The decision on which retro console to purchase should take into account individual preferences for design and usage method. It is also relevant to consider faster chips to ensure a smoother gaming experience. There are models with a design similar to the PS Vita, such as the Trimui Smart Pro, and vertical handhelds, like the R36S, that resemble the Game Boy. Additionally, there are desktop consoles that require external screens and controllers.
To aid in the choice, Tecnoblog compiled a list of five retro console options that have pleased the nostalgic audience. It is recommended to check the specifications of each one before starting to play.
Trimui Smart Pro
This handheld console is capable of running games from Atari up to PlayStation 1 titles. Its look is quite similar to the PS Vita, including D-pad, analog sticks, and side triggers. It weighs approximately 230 grams.
The device features a 4.96-inch IPS screen with HD resolution (1280 x 720 pixels). Performance is managed by the Allwinner A133P processor (1.8 GHz) combined with 1 GB of LPDDR4X RAM. The 5,000 mAh battery offers an estimated playtime of 5 to 8 hours. The console already comes with a 128 GB microSD card pre-loaded with emulators and various games.
Anbernic RG40XX H
The Anbernic RG40XX H is also a retro console with a horizontal design inspired by the PS Vita, featuring a D-Pad and side triggers, weighing 208 g. A strong point of this model is the analog sticks equipped with LED rings, which display 16 million RGB colors and six different effects.
Featuring a 4-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, it allows connection to televisions or monitors for high-definition gaming. Its specifications include an ARM Cortex-A53 chip (1.5 GHz), 1 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage, already coming with emulators and 5,528 installed games. The lithium polymer battery has a capacity of 3,200 mAh and guarantees up to 6 hours of use. The operating system is Linux, and it supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2.
Anbernic RG35XX Pro
The Anbernic RG35XX Pro evokes the aesthetic of the Game Boy, although it includes additional buttons. In addition to the D-Pad and four conventional action buttons, this device has two joysticks and four rear triggers.
It shares the ARM Cortex-A53 chip, 64 GB of storage capacity, and 1 GB of RAM with the Anbernic RG40XX H. The console features a 3.5-inch IPS screen and SD resolution (640 x 480 pixels). The 3,200 mAh battery can last up to 7 hours of gameplay, and it is possible to connect the console to TVs or stream game sessions from other devices to it.
R36S
The R36S is one of the most sought-after retro handhelds due to its excellent cost-benefit ratio. Its design is very similar to the Anbernic RG35XX Pro, featuring two analog sticks on the base and four rear triggers.
This console uses the RK3326 chip (1.5 GHz) and 1 GB of RAM, demonstrating good performance in 2D games. It has 64 GB of storage and a 3.5-inch IPS screen with SD resolution. Unlike the Anbernic RG35XX Pro, the R36S does not support streaming games to external TVs or monitors, but it comes with over 15 thousand pre-installed games and a battery that promises up to 6 hours of life.
The Mini Console Retro from Super 3D Games is a handheld without an integrated screen. Its design resembles the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and is compatible with games up to 64 bits. Specifications include a 1.2 GHz quad-core processor and 1 GB of RAM. It has an HDMI output for connecting to monitors or TVs and four USB ports for controllers. This console comes with 150 thousand games, ranging from Atari to PlayStation 1, and includes two controllers for playing with a partner.
When choosing the best retro console, it is essential to weigh the design and connectivity options, since most models run the same catalog of games and platforms. Factors to analyze include:
- The R36S offers the best cost-benefit ratio on the list; it has no video output nor Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections, but it is compatible with several emulators and provides a good experience for a lower price.
- If the intention is to play in a fixed location, such as a living room or office, a desktop console is recommended to enjoy a larger screen.
- For those who prioritize mobility, a portable retro console is the best option, as these devices have internal screens and dispense with external controllers, making them more practical for transport.
It is true that a portable video game console can be significantly cheaper than modern consoles. However, the ideal choice depends on the user's profile: emulation handhelds are ideal for those looking to play without complications and with great cost-benefit. For those who value maximum nostalgia and collecting, original hardware remains unsurpassed, although it requires a greater investment.
Yes, it is possible to add new compatible games to the retro console through file management on the microSD card or the device's internal memory. However, the organization of folders and directories varies according to the installed operating system, so it is advisable to consult the seller if you have any doubts.
Video game emulators are software designed to replicate the functioning of specific console systems. They use code to reinterpret the ecosystem, even if the retro console does not have the same physical parts as the emulated device. ROMs, on the other hand, are the files that store game data. The term 'ROM' derives from 'Read-Only Memory', which was the physical component in video game cartridges used to store the title data. Simply put, the emulator acts as a console simulator, while the ROM functions as a digital video game medium.
Compatibility with TVs depends on the model. Consoles like the Anbernic RG35XX Pro and RG40XX H can connect to televisions. Models such as the Trimui Smart Pro and R36S do not have an external video output and operate exclusively on the integrated screen. Therefore, it is crucial to check for the existence of a video output before finalizing the purchase.
