, this job really isn't a 9-5 affair). It does highlight how bananas the Sinden's actual moving recoil is, though, serving as a reason to go for the emulator-friendly gun instead.

That battery holds a lot of bullets

By including wireless connectivity and a built-in battery, the Time Breaker is opening itself up to more scrutiny. I feel like Intec knew it couldn't drop the ball on either, as managed to get over 12 hours out of the lightgun before reaching for a USB-C charger, and that's with the LED lights on and recoil enabled.

Yes, that's hardly surprising since most controllers boast a similar runtime these days, but it's still a nice feat. Recharging measured in at just over an hour and a half, and the gun also seems to retain its charge when unused, which is good considering the specific genre use case of this accessory.

The 2.4Ghz wireless also means there's minimal latency with the Time Breaker, and that's a godsend since we're basically talking motion controls. The last thing you want when shooting those rocket-launcher idiots in Time Crisis is your aim having noticeable lag, and as far as I can tell, there's minimal delay to any movements replicated on screen.

Should you pick up the Intec Time Breaker Lightgun for PS1/PS2?

I'll admit that $160 feels like a lot for a single-genre accessory for the OG PlayStation and PS2, but the Intec Time Breaker proves its worth. It's the only light gun I know of out there right now that will fill the compatibility gap left by the transition from CRT TVs to modern LCD and OLED displays on an actual console, and focusing on the latter comes with bigger library benefits.

You could say that the Time Breaker further highlights the main issue with the G'AIM'E Time Crisis Console, as while it has nice wired lightguns that mimic the Guncon, it's confined to just four games on a static box. That pales in contrast to Intec's gun, which has every Guncon-compatible game released on the PS1 and PS2 on its plate, not to mention you can just pop a disc in rather than messing with emulators and more advanced software like with the Sinden.

Add the fact it's wireless into the mix, and you've got a modern light gun that feels like what should have been normalized in the post-CRT era rather than Wiimotes, Kinect, and those dorky Sony Move controllers with the big glowing ball. The Time Breaker's build quality and even small touches like RGB should serve as a blueprint for bringing back the neglected accessory type, but there are still caveats to be found.

I do think that if you want a reliable way to play Guncon games on a flat screen using an actual PS1 or PS2, the Time Breaker is the way to go. The main thing that's really holding this light gun back is being confined to just Guncon games, as it adds a sting to its $160 price point. That, and some calibration confusion aside, I do think Intec's accessory is a standout option for casual players, even if it doesn't quite knock the Sinden from the emulation enthusiast throne.

How I tested the Intec Time Breaker Lightgun for PS1/PS2

Over the course of a month, I used the Intec Time Breaker Lightgun as part of my PS1 and PS2 setup to play Guncon games like the Time Crisis trilogy. During testing, I assessed the accessories build quality compared to rivals like the G'AIM'E Time Crisis console and Sinden Lightgun while comparing its calibration process, accuracy, and additional features side by side.

For more information on how we test retro console and accessories, swing by our full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy for a deep dive.

Swing by the best retro handhelds if you'd prefer to play your favorite classics on the go.

I'm not convinced a 24K gold Supreme Analogue Pocket is what we need while handheld prices spiral. But hey, it's going to be a thing later this year, and while it's bound to aggravate retro enthusiasts who already have beef with the console maker's limited runs and scarcity, the seasonal-drop lovers and fans of the skating brand will be all over this.

Set to arrive in both the aforementioned 24K gold-plated and metallic red flavors, the Supreme Analogue Pocket will still be the same best retro handheld contender under its lavish hood. It still boasts the ability to mimic every Game Boy using FPGA tech and original cartridges. It can even run Sega Game Gear, Atari Lynx, PC Engine, and Neo Geo Pocket carts if you pick up an adapter, all while presenting each outing on a much larger 3.5-inch LCD display running at 1600 x 1440.

Yes, the Analogue Pocket is a serious bit of kit, and it really doesn't need gold-plating to sit upon the retro handheld throne. Its cart-running abilities and additional openFPGA tricks mean it could replace a bunch of my original systems if I let it, especially when paired with the docking station. The main things holding it back are price and availability, and right now, the little bugger is out of stock.

Right now, we know very little about the Supreme Analogue Pocket. The fact that it's got a landing page at the fashion brand suggests it will be dealing with a limited drop rather than using the handheld maker's site, but I reckon it'll still catch heat for making another limited run of the portable. Embossed badge on the front aside, this special edition wave isn't too dissimilar to the aluminium editions launched in 2024, so players could end up even more upset than last time.

The biggie here will be the price as I suspect the MSRP will be close to, if not higher than, the $499 Analogue Pocket Aluminium edition. That's a chunk more than the usual $239.99 tag, and that puts a financial barrier between people who just want the best Game Boy experience possible and the FPGA tech hiding within a fancy fashionista shell.

To be fair to Analogue, though, the Supreme Pocket isn't a crime against fashion handhelds. Last year, Balenciaga revealed a fugly Game Boy clone that plays the Nokia 3310 Snake, and even Blaze teamed up with Kith to make a comparatively boring Capcom Super Pocket with a checkerboard logo. I reckon unless you care about making enthusiast retro devices into drip, you'll probably just wait for Analogue Pocket stock to replenish, and brand collab shenanigans aside, the FPGA powerhouse is well worth considering.

If you are itching to get hold of the Supreme Analogue Pocket, it's scheduled to arrive as part of the fall/winter 2026 collection alongside some bizarre counterparts. I'm talking everything from post-boxes, paintball guns, and a aggressively red Dyson vacuum, all of which make the Game Boy seem sort of sensible.

• Retro handhelds at Amazon
• Analogue Pocket accessories at Amazon

Swing by the best retro consoles for authentic remakes and modern emulation stations.

It looks like that "IRL homescreen" that brings the feel of a digital library to your physical game shelf is going from strength to strength. In fact, it now features a secret mystery bookshelf-style mechanism that will save you from indecisiveness when choosing what to play, transforming the process into a roulette lightshow.

Created by AlmostInventor, the IRL homescreen project still lets you highlight games for retro consoles or even new releases on your shelf like you would using a digital library. The invention still lets you highlight real game boxes, view projected game art animation below, and easily grab each disc thanks to motors that shunt it forward, but there's now a faux box in there that'll initiate a randomizer that'll pick for you.

In earlier builds, the IRL homescreen setup used a Gambling machine-style lever at the side. For what it's worth, I loved the arcadey look of that setup, but AlmostInventor has now swapped that out with something a bit more Scooby-Doo-inspired. Upon pulling the "RANDOMIZER: Roulette" box forward, the software behind the scenes turns the Wii-inspired selection sounds into a spinning Wheel of Fortune chirp complete with random box highlights before eventually landing on a single pick.

The idea of game-picking randomizers isn't new, and digital versions for Steam will throw your library onto a spinning wheel. I'm even guilty of using similar custom tools for picking everything from what films to watch to boring freezer meals on a Monday, where picking is pain, so my ADHD brain can absolutely see the appeal of a system doing that for physical games on my shelf.

The IRL homescreen is very much a "proof of concept" for now, as it's still confined to a single square of an IKEA unit and covers a short stack of games. Keep in mind that the mechanism behind it is 3D printed and relies on games being in a specific place so the projector can highlight them using software, but I'm extremely keen to see if it can expand to cover an entire bookshelf or collection.

Ultimately, the project is just a bit of fun, but it could be interpreted as an important statement piece. Sony is pushing ahead with the discontinuation of physical PS5 games in 2028, and infusing digital features into a real-life collection demonstrates that players still want the best of both worlds.

On a related note, a preservationist brings back physical PC games using custom discs, proving we could still have physical media that'll work with Steam, GOG, and the Xbox App.

• Physical PS5 games at Amazon
• Nintendo Switch 2 games at Amazon

Check out the best retro handhelds for ways to play classic capers on the go.

We've already got both a Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake on the way and a remaster on the 3DS, but the beloved N64 original is getting a redo. Not only does project "OoT unJPEG" swap out the 1998 version's fixed prerendered backdrops with full three-dimensional set pieces and free camera movement, but the dev confirms no AI was involved up front.

In a Bluesky reveal, modder Reonu shows off the Zelda OoT N64 ROM hack they've been working on for a year. "I'm remaking all of Ocarina of Time's prerenders in 3D, trying to match the N64 style rather than the 3DS one," explains the dev before confirming that the "provisional name is OoT unJPEG." Yes, that's a cheeky nod to the fact it swaps out the static backdrops for full 3D models, and while I love the low-res '90s art, the results are anything but a gag.

In addition to sharing a short demo that showcases Zelda OoT's Market with full 3D assets, free camera movement, and no load screens, Reonu also dives into the process. The dev says they've been using Blender and the Fast64 plugin to combine everything into one scene. That sounds like it'd be too much for Ninty's retro console to handle, but the modder has seemingly used some tricks as a workaround.

I've been working on this for over a year: I'm remaking all of Ocarina of Time's prerenders in 3D, trying to match the N64 style rather than the 3DS one. The provisional name is OoT unJPEG.It will be distributed as both a romhack that runs on real N64 hardware and a mod for Zelda 64 Recompiled.

— @reonu.bsky.social (@reonu.bsky.social.bsky.social) 2026-08-17T11:36:39.090Z

"Making this work on N64 hardware with ok performance was very hard and required me to write custom CPU culling code," says Reonu. "The N64 version also has LODs for all the buildings in the market to help with performance. These LODs won't be there in the recomp version."

For those of you unfamiliar with N64 technicalities, LOD, or Level of Detail, is an optimization technique available to the console's CPU. It can be set by developers to switch between high and low quality models based on the player's proximity to an in-game model. Dynamically changing asset quality will help the ROM run reasonably on a stock Nintendo 64, but I'm itching to see how it would fare on beefier hardware or an overclocked system.

My mind is specifically on the Analogue 3D for this one, since the 4K N64 has an overclocking mode that boosts its FPGA. By doing so, it could potentially run OoT unJPEG without taking a massive performance hit, allowing you to play on something that mimics the '90s console on a hardware level while providing enough modern juice to handle those new 3D assets.

Analogue's 4K system also just got a fancy new horizontal upscaling mode that helps sharpen things even further at 4K. The results are pretty spectacular even when sticking with OG Zelda: Ocarina of Time, so I can only imagine the extra pixels will help the OoT unJPEG look even crispier with new 2D textures injected.

On that note, Reonu is actually on the hunt for some artist help. "I'm not great at making textures (most of the ones here are either vanilla OoT textures, textures from other games, or photos of walls or floors I took IRL adapted into a texture)," admits the modder. "So if you're a 2D texture artist who would be down to help me with some things, contact me!"

I personally think even the current textures look pretty fantastic, and Reonu gets extra points for refusing to use AI for anything. Too many recompilations and retro port projects made using the tools are slipping out into the wild, and some of them lack any sort of disclaimers informing players who'd rather not support the tech. The last thing the original Ocarina of Time needs ahead of the remake stealing its thunder is sloppification, and OoT unJPEG embodies everything I love about the modding scene before AI haunted its halls.

If you'd rather ditch the jank of the OG N64, the port will be compatible with Zelda 64 Recompiled. That means you'll get the full benefit of a free camera and 3D building when playing the PC port, and everything looks far higher res as a result. I'd argue sticking with the '90s hardware limitations is part of the charm, though, so I'm hyped that Reonu is catering to both.

I'm not saying I won't play the new Zelda Ocarina of Time remake when it lands on Switch 2, but my heart belongs to the N64 version. I'd even choose it over the enhanced 3DS remaster, and Reonu's project feels very much like a demaster of that handheld port that fits the vibe of the OG. It needn't be said that as soon as OoT unJPEG is available to try, it'll be going straight on my flash cart, so I'll update you once I've set foot in the fully 3D version of Hyrule.

• N64 controllers at Amazon
• N64 accessories at Amazon

Swing by the best retro handhelds if you'd rather play N64 games on the go.

I don't normally consider myself a trend hopper, but when the physical media resurgence started popping off I knew I was in for a treat. With new tech surging in price, streaming brands getting greedier, and pride in ownership at an all-time low it was obvious something was about to give and I'm so glad it has. I do worry, though.

With all this rushing towards CD players, Blu-ray rippers, and retro handhelds, how many cheap plastic devices are going to make it into our carts, and eventually into landfill once the trend dies down? What if there was an ahead-of-its-time device that could scratch that itch for physical ownership without requiring the Temu factories to rev their engines? What if we could, rather than shelling out for the latest nostalgia tat, save older devices from their own e-waste fate?

Enter my one true love, the PSP.

The PlayStation Portable, first debuted in 2005 (in NA and EU), had its sights set on being more than a gaming handheld. At launch it not only promised performance closer to that of a PS2 than a PS1, but it heralded in one of Sony's most beautiful designs; the UMD. A shining beacon of creativity that faded to ash far too quickly.

The fact that this is a handheld console running disc games never quite gets the flowers it deserves in my opinion, and it's partly Sony's optimism in its format that keeps the PSP close to my heart. However, that UMD meant the PSP could stand as a portable gaming machine and media center all from your pocket. Ironically, now that Sony has become enemy number one in the fight against digitalisation, it's these little discs that are keeping that physical media itch scratched for me.

The UMD was a product of its time, Sony could never have expected to keep its games limited to the 1.8GB at hand. That doesn't mean it's not still impressive today, though. While it only really lasted about four years (after 2009, Sony was more focused on distribution via is PS Store, as evidenced by the all-digital PSP Go), current estimates put about 1,000 - 1,500 movies available on UMD, and nearly 2,000 games.

It gets even better, though.

Remember when I said the PSP had its sights set on being more than a gaming handheld? It really wanted to be a smartphone, well before ole Steve got on stage in 2007.

Thumbing through 'PSP: The Official Guide Book' on Internet Archive provides a clear look at just how Sony wanted the PSP to position itself in your pocket. The mag notes that "in November 2003, when Sony unveiled its prototype PSP to western journalists, mobile telephone functionality was mentioned among the list of possible features." (25). The spread on future applications speculates around then-rumored hardware upgrades, ranging from a USB keyboard for productivity to the then-"prototype" GPS add-on that would later become the Sony PSP-290 (still kicking around on eBay).

Unfortunately, the PSP never received its call and message functionality, though it could still tick a smartphone's other boxes; web browsing, mp3 playback, movies, photos (via the Go!Cam attachment), and of course gaming. The difference, even back then, was that it still put that physical media ownership at the center of its package. And it could well be the last device to truly be able to claim that.

So where does it stand today? Pretty tall if you ask me.

No, you won't get the latest Blu-ray releases on here (though there was a time when Sony wanted to package PSP-friendly versions of movies in with its Blu-Rays- as per Game Developer). You'll also need to rip your CDs before you can build up a song library you actually own.

But the PSP fights hard to keep your entertainment in your control in 2026. What other device can hold an entire (albeit in the case of movies and games, dated) media library in your pocket. And actually in your pocket, by the way - none of this Steam Deck bulk. It's all the physical media gadgets we've been yearning for rolled into one, and it pulls off that seemingly impossible (by 2005's standards) feat with grace and style.

If you're keen to join my PSP Appreciation club, you've only really got one option. These days, you'll find working PSP 1000s on sites like eBay and Vinted for between $50 and $120 (I generally see working devices for £40 - £100 in the UK), depending on their level of wear and how many accessories are included.

The real fun, though, starts under that 'working' price threshold. I've been hiding my second biggest reason for loving the PSP. It's a tinkerer's gateway.

The thing is remarkably easy to tear down and diagnose. It's got relatively few parts all told, and they generally hold up pretty well. Not only that, but there's a massive market for third party replacements over on AliExpress, and I would say 80% of PSPs I've polished up over the last few years have been fixable without a solder iron.

See, these things were popular and they were portable. They lived in the pockets of 00s denizens, so most of them are cracked and pretty filthy. A broken PSP for $30/£30 is pretty easy to find and, in my experience, most of them just need a good clean (obviously read descriptions carefully and be prepared to lose on this gamble if you're not experienced with more complicated fixes). The first PSP I rescued was sold at a discount due to dead face buttons and a wandering thumbstick. A new nubbin and some isopropyl alcohol later it's up and running like new.

Avoiding the inevitable rush of cheap tat when factories look to capitalize on the physical media trend while saving seemingly 'broken' tech from landfill? Count me in.

I'll go down swinging for the PSP for years to come, but if your EDC does it better, change my mind in the comments below.

We're also rounding up all the best retro controllers for other systems, or if you're looking to scratch a more modern physical media itch, Rosalie's tips and tricks for collecting Blu-Rays is also available.

It might feel like retro cables should be the cheapest part of a console setup, but oh boy, that's no longer the case. That's not to say you won't still see cheap wires at the usual online storefronts, but I'm finding that many of the once serviceable composite and SCART options will produce poor visuals at best and, in the worst-case scenarios, break your pricey old consoles.

If you're trying to figure out how to connect retro consoles to your modern TV or monitor, you've probably already looked at a few cables for your chosen system. While that will lead many of you to buy all-in-one HDMI adapters that connect straight to old proprietary ports once used by Nintendo, Sega, Sony, or a number of other brands, standalone upscalers require wires that conform to a traditional input standard, and low-quality options can cause a ruckus.

I've picked up what probably equates to a metric ton of retro console cables over the years, ranging from high-quality enthusiast-grade wires to cheapie Amazon and eBay cords that get the job done. For the past few years, though, I've found myself stuck between having to pay $40 dollars for the right quality, or around $10 for something that instantly breaks, and I feel like the scene is screaming for a middle-ground option.

Some retro cables are a borderline scam

Pick a retro console, head to Amazon, search for a cable, and you'll normally be presented with plenty of options. That's the exact course many of you will take upon fetching your old system from the attic or buying one second-hand, but quality issues could put you through a world of setup pain before you realize your setup isn't the problem.

I'll give you an anecdotal example, as while I have literal boxes of wires, I have recently tried to get away with a "cheap" Amazon cable for specific testing. A few months ago, I realized I'd loaned a friend my Sega Dreamcast SCART cable while trying to hook up to one of my CRT TVs. I only had a VGA box to hand, and the specific project I was working on required an actual SCART cable, which led me to order one using Amazon Prime.

Upon ripping it from its cardboard prison that featured zero other packaging, I swiftly realized something wasn't quite right with the RGB SCART cable I'd paid £8 for (roughly $10). For starters, it weighed next to nothing, and the plastic on both the console connector and TV side felt almost pliable when it should be pretty rigid. That wasn't even that big an issue, compared to the fact that the end that connects to the console wasn't remotely made to the right specifications, meaning while it looked vaguely right, the shielding and plastic sheath were completely the wrong size.

The part that worries me is the fact that it would potentially fit with a bit of force, but I can guarantee the connector would have damaged my Sega Dreamcast. Out of sheer curiosity, I decided to modify the end so that it could fit without wrecking my old dreamy pal, and surprise surprise, found that the cable wasn't outputting any signal to my TV.

Out of disbelief, I then split down the cable to see if there was a break in the wire, and found that half the SCART pins weren't soldered to their respective connectors. Simply put, the cord was never going to work, and that in itself could lead unwitting players to blame their otherwise functional Dreamcast.

I should note this is a worst-case scenario, one that features multiple red flags and could lead to your retro console being drenched in tears. Annoyingly, some users are leaving four-star reviews on that specific listing despite mentioning issues like only blue visuals showing up on screen (meaning red and green aren't active), meaning it's got a perceivable average 3-star score since there are only six entries.

This isn't a sign to avoid every no-name cable out there, as there are no doubt wires that work. Instead, I need you to be extra vigilant and assess whether a cheaper option is a safe bet, or if you should try and go with a brand name like Hyperkin or Retro-Bit. The issue is there's no guarantee either will make the exact cable you seek, and that's certainly the case when it comes to Dreamcast RGB SCART cables.

Even the cables that "work" can cause a retro rigmarole

I don't want to get too anecdotal, but I have also encountered a situation where a cheap retro cable "works", but causes all sorts of visual issues. The specific example I have in mind applies to Nintendo composite cables I once picked up when running a retro gaming event, and while poor quality levels didn't quite render them useless, the results were pretty horrible.

The main issue with poor-quality retro gaming cables is shielding, as analogue signals are extremely susceptible to interference. Keep in mind that if you're using a composite RCA phono cable, you've got video travelling through the yellow connector wires alongside left and right audio on the red and white channels in adjacent wiring, and when unsheilded, those signals can leak into one another.

As a result, you will then experience everything from buzzing audio to distorted lines and shaky visuals. If you use a low-quality S-Video cable on something like the N64, you might even get the video Luma (brightness) and Chroma (color) signals bleeding into each other, resulting in some nasty visual checkerboarding effects that really impact fidelity.

All unshielded cables are susceptible to the same symptoms, and while I used to find that cheap retro cables were adequately shielded, that's no longer the case. Even some "that'll do" aluminium tape around the internal wires is becoming less common, which is likely a bid to cut costs on manufacturing while hoping players won't realize or notice.

I mean this with kindness, but I know some people who won't notice some slight distortion when playing on old consoles, and they might even think it's just the way the visuals always looked. That isn't the case, and I suspect that by still making sales with few returns on subpar cables, some manufacturers have slowly decided to see what they can get away with.

High quality cables will make your wallet cry

Given that the retro console cables market is so chaotic, the fact that there are enthusiast-grade wire makers out there isn't surprising. In fact, companies that strive to make cords that carry flawless analogue visuals to TVs old and new have been in action for years now, but there's a price to pay for beyond cromulent connectivity.

The first company that naturally comes to mind is Retro Gaming Cables, a brand that I'd describe as the gold standard. It's been making wires for classic systems since the early 2010s, but really started to shine thanks to its premium quality "Packapunch" RGB cables after registering as a company in 2016.

I've got one or two Retro Gaming Cables to hand, but largely old versions and not as many as I'd like. That's largely due to their lavish price tags, as you're talking £26.39 (around $35) for an RGB SCART SNES cable, and that price used to be closer to £20 . No, I'm not arguing with that MSRP, as the level of manufacturing going into shielding these cords and using custom PCBs rather than soldering wires straight to pins adds up, but I personally can't afford to buy one for all my systems.

There is an argument to be made that if you can afford a really exuberant upscaler by the likes of RetroTINK, which can cost up to $750 if you go for the 4K version, then investing over $30 in a high-quality cable makes sense. If you're using something far cheaper like the OSSC or GBS Control, then the extra cost will make all the difference, and the fact I used to regularly find full retro consoles second-hand for less makes the price tag hard to swallow.

Of course, manufacturing anything in the modern age is an increasingly expensive affair, and even the few other brands out there are close in price to Retro Gaming Cables. The fact that true RGB solutions that provide superior colors, like SCART and component, were less common in the US plays a role in both pricing and availability, and it's the reason why options like the Retro-Bit Prism Component Cable for GameCube come in at a staggering $59 at Amazon.

Even if you'd rather go for standard RCA composite, you'll find that most brands are busy making straight HDMI adapters for consoles. Hyperkin has you covered on that front for Nintendo systems with its 3-in-1 HDTV Cable for SNES, N64, and GameCube, but at $34.99, it will make sense to grab an original wire if you've already got a separate upscaler.

What I will say is that, depending on your respective console or system, there are sometimes small businesses catering to specific needs at lower prices. That certainly applies to Retro Computer Shack, an eBay seller I've used throughout the years for microcomputer cables. If you caught my Commodore 64 Ultimate review, I'm using that vendor's wire to hook the FPGA system up to a CRT, and I still use their Sega Mega Drive RGB SCART with a 3.5mm feed for stereo audio.

The gap here is clear: if you're not looking for an all-in-one HDMI for a console, your options are cheap no-brand cables or enthusiast-grade wires by Retro Gaming Cables or something by HD Retrovision at vendors and stores that carry its stock. It could be the case that it's impossible to make something more affordable for less without compromising on quality, and I'm willing to accept that reality. However, the cost of cables does add to the overall expense of retro gaming as a hobby, and I'd love to see more budget options that are once again dependable.

If you've got a go-to retro cable brand, let me know in the comments section below, as there might be a hidden gem at local game stores worth highlighting!

• HDMI upscalers at Amazon
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Swing by the best retro controllers for new pads that still feel authentic.

Eight months on from its CES 2026 unveiling, 8Bitdo's FlipPad has officially arrived on the Game Boy controller battlefield. Its primary combatant is the GameSir Pocket Taco, a mobile accessory that also offers a classic Ninty handheld feel that sits atop your phone screen, but the newcomer could have the upper hand if you're only interested in playing on your doomscroller.

I'll forgive you if you thought the 8Bitdo FlipPad and the GameSir Pocket Taco were the same thing given their shared vibes. But, for the sake of clarity, the former is brand new to the best retro controllers ring and wears a $30 price tag around its waist. I'd argue it's also a lighter-weight option since it sticks a USB-C that jams straight into your phone, whereas its main rival boasts a built-in battery and Bluetooth.

Yes, it does sound like you're getting a beefier gamepad for $5 extra if you order the Pocket Taco. Doing so makes sense if you've got the appetite for using tiny, authentic-feeling Game Boy controls on more than your smartphone, as it does pair wonderfully with everything from PCs to the Analogue Pocket in docked mode. That said, 8Bitdo knows how to make a stand-out gamepad, and for the majority of players, its approach might be a better fit.

It's cheesy, but sometimes less is more when it comes to retro accessories. It certainly feels like 8Bitdo is deliberately aiming for that with the FlipPad, as the controller sticks with a single rubberized "pad" on a hinge that rests on your screen using friction. That provides just enough room to fit a physical d-pad and four face buttons, along with top L1 and R1 on the front rather than shoulders at the top.

That means your phone isn't going to have extra junk in the trunk, as the entire gamepad exists at the front of your phone. I know for a fact plenty of you prefer using your smartphones without cases for the slicker feel (tut tut), and 8Bitdo is helping maintain that sense of sleekness even when bashing some Pokémon. Better still, if you do need to take a call, you can "flip" the pad down like an old Motorola MicroTAC, just in case you need to make a call or mess with your phone or access emulator settings.

Having spent countless hours at this point with the Pocket Taco, I can see why the FlipGo could feel far more natural to use. Don't get me wrong, I think GameSir has a more comprehensive recipe here since it takes advantage of your phone's rear and adds real shoulder buttons (great for GBA DOOM, FYI) while also sneaking a 600 mAh battery, but not everyone will dig the extra bulk.

I've also found myself awkwardly taking the phone filling back out from between the Pocket Taco to tweak emulators when more phone space is needed. The GameSir app should technically let you re-scale your phone space to the top half for ease of use, but I've found it rarely kicks in reliably when switching between different screens. It's a small gripe, albeit one 8Bitdo apparently saw coming a mile away.

One of the Pocket Taco's biggest strengths, the battery, could also be a caveat for specific players. Unlike the new 8Bitdo FlipPad, GameSir's contender isn't designed to sap power from your phone, meaning it'll have to become part of your charging ritual. The fact that it also relies on Bluetooth may also cause the eyes of purists looking for minimal latency to twitch, but hey, if you're that into accuracy, you should just mod a Game Boy Color or something.

I'll be getting hands-on with the FlipPad soon, and given the controller maker's track record with accessories like the 8Bitdo N64 Controller and M30 Mega Drive pad, I suspect I'll have happy thumbs. There is a massive catch in that Asus' silly offset ROG Phone 8 Pro placement; I'll have to find another handset for the review, and that's perhaps a testament to the GameSir Pocket Taco's versatility over using just USB-C.

• Retro controllers at Amazon
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Check out the best retro handhelds if you're seeking a spectacular standalone Game Boy alternative.

Upon pre-ordering Commodore's recently announced TAC-2 joystick, you may have received a shipping shock at checkout. The resurrected accessory comes in at $49.99 / $37, but with all the end shipping and localized taxes applied, early birds ended up paying closer to $100.

I figured something wasn't right with those TAC-2 joystick shipping costs, so I decided to reach out to Commodore for an answer. The microcomputer maker was quick to offer up an explanation, with Chief Strategy Officer Jim Squires clarifying that the shipping price for the retro controller should be $19 all in, and buying more than one should save you some cash.

"There was a hiccup that impacted the first 83 purchases who were overcharged for shipping," confirms Commodore. "Those users were proactively refunded $11 yesterday. The correct amount for shipping is $19 USD no matter where you are around the globe."

The shipping seemingly wasn't alone in hiking TAC-2 shipping prices, as Commodore says that while the standard shipping price is $19, US tariffs were contributing an extra $5.

"We're changing our policy effective immediately and will absorb these additional costs for US customers." Commodore clarifies before admitting, "It will reduce our margin, but we just want to make things as fair as we can for folks."

Having just checked in on the cart situation right now, I can confirm TAC-2 shipping prices are lower. If you're ordering from a US address, one joystick should come in at $68.99 before sales tax with the $19 shipping factored in, and if you order two, a 10% combined shipping discount code is automatically applied.

Even with multibuy discounts and those US tariffs kept at bay, I get why you wouldn't want to pay $19 on top for the new $50 TAC-2. Shipping costs tend to haunt me when trying to buy fancy new retro consoles and accessories, and the fact I'm in the UK means I pay more for that privilege. It does feel like Commodore is doing its best to get those additional costs lower, though, and that makes sense given that part of the remake pitch is to save you paying "upwards of $100 or more" for an original stick.

Keep in mind, though, this new Commodore-branded TAC-2 isn't just a like-for-like remake of the iconic '80s joystick by Suncom. It now comes in a bunch of colorways to match the Commodore 64 Ultimate and its upcoming FPGA-powered C64C sibling, and it replaces the OG TR418 tire valve and brass ball mechanism with a "single form, solid steel, chrome-plated shaft assembly."

Not only should it eliminate one of the original TAC-2's "rare" structural flaws, but it'll also be box fresh. To many players, getting to waggle a stick that hasn't potentially accumulated decades of grime is a selling point on its own, and the fact it'll keep its DE-9 connector means it'll work with other vintage systems like the Atari 2600 and a bunch of other microcomputers.

That said, it's not the only joystick with original port compatibility out there; Retro Games Ltd resurrected the Quickshot II, and it's available for $33.99. You can also buy fresh Atari joysticks in various Pac-Man ghost colors for $69.99, but I'd be lying if I said the single-button accessory doesn't personally give me the ick to use.

The TAC-2 is scheduled to start shipping on October 20, 2026, so we've got a few months left until the joystick's grand return. Given that the C64C Ultimate is meant to land later this year, I suspect both the microcomputer and accessory could land around the same time, and there's no saying what Commodore could announce before then.

• C64 Mini | from $68 at Amazon
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Check out the best retro handhelds if you'd rather play C64 games out and about.

Preservationists are fighting to keep physical media alive, but it turns out even shiny new PC games can be popped on discs and cartridges. In fact, you can theoretically turn any external storage you've got lying around, like old SD cards and USB sticks, into a game that will then automatically run when connected to your rig, and you don't have to use DRM-free storefronts.

Yes, we've witnessed enthusiasts using SSDs as faux retro console cartridges for your PC, but Archades Games (Ryan Enstrom) is going the extra mile with even more options. If you were at the Utah Retro GameXpo, you may have actually spotted the creator at a booth showcasing various discs that will work with Steam, GOG, and the Xbox app. However, if you're stuck on an entirely different continent like me, YouTuber Keegbots has you covered with a 7-minute chat on how the whole thing works.

"I started making digital games into physical games last year, and thanks to Sony, it's given me a nice boost this last month," explains Enstrom. When asked whether the discs rely on homebrew software, the creator clarifies that it's "all just on Windows right now" before delving into how the format uses existing operating system features and some clever "simple batch scripts and PowerShell" as workarounds.

The first example on the Archades Games table actually utilizes GOG's DRM-free and offline installers, something the storefront actively encouraged last month. The preservationist says those games simply require popping the installer in a folder, setting up a traditional autorun script, then burning it to a disc.

"GOG is the best way to go since they're all DRM-free," the creator advises while citing the licence covering offline installers. That said, the other storefront games featured at the table aren't sailing the seven seas of piracy (even though it looks exactly like a market stall from my childhood), as Enstrom confirms those still conform to digital rights management structures and clarifies, "I'm not interested in bypassing DRM."

That part of the conversation is the creators' queue to highlight the "cartridges" dressed up with pretty vinyl labels at the end of the booth, and they're actually harboring an HDD secret. While some of the examples, like Indiana Jones and the Golden Circle, are installed on SATA SSDs that are "still fast enough to run 99.9% of all games," some of the collection actually uses old 2.5-inch mechanical drives.

Given the price of storage right now, I'm delighted at the idea of recycling old HDDs into PC game cartridges. Sure, install times will be slower compared to the best SSD options today, but most games from before 2020 will load just fine from mechanical drives (I should know; I was still using one until then). The part that arguably matters more is getting each game's respective storefront to play nice with external media, and, surprisingly, the Xbox app is well equipped.

"The Xbox app is a lot nicer than it used to be," Enstrom claims. "It can dynamically detect drive changes, so you pop it in, it knows the game's installed and will run it, you pop it out, it knows the game is now installed anymore." That's something that's missing from Steam on Windows, as the app will still think the game you've played is installed locally.

It's extremely clear that Enstrom has been pouring his heart and soul into this physical PC game project for months, and he's even conjured up a custom UI for multi-carts like the Metal Gear Solid collection. As a fun side to the main quest, the creator has also made custom Blu-rays that package retro games and their respective ROMs together, meaning they will automatically install and launch. Keep in mind these are strictly for personal use only, but the idea of bundling emulators with ROMs in this fashion isn't too dissimilar to the way your Super Pocket will load Evercade cartridges.

Again, these discs and cartridges aren't going to be for sale, not unless publishers decide to pinch the idea and use it to resurrect physical PC games. That would be the ultimate middle finger to Sony, and I reckon even this personal-use proof of concept shoots down any reason to end PS5 discs in 2028. If you simply want to turn your own digital collection into something you can actually hold, Archades Games has you covered with a bunch of video tutorials and explainers.

If anything, projects like this give me hope that the gaming scene won't let physical media go down quietly. Let me know in the comments if you'll be turning your digital games into physical discs and carts, and if you'd rather just download everything, feel free to argue your corner.

• Physical PS5 games at Amazon
• Physical PC games at Amazon

Swing by the best retro handhelds for emulation devices and consoles you can take with you.

The newly resurrected Commodore has already proven itself with the C64 Ultimate, but it's about to put one of my favorite '80s joysticks back into production. While I admittedly use a Sega Master System controller with most of my microcomputers, the Suncom TAC-2 is the one stick I would reach for thanks to its slick, premium design, and it's getting a comeback in various new flavors.

In a press release, Commodore announces that the Suncom TAC-2 is making a grand return in five new colorways. Short for "Totally Accurate Controller", the joystick will come in five colorways, with the BASIC Beige, C= White, Knight Black, and Starlight Edition versions serving as matches for their respective Commodore 64 Ultimate and C64C models for $49.99.

If you've got a gold Founders Edition C64 Ultimate, you're also in luck, as there will be a limited edition TAC-2 for $64, featuring a "gold PVD coated ball and matching premium PVD buttons." If you're not fussed about fancy peripheral pairing, though, all five will boast an authentic yet enhanced design that eliminates historic flaws.

“While the Commodore 64 Ultimate was designed to support all classic C64 peripherals, getting your hands on vintage hardware like the TAC-2 is sometimes easier said than done,” explains Commodore's CEO AND "Chief Joystick Waggler" Peri Fractic.

“The TAC-2 was always a personal favorite of mine, from its sleek silvery design to its almost indestructible nature, and we’ve taken every effort to ensure the Commodore TAC-2 is a faithful re-release of the original’s tactile history that looks, feels, and plays just like you remember.”

While I do tend to reach for the best retro controllers with d-pads and, well, a shape actually designed for your hands, there are a few go-to joysticks in my collection. One of them is indeed a TAC-2, and while mine is currently in storage, the new version will completely eliminate a flaw that could affect my original if it's one of the rare unlucky sticks.

"Unlike the original, Commodore has replaced the shaft – previously made from a TR418 tire valve and an attached brass ball," confirms Commodore in response to anyone whose original joystick is now faulty. The microcomputer maker does describe the flaw as rare, citing that the OG was "tested to 3 million moves without failure,” and having felt how robust the old stick is for myself, those stats are believable.

Still, Commodore aims to make a perceivably indestructible joystick even stronger by adding a new steel shaft, all while retaining the precision and quiet functionality (particularly compared to sticks with leaf contacts or old microswitches) of the TAC-2.

All the actual functionality that matters for playing old C64 games aside, the new TAC-2 will also just make for a nice display statement piece. It's got that whole retro futurism vibe that makes sense when you compare it to both the Atari 2600 joystick and even chonkier favorites like the Quickshot II. The new colorways build upon that with colorways that tie in with both the new FPGA systems and your old breadbins, albeit with a sprinkling of LED shenanigans.

Commodore is doing a pretty good job keeping the new hardware announcements flowing, and I'm itching to see if it can prove its mettle in the retro console peripherals pit. If everything works out, it will place the micromputer maker in an ideal position for when it's finally ready to remake other systems like the Amiga, and even if the recently announced licensing deal doesn't pave the way for that anytime soon, I'll happily take a bunch of resurrected controllers and sticks for the C64 and any other compatible machines.

At the very least, remaking the TAC-2 should help get some players who are really not into Commodore's Callback flip phone back on side, and it's a signal that it's still a gaming hardware company at its core.

• C64 mini | from $65 at Amazon
• Retro consoles at Amazon

Check out the best retro handhelds if you'd rather play C64 games on the go.

Ayaneo is embracing a weird drip-feed strategy with its KONKR Pocket Advance. Not only did it break up its GBA clone handheld into a sprinkling of breadcrumb teasers post-launch, but it's now slowly revealing new colorways that apparently over 15,000 of you missed out on.

That's according to Ayaneo's stats shared in a live sharing session, as CEO Arthur Zhang reveals that "15,000+" KONKR Pocket Advance units have sold so far. That has apparently helped the best retro handheld contender become a number 1 seller at Chinese retailer JD.com, and while I'm happy for the Game Boy Advance homage, the same stream features yet another "you should have waited" colorway drop.

Yes, Ayaneo did just drop a KONKR Pocket Advance colorway that's basically a pink GBA homage to Princess Peach. However, as if that wasn't painful enough for players among those 15,000+ buyers who would have bought the Sarkura-shelled version, there's now a transparent "Onxy Ice" variant with big 2000s vibes.

The Onxy Ice KONKR Pocket Advance is the first translucent model to hit the lineup, featuring a shell that gives you a slightly smoky peek at the handheld's innards. I can almost guarantee some of you have been waiting for a GBA clone with this get-up specifically, so if you already settled for one of the existing colorways (Coral, Navy, Grey, or the new jammy pink version), this reveal is going to sting.

The inconvenient cherry on top of this GBA clone release strategy is that while the pink version revealed just days ago has the previous early bird discount, the Onyx Ice version starts at $109. For whatever reason, the transparent plastic bumps the actual full MSRP up to $129, despite boasting the same 3GB/32GB starting specs. You'll have to fork out $149 for the 4GB/64GB flavor once the introductory period is over, and that's the sort of pricing I feared in the first place.

Considering the still available GameCube Indigo (Navy) and NES grey Pocket Advance models are still available for $89, it feels like transparent tech fans are getting a raw retro handheld deal. If I were sitting wishing there was a translucent GBA flavor, only to have one dangled in my face after pre-ordering another colorway, I'd be pretty disgruntled, and I'm struggling to see a reason for the strategy beyond keeping the hype going.

I've witnessed retro players get really upset with the likes of Analogue for releasing different flavors of its Analogue 3D a month after launching black-and-white 4K N64 consoles. That situation was still iffy, but the KONKR Pocket Advance has already had two previously unannounced colorways within its first week.

I'm sure fans will be pretty vocal about Ayaneo's strategy here, but the KONKR Pocket Advance is shaping up to be a solid modern GBA. The gaming handheld maker has a real knack for making portables that feel lavish in the hands while providing punchy specs, and if I can take it for a test run, I'm sure it'll keep up with my modded GBA consoles.

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Check out the best retro consoles for remakes, emulation boxes, and new systems with cartridge support.

Retro Games Ltd, the minds behind the upcoming Amiga 1200 remake, just put a big smile on my gaming magazine-loving face. While many of my favorite '80s and '90s newsstand issues went out of print decades ago, PLAION just nudged me to say the first wave of THEA1200 units in the UK will come with a 36-page, full-colour A5 copy of ZZAP!, including reviews, features, and even an Alien Breed comic.

I collect, restore, and set up the best retro consoles today partly in the name of preservation and history. However, magazines are an important relic from previous generations that are easily forgotten, and by including a successor to ZZAP!64, the biggest Commodore publication in the UK, Retro Games Ltd is helping its Amiga 1200 remake feel all the more special.

In an email, PLAION (the company helping put THEA1200 into production) says, "the printed magazine will only be included with the first production run. Once launch edition stock has sold through, future manufacturing runs won't include it, so we hope it'll be a nice bonus for those who jump in early."

I am slightly bummed out that it won't be a standard inclusion with THEA1200, especially since the full-size microcomputer remake is just under £170. I also feel like while the US was too busy reading the more sophisticated AmigaWorld, players from across the pond would appreciate the UK-specific chaotic vibes of the new Zapp! mag by Fusion Retro Books.

I've already had a taster of what the modern version of ZZAP! has to offer, having flicked through its sister mag "Crash" while reviewing The Spectrum White Edition. The freebie issues aren't just a novelty extra: you're getting a solid publication that not only helps feed the experience of playing the built-in classics like it's the '80s, but everything from the artwork and page layouts makes me wish I'd contributed.

The specific issue of ZZAP! Amiga included with THEA1200 should also be a treat, and it doesn't hold back on big journalistic scoops. Rather than recycling articles from back in the day, Fusion Retro Books has compiled an excellent breadth of words, including the following exclusives:

• Reviews of Defender of the Crown, Turrican II: The Final Fight and Reshoot Proxima 3
• A feature on Settlers II by Nico Barbat from Look Behind You
• Richard Löwenstein on why Reshoot Proxima 3 is ‘the game that THEA1200 deserves’
• The story behind the iconic Boing Ball Demo, written by Mike Battilana, CEO of Amiga Inc
• ‘Amiga Dreams’, featuring memories from Jon Hare, Barry Leitch and Mark Greenshields
• An exclusive eight-page Alien Breed 35th Anniversary comic

The mini version of ZZAP! mag could actually be your gateway to reading physical games media again, and that's a cause I can get on board with. Retro Fusion Books actually publishes a whole bunch of UK microcomputing revival magazines, including the aforementioned ZX Spectrum "Crash", "AmtixCPC" for Amstrad CPC owners, and its own multiplatform "Fusion Magazine" that could make for a nice companion to your Retro Gamer sub (print media is far from gone, yo!)

Of course, your main reason for picking up THEA1200 should be for its Amiga abilities, and it could take Retro Games Ltd to new heights. It'll almost certainly be the only full-scale microcomputer of its kind with a fully functional keyboard and AmigaOS Workbench on the scene for a while, even though Commodore has struck a deal that could pave the way for an Amiga-flavored successor to the Commodore 64 Ultimate. Theoretically, a machine with an FPGA chip replicating the OG hardware could beat RGL's emulation-based approach, but we're still at the hypothetical stage of those conversations.

If you're not up for a waiting game, I'd consider picking up THEA1200 in the UK for that nifty new mag. Pre-ordering early will also save you from the horrors of price inflation, as Retro Games Ltd's previous Amiga remake, the A500 Mini, has reached monstrous price heights I can't even bear to look at.

• C64 Mini | From $65 at Amazon
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Check out the best retro handhelds if you'd rather head outside with your favorite classics.

Apparently, being late can pay off if you're all about pink portables, as Ayaneo just dropped another GBA clone as part of a KONKR Pocket Advance restock. The new "Peach" version is a hat-tip tribute to a certain Italian plumber's crowned companion, and while it's an outstandingly pretty portable, I feel like it should have been available before now.

On Friday, Ayaneo officially unveiled its KONKR Pocket Advance "Peach" edition in all its pink jammy glory. The two-toned Sakura-paletted portable starts at $89, just like its best retro handheld counterparts that only just reached the battlefield, and its launch coincides with a restock of the other colorways following pretty high demand.

In an email update, Ayaneo admits that demand for the KONKR Pocket Advance "far exceeded our expectations." In an effort to explain the initial availability situation, the handheld maker explains that "some SKUs sold out so quickly that they had to be temporarily removed from sale," while also revealing that it "immediately started working with our suppliers to explore every possible solution," which ultimately resulted in a second wave of stock after "working late into the night" to secure components.

Despite efforts to get more KONKR Pocket Advance units into production, Ayaneo says "the restock is limited." That said, dropping the new pink GBA after the first wave of pre-orders seems to have been the plan all along, and I'd be lying if I said the strategy sits right with me.

Revealing additional colorways and versions after players rush for pre-orders is becoming a trend in the handheld scene. We're not just talking a chunk of time after the initial launch, as in many cases, companies are dropping new variants before initial orders have even shipped.

Ayaneo isn't the only handheld maker guilty of this, as Blaze recently unveiled an Evercade Nexus DOOM edition that now has players itching to swap their initial pre-order. I have no doubt that early KONKR Pocket Advance adopters are now wishing they'd waited until it was "too late" so as to grab the pink GBA instead, and that could breed resentment.

Of course, if you went straight for the "Coral" Pocket Advance that borrows the look of a Spiced Orange GameCube, you made the right call. That specific colorway is currently sold out, meaning the only available models are the "Navy" version or the NES-inspired "grey".

I can't promise I won't try to get hold of the pink GBA for my Kirby shrine, as I already missed my chance to grab a portable to pair with the Spiced Orange cube. At the same time, I do fully believe the Peach version should have been part of the original lineup, and seemingly withholding models won't go down well availably dries up quickly in the second wave.

• Retro handhelds at Amazon
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Check out the best retro consoles for authentic remakes, mini plug-and-play systems, and more.

Nothing will ever beat having physical games to hand, but having a home screen library of digital games has its perks. No, I'm not being paid by Sony to say that, nor do I think being able to instantly flick through artwork and pick out games using a controller is worth trading any sense of ownership, but I've just come across an invention that brings virtual game selection to an actual shelf.

Described as an "IRL Homescreen", retro console fan and gadget-maker almostinventor shows off a physical game collection with a digital selection twist. At first, I thought I was looking at AI nonsense, but the ensemble actually uses a projector paired with a rail system that's designed to make Wii game boxes glow upon being selected before being pushed forward with larger game art displayed underneath.

Effectively, you're getting a setup that looks like a digital library UI that lets you pick out games using a Wiimote or a controller, but exists in real life. Yes, there is something silly about the whole thing since you can just get up and use your eyeballs to look at spine labels, but if you're like me and struggle to both process what game boxes actually say when they're sitting in a row, be it in my collection or on a shelf, it's actually incredibly useful.

Visuals and mechanics aside, the IRL home screen is driven by a laptop connected to an ESP32-C3 Robot control board with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which then translates presses to specific vertical positions used to highlight boxes and engage the back rail mechanism. That does mean that the system isn't detecting game boxes and instead displays artwork and box glow based on positioning alone, but it's still an impressive approach.

The natural limits here are that the current setup is confined to just a small selection of boxed games within an IKEA KALAX unit. I imagine that adding more games to the row will come with accuracy caveats, as you'd need to reposition the projector so it can play the game art/startup animations while still being able to highlight the boxes, and multiple shelves should be more complicated.

If, like me, you have an absurd number of games on shelves, implementing this setup for the lot will be convoluted. I would love to see this proof-of-concept grow to that level, though, as it really would help fight the notion that Sony's decision to kill physical PS5 discs is a necessity for library convenience. Plus, it even has a slot-machine-style lever at the side that enables a randomiser, saving you from making pesky decisions before your session.

Everything from the presence of that ominous Wii music to the chirping Wiimote selection sound effect alludes to the IRL home screen being able to actively launch games. Those vibes in other videos appear to be faux for now, but I'm wondering if there's a way to harness homebrew apps to combine functionality so that backed-up games start up via physical selections.

I'll be keeping tabs on almostinventor's IRL home screen project to see where it's headed, and considering the creator has already shared experiement with using "the force" to select games using hand tracking, I suspect there's more to come.

• Retro consoles at Amazon
• Retro handhelds at Amazon

Check out the best retro handhelds for ways to take your classic games on the go.

I won't lie, I was expecting the Anbernic RG SP to land with an unsavoury, but the GBA SP clone is making big impressions with its pre-order price tag. While even the cheapest portables are taking a battering thanks to AI component demand, this clamshell is holding onto a sub-$60 MSRP that's actually lower than its predecessor.

I should caveat that the Anbernic RG SP is sitting slightly lower at $57.99 due to "early bird" discounts. Normally, the retro handheld will set you back $64.99, and that's if you order directly from Anbernic. Still, even that full MSRP is respectable since it matches the RG35XXSP from two years ago, and it demonstrates the portable maker is trying to keep prices steady.

Yes, we are talking about low handheld specs that, logically speaking, should be outside the RAMageddon blast zone, but that's sadly not how this works. Even the modest Super Pocket, Blaze's Evercade cart-wielding portable, fell folly to price hikes last month, and it comes armed with just 256MB of DDR RAM and a quad-core ARM chipset.

There are multiple layers to the AI-fuelled debacle surrounding component demand that's rooted in all production rather than specific parts, so no device is really safe. Therefore, it's worth commending Anbernic for keeping the RG SP under $60, as its rivals aren't faring quite as well

For instance, Ayaneo Pocket Advance pre-orders just landed, and I'm not opposed to its $89 price tag by any means; it will eventually jump up slightly higher to $109. The GBA clone is technically new, but it's pretty similar to the previously released Pocket Air Mini in terms of specs, and it landed for a lower introductory price. That would suggest there's something narrowing the margins that will lead to slight price increases, even if they are pretty small.

Ultimately, I think it's worth rooting for the handheld makers actively keeping prices sensible right now, and Anbernic is one of them. Yes, it does dabble with higher-end hardware, with the Anbernic RG Cube serving as an example of a more premium portable, but it seems to be making the right calls by focusing on its core affordable offerings that helped it ascend as a renowned brand in the first place.

• Retro handhelds at Amazon
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Swing by the best retro consoles for emulation machines, authentic remakes, and more.

Blaze just officially answered whether the Evercade can run DOOM, as a new collection is coming on October 30. Better still, the original boomer shooter, its sequel, and a bunch of mission packs and Deathmatch levels will arrive alongside a special edition Evercade Nexus handheld that looks like it's from the bowels of hell mars.

Available to pre-order today at 10 pm EST / 3 pm BST (UK), the Evercade Nexus DOOM Edition will set you back $249.99 / £199.99, so slightly more than the vanilla version. But, you will be furnished with a bunch of demonic delights, including the new collection cartridge, a Mars red case, a cartridge keychain, a double-sided poster with the shooter's OG artwork, and a bonus comic.

Of course, the DOOM retro handheld itself is also dressed up in demon-infested, space facility attire, complete with hazard warning trim and UAC logos. The cursed caveat here is that the portable is limited to 3,000 units, so you'll have to strafe straight to Blaze's Funstock when the gates open today.

Dropping this new DOOM handheld is a bummer if you've already pre-ordered the vanilla or Rare edition Evercade Nexus, though, and I've already noticed a few buyers query whether they can switch their pre-orders. I doubt there's a system in place for anything like that, but at least the collection is available on its own.

On its own, the DOOM Evercade collection will set you back $29.99 / £24.99, but it's already sold out at Funstock US. Hilariously, you can still grab it as a double pack alongside the Banjo Kazooie collection for $59.98, which feels like a DOOMslayer and Isabella-level team-up, if I do say so. If you are just looking for the boomer shooter, it should hit Amazon at some point before October 30.

I'm not remotely short of ways to play DOOM, and I've just finished building an MS-DOS PC specifically for playing '90s shooters with authentic Soundblaster audio. On top of that, I've been hitting up the GBA version on a custom Game Boy Advance with microswitch shoulders for strafing, and yet, I'm still itching to try this Evercade version.

Perhaps it's the sheer volume of DOOM included on the cart, as it includes the aforementioned six extra mission packs, including The Plutonia Experiment from Final DOOM and No Rest for the Living. The split-screen local multiplayer helps drive home the experience I was originally looking for with the PS1 version, negating the need for two consoles, games, and a link cable.

Sure, DOOM on the Evercade might not feel technically impressive given the platform now has 3D romps like Banjo Kazooie (check out the Super Pocket Rare Edition for more on that), but gaining the grandaddy of first-person shooters is still an accolade. Blaze's handheld and retro console ecosystem is becoming a physical gaming force to be reckoned with, and it could gain a massive player base once the big dogs in the industry become all-digital.

• Evercade consoles at Amazon
• Evercade games at Amazon

Swing by the best retro controllers for wireless buttons that still feel authentic.

The original console wars have been consigned to history, but players are still flying specific system banners even today. For a bit of fun, I thought I'd try to find out which machine that's "retro" today is considered the greatest of all time in the eyes of you, the reader, and surprise, surprise, the SNES is the current victor.

In a poll included across articles, I asked readers: What's the best retro console of all time? 20% of everyone who answered so far took their chance to declare the Super Nintendo the absolute GOAT, but the rest of the votes have been cast for the 15 other systems on the ballot.

I should note that you can still vote for the greatest console of all time, as I'd like to keep the poll open so that every retro-loving player can have their say. That means you could help prop up the SNES' claim to the throne, or help another iconic box, like the Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) or the mighty PS2 snatch the crown, and the latter has a chance of usurping Nintendo's '90s contender.

There's just a 3% gap between the SNES and the PS2 thus far, and the latter's clout makes sense since it remains the best-selling console of all time according to figures shared by Sony. By comparison, the Super Nintendo ranks way down at number 16, but the latter is a system that has ascended beyond its original hardware thanks to its legendary library.

Admittedly, I've kept the poll to just home consoles right now, but I reckon modern retro handhelds are having an impact on the numbers. Recency bias will have absolutely influenced some votes, and from my experience, most players end up emulating the best SNES games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Super Mario World, Super Metroid, and various other romps on new portables.

You could say that the fact Nintendo Switch owners have official access to a bunch of SNES greats via their online subscriptions keeps the platform more relevant today. However, if you have your original carts to hand and backed up, there are gizmos like the Anbernic RG Cube that can provide shiny new emulation perks, a screen that hits CRT notes, and a layout that is better suited to the Super Nintendo.

Effectively, affordable and approachable access to retro platforms can help consoles stay in the hearts of players. Of course, if you're like me and have held onto every system you've ever owned and amassed plenty of others throughout the years, your opinion will still be rooted in original hardware.

If that applies to you, then you may have voted for any of the other main home consoles. Or, if you've not actively looked into new ways to play or how to connect your retro console to a modern TV or monitor, you may have simply opted for your childhood system. Having a soft spot for the machine that kick-started your video gaming journey makes complete sense, but I do wonder if answers will change off the back of new hardware remakes.

For instance, if I specifically asked this same question when the Analogue 3D, a new FPGA-powered N64 with 4K abilities, arrived, I suspect there would be a surge in Nintendo 64 votes. Even the OG Xbox could garner some favor off the back of Microsoft's (admittedly lacklustre) launch of emulated classics on PC, and big moments like that could help even more obscure machines gain favor.

That's not to say the SNES won't still reign supreme once more of you have cast your vote. In fact, it might even end up with a larger claim to the throne than its current 20% figure, but at the same time, it feels like consoles from across every generation to date are biting at its heels.

So, this is my call to you, my lovely GamesRadar+ retro readers, to cast your vote and crown your favorite console. If the SNES is indeed usurped, or amasses even more power over the vintage video game domain, I'll be sure to let you know, and I'm planning on keeping this poll open so you can all have it out in the comments.

P.S. - If you're from the future and the figures have already crowned a new retro console monarch, watch this space for an updated summary.

Swing by the best retro controllers for fresh pads that still boast authentic buttons.

The Commodore 64 Ultimate marked the return of the legendary microcomputer brand, but resurrecting the Amiga is an entirely different ritual. It involves making sense of the now fragmented IPs that were grabbed by multiple parties in the '90s following the company's demise. However, we're now one step closer to seeing a proper FPGA comeback thanks to "landmark agreements."

In a report by Amiga-news, the publication delves into two Amiga deals between Commodore International, the IP holding Amiga Corporation, and Hyperion, the developers of AmigaOS 4 & 4.2 Codebase (thanks, Time Extension). The first agreement draws up a licensing framework that respects the rights of both the new FPGA microcomputer maker and the latter trademark holder, whereas the second resolves a dispute that's been ongoing since 2009.

In a statement, the Amiga Corporation confirms that it recognises Commodore International's ownership while providing some context:

"Following the 1996 liquidation of Escom, one of Amiga's predecessors in interest, the "Commodore" and "C=" trademarks took a separate path from the other assets. Tulip Computers acquired the trademarks and used them for Commodore-branded PCs. Subsequent transfers brought the trademarks to the present Commodore company. In the agreement, Amiga recognizes this ownership. The copyrights in the historical software, documentation, and other Commodore and Amiga works remained in the chain of title now continued by Amiga. Under the same agreement, Amiga licenses CBM 8-bit software and documentation to Commodore for use in its products.

Amiga retains the right to use and reproduce the Commodore marks in historical and descriptive contexts, including as they appear in original software, documentation, notices, keyboard symbols, on-screen texts, and other content."

Simply put, there's now a licensing agreement in place between Commodore and the Amiga Corporation for software and documentation. This helps remove barriers to the resurrected microcomputer maker creating a modern version of the hardware, but the additional Hyperion deal contributes to those efforts.

The Amiga Corporation says, "Hyperion Entertainment will continue to develop and distribute AmigaOS 4 under license from Amiga. The rights in the independently developed AmigaOS 4 code have never been disputed, and the new agreement preserves that position while clearly defining the Amiga software and trademarks licensed for continued AmigaOS 4 development and commercialization."

I get it, you want to know if you're getting a Commodore Amiga Ultimate now that these licensing deals are in place. The short answer is no, not immediately, but the path is now clearer should CEO Christian Simpson (Perri Fractic) decide to branch out into more complex remakes using FPGA tech.

According to the Amiga corporation, "the principal rights and assets of the Commodore and Amiga eras rest with Amiga." The licensing agreement means Commodore International isn't barred use, and the former party positively proclaims that "Forty-two years later, the circle is closing."

The big questions now are whether Commodore International can make an Amiga Ultimate that doesn't fall victim to RAMageddon, especially with added licensing costs, and whether it would want to. Keep in mind we already have an emulation-based Amiga A1200 remake on the way by Retro Games Ltd, as the retro console maker previously bypassed Hyperion to get around roadblocks.

Once THEA1200 is out in the wild, it may prompt Commodore to consider its own take on the Amiga with elevated FPGA hardware accuracy. For now, though, the company seems focused on getting its C64C Ultimate into the hands of enthusiasts while using its controversial Callback 8020 flip phone to explore new ways to grow its business.

Swing by the best retro handhelds if you'd rather emulate C64 and Amiga classics on the go.

Final Fantasy 9 isn't a PS2 game, but I've just noticed my PS2 memory card has a Final Fantasy save that looks like it has the wrong text. It's actually taken me 20 years to realise that the tiny low-res icon looks like it belongs to the earlier PS1 RPG, and there's a very silly reason why it looks that way.

You see, I've been messing around with an upscaler that solves jittery PS2 visuals using motion-adaptive interlacing. It'll also scale up any retro console that supports RGB output, but it's the systems that rely on interlaced graphics that benefit most from the gizmo.

While the GBS-C's motion-adaptive deinterlacing does an excellent job weaving separated horizontal fields together into a static frame, it's far from perfect. For the most part, you won't notice anything out of sorts, but after sharing a quick photo of my old PS2 memory card screen running through the upscaler, I received comments asking, "What's with the Final Fantasy "9" save icon?"

I originally figured the internet at large was getting its Final Fantasy roman numerals mixed up, but soon realised my old save really looks like it says "Final Fantasy IX" over the villainous Judge Gabranth sprite. Trust me when I say I squinted at the tiny icon for a solid 10 minutes on my actual display rather than through my hastily snapped photo, and I'm pretty certain the pixels read "IX" rather than "XII."

I'll admit, I started to get excited that Square Enix had somehow managed to typo its Final Fantasy 12 save icon art, or that there was perhaps another more interesting developmental reason for the blip. That was before I realized this was very likely a symptom tied to deinterlacing a low-resolution icon, and it all ties back to the way low-res CRTs used to work.

Here's the thing: the text on the Final Fantasy 12 logo on the memory card grid isn't meant to be legible. If you really want to get a good look at it, you can press X and bring up the full rotating 3D rendered model along with the copy and delete menu. What you're actually seeing before that is a version compressed to very few pixels that, when displayed on a CRT at the mercy of interlacing, pixel bleed, and phosphor glow, still vaguely looks like "Final Fantasy XII" at a normal distance.

When you take that same icon, blow it up on a modern screen using nearest-neighbour upscaling and deinterlacing techniques, you end up with distorted pixels. It just so happens that, in the case of Final Fantasy 12, it warps its roman numerals to look like they belong to a different game in the series, which serves as an eye-catching example of an upscaling caveat.

Using a "line doubler" like the OSSC stands a better chance of accurately representing even the lowest pixel text on the PS2, but you still end up with something that doesn't read like the full-resolution text. I suspect Bob de-interlacing still distorts the pixels in the same way regardless, changing their alignment to a completely different numeral, but I can't speak for more expensive FPGA-powered devices by the likes of RetroTink.

Big whoop, I hear you cry. Why should you remotely care about a few distorted pixels on an old PS2 memory card screen? I'll admit that I don't think this is a reason not to upscale your PlayStation 2, but I want to record the incident so no one gets the wrong idea.

I previously went searching to see if anyone had reported their Final Fantasy 12 PS2 memory card save showing the wrong thumbnail text, just in case there was a more elaborate reason. Immediately, I was rushed with Google AI claims that it's likely a "placeholder left over from development," which isn't remotely the case.

Therefore, this is me taking the opportunity to pre-empt any weird theories on why it looks like the PS2 memory card icon reads "Final Fantasy IX", as all it takes is someone to regurgitate AI nonsense to circulate falsified history. At the same time, this does help highlight how retro console upscaling technology works and why it will struggle to provide the exact same look as an old CRT TV, and while quirks like this aren't remotely a biggie, it could influence your setup plans.

• PS2 memory cards at Amazon
• Retro upscalers at Amazon

Swing by the best retro handhelds for portable emulators you can take on your travels.

It feels like nothing you can play games on is safe from price hikes right now, and that includes previously affordable retro handhelds. In fact, the demanding AI data centre demons released from the Pandora's Box ravaging RAM prices are also biting at Qualcomm's heels, and portable console brands like Retroid are already firing metaphorical flares.

Qualcomm chips are the beating heart of many of the best retro handheld newcomers scheduled for 2026. Existing popular portables, like the Ayn Thor and Retroid Pocket 5, are also powered by Snapdragon 865 and 8 Gen 2 SoCs, so plans to "raise prices by double digits" shared by Bloomberg are an undeniable omen.

Four days on from that original report, and Retroid has already signalled that its new Nova handheld could be impacted. In an update posted to X, the portable console maker actually kicks off with some good news, announcing that the black version starts shipping tomorrow. The company further clarifies launch plans, explaining that the 16-bit, Crystal, GameCube, Ice Blue, Clear, Purple, and Watermelon models will be on a 1-2 day rotation, and a dedicated assembly line means the "current backlog should be gone within three weeks."

The last thing the retro handheld scene needs is more component hikes, as memory prices are already causing a ruckus. Ayaneo has already had to adjust pricing on its Pocket models, and its handheld gaming PCs now cost up to and beyond $4,000. Yes, the latter is the same situation even the big dogs like Valve find themselves in with hardware like the Steam Machine, but it feels like the walls are narrowing in on affordable, mobile-based options.

Even the excellently priced Super Pocket has been hit with a price increase, which is surprising given the Evercade console is armed with a mere 256MB RAM and a low-spec Cortex-A7 quad-core chipset. It's becoming evidently clear that's its not just devices using the components being gobbled by the AI industry falling victim to "RAMageddon"; it's actually just anything that uses parts made in a fab or foundry, as TSMC, Intel, Samsung, and all the other fabrication giants now have new, multi-billion-dollar priorities.

That's not to say new retro handhelds will completely come to a halt in 2026, as newbies like the Anbernic RG SP and Ayaneo GBA clone are still inbound, and the Retroid Nova is rolling out to players who pre-ordered. In the current climate, not taking prices for granted and picking up portables when you can seems to be the way to go, even if that means paying slightly more than previous years.

• More retro handhelds at Amazon
• More retro consoles at Amazon

Swing by the best retro consoles for classic remakes and emulation machines.

I've been trying to perfect my PS2 setup for years now, but there's been one modern upscaler symptom haunting my favorite 2000s outings. While Sony's iconic sequel system looks perfectly fine on an old CRT TV, most of the console's releases rely on interlaced graphics that don't play nice with new screens. The result is jittery visuals that just look plain weird compared to 20 years ago, and solutions used to be far too pricey.

For a while now, I've had an OSSC at the heart of my retro console setup. FYI, that stands for Open Source Scan Converter, and I fully believe it's one of the top upscalers out there that comes with minimal caveats, and that's in part because it's a "line doubler" that multiplies horizontal pixel rows to ramp up resolutions.

That approach introduces practically no lag since it's processing visuals line by line, not unlike a CRT. Unfortunately, my relationship with the OSSC has its demons, as its Bob deinterlacing techniques fail to solve my flickery woes. The good news is that I've found a side upscaler that is specifically great for PS2 games, even if I won't be leaving the OSSC for it.

The other upscaler in my current affair is none other than the GBS Control (GBS-C for short), an open-source HDMI converter that started life as a DIY kit. It's effectively another doohickey that will allow you to connect retro consoles to modern TVs or monitors, and it boasts specific abilities that give it an edge when dealing with pesky interlaced graphics.

Interlacing is a tricksy workaround that's been used since the dawn of television sets, and it was originally developed to combat broadcast bandwidth. The technique essentially splits a frame into odd and even fields, then displays both rapidly on screen.

If you caught my deep dive on retro console scanlines, the same idea of lines appearing on screen so fast that your eye sees a completed frame applies, but rather than drawing each horizontal row progressively, interlacing will technically scan odd fields then even to make a perceivable full frame.

I should be clear that some PS2 games are compatible with progressive scan, but there are reasons why the console didn't default to 480p. The biggest is that most consumer CRT TVs in the early 2000s tapped out at 240p or 480i (576i in PAL regions like the UK and Australia), so sticking with interlaced visuals helped avoid compatibility issues. It also helped save on memory, which in turn enabled developers to work with enhanced textures and high-detail assets.

CRT TVs weren't immune to the intrinsic flicker on interlaced graphics, but it was less notable on a tube screen. That's largely thanks to the way phosphors gradually fade on screen, which helped soften the rapid interlacing of horizontal rows in conjunction with the display's shadow mask/apperture grille layer and pixel bleeding. If you take those same visuals and let deinterlacing convert them into solid frames, though, the jitter is extremely visible.

The main issue with standard deinterlacing techniques today is that it doesn't remedy the previous masked symptoms. While upscalers like the OSSC run circles around native TV solutions by eliminating lag, blurriness, and ghosting tied to using algorithms that weave horizontal lines together, "bob" deinterlacing emphasises the way interlacing inherently works.

To actually make a single frame, Bob takes even horizontal pixels and uses them to fill the odd interlaced lines and vice versa. That results in a pixel shift effect with every frame that switches pixel positions, leading to a repeated bobbing effect tied to the respective refresh rate. Simply put, PS2 games running at 60Hz will switch back and forth from odd and even rows 60 times a second, and that's the flicker you'll see on things like text and background textures.

Enter motion-adaptive deinterlacing, a technique that can actively detect if pixels are changing. It will still use the old weave approach with odd and even lines with no movement, while applying Bob algorithms to anything with movement. It's a "best of both worlds" solution that ditches the jitter while embracing the sharpness, low latency, and smoothness of Bob for when fast-paced movement is most likely to cause artifacts.

Here lies the GBS-C's specific PS2 superpower, as unlike the OSSC, it can apply motion-adaptive techniques to interlaced signals. Keep in mind I've been using the latter line doubler with gaming monitors and TVs for years now, so I'm well used to the flicker of Bob deinterlacing, especially when static menus and background textures are present. Therefore, when I clapped my eyes on the GBS-C's algorithms in action, I was pretty blown away.

I had almost gotten used to the janky jitter when playing some of my go-to PS2 romps, and I'll admit that the symptoms are sometimes subtle. For instance, in Silent Hill 2, the chaotic jiggle largely applies to background elements, like brick wall textures and static objects that calm down when James is running around. Seeing the lines on the pavement or building masonry shake around does hamper efforts to soak in the survival horror's eerie atmosphere, though, and it's easy to spot the difference with motion adaptive interlacing applied.

Having access to motion adaptive upscaling is absolutely a sole reason to grab a GBS-C, especially if your eyeballs have already wrestled with more aggressive PS2 examples like Dead or Alive 2. However, it also happens to be an impressive upscaler in its own right, offering up a wide array of settings you can control via built-in screen or a more expansive Wi-Fi menu.

The latter was a bit of a pain to get up and running, as you have to use the GBS-C as a hotspot then point it towards your home connection. Once you've got that sorted, however, you'll have access to vital settings like motion adaptive upscaling, resolution presets up to 1080p, and plenty of picture control dials. There's even a pretty in-depth dev mode that provides access to even more bells and whistles if you're really nerdy about retro console outputs.

At the same time, if my time using the GBS-C has taught me anything so far, it's that it lacks the same visual punch as the OSSC. Line doubling provides far sharper results than a "traditional" frame buffer device, as multiplying raw pixel rows simply looks better than the softer Bilinear Scaling used by the GBS-C.

I'm planning to experiment with using both the OSSC and GBS-C in conjunction, as it could be the perfect solution for my PS2 setup specifically. I'm wary that picking up two upscalers isn't remotely cost-effective, though, so if you want sharp line doubling and motion adaptive deinterlacing, it might be worth looking at the pricier OSSC Pro.

What I will say is that the results provided by all these upscalers will fall short compared to the RetroTINK-5X Pro or RetroTINK-4K. Those are two enthusiast-grade options with FPGA chips that will run rings around the GBS-C's motion adaptive upscaling with zero lag and ridiculously sharp visuals. The catch is that they cost between $300 and $750, which will absolutely be out of bounds for a lot of retro enjoyers.

For those of you on a budget, I'd say the GBS-C will provide you with a superior PS2 experience compared to using your TV's native abilities or a cheap upscaler. Just keep in mind that, just like the base OSSC, this gadget exclusively deals in RGB signals via SCART, component, or VGA, so you'll need to use the right cables or convert composite-only consoles like the NES.

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Scanlines! It's a phrase often hurled around the retro gaming space, and one you'll find on your "an enthusiast said I'm playing old games wrong" bingo card. The issue is that while it is indeed a visual effect that can be enabled when using emulators and retro console remakes, they won't always make your shiny new screen look like an old CRT TV, and that could put you off using the effect.

As someone who specializes in connecting retro consoles to modern TVs and monitors while also being a CRT TV enthusiast, there is a big fat myth tied to scanlines. While using an overlay that adds horizontal black gaps can enhance definition and add pixel separation, you won't magically get the same visuals as a tube set. There's way more going on with your old idiot box than that, and understanding those old visuals will help set your expectations.

When testing the best retro consoles today or using the originals, I typically enable scanlines. Adding in horizontal black lines can come with caveats, but for the most part, it will add useful pixel separation that helps sprites and textures look less like blocky blobs on modern displays. But, to help you work out whether you actually care about using the effect, I want to dive into what scanlines actually are and the various ways systems today can mimic an old CRT.

What even is a scanline?

By definition, a "scanline" is a horizontal row of pixels drawn rapidly by an electron beam to make a full CRT TV picture. Yes, your old box would make up a full image within a split second by blasting electrons against a phosphor-coated screen, which made for a very rock 'n' roll way of generating frames.

Unless you've got some really high refresh rate eyeballs, you won't be able to see a CRT actively drawing horizontal lines. In fact, there's every chance that if you grab an old tube set right now and feed it a clean signal that matches its native resolution, you won't even see the distinctive black spaces that are dubbed "scanlines" today. That's because those gaps were more of a symptom rather than a feature, one that just so happened to add some extra pixel separation when gaming.

I own too many CRTs for my own good, ranging from a backbreaking 32-inch Aiwa set to an impossibly small 3.7-inch Sony Trinitron TV. Whether or not you can actually see distinct scanlines on each comes down to the resolution of a retro console, the cable type, and the display's own screen type, as all three can work to make the black space between rows less visible.

Standard Definition used to be, and still techniclly is, 480p, meaning 480 lines drawn horizontally using progressive scan. That's fancy speak for every one of those lines being drawn in order from top to bottom, but that means some trickery is required when using a 240p retro console like the NES, SNES or Sega Genesis.

The workaround involves the CRT filling its 480p screen with 240 rows of pixels by leaving every odd line blank. That results in a full image still being displayed on screen, but with distinctive black spaces between. That quirk is exactly what modern scanline effects attempt to replicate today, but there are other forces at play also messing with the look of raw pixels.

Behind the mask

When letting a CRT TV blast your eyeballs, scanlines likely won't be the first thing you see. If anything, you're more likely to notice the defined pixels that look like separate dots rather than a linear line of squares. What you're actually seeing is the image being drawn behind a metal plate, or "shadow mask", designed to guide electron beams directly to red, green, and blue phosphor dots.

Most consumer CRT TVs use a shadow mask, and it actually provides a distinct look that may distract you from scanlines altogether. The metal plate actually channels the electron beams into a triangle formation, or triad, that can reduce the visibility of direct, horizontal rows, portraying a more staggered pixel look.

Naturally, simply adding in horizontal black lines to retro console visuals on a modern LCD or OLED doesn't quite hit the same CRT notes as a shadow mask screen. Rather than getting that staggered triad color effect that adds pixel definition, you instead get a bolder horizontal effect that won't quite look like an old tube.

At the same time, not every CRT uses the same phosphor plate either. For instance, Sony Trinitron models are heralded for their Aperture Grille technology, which separates phosphors with tiny vertical wires. The idea is that the positioning will only allow the appropriate color through, rather than trying to block more light with a solid mask.

As a result, Trinitron CRT images are brighter, boast better color accuracy, and have enhanced sharpness thanks to the higher-pitch vertical dots. That is to say, there's less of a gap within each vertical stripe compared to using Shadow Mask triad clusters, and that in turn produces a pretty different look in terms of pixel separation.

Effectively, there's way more to making your classic games look like they're on a faux Cathode-Ray Tube. Scanlines are really just one part of a visual symphony that presents old sprites and textures the way their designers intended, rather than a bunch of scaled-up blocky pixels. Knowing that elements like CRT masking techniques, color bleeding, and phosphor positioning will provide different results will ultimately help you achieve the look you're looking for, whether that's based on something from memory or a collectively agreed gold standard.

Modern scanline techniques

It might feel like CRT TVs vanished from gaming setups aeons ago, but in reality, the screen type only properly retired in the late 2000s. That's the point where I noticed LCD panels properly take over the consumer market, and as someone who kept using old consoles with those displays, it became quickly apparent that they were missing a trick when it comes to classic visuals.

I was actually extremely late to the LCD part, having only picked up a budget 720p 28-inch LCD set in 2007 for my Xbox 360. It only took me a couple of months to realise that, while Bioshock looks phenomenal in "HD", consoles like my Sega Mega Drive looked a bit off even when using a clean RGB SCART input.

Naturally, the subpar upscaler in that supermarket brand LCD TV was committing more than just visual atrocities, but my immediate concerns were sparked by pixel separation. I really couldn't jam with Blaze in Streets of Rage looking like a bunch of blocks, and it kickstarted what would be a decade long quest to bring scanlines back to my setup.

I should note that for years, the only way to really inject scanlines back into my favorite games was by way of "modern" retro consoles. Yes, I did experiment with using standalone VGA scanline generators, like the SLG3000, but that was more designed for CRT arcade play rather than mimicking consumer sets. It wouldn't be until 2014 when the Hyperkin Retron 5 arrived on the scene that I'd first get a taste for scanline overlay effects as a feature baked into a system.

The approach with basic modern scanlines is pretty straightforward, as it simply requires adding an overlay of odd or even horizontal black lines over retro console images. That helps provide pixel separation and something that is reminiscent of old CRT TV visuals, and the Retron 5 was one of the first to provide that.

Since then, scanline overlays have matured, but basic implementations still come with the same caveats attached. Firstly, adding horizontal black lines alone isn't really enough to give proper CRT vibes, and scaling-related symptoms like uneven thickness and unadjustable intensity can be distracting. Darkening half the lines on screen also reduces overall image brightness, and depending on your screen, the remaining active pixels might look a bit too dim.

These are issues that still persist with systems like the Hyperkin Retron GX, and even scanlines with some layer of adjustability included in the likes of the Evercade Alpha still aren't super close to a real CRT. That's not to say we aren't seeing progress, though, as HDMI upscalers and FPGA consoles like the Analogue 3D are introducing more elaborate effects that leverage the latest screen tech and add more than just horizontal black lines.

Analogue's 4K N64 specifically proudly provides "display filters" rather than just basic scanlines. Rather than just slapping an overlay on top, the feature is a real-time processing option that weaves in accurate CRT effects that mimic every classic display type. The system includes everything from the look of a Sony Trinitron PVM and BVM sets to consumer-grade tube TVs that use Aperture Grille or Shadow Mask tech.

Better still, the Analogue 3D can now even leverage "advanced HDR" tricks to facilitate the same pixel brightness on new screens. That helps each phosphor look like it's actually firing from an electron gun rather than just being mimicked on an OLED or LCD, and the result is damn convincing.

Analogue isn't the only company going the extra mile with CRT effects, though, as I'm seeing more ways than ever to add more convincing scanlines and masking. The OSSC line doubler I use for most consoles has a wide array of dials for adding in scanlines in real time; the newer OSSC Pro can even enable Shadow Mask and Aperture Grille overlays.

If you'd bring the Analogue 3D's advanced CRT filters to your entire setup, Retrotink also has you covered with its 5X Pro and 4K upscalers. They will make your bank account weep, but on top of providing FPGA-powered upscaling with motion-adaptive deinterlacing, they can also produce the same look as a Sony Trinitron or classic consumer set using similar processing techniques.

I'm fully aware I've been exclusively talking about hardware solutions, but modern emulators can also provide excellent scanline and CRT effects. Frontends like RetroArch include preset shaders for retro console cores, with CRT Royale being a prime example of a shader that can do more than just horizontal lines. Almost every emulation suite today at least has basic filters built-in, so it's worth messing around with those if you exclusively run your own ROMs on a retro handheld or PC.

Sneaking scanlines into your entire setup

I've been routinely asked whether there's a magic solution for adding scanlines to an entire setup. The answer is yes, as I've tested a doohickey that adds CRT scanline effects using HDMI, and it's not as atrocious as you'd think. Naturally, you'll have to use an upscaler or an adapter if you're using retro consoles with analogue output, but once you've got that sorted, it will inject adjustable effects into the pipeline before the image reaches your modern screen.

Of course, the effect produced by the standalone HDMI scanline generator still suffers from those classic caveats mentioned above. However, it includes on-board dials and switches for everything from scanline thickness to aspect ratio and even RGB color adjustment. The cherry on top is being able to switch between odd and even black lines, which will really help get you closer to the look you're after.

Your mileage with a standalone HDMI scanline generator will vary depending on your system of choice and screen. I do think it's worth a look if you can grab one for cheap, though, as it hooked my HDMI-modded N64 up with some much-needed pixel separation (the console's raw signal is pretty messy).

My hope is that by understanding why players rave about scanlines in retro games, you'll have an easier time deciding whether you care about the effect. Simply playing games raw without any overlayers or processing effects added in is completely valid no matter what those pesky enthusiasts shout at you online. That said, if you are craving CRT vibes but don't want to find a real tube set, you'll now know exactly how to go about transforming your modern display into a faux 20+ year old television set.

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