Retro Gaming: The Ultimate Throwback (Fully Enhanced Edition)

Let’s be honest, realism is impressive, but it doesn’t always equal fun. If you’re more interested in pressing START than downloading a 90GB update, then retro gaming is your answer.

It’s smart, simple and surprisingly good at helping you switch off and it’s aged a lot better than most people think.

Why retro still works

Affordable: Many titles cost less than a takeaway coffee

Accessible: No tutorials. No drama. Just play

Comforting: Like revisiting a familiar place in your mind

Challenging: In that “one more go” kind of way

The best part is you don’t need to dig out your old CRT telly. Most classics run beautifully on modern devices, cloud platforms or even your phone.

Classic Retro games you can still play today

These are easy to access and still brilliant decades later on console or PC:

• Pac-Man Quick, iconic, still addictive
• Sonic the Hedgehog Fast paced and chaotic in all the right ways
• Street Fighter II Perfect if you like your games competitive and fast
• Tetris A brain workout disguised as relaxation
• Super Mario Bros 3 Surprisingly deep, always joyful (Available via Nintendo Switch Online or NES Classic Mini)

Whether you’re playing for ten minutes or two hours, they still deliver.

Collector’s Editions Worth Getting

• Mario Anniversary Box Sets
• Sonic & SEGA Collector Bundles
• PAC_MAN Arcade1Up Mini Cabinets

These make stunning display pieces and usually hold their value well.

Playing Retro in the Cloud

You don’t need to own a console anymore because cloud platforms have made retro gaming ridiculously accessible

Xbox Game Pass Retro highlights

Check out the Rare Replay collection as it includes:

• Banjo-Kazooie
• Perfect Dark
• Doom (the original beast)
• Golden Axe

Also worth exploring classics like Fable (by Lionhead studios), which regularly rotate in and out of the Game Pass library.

Where else to find Retro gold

Platforms like GOG, Steam and Epic Games are full of affordable retro bundles. Look for:

• Arcade Classics
• 8-bit and 16-bit remasters
• Old console ports

Games often sell for under £3 and they’ll run on your aging laptop without complaint, no graphics card required.

Mobile Retro (Yes, it’s legit)

Smartphones are more powerful than most 90’s computers making them perfect for pixel classics. Try these on iOS or Android:

• Sonic the Hedgehog Classic
• Tetris Mobile
• PAC-MAN
• Crazy Taxi Classic (SEGA port – music may vary)
• Snake (yes, the Nokia version lives on in many apps)

For a better experience, consider pairing a Bluetooth controller, especially for action or platform games. Small screen, big joy!

Recommended Controllers for Mobile Retro

• 8BitDo Pro 2  Good allrounder
• 8BitDo SN30 Pro Retro look with modern features
• Razer Kishi V2  Great for Android & iPhone
• Backbone One Elite mobile controller

Seriously improves precision, especially for Sonic, Mario and fighters.

Best Retro consoles (if you want the real deal)

Some of us still like actual buttons. Tactile, familiar and satisfying. Here are plug-and-play options that give proper retro vibes:

Top picks

• SNES Classic Mini: Super Mario, Donkey Kong and more
• Sega Mega Drive Mini: Sonic, Golden Axe and Mortal Kombat
• Nes Mini: The original classics in one box
• Atari Flashback: Pong, Centipede and Asteroids

Mini Console Price check

Console	Typical Price	Where to Buy	Includes
SNES Classic Mini	£60 – £120	Amazon, CeX, EBay	20+ games
Sega Mega Drive Mini	£50 – £100	Amazon, CeX	40+ games
NES Classic Mini	£60 – £150	eBay, Amazon	NES classics
Atari Flashback	£40 – £80	Amazon	100+ titles

Most of these plug straight into your TV. No setup stress and no fiddling with cables.

Best Retro Handhelds 

These are in demand right now:

• Analogue Pocket: Best premium retro handheld
• Retroid Pocket 4 Pro: Excellent mid-range all rounder
• Anbernic RG556: Solid budget to mid option with good build quality
• Steam Deck OLED: Best hybrid for retro and modern gaming
• ROG Ally: High-end emulation powerhouse

These are ideal for travel, commutes or sofa gaming without hogging the TV.

Level Up Your Setup (For Serious Retro Fans)

If you own old cartridges or classic consoles:

• Retro TINK 5X Pro: Best HDMI upscaler for CRT-like quality
• OSS Scan Converter: Low lag, pro quality upscaling
• Elgato HD60 X: For streaming retro games

These will make 80s/90s games look amazing on your 4K TV.

Best snacks to pair with Retro gaming

Simple fact;  snacks are half the experience. So here’s your go-to list that should satisfy:

• Mini Cheddars → Classic, simple, satisfying
• Cheese Balls → Bold flavour, mild regret
• Wagon Wheels → A full dessert disguised as a snack
• Party Rings → Sweet. Colourful. Always welcome
• Space Raiders (Pickled Onion) → Strong flavour, zero apologies

Drink of choice = Lucozade (if you can find it in a glass bottle, do it) otherwise, a strong cup of tea works.

Retro Snack Bundles

• Retro sweets hampers
• Pick ‘n’ mix tubs
• £5 snack combo boxes

Why Retro gaming is ideal for ages 45+

You already know these games. You know the rules and you don’t need a tutorial to jump into a level. Here’s what retro gaming offers:

• No complex controls
• No kid screaming “git gud” in the voice chat
• No endless cutscenes
• Quick “pick up and play” fun

Just press START and play what you already love. Think of it like rewatching your favourite old TV series but this time you’re the one in control.

Retro setup under £100

What	Budget option	Where to get it
Console (from ~£50 refurbished)	SNES Mini or Sega Mini	CeX, eBay, Amazon
Games (from £0/£10.99 per month)	Preloaded or digital	Game Pass, Steam, GOG
Controller (from £0 or £20 if not with console)	Comes with console	Already included
Snacks (£5 should do)	Retro sweets	Lidl, Tesco, corner shop
Setup Spot (£0)	Living room TV	Already in your home

Retro meets Cloud: The Best of both worlds

You don’t have to pick a side

• Want the feel of real buttons? Grab a console
• Prefer convenience? Stream via Game Pass or Steam
• Want to game on the go? Download classics to your phone

There’s no right way to play. There’s just your way.

Pick the setup that suits your mood, add snacks, press start and repeat as needed.

Retro Gaming For Grown-ups