En reise med gamle videospillkonsoller: Tidløse klassikere

Retro gaming is not just nostalgia. It's a true journey back to an era where every game was a discovery, and every console was a revolution. From the days when arcades were filled with gaming cabinets to the emergence of the first old video game consoles, like Dendy or Nintendo NES, and other legends, the video game industry has come a long way. These devices became symbols of their time, defining the style and approach to game design.

Portable devices like the Game Boy completely redefined gaming, making it mobile and accessible to players worldwide. It is thanks to such old video game consoles that we have the gaming industry as we know it today. Mini-consoles allow us to relive the magic of those years, preserving the spirit and style of classic devices while incorporating modern technology. They are not just a tribute to the past but a true bridge between generations of players.

Arcade1Up Arcade Cabinets

When it comes to Arcade1Up, the magic of old-school arcades immediately comes to mind. These miniature arcade machines are a true time machine for retro gaming enthusiasts. Launched in the USA in 2018, Arcade1Up draws inspiration from legendary arcade cabinets of the past, such as Asteroids Deluxe, Centipede, and other iconic games, both single-player and cooperative. They were symbols of the 80s and 90s. The concept is simple: to recreate the authenticity of classic arcade machines while making them accessible for home use.

Why We Picked It

Arcade1Up is the perfect choice for those who want to relive the feeling of being a teenager standing at an arcade machine with friends. Games like Pac-Man, Street Fighter II, or Mortal Kombat transport you back to an era where graphics took a backseat to skill and fun. At the same time, these games revolutionized the gaming industry, drawing teenagers to spend hours in arcades. Thanks to the compact size of these machines, you can now create your very own arcade corner at home.

Who It's For

These arcade machines are perfect for anyone who loves retro games and wants to bring a touch of gaming magic into their home. They appeal to adults eager to share their passion with their children, as well as to those who simply enjoy collectible items. Arcade1Up is the ideal way to connect generations of gamers and showcase how arcade machines shaped gaming culture, becoming one of its cornerstones.

Nintendo NES Classic Edition

The Nintendo NES Classic Edition is a return to the roots, bringing back the golden age of 8-bit gaming. Released in 2016, this mini-console is a modern reimagining of old gaming systems, specifically the iconic Nintendo Entertainment System that captivated the world in the 80s. During that era, the NES became a symbol of a gaming revolution, offering players unique storylines, innovative mechanics, and immersive gameplay. The NES Classic Edition preserves the design, atmosphere, and spirit of the original console while adding modern features like HDMI connectivity and a built-in library of games. This blend of retro style and contemporary technology has made it incredibly popular across all age groups.

Why We Picked It

We chose the Nintendo NES Classic Edition for its ability to deliver pure retro gaming joy. With masterpieces like Super Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, it takes us back to a time when every level was a challenge and every victory felt like a true achievement. Compact, stylish, and easy to use, this console is perfect for cozy gaming nights at home.

Who It's For

The NES Classic Edition is an excellent choice for retro gaming fans and those looking to connect with gaming history. It’s perfect for veteran gamers who remember the original NES and newcomers eager to discover where it all began. This mini-console serves as a true bridge between generations, allowing everyone to enjoy timeless classics in a modern format.

Nintendo Super NES Classic Edition

The Nintendo Super NES Classic Edition is a natural continuation of the success of the NES Classic Edition, expanding the legacy of retro gaming. Released in 2017, it was inspired by the original Super Nintendo Entertainment System, which became a massive hit in the 1990s. While the NES laid the foundation for home gaming, the SNES perfected it, introducing the world to the era of 16-bit graphics, more complex storylines, and technically advanced games. The Super NES Classic Edition retained the iconic design of the original, preserving the same magic while adding modern features such as HDMI connectivity and a library of 21 games, including the previously unreleased Star Fox 2.

Why We Picked It

We chose the Nintendo Super NES Classic Edition for its ability to carry on the legacy of the NES Classic Edition but at a whole new level. It features games like Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Donkey Kong Country—masterpieces that not only became symbols of their era but also significantly expanded the possibilities of gameplay. With this console, you're not just indulging in nostalgia—you’re exploring new horizons of retro gaming.

Who It's For

The Super NES Classic Edition is the perfect choice for those who appreciated the NES Classic Edition and want to continue their journey through Nintendo's history. It will appeal to fans of the original SNES, who remember its iconic cartridges, as well as newcomers eager to discover the masterpieces of the 16-bit era. This mini-console fits seamlessly into any home collection, adding even more retro gaming magic and continuing the tradition of bringing generations together.

Sega Genesis Mini

Continuing our journey through old game consoles, we arrive at the Sega Genesis Mini. The 90s marked a true peak in the gaming industry, and the return of such consoles is proof of their enduring legacy. Released in 2019, the Sega Genesis Mini brings back to life one of the most popular systems of its time—the legendary Sega Genesis (or Mega Drive outside North America). In an era when Nintendo and Sega competed fiercely for gamers' loyalty, the Genesis stood out with its speed, unique games, and the unforgettable slogan, "Genesis does what Nintendon't." The Sega Genesis Mini carries this spirit forward, offering modern technology, including HDMI connectivity, and a library of 42 pre-installed games that defined an entire era.

Why We Picked It

The Sega Genesis Mini is not just a console but a complete archive of iconic games like Sonic the Hedgehog, Streets of Rage 2, and Ecco the Dolphin. These titles set trends, inspired players, and immersed them in worlds where every game was a challenge and an adventure. We chose this mini-console for its style, quality craftsmanship, and rich collection of games that perfectly recreate the magic of the original Sega Genesis.

Who It's For

The Genesis Mini is a console for those who fondly remember their childhood spent racing through the fast-paced levels of Sonic or battling their way through Golden Axe. It will appeal both to dedicated Sega fans and to newcomers eager to discover the games of the 90s that stood as rivals to Nintendo's era. This mini-console is an essential part of any retro gamer's collection, bridging generations and proving that Sega's golden age is still very much alive.

Sega genesis mini 2

The Sega Genesis Mini 2 builds on the success of its predecessor, the Sega Genesis Mini, taking it to a whole new level. Released in 2022, it offers even more variety and refinement. This mini-console is inspired by the Sega Genesis Model 2, an updated version of the original console that captured gamers’ hearts in the 90s. The Genesis Mini 2 features an enhanced library of 60 games, including rare and previously unavailable titles like Sonic CD and Shining Force CD. This is not just a sequel but a true gift for retro gaming enthusiasts, preserving the style and spirit of the classic series.

Why We Picked It

The Sega Genesis Mini 2 is the perfect choice for those who have already enjoyed the original Genesis Mini but are looking for more. Its new library includes iconic hits as well as lesser-known gems like Vectorman 2 and Ranger-X. The addition of Sega CD games is particularly exciting, making this mini-console unique and even more valuable. We chose it for its expanded features, refined design, and the deeper immersion it offers into the 16-bit gaming era.

Who It's For

The Genesis Mini 2 is perfect for those who are already fans of the first mini-console and for new players looking to explore the full legacy of Sega. It fits seamlessly into any retro gaming collection and serves as the ideal companion to the Sega Genesis Mini. With its enhanced game library and familiar design, the Genesis Mini 2 continues to bridge generations of gamers, proving that Sega’s legendary series remains a significant part of the gaming world.

Sony PlayStation Classic

Next, we have, without exaggeration, one of the best retro game consoles. The Sony PlayStation Classic is a return to the origins that changed the face of the gaming industry. Released in 2018, this mini-console was inspired by the original PlayStation, which debuted in 1994 and revolutionized the world of gaming. It was thanks to the original PS that the world saw next-level 3D graphics, captivating storylines, and new quality standards. The PlayStation Classic retained the iconic design of the original console while adding modern features like HDMI connectivity and a library of 20 legendary games. Moreover, the success of the original PlayStation paved the way for the further development of the series, giving us the modern PlayStation 5 and VR technologies.

Why We Picked It

We chose the Sony PlayStation Classic for its ability to remind us why PlayStation became an iconic name in gaming. With pre-installed games like Final Fantasy VII, Tekken 3, and Metal Gear Solid, the console takes us back to an era when these titles were shaping the future of the industry. Its compact size and elegant design make it not only a great way to enjoy retro games but also a stylish addition to any collection.

Who It's For

The PlayStation Classic is designed for those who want to return to the roots of gaming history and experience the origins of the PlayStation brand's success. It is perfect for veteran gamers who remember the magic of the first console, as well as new fans eager to discover legendary games. This mini-console not only opens a door to the past but also showcases how PlayStation laid the foundation for modern gaming, giving us cutting-edge consoles like the PS5 and entire series that have become symbols of their era. The Sony PlayStation Classic is a bridge between the past and the future of gaming.

Gaming Collectibles

Collecting old gaming consoles is not just a hobby but a genuine way to preserve gaming history. Collectors around the world own some of the rarest consoles, such as the Nintendo PlayStation, a prototype hybrid of the SNES and CD-ROM developed in collaboration with Sony, with only a few units in existence. Another example is the Gold Legend of Zelda NES Cartridge, which sells for tens of thousands of dollars at auctions.

Some collectors turn their homes into true gaming museums. For example, American collector John Hancock owns more than 20,000 games and hundreds of retro consoles, including rare models of Atari and SEGA. His gaming room is every gamer’s dream, where every console is connected and ready to play.

Others organize exhibitions, such as the National Videogame Museum in Texas, where visitors can not only view collections of old consoles but also play them. It’s a great place to experience the magic of the past and appreciate how the gaming industry has evolved.

If you're looking for inspiration or want to expand your collection, these rooms and museums are a must-visit for every retro gaming fan!

Back in Time

Retro consoles are not just about the past but also about the future, as they laid the foundation for modern games. From retro gaming consoles like Dendy and Game Boy to modern mini-versions of Sega Genesis and PlayStation, each device reminds us where gaming culture began. These devices connect generations, inspire developers, and prove that classics never go out of style. Retro gaming is a bridge between eras that continues to inspire us today.