Should You Play Retro Video Games on Original Hardware? - Retro Bird 

I used to think that original hardware was the only way to enjoy old games but now I think it's great that emulation can often make games look better than they ever looked with higher resolutions, increased audio fidelity, etc.

I’ve tried everything and have figured out that my preferred way to play is on original hardware but with an everdrive. Also usually modded original hardware. Making an old console even better is a lot of fun this way.

Your choices of subject matter is so relevant and reminiscent of my own views.

I know some people will lynch me, but I LOVE my Retron 5. For me it was the best compromise between the old feeling of putting in a cardridge in and go, sitting in front of the TV and have the original controller in my hands and not having 5 Consoles hooked up to my TV. I can buy original games on ebay if I want to possess them, and I can play roms with it, without buying them, if a game is to expensive, or just fine enough to play or testing it. No loading Times, no starting a PC and Emulator and sitting in front of an Laptop or Computer Screen. I know I could wire my laptop with a TV, but for me it's inconvenient. I like to have just one console hooked up to my TV, put it on, put the game in and GO! Like the olden days. I'm not a person who needs every game with the original packaging and Manual. It's not that I wouldn't like it to have those original game boxes, but often it's to expensive. Although I love reading old game manuals and strategy guides. Sometimes I'm even buying repros for much less money, and still have something on the Shelf. And the Game is the same. So the most important aspect for me is the game itself. When playing the game I try to play them legit without Savestates, to have the original challenge. But it's also good to know, that I could save if I want. Most of the time I'm playing the first playthrough with some quick saves here and there. (Not all the Time)For example, when I'm at the last boss with my last live, than I maybe save, to beat him and get used to the boss and train. Now, that I have played through the game and knowing it, I play it again but this time legit in one run, without saving. Because back in the day one needed several days or weeks to beat it. With save states you can beat every game in 30 Minutes. And that is not how it was meant to be. Because it don't stick with you, cause you had no real time together and no challgene and therefore no fond memories of the game. For me it's important, to get good at the game, and play it like it was meant to be, at least one time, before moving on. And like this, I still need some days to beat the game. So I guess, I need some legit retro feeling, but I'm not that hardcore and puristic.

Nice thoughts. I would also add that a big plus for original hardware and CRTs is to not have to think about input lag and how to minimize it. If you play on a CRT with original hardware, input lag is going to be near zero. If you use emulation and/or a modern TV, you will have input lag. Retro games are hard. I need all my frames!

Retro Bird is like the cool quirky uncle I never had. God bless your soul.

I gotta say. I discovered this channel just this week and it’s by far my favorite thing. Your attention to detail is immaculate

I’m a huge fan of original hardware and CRTs! Surprise surprise. It’s mostly nostalgia. Down to recreating my childhood set up with an old 13” CRT propped on a dual-level end table with an NES and my core collection of games I had at that time. I don’t shame anyone that emulates. To each their own. Thanks for the video. Cheers!

Dude your content should have way more views imo. Always talking about the good stuff on retro games. Keep up the good work man, don't stop! Loving all that SNES talk especially

Ive been a subscriber for a long time now. Wonderful to see you finally growing at a rapid rate and getting the success you deserve mate. You will hit 2000 subs in no time

Want a cable mess? Hook up a Genesis w 32X and CD to an RGB TV VIA SCART and Component out. So, that's 4 power bricks, an adapter box, a SCART cable, and 5 RCA outputs (3 video and 2 audio) to the monitor. Plus the video cables between the genesis and 32X.

5:41 fans of dithering stand up! Always shocked seeing how many people prefer Genesis in RGB when so much of the library relies so heavily on dithering. I think all games look better over composite on Genesis but some definitely hold up better on RBG then some others. My setup. Orignal hardware with a an swesome crt. Everdrives and 2.4 ghz wireless controllers for modern convenience when possible.

As of late iv been enjoying my retros on PS Vita, PS3 fat, Nintendo Switch online, Steam, Sega Mega Drive on Steam and Steam Deck. Its nice not having to deal with controller cords etc. but I do wish I had held on to the original consoles, games and CRTs from the 90s. Now that im 40 I just appreciate being able to experience some of what I grew up with in any capacity. BTW love the channel Retro Bird, we gotta be pretty dang close in age. Great vids and commentary!

Lately i use everdrives for my old consoles cuz games got higher these days

I personally only play on original hardware :) playing on things like the classics consoles feels like it devalues the game Im playing cause I didnt fully commit to go and play the game , I just ended up choosing it among others I could also play , when in the other hand I feel like I actually commit to a game when I take the time to make the setup ready and put the cartbridge in :P

To address his comment of "playing games exactly as they were originally designed," on most emulators (aside from n64), you are not going to notice a difference. If you are worried about shades of color, as he stated, that can just be the color setting on the TV. If you honestly are worried about shades of color, you should probably go with authentic hardware. I have been gaming since 1986, and I don't notice any differences on my nes and snes emulators. I use a jnes and snes9x (respectively), and an 8bitdo SN30 pro.

I use my NES2 with the N30 8BITDO bluetooth controllers and original cartridges

_I once spent my whole tax return on retro video games and systems, trying to recapture my nostalgic youth._ *It worked !* 🤣🎮

One factor I've had to deal with playing on a clone console is controller lag. Even though I use my original controllers, I occasionally have to deal with slight controller lag. It sometimes doesn't make any difference, but it does on games that require pinpoint precision, like escaping the cave of wonders level on Aladdin. Having said that, I like using clone consoles/mini consoles to play most of my retro games, simply because of simplicity (My Super Retro Trio HD is 3 consoles in one), and it helps to reduce the wear and tear on my consoles that are 30+ years old. Please don't send me to Retro Gaming Jail!

Love the Dynamite Headdy gameplay here, that game is phenomenal and needs way more attention

I have an interesting story on the "how do you know if it is accurate?" topic. My wife first played Symphony of the Night on an emulator. Turns out, the dark cave where you are supposed to use the bat sonar does the darkness with a black filter... that displayed incorrectly on the emulator. She goe through there and got the upgrades from there early, completely sequence breaking the game... without ever knowing, until much later when we played the game together on X360 and she saw how that part really was.

I’m gonna need a gif of you slowly moving the lighter towards $1 bills 😂

yeah i just prefer knowing its going to play proper and the feeling of using the actual hardware is special.

7:55 nostalgia isnt really a factor for me since I didnt grow up with these games. But MAN I do enjoy them reguardless.

I play mostly on original hardware on modern displays using Retrotink 5x Pro, sometimes with original controllers, sometimes with wireless. Sometimes I'll play classic games emulated on my laptop, sometimes on my Switch, XSX, or PS5. Great thing about retro gaming is there's so many options!

I have an old NES and CRT set up, but mostly we play on my computer via emulation with NES style USB controllers. I'm not really a collector, more of a player. I also like messing around with homebrews and romhacks, which is a lot easier with emulators. Also save states make things a lot more fun for me.

Original hardware is mostly what I go with. I’ve fallen in love with the game room aesthetic these past few years, and also I hate having money apparently.

As an oldschool collector i have my systems rgb modded and use cables for 50 bucks each to a pvm and use original games, but for a newcomer I would honestly just recomend to go with original console+ossc (or similar) and a flashcart. This way you get a great gaming experince and if you really like a game you playing you can choose to buy a copy if you want.

*looks lovingly at my Letterbomb'd Wii ,CBHC Wii U , VITA, and New2DSXL with every retro game ill ever need* I have OG hardware of the NES, SNES, 64, GENESIS. If i started trying to collect for them, i wouldnt have any money left to buy games for my modern consoles that aren't modded.

You stepped your game up somehow. I’m not sure in which way but this video hit differently. More silly faces and little goofy mannerisms maybe.”praise Be the CRT” was a great one. The burning money joke was a good one. The face you made when you put your consoles on screen was a good one too. Best video you’ve made so far in terms of showing your personality:D

Like dithering, but also want the excellent colors of RGB? Simple. Hook up an RGB cable and turn the sharpness down on your TV a bit. You get the best of both worlds!

A point you forgot about non original consoles, Save States. I've never had the patience to play through Ninja Gaiden on the NES, finally beat it on the NES Classic by saving as I progressed.

I just found your channel today but I am binging everything now. If you ever read this, your content is awesome! As a new hobbyist I am eating these videos up

My retro gaming machine is my Huaweii p30 Pro. Runs everything from the 64 bit era and before in perfect 60 FPs in HD quality! And I can connect my switch Pro Controller to it!

So passionate about retro gaming! Currently, I am using an HDMI adapter and cables to hook up my PS2 and Wii to a 4K TV. I don't like the lag and screen lines. Also can not even play PS1 games on it due to the display. I need a CRT

I'm a snob. I use four PVMs all daisy chained together + original hardware or FPGA hardware. And my OG hardware is always modded to the gills. :P

I prefer to play on original hardware, but there are times that I use HDTV to save space with the Mini Consoles (NES/SNES/Genesis), HD Retrovision Cables for PS2 and my Super Retro Trio to play my OG Carts. I purchased a portable CRT to play my retro games on, when I’m killing time on a 12-hour shift at my security job or whenever I go out to eat or something

Love your channel. Also, I own and display a VHS copy of The Mask. Watched it last week. Side note, The Cable Guy is underappreciated.

I kept some consoles stored away for years and was huge on emulation and its benefits (states, Rewind, ff, filters, turbo/toggle) while amassing a collection of controllers and adapters. But it was filters in retroarch, for the Gameboy & CRTs, that got me very interested in purchasing handhelds and getting CRTs to experience the original looks (and other harder to emulate or adapt features like light Guns, GC GBA adapter, etc). Then as I find deals on consoles I grab them and the shell out for a multicart or an everdrive

Such a great channel. You'll hit 100k subscribers soon enough.

Just discovered your channel and am really enjoying the content! I use Original Hardware for everything except a few special cases. I use the Nes Classic, Snes Class, and Genesis Mini when Traveling, visiting family, or going camping. Super easy to plug and play and pack. Also, I have an Analogue Super NT dedicated for Super Famicom Games. I didn't want to break the tabs off my Snes. Lol

Thanks for pointing out all the crucial points to help others who are new to retro gaming. 👍

This channel is great - I love your style

@9:22 well played sir. Keep up the good work

Such a good channel, and with good content too. This guy understands us, he's one of us. Subscribed. 👍

Cool vid man and definitely something I see come up all the time in retro circles. While I like original hardware, if there is a method to play classic games that works on a modern tv that's what I generally go with. This is what I like about the Analogue hardware (I'm still thinking about getting a Super NT). For other things like the N64, Saturn, or OG Xbox I use stuff like the RAD 2X or cables that Castlemania carries.

For original hardware, I would also add in the importance of the history behind it. I personally love seeing the evolution of home console video games, and being able to experience different systems from different eras just to try them. I'm actually more interested in the systems that came out before I was born, because it's a gets to be a new experience, and I get a look at where the gaming industry was at that time.

01:01 "I am the tip of person than have a lot of money" :P Not just 1 console, but I am focus on two systems Megadrive & Master System! :)

Great video! Great content. Although record collectors also make a big deal about having original hardware, original pressings of vinyls too

Your content is so good.

Just want to say you make amazing videos and they’re informative and also funny. Keep up at it I admire the videos you make and enjoy each one! PS: giant Sega collector since born in 1990! Lol

I am with you, I love the act of walking to the shelf, looking for the game I want, then slapping the cartridge into the system and firing it up. I do have a super analog NT that I use often to reduce wear and tear on my SNES, but it still takes the carts so it scratches that itch.

Another excellent video Mr Bird.

I got a snes a while back, stupidly sold it, bought another one a few days ago.

I play most of my retro games on an MiSTer FPGA with mostly original controllers. No input lag and performs like the real hardware. I do own original hardware, but it's in storage now. The only original hardware which I don't use an FPGA is the Atari 2600 because it's hard to simulate the paddle controller (Kaboom!, Astroblast, Super Breakout). Did I mention that the Saturn and PSX cores are coming out soon?

My digital collection is so much bigger than my hardware collection😈 I respect all formats.

Brilliant topic. I love your mindset too, do whatever works best and makes you happy. I own original hardware but tend to play on my Super NT or modded SNES Classic as it's so convenient. The Super NT with an 8BitDo controller is unsurpassed for me. Also the controllers with the SNES Classic are excellent and official, so a modded SNES Classic is another great way of enjoying classic games on Nintendo hardware.

Once the Game Boy Color was introduced, I forever stopped using my DMG. Next when the GBA came out I stopped using my GBC due to the improved ergonomics of the GBA. I then used the original DS exclusively to play my GBA games due to the backlight screen and dual speakers. So for me, since the beginning, it's always been about the gaming experience - original hardware be damned. I'm grateful for the plethora of modern options out there to experience playing these games from emulation to modding original hardware. Tetris is still tetris regardless of the equipment!

Enjoyed the video! For me it's old (cartridges + controllers) mixed with new (FPGA consoles + modern TV).

The console generation was before my time. So my reason for wanting to try original hardware is to attempt to get that old feeling. I did grow up during times where vhs was still around, you had to put in discs yourself and cartridges for stuff like a ds. But I'm fascinated by the 4th generation and it's massive libraries of all time classics and I want to play them as authenticly as possible having owned versions on modern platforms not being satisfactory for me.

My "retro gaming" collecting started out of practicality. My family was fairly poor relative to the national average in my country (in part because my parents were divorced), and my mom was also kind-of against videogames as well. My dad did buy me a Gameboy, but I think he actually bought it more for himself than for me. He even ended up giving away all 6 or 7 games I had for it eventually, without asking me, assuming that because I hadn't played it for a couple of years, that I wouldn't care. I was really not happy about this when I found out :( I started collecting Atari 2600 games in the early 90's because you could find the consoles (and the games) for very cheap at used goods stores, flea markets, garage sales, etc.. It was fun to try out different games for the system. Even back in the early 90's, some of these games were so simple and/or stupid that they were good for a laugh, if nothing else, and there were a few games that were actually genuinely engaging or interesting. I have about 30 games for the system iirc. Among my favourites are Super Breakout and Mario Bros. (yes, before Super Mario Bros, there was Mario Bros, released in 1982 for Atari 2600, and that wasn't even the first console game with Mario in it). The second system that I started collecting games for was the Nintendo 64. I remember that Nintendo 64 consoles, games, and accessories were really really cheap around the late 2000's, so I decided to buy pretty much all of my favourite games for the system, and I also made a point of trying to have one or two of the best games from every genre, to fill out my collection. I bought most games for between 5-15 bucks (Canadian), and I remember one or two games costing more than that. Maybe 35% of those games haven't really changed in value at all, but the rest of them have shot up in value by a lot since then. The collection includes almost all of the big budget Nintendo and Rare games ever made for the system, along with some racing games, sports, games, and a few others, including two of the only RPGs ever made for the system as well (Quest 64 and Hybrid Heaven). A couple of years ago, I did the same thing with the Wii, except my collection is a lot smaller, consisting mostly of games that I wanted to play but never did play. Again, the value has only gone up since I got it, though I wasn't really buying any of this stuff with the intention of selling things for a profit, it's just that it's easy to justify buying something I actually like when I know that the collector's value is likely to only go up over time.

Very entertaining and on the point video! As a retro game collector since 2007 (but gamer since early 80s on Atari 2600) playing SMS, Genesis, Saturn (my new fave since finally acquiring one 5 yrs ago and shmups are my fave genre which this 2D beast excelled at!), GB, GBC,GBA and DC - I try my best to find the lowest mint CIB price and then NEGOTIATE with the seller which works half the time 👌 Subbed from 🇨🇦

And another nerdy subscriber to your collection. 👍

There’s nothing wrong with preferring The Mask on VHS :)

I started to collect with original hardware a little over 10 years ago. It was fun but also limited. Trying to remember what games were good, what are the current prices, how much money do I want to spend/should I spend, can I trust the game will work, etc. Also some of the games absolutely kicked my butt (Ghosts n Goblins for NES, I'm looking right at you). The mini/classic systems pulled me back in. The number and quality of games included, the value of what you get compared to buying all the games individually, the controllers that feel like the originals, I like the hdmi connection (I know, I'll put myself in retro jail and my wife can feed me water and crackers) and that they include save states and I'm completely sold.

Should people play retro games on original hardware? Yes. Should they play retro games on emulators? Yes. Should they play games rereleased on modern platforms? Yes.

I'd like to go with original hardware, but most likely won't until I'm ready to dedicate an entire "retro gaming corner" of the room, with CRT, console shelves, cable switching modules, and the money to buy up everything. And when the alternative is HDTV or computer, it honestly feels more authentic to play retro games on portable consoles like GBA and PSP. I might just get 1 CRT, put everything on my OG XBOX, and call it a day. (no I don't plan on playing Super Mario World with a Duke controller... I have a PS2-to-XBOX/GCN controller adapter so I can use my favorite controller of all time, DualShock 2)

When I first started collecting twenty odd years ago I didn’t know about emulators so original hardware was the only available way to play. During the 2000s I dealt with the plethora of cords and switches that came with having my Super Nintendo, N64, GameCube, wii, PS2, Dreamcast and Saturn hooked up to my 51cm CRT television at the same time next to my PC with CRT monitor. That was a lot to manage and I did not enjoy that. Once it was all set up I didn’t want to make drastic changes because it was a hell of a lot of work to set up. When I had to move house in 2012 most of those consoles remained boxed up. I still have my CRT but these days it’s mainly used to test retro consoles or games. Once I started working I had to face the reality that I didn’t have the time and energy to commit to playing games with deep narratives. My playing habits have me gravitate towards games that I can pick up and play in short bursts and allow me to have fun essentially doing the same thing over and over just for fun. Games that have reached that esteemed plateau for me include Sensible Soccer, Street Fighter Alpha 3 and FIFA 18. I will say that before I had to start adulting I managed to play to completion Chrono Trigger and Terranigma and Cybernator, I absolutely adore those games along with Pokémon red and Blue because they were from of a time in my life that was just before I had to immerse myself in the responsibilities of adult life. But if I wanted to play a Super Nintendo game playing it on original hardware would be low on the list of likely ways I’d do it. A modified SNES classic or wii or Xbox would top of my list. PC is cool but I prefer not to go through the windows front end before getting to the game and setting up a front end like hyper spin can be a shit tonne of work. Original hardware has its pros and for games I already own it can be tempting for nostalgia sake but emulators have save states and save states are the freakin best. Snes classic also has them and I love that about it. Devices that can run multiple emulators are the bomb. I’d rather use that than have several consoles plugged into one tv. I prefer to keep the number of consoles plugged in to the lowest number possible and the ideal for me would be a powerful PC capable of running as many emulators as possible that comes with an interface for as many different controllers as possible including arcade controls so that I just need to switch to the right controller for the corresponding game. I would still keep my consoles. I prefer having them and my games stored nice and neatly in their boxes. I’ve always hated putting consoles and games in and out of their boxes/cases as I used them. In fact just the act of manually changing games is not something I enjoy and prefer being able to switch games through a digital interface as long as it’s well designed and it clunky. Physical games and consoles in their original boxes stored and displayed nicely on my shelves is how I prefer them now with cool digital methods that plug into an hdmi port on my plasma tv (don’t judge I’ve been too tight to upgrade to a 4K lcd)

I like your video and am currently collecting the NES games I enjoy playing. You didn’t go into an advantages to emulation or playing on something like the SNES mini etc. The main one is save states. I don’t always have time to play the old games in 1 sitting. With save states I was able to play all of Mario 3 from start to finish. I always wanted to do that.

The cords! That struck home. Like and sub. I use mostly original hardware with Everdrives these days. On a 34" CRT With Composite.

Playing on the original hardware is part of the fun for me, I got back into gaming last year and started buying my old consoles back (Wii, PS2, SNES, and a Genesis) but it took months to track down a tube TV that was the right size. I was looking for a something around 20" but the ones I found were either 13'' or 55''. Eventually I found a 20'' Magnavox and traded a 19'' flat screen for it.

I use both the original consoles and emulation depending on what I'm playing and the situation. There's benefits to both. I don't have a CRT though, I'm planning to eventually get one because using a composite to HDMI converter for my computer monitor isn't exactly ideal. A monitor is definitely better than a modern TV though because there's no input delay.

OG hardware for playing games from my favorite few old consoles, micro usb roms in the cartridges, and a free CRT from behind the goodwill= plenty good enough for me!

Original hardware for me, but I have no issue with anyone using other means. It’s just not my style. However, I do use repros and multicarts for games I’m not willing to spend hundreds of dollars on, or games that needed fan translations or were never localized. I’ve also recently started playing ROM hacks on my SNES, and some of them are great.

For me it comes down to what consoles I have. Most of the time I can’t play on original hardware because I don’t really have the original hardware. And I’m not gonna go out of my way to but an expensive game and console if I can just pay 20$ a year for NES and SNES games on switch online.

For pre 5th gen, I use original hardware with everdrives. For 5th gen and beyond I use original hardware, maintain a physical collection, but use OEDs/harddrives to play my game library.

original hardware is >more accurate (most of the time,some emulators are basically perfect) >more nostalgic and aesthetic. >all games are basically guaranteed to work if the hardware works emulation is >alot more enhanced,the feature-set makes it alot nicer (alot of retro gamers overlook this,this is the sole reason alot of people emulate) >generally more game availability (its really hard to play certain games on original hardware due to how rare the games are) >cheaper >more convenient in most cases >more future-proof id say for most modern gamers (including myself),id say emulation is the way to go,unless you're dead-set on og hardware.

Good content and channel. Subbed!

This is really a Dream VS Reality/realistic topic. Great video! It's so much about money and how you live. The dream for me is really to have that old school setup. But it's not realistic for me. I'm doing the best I can with the modern HDTV. I'm okay with it. I know it's not the 100% perfect solution but it's good enough. I'm so thankful that Nintendo and Sega released these Classic Mini consoles. Like a gift from god for retro gaming on modern TVs. I know, it's increased input lag with modern TVs but "it is what it is".

Yes, I am one of the many that like to stare at my collections at times lol

Man, you sure were having fun playing Little Nemo the Dream Master!!. Watch out stimulation overload!!!.

For the past few months I’ve gone back and collected consoles and video games I’ve enjoyed and others I’ve always wanted but never had. SSnes, N64 and GameCube. Bought the HMDI adapters for the consoles can play on up to date TVs. Going back and playing games older with my wife is an amazing thing. Showing her what games I cherished as a child. Keep in mind this I’m a PC player. I never thought I’d ever go retro, I assumed that was a chapter of my life that’s passed. Maybe it’s because I turned 30

One other aspect of OGHW is maintenance. Plenty of replacing capacitors, scrubbing oxidation off jacks/pins, re-shimming CRT yokes that got loose and crooked, bending/replacing loose pins/sockets... personally I enjoy working with electronics as one of my hobbies anyway, so this type of maintenance is just bonus fun on top of the games themselves. But the time, tools, and occasional injury might make it less enjoyable for some, or add more cost to those who prefer to hire it out. As for my hardware blend, 6 of my 7 retro consoles are original, and I play them all at 240p on a CRT, but I usually opt for a flash cartridge... once in a while taking the OG carts for a spin. Flash carts are just too dern convenient to pass up.

Metaphorical high five to you sir.

Modded mini nes, snes, Sega Genesis & PS1 classic is my choice for retro gaming.

I generally prefer emulation for 3D games, but original hardware for older 2D games. Emulation fixes the blurry graphics and often even the poor performance of 3D games, breathing new life into them with 1080p/4K, widescreen, and 60fps. On the other hand, old games for the SNES, etc., were made at a fixed resolution, so you're not going to get smoother graphics by emulating at 4K. In these cases, I prefer the original hardware with a CRT, in order to get the authentically smooth graphics that were originally intended. (Sharp pixels may be popular these days, but I don't like them.) Of course, there are other pros and cons, but these are the two main factors for me.

I have all original hardware. Not because Im a pureist or anything as Im not opposed to emulation. For me emulation is just way too confusing to figure out. It would be kind of nice to have everything on a pi or something like that. I also equate it to having a physical book in hand vs an E reader. Id rather read an actual book but my kindle is great for travel and whatnot. Im also not going to be a collector but Im getting what I know that I love game wise. I use xbox, x360, genesis, saturn, dreamcast. It can get pricey but I just decide is x software worth the price to me. I.E. I would love shining force 3 but at $250+ thats a little crazy. And while cib is nice, I can always get after market boxes and artwork. Love your stuff.. keep up the good work.

Original hardware mostly. I do use Stepmania for my DDR needs since I can have most of the songs loaded in without having to switch versions or swapping dance mats.

The controller is THE most important part in my opinion. Even though I’d prefer original hardware, if I have to play on a Raspberry Pi, it has to be with something very close to original controller. I have SNES, Genesis, PlayStation etc USB controllers so I can get as close as possible to that original feel. I feel like Raspberry Pi is a great way to try out games to see if they’re worth the big bucks for the real thing.

You brought up accuracy right when Dynamite Headdy clips began which coincidentally was the first game I experienced lack of control accuracy when playing it on the genesis collection for PS3. That one training bonus room where you have to play a game of whack-a-mole of sorts was way off for me. I couldn't clear it, but on original hardware I have no problem.

I have my snes and 64 with s-video to my 2002 27'" Trinitron. I'll never get rid of them

I just recently got into game streaming and gaming in general. I did collect some consoles. I did so so I could experience the original hardware. However I do tend to go towards evedrives as opposed to collecting. And on my consoles I also use a Bluetooth version usually from 8bitdo.. but in order to make a video I'd much rather emulate. Better picture and it's easier to do especially when you can add retroarch to Xbox One now.

Is that a rhetorical question? Get a console an Everdrive or SD solution and go to town - that’s my suggestion. I do a segment on my channel where I hack cheats in retro video games and when I can, I eventually run it on the real hardware. But Mame is great for starters for sure! And if you don’t want the lag and poor timing of complex machines due to serialized emulation, there’s the MiSTer. Sure it’s a bit more dear, but it’s (close to) cycle accurate. And I notice a difference when playing on the VGA (analog) compared to emulation. I play better (not that that’s a far stretch, as I suck at video games) but that’s because it doesn’t have the 1-4 frames lag, that in most emulation is common.

You are just in the wrong groups if you aren't waving your VHS tapes around, I got some sealed tapes a few months back. I unsealed Blue Streak and Mrs. Doubtfire recently, next is Home Alone 2 after I watch Home Alone in the next week or so. I also gotta unseal this *Batteries Not Included tape as well, SO CRISP!

Good topic, but I wish you touched on the mini systems as I consider that to be the best Hybrid, while still Roms, you get original controllers

I grew up with the real hardware. Snes n64 ps1 etc. Its great to get all that tangible goodness. But...BRUH! Retroarch though. So many accurate emulators these days. Even saturn is amazing now. Seriously, I'm playing radiant silver gun with the beetle Saturn core right now. It's too good to be true for me. Any system, any controller, any game(almost). Needless to say, I like emulation on pc more. Even phones and other devices can emulate super well. I played mother 3 on my tablet a few years ago and it was a special experience. The best thing about emulation is that it simply allows tons of people who would never have been able to play all the incredible games to experience whatever they want. But real hardware will always be one of a kind because of the physicality of it.

Emulation has a lot going for it: great handheld devices, saving anytime and sheer accessibility. The only retro(ish) console I have bought is the Wii because of the motion controls, and I keep it unmodded with only original games as I exclusively buy only those that are great for local multiplayer/motion control setup. Regarding CRT, the 50hz sets here in Europe had a screen flicker and high pitched noise I intensely disliked even as a kid (hence our last CRT was 100hz Philips), plus these things are a space hog, especially at decent screen size. Having said all that, I'd love to have a Mega Drive/CD and/or a Saturn for nostalgia vibes, that aspect I'm fully onboard with.

In my case I prefer original hardware whenever I can, but I do combine with modern stuff if it does improve something. For example, while I do prefer a million times to play retro games on a CRT TV, the frequency sound of the TV can be a bit of a headache and connecting earphones directly to the TV can murder your ears. To fix this, I use my RCA splitter to connect the analog audio to a Micro Theater MCD388 [A speaker from 2014] where I can just connect my earphones and problem solved. The downside is that it adds even more cords, so you can already imagine all the cords being used considering I also do streaming regularly. Also, since the voltage in Peru is 220V and we officially got the US consoles back in the day, we have to rely on 220V - 110V transformers to convert the voltage in order to not fry the old consoles. That adds even more cables and also takes some space, so cable management is indeed essential lol

I play my snes games on the hyperkin handheld (supaboy) it works out pretty well for me.

idk i find it very satisfying to hook up cords and such, organizing them is really nice too, right now all my cords are in one of thoes cube storage bins made of cardboard and fabric so not the most ideal place, but i have all of them wrapped up with rubber bands. i hope to soon have the original hardware for my stuff like a n64, playstation 2. all thoes wires and just have them in one of thoes plastic drawers and just have them all, neetly, orginized by console. i know i am odd for this but i like my wires dammit!