Retro gaming has never been more accessible. Between subscription services, FPGA hardware, and dedicated handhelds, there are excellent ways to revisit classic games without maintaining a collection of aging hardware. These five options each take a different approach and excel in different ways.
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch + NSO Expansion Pack | ~$349 + $49/yr | Nintendo classics | 9/10 |
| PS5 + PS Plus Premium | ~$499 + $119/yr | PlayStation catalog | 8.5/10 |
| MiSTer FPGA | ~$250 (DIY) | Hardware accuracy | 9.5/10 |
| Analogue Pocket | ~$219 | Game Boy and handheld | 9/10 |
| Retroid Pocket 4 Pro | ~$199 | Multi-system portable | 8.5/10 |
Nintendo Switch + Nintendo Switch Online — Best for Nintendo Classics
Nintendo Switch Online with the Expansion Pack is the most convenient way to access a broad library of NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance titles. The library grows steadily and the games run with optional save states and rewind. Playing N64 games in handheld mode on the OLED screen is a particularly strong experience. The annual subscription cost is reasonable split across a family plan. For anyone whose retro nostalgia centers on Nintendo hardware, this is the easiest and most polished option.
PS5 + PS Plus Premium — Best for PlayStation Back Catalog
PlayStation Plus Premium unlocks access to a large library spanning PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS4. The PS1 titles in particular run very well, with upscaling options and rewind functionality. For players whose formative gaming years involved PlayStation hardware, this subscription unlocks a genuine time capsule. The catalog gaps (no PS4 physical games streaming, selective PS3 availability) keep it from being a complete solution but it is still impressive.
MiSTer FPGA — Best for Hardware Accuracy
MiSTer FPGA is not a console in the traditional sense. It uses a programmable chip to recreate the exact electrical behavior of classic hardware, including NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, Atari, and dozens of arcade boards. The result is a more accurate representation of original hardware than software emulation can achieve. Setup requires some technical comfort but the community documentation is thorough. For players who care about scanline behavior, audio timing, and input latency above all else, nothing matches MiSTer.
Analogue Pocket — Best Dedicated Handheld for Retro Play
The Analogue Pocket plays original Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges natively. FPGA cores expand compatibility to Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket, and Lynx with the right cartridge adapters. The 1600x1440 display makes classic pixel art look stunning. Battery life is solid for portable sessions. It does not emulate home console systems out of the box, but for handheld-era gaming it is unmatched in quality and authenticity.
Retroid Pocket 4 Pro — Best Multi-System Retro Portable
The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro runs Android and supports emulation from Atari 2600 through PlayStation 2 and even light GameCube and Wii titles. The 4.7-inch screen, physical controls, and hall-effect thumbsticks make it comfortable for extended play. RetroArch and standalone emulator support is comprehensive. At $199, it is one of the most capable retro portables on the market without requiring significant technical knowledge to configure.
How to Choose the Best Console for Retro Games
Start by identifying which systems you want to revisit. Nintendo fans get the most convenience from Switch Online. PlayStation fans benefit from PS Plus Premium. If accuracy and breadth matter most, MiSTer FPGA is the technical gold standard but requires more setup effort. For portability, the Analogue Pocket covers handheld classics while the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro covers nearly everything else. Budget for a subscription service or initial hardware investment accordingly.
For more gaming platform guides, see our articles on the best console to play Fortnite on and the best console simulation games. Review our methodology to understand how we assess each option.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to play original NES and SNES games in 2026?+
Nintendo Switch Online includes a growing library of NES, SNES, N64, and Game Boy games with an Expansion Pack subscription. For hardware accuracy enthusiasts, the MiSTer FPGA replicates original chips at the hardware level, delivering the most authentic experience possible without original cartridges.
Can you play retro games on PS5?+
Yes, PS5 offers access to classic PlayStation 1, 2, 3, and 4 titles through the PlayStation Plus Premium tier. The library includes hundreds of titles with upscaling and rewind features. It does not support older Nintendo, Sega, or Atari titles but is a strong option for anyone primarily interested in PlayStation's back catalog.