Mini consoles were for a time a way to commemorate the systems of yesteryear. Basically, it’s still mobile hardware with an adapted Linux distribution, an attractive menu and some classic games saved in the device’s memory. Is it worth buying an official mini console from SEGA, Nintendo or another brand of yesteryear? Are there other alternatives? Is the hardware of yesteryear better?
It’s been a few years since Nintendo released the NES Classic Mini. A device that paid homage to its hugely popular 8-bit console and which boomed so much that it prompted other brands to join the movement, including rival SEGA. Since then, every official mini console has been cut from the same model, especially due to low market availability. Whether in the number of units available or in the time they have been on sale. Which led to huge speculation for some time.
Which official SEGA or Nintendo Mini console is the best of all?
Not just from SEGA and Nintendo, we have a case like the Amiga 500 Mini in commemoration of the first multimedia computer in history. Although in general we must clarify that for us all these consoles are disappointing. We talked about it when we talked about the Mega Drive Mini 2, but we’ll summarize it for you:
- Best would be to use an FPGA as the hardware base, in the MiSTER FPGA style with the ability to simulate the original hardware and with video system modifications to be able to connect to both contemporary and vintage TV.
- If that can’t be done, then a scanline doubler in the style of the classic Framemeister RGB, OSSC or your favorite devices would do.
- In many cases we should have the possibility of loading additional games, either through a virtual store, through a USB stick or with the connectors of the original cartridges. This last case does not hold.
- Likewise, it is appreciated that they replicate the original drivers, but the original ports should be retained.
Unfortunately this is what we have and they are all virtually identical in concept, however, If there is an official mini console that stands out from the rest, it is undoubtedly the first SEGA Mega Drive Mini. And yes, we know what to take from a Rasbperry Pi, a TV Box or even one of the thousand clones made in China of these consoles. And whoever’s writing this, I enjoy childhood competition consoles, simply the blue hedgehog company’s first tribute console has a much better catalog.
Are they worth it?
In any case, the only advantage of choosing an official mini console is the issue of piracy and having an official merchandising product, apart from that it does not offer any advantage and modifying its firmware can make us lose the game. original essence of the product. Our advice? If you want to play the classic console games of your childhood, there are other alternatives that are much more suitable for everyday use. Whether you just want to play or are purists on the subject.
To conclude, for everyone the best console of yesteryear is always the one that gave them a good time and it is a personal experience for everyone.
