The alternatives: 3 more nostalgia machines
There’s more than one way to turn your bedroom into a lo-fi arcade Sega Mega Drive Arcade Classic Nintendo New 2DS XL
£50 / argos.co.uk
What’s the story?
Want to know the worst thing about the SNES Classic Mini? It can’t play Sonic the Hedgehog. If you spent the 1990s speeding through Green Hill Zone rather than stomping goombas then perhaps the Arcade Classic is the better option, especially with 80 games on offer.
Is it any good?
Rub the nostalgia form your eyes – this reincarnation of the Sega Mega Drive is no high-end piece of hardware. The Chinese build quality is distinctly plasticky; and while the gamepads are wireless, the IR connection is ropey at best. Fortunately, you don’t have to use them: if you’ve got some original Mega Drive gear kicking around, you’ll be able to use it – including the game cartridges. Now that’s throwback value right there.
TECH SPECS
Features Two wireless controllers Storage 80 games pre-installed Output AV port Dimensions 380x275x105mm Stuff says ★★★★, With a bunch of ’90s ems on board, the Se a’s tou h to beat £129 / nintendo.co.uk
What’s the story?
While everyone loses their minds trying to secure a SNES Classic Mini, there might just be a better alternative to play retro classics such as Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. The New 2DS XL has access to a huge catalogue of classic Nintendo games via the Virtual Console store and allows you to play them all on the go.
Is it any good?
With a portable clamshell design and an impressive lineup of 3DS titles, you can see why the New 2DS XL might look a steal. But when it costs almost double the price of the SNES Classic Mini without any pre-installed games, you at least want it future-proofed to the hilt. Sadly this isn’t the case, with Nintendo’s focus now firmly on the Switch. But if you’re happy enough with Nintendo’s classics, the New 2DS XL is worth a punt.
TECH SPECS
Features Camera, NFC, headphone port Storage 4GB microsd card Output 4.88in+4.18in 400x240 LCD touchscreen Dimensions 163x160x20.3mm Stuff says ★★★,, A portable but pricey way to play Nintendo classics
Retro Freak
£170 / funstockretro.co.uk
What’s the story?
If you can’t decide between a dose of Nintendo and Sega nostalgia, why not get both? The Retro Freak can play games from 12 different systems, including the SNES, Mega Drive and Game Boy. Such a concept sounds like blasphemous black magic, but it’s all perfectly legal and real… as long as you own the relevant cartridges or are prepared to splash out on ebay.
Is it any good?
Ripping and installing your old games onto the Retro Freak is a seamless process – it works so well that you won’t even care about the cheap production of the console. The £170 price might cause alarm, though, especially if you don’t already have a sizeable collection of titles ready to load up. Yes, the Retro Freak can play ROMS via an SD card, but we won’t suggest you do that. Not unless you want Nintendo or Sega inviting you to court.
TECH SPECS
Features One controller, cartridge and controller adapters Storage 3.1GB plus microsd card slot Output HDMI port Dimensions 160x160x60mm Stuff says ★★★,, Cheap hardware and a lack of preinstalled ames spoil the appeal