What is the cheapest console to get and collect for that still holds up? : retrogaming

[–] SuspciousCarrot78@lemmy.world 2 points 23 hours ago* (last edited 18 hours ago)

The OG Wii

Reasons -

Cheap! ($20-$100)
Fun, physical ways to interact with games (eg: Wii sports, Wiifit) that make casual gaming accessible
Despite being ancient, homebrew still a thing. See - Minecraft and Beatsabre ports, MK etc
Easy to mod
Cross play with select NDS titles (before it was cool)
Decent sized game library; gems and slop to be fair, but you won't be bored.
Pretty good emulation for such old system (16 and 8bit)
VirtualWare games
Some really novel titles
No region lock
Built like a tank. You can completely bypass failing disc drive with SD or USB.
USBLoader GX (free) + Autoutlet HDMI out ($20) = you won't believe how good 480p can look when tuned (eg: Xenoblade, SMS, SMG etc)
Apart from the red one, they're all basically GameCube compatible (either directly or via Nintendont) at hardware level. That's an amazing library of games on its own.
Instant on; no DRM shit
Tiny, quiet, cute.

And all that for $20.

[–] RightHandOfIkaros@lemmy.world 48 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (16 children)

My suggestion might seem sacrelige, but hear me out.

If you want something to actually use that is convenient, a mini PC that emulates them all is far better than genuine hardware. Kinda like how I will always say that driving a replica of an expensive car is better than driving a real one out on the road. Set up takes a lot longer, but in the long run it is far cheaper and much more convenient.

modern TV compatible output
modern CRT shaders very closely approximate actual CRT look especially at 4k with HDR (I have real CRTs to compare, and they do look similar)
you dont have to unplug and plug in multiple consoles, wearing out the tv input port when you want to change consoles
only takes up one tv input port
some games can run at better framerates than the original hardware could handle, giving a more consistent experience
no physical space lost to game boxes and multiple unused console accessories
expandable storage to include all games from each console's library
can play handheld games on a TV without needing overpriced genuine hardware like the GameBoy Player for the GameCube ($75+ is ridiculous)
you get to play games you will literally never be able to thanks to speculative buyers and collectors making the real thing too expensive (~$1,000 USD for Panzer Dragoon Saga NTSC should be illegal)

You could potentially invest in console themed controllers, so the inputs match the controller you are holding. Sure, the integrated graphics might not be good enough to PS3 on some older ones, but it's hard to beat that at ~$150 USD for up to 6th gen. Lots of genuine hardware now is that price or more thanks to speculative buying and "collectors" ruining the hobby for people that actually want to play the games instead of just hoarding them.

[–] SuspciousCarrot78@lemmy.world 1 points 22 hours ago

I agree! Upgraded from a Wii to a Lenovo M93p tiny ($50 USD) so that I could emulate all my old games and play select PC games I loved from back in the day (Just Cause 2, GTA IV, Fallout 3 etc).

Then I went to m710q...which I broke by being a little to hasty swapping CPU :(

(Turned out to be a blessing in disguise... as the next tiny I got - a P330 - got me onto self hosting etc as well as gaming).

TL;DR: yeah, those "mini-micro-tiny" machines are pretty sweet and cheap.

[–] cRazi_man@europe.pub 8 points 2 weeks ago

I would suggest a handheld console that can be portable when you want or connect to the TV when at home.

Retroid Pocket 6 for an Android console. Steam Deck for a mini PC. I've got both and both have been amazing for emulation.

[–] MelodiousFunk@slrpnk.net 5 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

Emulation box/PC is always going to be tops for game accessibility and overall flexibility. If you're just looking to experience the games, this is the way to go.

That said, there's something different about actually using a retro console. For me, it feels more deliberate. Kinda like how some people still prefer putting on a record (or popping in a CD) even though streaming has the same content and is more convenient.

Neither approach is objectively better than the other - it comes down to what the user wants to experience.

[–] RightHandOfIkaros@lemmy.world 7 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Being a genuine hardware owner and enjoyer myself, I know it might seem bad to recommend an emulation setup over genuine hardware. But in my experience, I find I spend a lot more time playing on a mini PC with emulators I have connected to a genuine CRT it 1x internal resolution than I do playing on the real hardware I have. Its a big hassle. Sometimes I pull them out for guests or jids or whatever to get to experience how things used to be, but for me I want to play the games and the genuine hardware is just extra steps.

Of course, using genuine hardware is going to give a more immersive and nostalgic experience. But if someone is wanting to actually play the games and not just experience nostalgia for a week before the hardware starts collecting dust, emulation is clearly superior.

The thing about genuine hardware is that constantly getting up to reset it when a glitch happens, or when you want to change games or change consoles, etc, gets annoying pretty fast. Eventually you figure you don't have enough time or energy for it and thats when it starts collecting dust. I say just skip that step altogether and go the emulation route. Then if you really want a genuine console, buy a cheap one first and see how long you last playing on real hardware. I give you a week before you go back to the emulator.

[–] pory@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Which mini PC do you have that has native analog out for a CRT? Most of the ones I see only have HDMI or DisplayPort and scaling those down to component or composite always introduces awful lag.

[–] RightHandOfIkaros@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

I currently use an HP EliteDesk SFF (the middle size one) and use a DAC for DisplayPort to RCA.

DACs generally add less than 1 frame of lag. Youre thinking of scalers. If the adapter applies any sort of processing other than simply converting from digital to analog, then it adds more lag. But simply converting will usually have nearly imperceptible levels of lag. I can try to measure it when I use it next and see, but I can say that I don't notice any "awful lag." I am not a fighting game player, but timings in Shenmue for QTEs and Legend of Dragoon for combat don't feel off or bad.

If you wanted, the EliteDesk Mini has a proprietary expansion slot in the rear for modular video output, and one of the available modules is VGA. VGA to RCA is just a cable adaption (analog to analog) and intoduces zero extra lag, so that could be an option if you for whatever reason feel like DAC conversion introduces too much lag.

[–] pory@lemmy.world 2 points 2 weeks ago

Which DAC do you use? I'd love to have a decent machine for playing PC indie games on my CRT natively.

[–] Denjin@feddit.uk 3 points 2 weeks ago

I have an N64 and an original Gameboy because they were the biggest things from my childhood so there's a whole extra layer of nostalgia attached to the physical devices and their "feel".

Everything else I have only passing memories of playing but I want to experience the games again so I emulate everything else.

[–] k0e3@lemmy.ca 3 points 2 weeks ago

I totally agree with this. The only reason why I have hardware (some original and a multi-console-in-one) is because I stream as a hobby in Japan and the general public doesn't have a positive view on emulation.

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[–] ieatpwns@lemmy.world 24 points 2 weeks ago (3 children)

You can install an ssd on a ps2 and load more than half of its library onto it. Last year I paid $70 for a used ps2 at a flea market so they’re definitely still out there

[–] KoboldCoterie@pawb.social 10 points 2 weeks ago

This is a great suggestion. PS2 had some great games, the graphics were good enough that, while they obviously look dated today, it's not difficult to play, and it's still recent enough that the hardware is affordable.

[–] fuckwit_mcbumcrumble@lemmy.dbzer0.com 6 points 2 weeks ago

PS2 has remained surprisingly cheap over the years. I think the only reason it's so cheap is because the OG PS3s are also a PS2 but with an HDMI port and wireless controllers. And those things keep creeping up in value. Too bad they're so damn unreliable. PS2s on the other hand seem to be rock solid.

[–] SolarPunker@slrpnk.net 5 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Fat model?

[–] ieatpwns@lemmy.world 6 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

Fat model. There’s also an sd card enabled memory card for sale so you should technically be able tofreemcboot a slim and load the games on flash storage

[–] SolarPunker@slrpnk.net 4 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Yeah I'm also looking for a PS2 with network extension for the drive. But I firstly need to find a CRT, I'm tired to play with shaders to get a decent experience.

[–] ieatpwns@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

My last tv with analog input died a few years ago and I recently gave up on trying to find a crt. I’m waiting for the right time to buy a retrotink.

[–] SolarPunker@slrpnk.net 4 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

I really like what the shaders community is doing but these setups-time and expensive retro-hardware makes my just wanna find the first crt I can in a random vintage market, more faithful and less expansive.

[–] umbraroze@slrpnk.net 10 points 2 weeks ago (4 children)

I would suggest getting a Wii, but not for playing the games. Softmod it (pretty trivial) and install CleanRip.

Then just start collecting Wii and GameCube games, rip them to USB/SD card, and play them on PC with Dolphin. Use just about any PC compatible controller for GameCube games, and you can pair the Wii controller over Bluetooth for Wii games.

Last I checked Wiis are pretty cheap, and the GC and Wii library has a lot of real gems.

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[–] NewNewAugustEast@lemmy.zip 10 points 2 weeks ago

Ps2. Plenty of games, it's still the most popular system made.

Add the network adapter and a hard drive and you can use real hardware to play the games, or store your games on the network and skip the hard drive.

Or use a USB if you want. No hard mods required.

[–] Rhynoplaz@lemmy.world 9 points 2 weeks ago

Can't help with pricing, but as far as variety and quality of games, the SNES dominates. We play ROMs at home, and despite having pretty much every game for every system, the SNES gets the most play hands down.

[–] RedRibbonArmy@sh.itjust.works 7 points 1 week ago

The first gen PS3. You get three consoles in one with the backwards compatibility.

[–] robador51@lemmy.ml 7 points 2 weeks ago (5 children)

I got 2 dirt cheap second hand Wii's last month, with some accessories. I never owned one and now that i'm a dad i wanted to introduce my kid to video games and play with him. Installed homebrew on one and keeping the other one as a backup. We love it. I was surprised with how well the games hold up, Super Mario Galaxy is amazing. My kid loves Kirby's Epic yarn, which I must admit is absolutely stunning visually and in gameplay.

Someone else mentioned getting a small form factor pc and then do emulation, that's also a great low budget idea. The only thing with that i found is finding the right input devices. Especially wii emulation is hard because of the wii remote and nunchuck, which is why i went on the hunt for the hardware. But the emulation route is very viable otherways. I run bazzite linux and can recommend it.

Good luck!

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[–] ampy@discuss.online 7 points 2 weeks ago

I play Gameboy advance all the time. And the Nintendo DS and DS lite can play GBA games for an even bigger library. Both you can find for around $40. Also flashcarts for DS is very cheap, I think around $15. GBA carts are around $30 I think.

[–] SolarPunker@slrpnk.net 6 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

You have options, since you still need different consoles if you are really into videogames, but PS3 is the single most valuable in my opinion:

It can't be always decently emulated on PC
Exclusives still today (mostly japanese)
Games need space so they are best to buy retail, they are cheap and on bluray (great durability over time)
You probably already have a 1080p display, so it work well on it.
You can play movies and cd audio on it, so a great companion to every desktop PC
Also eventually hackable if you prefer
It's so cheap to buy

[–] Peffse@lemmy.world 6 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

Might be an unpopular opinion (but that's what makes it cheap): An Xbox One.

It's got a fairly sizeable library at 3,067 titles and a backwards compatible list with 632 games from Xbox 360 and 63 original Xbox titles. So you have plenty of choice depending on your gaming tastes.

It's the last generation, so many stores will be clearing out the old inventory at a discount. Popular titles like Mass Effect Trilogy or Borderlands Handsome Collection will be a great value for the money. If those are your style.

[–] Peffse@lemmy.world 4 points 2 weeks ago

I'd like to add two more things:

It was the generation of HD remasters, so a lot of older (high quality) titles are available on the platform, such as the Dead Rising games, the Mega Man collections, almost all the Resident Evil titles, Devil May Cry collection, Bioshock collection, Final Fantasty X/X-2.

And most importantly, since they are last gen, they are not stupidly hard to find yet.

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[–] the16bitgamer@programming.dev 6 points 2 weeks ago

Honestly PS2 or the next gen up, PS3 and 360.

Lots of variety and great games for rock bottom prices. PS2 is starting to get up there are discs fail and systems ware down. But due to being the best selling system of all time. It’s be a while until it’s crazy.

Another option is to look around and buy local. Who knows what you’ll find for cheap.

[–] Cevilia@lemmy.blahaj.zone 6 points 2 weeks ago (6 children)

Original Switches are getting more affordable now but the 3DS is a solid console that still holds up today.

Also, the PS3 is awesome, games are dirt cheap right now.

[–] Jakeroxs@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

3ds is really easy to softmod too, the problem is seemingly most of them have a weird orange/red tint issue on the screen these days

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[–] CaptainBasculin@lemmy.bascul.in 5 points 2 weeks ago

PS3. Really easy to mod (not that simple on super slim models, make sure you dont get that), can run both PS2 and PS1 games natively, loading games externally / backing up your games is really easy. Can emulate weaker consoles like SNES/NES/Genesis just fine with Retroarch. It also has a lot of banger games for its era, and works as a 1080p Blu-Ray player.

[–] Toes@ani.social 5 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

The SNES was my favourite console. Huge game library, still looks great on a oled or crt screen.

However, a modded handheld could play all those games and more such as a vita.

Could also put a pi in a portable case.

[–] Kolanaki@pawb.social 4 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (3 children)

My friends and I still have a huge stack of original xboxes we fixed up and modded to sell back in the day in storage, since fixing RROD issues was pretty simple but people just threw them out making it an easy way to turn a quick buck.

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[–] RedIce25@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago

I think we're entering/in the nostalgia wave for the 7th generation consoles (Xbox 360/PS3/Wii) so prices for those might rise while prices for 6th gen (OG Xbox/PS2/Gamecube) might fall.

8th gen (Xbox One/PS4/Switch) is probably more accessible/plentifull both used and new still.

[–] mesamunefire@piefed.social 3 points 2 weeks ago (3 children)

I like the miyoo mini plus myself. But officially the 3ds is a fun console :)

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[–] PriorityMotif@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago

Nintendo DS lite is cheap and good. You can get them from Japan off of eBay and get colors that are Japan exclusive. Sometimes you can buy them as 'not working' and it just needs a battery or just the buttons need to be cleaned. Just don't buy one that needs a new top screen as they're hard to replace and cost too much compared to just buying a different one. You can get flash carts for them for cheap and load every game onto an SD card.

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