8 Retro Video Game Consoles You Should Definitely Play In 2020
Does the PS5 have blast processing under the hood? Thought not.
Each new console generation should be better than its predecessor.
As technology improves exponentially for both hardware and software, and developers take what they have learned over the last six or seven years to create more visceral, more immersive, and just plain better games, gaming as a whole is constantly moving forward.
Despite titles like Doom Eternal, Cyberpunk 2077, and Marvel’s Avengers still on the 2020 slate for Sony and Microsoft’s current systems, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are looming large on the horizon, teasing us with specs and leaked images.
Add to this the talk of a Switch Pro model which refuses to go away, and gamers are once again looking ahead to the next big thing.
Until we can get these new toys into our homes and hands, looking backwards may actually may be a better proposition than looking forwards.
Given the availability of systems and games and their low price-points, the generally impressive condition of many retro systems and games on the market today, and considering many of the biggest games of the last 12 months are remakes or sequels carrying the very DNA of legacy titles, here are a selection of retro systems gamers should totally check out in 2020.
8. Sega Saturn
The follow up to the Mega Drive, the Sega Saturn was not nearly as successful nor as well thought of.
Selling a mere 9.5 million units worldwide, Sega’s 32-bit system, debuting in 1994, was a flop by modern standards.
However, for all its commercial shortcomings, the Saturn is still a great console which can be purchased at a decent price today.
Depending on the condition of the system and whether or not it is boxed, a Saturn will set you back between £60 - £100 today and is readily available online.
Although it didn't have the 3D capabilities of the PSOne - which ultimately cost it the fight - the Saturn was more than capable of running some high quality games, particularly 2D shooters.
Likely to cost you around £10-£15 per title, the Saturn’s library of games makes for some impressive reading.
Titles like NiGHTS, Sega Rally Championship, Virtua Fighter, and Panzer Dragoon (which is soon to see a remake on Switch), not to mention various light gun games and further Sega arcade ports, make for a robust and varied catalogue.
Add to this the six face-button and two shoulder-button controller, and the Saturn is actually a much more enticing system than its sales figures and reputation would suggest.