Affordable Retro Gaming Consoles Under $100: Top Picks

Navigating the gaming world doesn’t have to be like trying to complete a level without the cheat codes. If you believe that reliving the golden era of gaming should be both fun and affordable, you’re in for a treat. This guide to the best affordable retro gaming consoles under $100 is like finding a hidden treasure in your favourite old-school game – it’s packed with options that won’t break the bank. With so many best-budget retro consoles available, diving back into the nostalgia of pixelated adventures and classic characters without emptying your wallet is now easier than ever. Whether you’re a veteran gamer wanting to revisit your childhood memories or a newbie eager to discover all the fuss about affordable retro gaming, this is your ticket to a bygone era of entertainment.

This article looks at top picks for the best retro gaming devices under $100, including handhelds and home consoles that offer the joy of retro gaming on a budget. From the impressive Anbernic RG35XX to the compact Funkey S, we’ve scoured the market to provide a perfect blend of nostalgia, performance, and affordability. Expect to find detailed insights on each console, such as the Miyoo Mini Plus, Retroid Pocket 2S, Powkiddy X55, making choosing the right fit for your retro gaming needs easier. Whether searching for the best emulation consoles under $100 or just the most bang for your buck in retro gaming systems, prepare to level up your gaming experience with these stellar retro gaming options.

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Anbernic RG35XX

Performance

The Anbernic RG35XX packs a punch with its quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, clocking in at a nifty 1.5GHz. This ensures smooth gameplay for most classic games, though it’s worth noting that high-detail 3D games from platforms like PSP may push their limits, often running below 30 frames per second. However, simpler 2D games operate nearly flawlessly, so you can enjoy classics without a hitch. Dreamcast titles look particularly stunning on its 4:3 screen, and the device’s ability to handle Nintendo DS games is a pleasant bonus, albeit with varying performance.

Features

The RG35XX shines with a 3.5-inch IPS display, providing full viewing angles and OCA full lamination, which is quite the treat for the eyes at this price point. It boasts a dual operating system setup, including Linux and GarlicOS, offering flexibility and a variety of gaming experiences. Storage is no issue, as it comes with a 64GB TF/MicroSD card and supports expansion up to 512GB, allowing you to store a vast library of over 10,000 games. Additionally, it supports a range of emulators and game formats, so your gaming options are nearly limitless.

Pros and Cons

On the upside, the RG35XX is lauded for its incredible value, providing a wide range of gaming capabilities at a very affordable price. It’s described as a Game Boy with a Ferrari engine, which means you get a lot of bang for your buck. However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The triggers on the device can feel a bit rattly and uncomfortable, which might annoy you during longer gaming sessions. Also, updating the system can be quite a chore, requiring patience and technical know-how, which could be a dealbreaker for less tech-savvy users.

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Miyoo Mini Plus

Performance

The Miyoo Mini Plus, with its Rockchip RK3326 quad-core ARM Cortex-A35 processor, delivers commendable performance for its size and price point, making retro gaming a breeze. It comfortably handles a range of games—from classic NES to non-DualShock PS1 titles like Tekken 3 and Metal Gear Solid, which perform quite well. However, managing your expectations is important, as some games, especially those requiring more advanced hardware, might show some hiccups.

Features

This compact powerhouse features a 3.5-inch IPS display that offers a sharp and vibrant visual experience, perfect for bringing those classic games back to life. With 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD, you’ve got ample space to store your favourite retro games. The physical layout includes a D-pad, four action buttons, and two shoulder buttons designed to provide a comfortable and responsive gaming experience. Additionally, it supports a wide array of emulators, enhancing its versatility for retro gaming aficionados.

Pros and Cons

On the plus side, the Miyoo Mini Plus is praised for its extensive library of 2D games and its ability to emulate well-known and obscure console games. The removable battery feature is a standout, allowing quick swaps and ensuring you’re not tethered to a charger. However, the device does have its drawbacks. While larger than its predecessor, the screen has been noted for poor quality in accurately displaying colours, which can detract from the gaming experience. Moreover, while the device is generally reliable, performance issues can arise with more demanding games, and the lack of analogue controls limits the types of games that can be effectively played.

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Retroid Pocket 2S

Performance

The Retroid Pocket 2S steps up its game with an eight-core processor that handles most 2D games and a good chunk of 3D games from the PS1 and N64 era with ease. It’s like having a mini arcade in your pocket! However, when you try to play more demanding games, like Jet Force Gemini or God of War 2, you might find the frame rate dropping faster than your enthusiasm when you realise you’ve run out of snacks. For those games, it’s a bit like trying to run a marathon in flip-flops — possible, but not pretty!

Features

This gadget is not just about playing games; it’s about playing them in style. The Retroid Pocket 2S features snappy buttons, responsive bumpers, and triggers that make gaming feel as smooth as your best dance moves. Plus, it sports Hall effect joysticks, which use magnets instead of the usual mechanical parts, so they’re less likely to wear out and won’t give you the dreaded stick drift. It’s equipped with front-firing speakers that might sound a bit thin but do the job, a headphone jack for when you don’t want to share your gaming soundtrack with the world, and a microSD card slot for when your game collection outgrows its britches.

Pros and Cons

On the sunny side, the Retroid Pocket 2S offers solid performance for its price, making it a great pick if you’re not looking to play beyond the PS1 and Dreamcast era. It’s like getting a pizza with all your favourite toppings without paying extra! However, it’s not all rainbows; the device expects you to be somewhat tech-savvy. It comes pre-loaded with emulators but not the ROMs (game files), and you’ll need to navigate the RetroArch platform to download additional cores for the games. So, if you’re not a fan of a little DIY tech work, you might find this more frustrating than trying to explain social media to your grandma. Plus, the D-pad might feel soft for the hardcore platformer fans.

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Powkiddy X55

Performance

The Powkiddy X55 is a powerhouse featuring a Rockchip RK3566 processor, which delivers a decent gaming experience up to the Nintendo 64 level. Although it manages most 2D and some 3D games, don’t expect high-end games to run smoothly; classics like Banjo Kazooie are playable but might not glide as smoothly as you’d hoped. For those games, it’s a bit like trying to skateboard on a bumpy road—doable, but you’ll feel every hiccup along the way.

Features

This console is not just about gaming; it’s a complete entertainment package. It boasts a 5.5-inch IPS RGB screen, which is as big as the one on the Nintendo Switch Lite, offering vibrant visuals that make retro games pop. With features like USB-C fast charging, HDMI output, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity, it’s ready for anything, whether at home or on the go. However, it seems Bluetooth might play hard to get, as pairing issues have been noted, which could be a letdown if you’re trying to connect it to other devices.

Pros and Cons

On the bright side, the Powkiddy X55 offers an impressive array of features for its price, making it a tempting option for budget-conscious gamers. It’s like finding a double-scoop ice cream cone for the price of one! Yet, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There have been whispers of quality concerns—some units have had issues like a faulty HDMI port or a suddenly silent speaker, which might make you think twice. It’s a bit like getting a chocolate bar and finding out half is missing—disappointing, but you still got some chocolate!

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ANBERNIC RG353V

Performance

The ANBERNIC RG353V is a solid performer, especially when you’re diving into the world of classic gaming. Equipped with an RK3566 Quad-Core 64-bit Cortex-A55 processor, it smoothly handles up to Dreamcast and N64 games. Think of it as your gaming time machine, returning to the glory days of Star Fox and Doom64, running at a slick 60fps! However, it’s not all smooth sailing; while PSP emulation shines with games like Tekken 6 at 60fps, DS games might feel a bit cramped due to the screen size. The device benefits from robust community support, allowing you to tweak and tune settings, making your gaming experience as customisable as your pizza toppings.

Features

This gadget isn’t just a one-trick pony; it’s more like a Swiss Army knife for retro gaming! The ANBERNIC RG353V offers a dual-boot system with Android 11 and Linux, turning it into a mini tablet for browsing the net or catching up on social media. Its 3.5″ IPS touchscreen display is a window to vibrant visuals, enhancing your gaming sessions. Additionally, it supports many Android games and emulators, meaning you’re not just buying a gaming console; you’re getting a portable entertainment system. However, be ready to play tech wizard as it doesn’t come with Google Play installed; you might need to get your hands dirty with APKs to expand your app arsenal.

Pros and Cons

On the bright side, the RG353V is the best bang for your buck if you’re diving into retro gaming without wanting to splash too much cash. It’s praised for its immediate playability right out of the box if you’re using Linux, and for those who like a bit of a tech challenge, the Android OS can be a fun puzzle. However, the Android side of things feels like a half-baked cake—functional, but you’ll need to work to make it truly delicious. Also, while the device is generally well-received, Grey’s design could use a little spice to jazz things up. Imagine if your gaming console wore a plain grey sweater—functional but not eye-catching!

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Trimui Smart

Performance

The Trimui Smart Pro, with its Allwinner A133 Plus chipset, handles old-school games with ease and manages PlayStation 1 titles quite well, though it may struggle with more demanding games like those from the Dreamcast or N64 era. If you’re looking to boost performance, especially in PSP games, enabling auto frame skipping and render scaling can make a noticeable difference, making gameplay smoother.

Features

This gadget isn’t just about gaming; it’s packed with features that make it a versatile choice. It boasts a large 5.5-inch IPS screen with vibrant visuals, perfect for enjoying various games. The device supports multiple simulators and can handle over 20 game formats, so you’re unlikely to run out of games. Additionally, it includes a built-in 5000mAh battery that supports up to 5 hours of gaming, ensuring you can keep playing even on long journeys. It also offers system switching among seven languages, although game language options are limited.

Pros and Cons

On the plus side, the Trimui Smart is celebrated for its robust build quality, and it’s a great choice for kids due to its durability and simple design, which means there are no joysticks to worry about stick drift. It’s also incredibly portable, fitting easily into your pocket or bag without taking up much space. However, there are some downsides. The device heats up with extended use, and the D-pad could be improved for a better gaming experience. Additionally, while the battery life is decent, some users may find it insufficient for longer gaming sessions.

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Funkey S

Performance

The Funkey S might look tiny, but it packs quite the punch with its ARM Cortex-A7 processor running at 1.2 GHz and 64MB of RAM. While these specs might seem modest, they’re just right for diving into a world of retro gaming. This gadget handles everything from classic NES to PlayStation games with surprising smoothness, although it’s best to stick to less demanding titles to keep things running buttery smooth. Just imagine playing ‘Wipeout 3’ on something that fits on your keychain—pretty cool, right?

Features

The Funkey S is not just about gaming; it’s about gaming on the go. Its 1.54-inch IPS LCD might be small, but it delivers clear and vibrant images, perfect for those retro classics. Plus, it comes with a foldable design, meaning you can fold it up and take it anywhere—fitting right into your pocket like a set of keys. It’s loaded with emulators and games right out of the box, so you can start playing immediately without any setup hassles. Adding new games is as easy as dragging and dropping files with a USB stick.

Pros and Cons

On the bright side, the Funkey S is incredibly portable and user-friendly, making it a great pick for gaming on the fly. It’s also quite the crowd-pleaser with its quirky, keychain-sized design that doesn’t skimp on functionality. However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The sound quality can be a bit of a letdown, with the speaker output sometimes resulting in a crackling noise that could drown out the nostalgia with frustration. Also, the lack of L2 and R2 buttons might leave some gamers wanting more control during gaming sessions.

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Retro-Bit RES Plus NES Gaming Console

Performance

The Retro-Bit RES Plus is a no-frills console that doesn’t just play games; it breathes new life into your old NES cartridges by processing them live, just like the original NES. Imagine popping in your favourite game cartridge, and it works without a hitch, even if it’s seen better days—it’s like the console has a magic touch! Unlike other consoles that rip ROMs from cartridges, the RES Plus handles games directly, ensuring fewer glitches and a smoother gaming experience. Even if you throw in a tricky cartridge, it tries its best to get the game running, although it might stumble a bit with certain titles like Sunsoft’s Batman due to physical chip damage.

Features

This console might look like it belongs more to the Sega Genesis family with its black-and-red design and top-loading slot, but it’s all about giving your NES cartridges a new lease on life. The RES Plus upscales the classic 256-by-240-pixel NES game signal to a crisp 720p via HDMI, making your old games look good on modern TVs. It’s like watching your childhood memories get a high-definition makeover! Plus, the snug cartridge slot ensures a good connection, reducing those pesky glitches that can pop up with older games.

Pros and Cons

On the upside, the RES Plus offers a straightforward NES experience without the bells and whistles of emulation, like save states or remapping controls. It’s perfect if you’re looking for pure, unadulterated nostalgia. Though smaller than the original NES, the controllers are responsive and comfortable, making it easier to nail those tricky jumps in games like Little Nemo. However, it’s not without its downsides. The sound quality can be a bit off, with some titles having overly loud drum beats and a crackling pop, which might get on your nerves if you’re sensitive to audio quirks. Additionally, while the video quality is generally good, it might not satisfy the most discerning retro gaming aficionados who are used to sharper visuals from more expensive setups.

So, while the RES Plus might not be the fanciest or the most feature-packed console out there, it strikes a balance between affordability and the joy of dusting off those old cartridges and diving back into your childhood games. Just think of it as the budget-friendly time machine for your gaming past!

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Conclusion

Embarking on this retro gaming journey feels like uncovering hidden gems in your attic, right? It’s been a whirlwind tour through the land of affordable retro gaming consoles, proving you don’t need to spend a fortune to relive the golden days of gaming. From handheld wonders like the Anbernic RG35XX to home consoles that bring the classics back to life, such as the Retro-Bit RES Plus NES Gaming Console, we’ve explored options that promise to take you down memory lane without emptying your piggy bank. It’s clear that each console has its pros and cons, like a pizza with different toppings; some you’ll love, and some you might wish weren’t there.

As we hit the pause button on our gaming console exploration, remember that the perfect console out there is like your favourite pair of jeans – it fits just right. Whether you’re a serious gamer aiming to recapture the magic of your childhood or a newcomer curious about the pixelated pastimes of yore, there’s something in the retro gaming universe for everyone. So grab your controller (or console), pick a game, and dive into the pixelated adventure of yore. Who knows? You might get lost in a world where nostalgia and fun intersect, proving that good things and games come in small, affordable packages.

Did you know that the resurgence of retro gaming consoles, often called the "retro revival," has been significantly driven by technological advancements and consumer nostalgia? Initially, retro gaming was mainly about preserving and emulating old PC games. However, as technology advanced, manufacturers began producing dedicated retro consoles that could authentically replicate the experience of the original hardware. This shift was fueled by the development of powerful yet affordable ARM processors, which allowed for the smooth emulation of classic games on compact devices. Additionally, the rise of crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter has played a pivotal role, enabling small companies to gauge interest and secure funding for innovative retro gaming projects. This democratization of technology has allowed enthusiasts to relive their favourite gaming moments and introduced a new generation to the charm of pixelated adventures.

FAQs

References

Show links

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