How to Enjoy Retro Games on Modern HardwareIn the age of ultra-realistic graphics and immersive gameplay, there's still a unique charm to the simplicity and nostalgia of retro games.
In the age of ultra-realistic graphics and immersive gameplay, there's still a unique charm to the simplicity and nostalgia of retro games. You're in luck if you want to relive the classics from the Atari, Amiga, early Windows, and console eras. Modern technology has made playing these old-school games on contemporary hardware easier than ever.
In this guide, I will cover a range of ways to play retro games, from emulation to virtual machines and special hardware projects such as RetroPie to online services. We will also cover using ROMs and other game images legally, or at least legally-ish, and abandonware with some advice on downloading abandonware games.
Emulation: Bringing Classic Consoles to Modern PCs
Emulation is the process in which the hardware of a classic gaming console is replicated using a computer, allowing the execution of software designed for the console on PC, Mac, and other devices.
Popular Emulators
Consoles (NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, etc.)
- RetroArch - A versatile, all-in-one emulator that supports multiple gaming systems.
- ZSNES - A popular choice for Super Nintendo games.
- Kega Fusion - Well-regarded for Sega Genesis, Sega CD, and 32X emulation.
Setting Up an Emulator
- Download the Emulator - Visit the emulator's official website and download the appropriate version for your operating system.
- Install the Emulator - Follow the installation instructions provided by the emulator's website.
- Configure the Emulator - Configure your keyboard or gamepad controls, adjust resolution and graphical enhancements for improved visual quality and use save states to save and load your game progress at any point.
- Obtain ROMs - ROMs are digital copies of game cartridges. Ensure you legally own the games you download.
- Load the ROM - Open the emulator, navigate to the ROM file, and load it to start playing.
Virtual Machines and DOSBox for Playing Classic PC Games
Virtual machines (VMs) allow you to run an entire operating system within your current OS. On the other hand, DOSBox is a specialized emulator designed to run old DOS applications, including games.
Setting Up a Virtual Machine
- Download a VM Software - Popular choices include VirtualBox and VMware.
- Install the VM Software - Follow the installation instructions.
- Create a New VM - Allocate resources like memory and storage.
- Install the Old OS - Install Windows 3.11, Windows 95, or another classic OS from your original installation media.
Setting Up DOSBox
- Download DOSBox - Visit the official DOSBox website and download the installer.
- Install DOSBox - Follow the installation instructions.
- Configure DOSBox - Edit the
dosbox.conffile to customize settings like CPU speed and memory. - Mount the Game Directory - Use the
mountcommand to mount your game directory. - Run the Game - Navigate to the game directory and execute the game file.
RetroPie - Turning Your Raspberry Pi into a Retro Gaming Console
RetroPie is a project that turns a Raspberry Pi into a powerful retro gaming console. It combines various emulators into a single user-friendly interface.
Setting Up RetroPie
- Get a Raspberry Pi Kit - You will need a Raspberry Pi, microSD card, power supply, and possibly a case and controller.
- Download RetroPie - Visit the RetroPie website and download the appropriate image for your Raspberry Pi model.
- Write the Image to the SD Card - Use software like Etcher to write the RetroPie image to your microSD card.
- Assemble the Raspberry Pi - Insert the microSD card, connect peripherals, and power it on.
- Configure RetroPie - Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your gamepad and configure the system.
- Add ROMs - Transfer your ROMs to the appropriate folders using a USB drive or network connection.
Preloaded Retro Gaming Consoles and Handhelds
In addition to emulators and software solutions, several retro gaming consoles and handheld devices come preloaded with classic games. These devices offer a convenient and authentic way to experience retro gaming without complex setups. Here are some popular options:
Retro Gaming Consoles
NES Classic Edition
The NES Classic Edition is a miniature version of the original Nintendo Entertainment System. It has 30 preloaded games, including classics like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong.
Features
- HDMI output for modern TVs
- Save states for each game
- Original controller design with modern enhancements
Popular Games Included
- Super Mario Bros. 1, 2, and 3
- The Legend of Zelda
- Donkey Kong
- Metroid
SNES Classic Edition
The SNES Classic Edition is a compact Super Nintendo Entertainment System version. It includes 21 preloaded games featuring iconic titles like Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Super Metroid.
Features
- HDMI output
- Save states
- Two wired controllers included
Popular Games Included
- Super Mario World
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
- Super Metroid
- Final Fantasy III
Sega Genesis Mini
The Sega Genesis Mini is a miniaturized version of the classic Sega Genesis console. It has 42 preloaded games, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage 2, and Castlevania: Bloodlines.
Features
- HDMI output
- Two wired controllers
- Multiple language options
Popular Games Included
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Streets of Rage 2
- Castlevania: Bloodlines
- Gunstar Heroes
PlayStation Classic
The PlayStation Classic is a smaller version of the original PlayStation console, featuring 20 preloaded games. It includes titles like Final Fantasy VII, Tekken 3, and Metal Gear Solid.
Features
- HDMI output
- Two wired controllers
- Original PlayStation design
Popular Games Included
- Final Fantasy VII
- Tekken 3
- Metal Gear Solid
- Resident Evil Director's Cut
Retro Gaming Handhelds
Nintendo Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros
The Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. is a handheld device that combines the classic Game & Watch design with Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels.
Features
- Full-color LCD screen
- Digital clock with Mario-themed animations
- Compact and portable
Popular Games Included
- Super Mario Bros.
- Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels
Evercade
The Evercade is a modern handheld console that uses physical cartridges. Each cartridge contains multiple retro games from various developers and publishers.
Features
- 4.3-inch display
- HDMI output for TV connection
- Physical cartridges with multiple games
Popular Cartridges
- Atari Collection
- Namco Museum Collection
- Interplay Collection
Super Pocket Atari Edition
The popular handheld from HyperMegaTech returns Atari style! The Super Pocket Atari Edition has even more big retro names and arcade classics. Includes a whopping 50 Atari games, with arcade greats, console wonders, and portable Atari rarities!
Features
- 2.8-inch display
- Evercade cartridge slot for additional games
- Rechargeable battery
Popular Games Included
- Asteroids
- Berzerk
- Crystal Castles
- Frenzy
Downloading Additional Games
Some devices, such as the Evercade and the Atari Flashback Portable, allow you to add more games via physical cartridges or SD cards. Always ensure that you download additional games from legal and legitimate sources. Many classic games are still under copyright, and downloading them from unauthorized websites is illegal.
Online Services for Retro Gaming
Several online services allow you to play retro games legally:
Play Retro Games Online - Offers a library of classic NES and SNES games, PlayStation, Gameboy and more.
EmuBrowser - Play all your favourite classic retro video games in your browser. Use a gamepad, keyboard or mobile device to play hundreds of classic games.
The Internet Arcade is a web-based library of arcade (coin-operated) video games from the 1970s through to the 1990s, emulated in JSMAME, part of the JSMESS software package. The Emulation Station (also on Internet Archive) provides over 150,000 retro games from the Amiga, Atari, Arcades, Consoles and Handhelds.
Legal Considerations: ROMs, Game Images, and Abandonware
The Legality of ROMs and Emulators
- Emulators - Legal to download and use.
- ROMs - Legal if you own the original game cartridge or disc. Downloading ROMs for games you do not own is illegal.
Downloading Abandonware
Abandonware refers to software no longer sold or supported by its publisher. While downloading abandonware is often considered a grey area, publishers generally tolerate it. Websites like Abandonia and My Abandonware offer classic games that are no longer commercially available.
Conclusion
Playing retro games on modern hardware is a fantastic way to revisit the classics. Whether using emulators, virtual machines, specialized hardware like RetroPie, or online services, there are plenty of options to enjoy your favourite old-school games. Always be mindful of the legal aspects when downloading ROMs and game images, and ensure you comply with copyright laws.
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