Best retro game console options in 2025 have evolved far beyond the simple emulators of the past. Do you remember the specific feeling of sitting on the carpet in front of a bulky CRT television, the glow of a pixelated adventure reflecting in your eyes, and the only worry in your world was defeating the final boss. We certainly do. Finding the right device today is more than just a purchase; it is a gateway back to those simpler, joy-filled times of the 90s. As technology advances, the ability to access thousands of classic titles through a single, compact device has transformed from a dream into a convenient reality for Australian gamers.
From NES and Game Boy to PS2 and Xbox, these classic consoles inspired today’s best retro game console options.
At 2Bluebox, we have spent years testing, analyzing, and refining the retro gaming experience to ensure that every pixel and sound effect transports you back to your childhood. Whether you are looking for a retro game console with built in games list spanning thousands of titles or a portable device for travel, the options in 2025 are vast and impressive. In this extensive guide, we will break down the top contenders, evaluate technical performance, and help you decide which time machine is right for your home.
That first Super Mario Bros. title screen – the moment many Aussie gamers fell in love with retro gaming.
THE STATE OF RETRO GAMING IN AUSTRALIA 2025
The landscape of retro gaming has shifted continually over the last decade. In the early 2000s, playing classic games required holding onto aging, yellowing hardware or navigating complex software on a PC. However, as we move through November 2025, the market has matured significantly. The demand for a best retro game console has driven innovation, leading to devices that are not only affordable but also incredibly powerful.
Retro gaming nights like this show how classic consoles still bring Australian gamers together in 2025.
In Australia, we have seen a surge in interest for all-in-one solutions. Gamers in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are moving away from hunting for expensive original cartridges on eBay, which can cost hundreds of dollars for a single game. Instead, the focus has shifted to emulation-based hardware that offers value and convenience.
Research indicates that the primary driver for this market is convenience combined with nostalgia. Users want a system that works immediately out of the box. The concept of plug and play is paramount. We have observed that Australian families are particularly interested in these devices to bridge the generational gap, allowing parents to show their children the games they grew up with, such as Super Mario, Sonic, and Street Fighter, without the need for complex setups.
Furthermore, the rise of 4K televisions in Australian households has necessitated hardware that can upscale these low-resolution classics without creating a blurry mess. Modern retro gaming consoles now come equipped with HDMI scaling capabilities, ensuring that a sprite designed for a 240p screen looks crisp on a 65-inch 4K display. This technological leap is what separates a high-quality machine from the cheap knock-offs found in bargain bins.
EVALUATION CRITERIA: HOW WE TEST RETRO CONSOLES
At 2Bluebox, we take our testing process seriously. To determine the ultimate gaming machine, we do not simply read spec sheets; we spend hundreds of hours playing games across various genres to test the limits of the hardware. Here is the rigorous framework we use, which adheres to high technical standards.
1. Emulation Accuracy and Performance
The most critical aspect is how well the device mimics the original hardware. We look for frame rate stability. Does the game run at a solid 60 frames per second as it did on the original NTSC hardware, or does it suffer from slowdowns. We test computationally heavy games, such as 3D titles from the late 90s, to see if the chipset can handle the load without audio stuttering or visual glitches.
2. Input Latency and Lag
There is nothing worse than pressing the jump button and watching your character react half a second later. In platformers and fighting games, milliseconds matter. We use high-speed cameras to measure the delay between a button press on the wireless controller and the action appearing on the screen. Our standard for a quality experience is latency under 100ms for wireless solutions, which ensures the gameplay feels snappy and responsive.
3. Build Quality and Ergonomics
Since you will be holding the controller for hours, comfort is key. We evaluate the plastic quality, the tactile feedback of the buttons, and the durability of the analog sticks. For handheld units, we assess the screen quality specifically looking for IPS panels that offer wide viewing angles and vibrant color reproduction that honors the original art style.
4. User Interface and Ease of Use
A retro game console with built-in games list must be easy to navigate. We look for intuitive menus that allow you to search for games by name, genre, or system. Features like Save States, which is the ability to save your game at any exact moment, and Favorites lists are essential for modern convenient gaming.
5. Value and Game Selection
Finally, we analyze the cost-per-game ratio. A system preloaded with 20,000 games offers significantly more value than a mini-console restricted to 20 titles, provided the emulation quality is comparable.
HOME CONSOLES VS HANDHELDS: WHICH SUITS YOU?
When browsing our collection page, you will notice two distinct categories: the HDMI Stick or Home Console and the Handheld. Choosing between them depends entirely on your lifestyle and gaming habits.
The Home Console Stick
This form factor is designed for the living room experience. It is ideal for multiplayer gaming and social gatherings.
Pros: Connects directly to the TV, supports large screens, usually comes with two controllers for multiplayer fun, ideal for couch co-op.
Cons: Requires a TV and power source, not portable for use on a bus or train.
Best For: Family game nights, parties, and gamers who want the big-screen experience.
The Handheld Console
This is the evolution of the Game Boy era. These devices are self-contained with a screen, controls, and battery.
Pros: Play anywhere like on a commute, bed, or park, private gaming experience, often includes a high-quality screen.
Cons: Smaller screen size, battery life management required, usually single-player focused unless linked.
Best For: Commuters, solo gamers, and those who want to play in short bursts throughout the day.
DEEP DIVE: THE NEW UPGRADE RETRO GAME CONSOLE STICK
Let us take a detailed look at one of the flagship products in the Australian market right now, available at 2Bluebox. This device represents the pinnacle of the Plug & Play philosophy.
Product Focus: New Upgrade Retro Game Console Stick
Plug it in, grab the wireless controller and you’re playing classic games on your TV in minutes.
Technical Specifications
Output: 4K HDMI which supports up to 1080p and 720p scaling.
Storage: 64GB TF Card.
Controllers: 2 x 2.4GHz Wireless Controllers.
Game Library: Preloaded with over 20,000 games.
System Support: MAME, FC, GB, GBA, GBC, MD, SFC, PS1, ATARI.
Performance Review
In our testing at 2Bluebox, the immediate standout feature of this retro game console contender is the sheer volume of content. With over 20,000 games, it covers virtually every classic title you can imagine from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, extending into 32-bit territory.
Visuals: We tested this on a 55-inch Samsung 4K TV. The upscaling is handled by the internal processor, which smooths out the edges of pixel art. While it does not replace a dedicated FPGA scaler, for the price point, the image is surprisingly sharp and vibrant. Colors pop, and the text in RPGs is legible.
Controller Response: The 2.4GHz wireless connection is a significant upgrade over older infrared technology. We tested the range up to 8 meters, and the connection remained stable. In playing Street Fighter II, performing a Hadouken felt natural, with no perceptible input lag that would affect casual to moderate gameplay.
The It Just Works Factor:
We frequently receive feedback from customers who are not tech-savvy. One user, Sarah from Perth, mentioned that she bought this for her husband's 40th birthday. She was worried it would be hard to set up, but they literally just plugged it into the HDMI port, put batteries in the controllers, and were playing Mario Kart in 2 minutes. This aligns with our goal to make retro gaming accessible.
Watch how fast we go from unboxing to racing on a 4K TV with the New Upgrade Retro Game Console Stick. (Video credit: 2Bluebox )
Why Choose This Over Competitors?
Compared to discontinued units like the NES Classic, our game stick pro offers superior availability and library depth. While many users look for a standard tv game console, this device goes further by integrating thousands of titles into a pocket-sized HDMI dongle.
If you are unsure about the technical specs or performance specifics, we highly recommend reading our detailed gamestick pro review, where we break down the chipset architecture and emulation capabilities. It is more than just a game stick; it is a comprehensive entertainment system that fits in your pocket.
PORTABLE PERFECTION: THE RETRO HANDHELD GAME CONSOLE (R36S)
For those who prefer gaming on the go, the handheld market has seen a massive evolution. The R36S model is widely considered the best retro handheld in the portable category for budget-conscious gamers who do not want to sacrifice performance.
Product Focus: Retro Handheld Game Console
The R36S handheld combines a sharp IPS screen with thousands of classics – the best retro handheld for Aussie commuters.
Technical Specifications
Screen: 3.5-inch IPS OCA Full Lamination High Definition with 640x480 resolution.
CPU: Quad-core 64-bit Cortex-A35, up to 1.5GHz.
RAM: DDR3L 1GB.
Battery: 3200mAh Li-polymer which provides approx 6 to 8 hours play.
Storage: Dual TF card slots for separating OS and Games.
Experience and Ergonomics
Holding the r36s feels reminiscent of the classic retro gameboy era, but with modern refinements like a bright IPS screen and rechargeable battery. It defines the modern era of console portable gaming, allowing you to carry a massive library in your pocket.
Many enthusiasts argue this is the top choice currently available in Australia for under $150. Unlike older game consoles that required bulky cartridges, the R36S stores everything digitally. Before you buy, you might want to see exactly what you can play; take a look at the full r36s games list to see if your favorite childhood titles are included.
The Screen: This is the highlight. The 3.5-inch IPS display offers excellent viewing angles. When we played The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, the greens of Hyrule looked lush and deep. The 640x480 resolution is perfect for retro emulation as it is a 4:3 aspect ratio, meaning no black bars or stretching for most classic systems.
Battery test in real life – see how long the R36S handheld lasts while playing your favourite retro games on the go. (Video credit: 2Bluebox)
Battery Life Test:
We conducted a stress test at 2Bluebox headquarters. Running a graphically intensive PS1 game at 70% brightness and 50% volume, the device lasted for 5 hours and 42 minutes. For standard 8-bit games like NES titles, the battery extended well past the 7-hour mark. This makes it an ideal companion for flights from Sydney to Singapore or long road trips.
Software Ecosystem:
The device runs on a Linux-based open-source system. This allows for a high degree of customization. The interface is clean, showing box art for games, which adds to the nostalgic browsing experience. It handles save states effortlessly, allowing you to close the device and resume exactly where you left off later.
UNDERSTANDING EMULATION: HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE ANALYSIS
To truly understand why these are the top game console options, one must understand the technology driving them.
System-on-Chip (SoC) Efficiency
Both the Game Stick and the R36S utilize ARM-based processors. These are powerful enough to replicate the experience of massive classic arcade machines within a tiny device. Essentially, you are getting a fully functional retro arcade game console that fits in the palm of your hand.
In 2025, the software cores used have reached a level of maturity where glitches are rare, making these retro gaming consoles reliable for daily use. We have verified that the audio synchronization, which was a common issue in older emulators where the sound would lag behind the video, is virtually non-existent on the devices we curate at 2Bluebox.
A clean, modern menu makes it easy to browse thousands of arcade classics on your TV game console.
The Legal Context of ROMs
It is important to address the software. The games loaded onto these systems are digital backups, known as ROMs. While the legal status of downloading ROMs can be a gray area depending on the jurisdiction and ownership of original copies, buying a console with pre-loaded games is a convenient way for users to access content that is often abandonware, which are games that are no longer sold or supported by the original creators. At 2Bluebox, we focus on providing the hardware platform that enables this preservation of gaming history.
THE CRITICAL IMPORTANCE OF GAME LIBRARIES
A console is only as good as the games you can play on it. This is why the search for a retro game console with built-in games list is so popular. Gamers do not want to spend hours downloading and configuring files; they want to play immediately.
We have compiled a comprehensive list of titles available on our devices. Whether you are looking for specific game console game titles or entire collections, transparency is key.
Genres Covered:
Action and Platformers: The bread and butter of retro gaming includes Mario, Sonic, and Mega Man.
Fighting Games: Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and King of Fighters.
RPGs: Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger, and Dragon Quest.
Sports: Classic FIFA, NBA Jam, and Tony Hawk Pro Skater.
Shoot em ups: Gradius, R-Type, and Metal Slug.
Scrolling through more than 20,000 games takes a while – can you spot your favourite classic in the list?
You can verify if your favorite childhood game is included by visiting our Game List Page. This transparency ensures you know exactly what you are getting before you buy.
STEP-BY-STEP SETUP GUIDE FOR YOUR CONSOLE
We believe in making things simple. Here is a guide on how to get started with the New Upgrade Retro Game Console Stick from 2Bluebox.
How to connect Game Stick Pro 4K into the TV HDMI
Step 1: Unboxing
Open the box. You will find the Game Stick, two controllers, a USB wireless receiver, a USB power cable, and an HDMI extender cable.
Step 2: Connection
1. Plug the small USB wireless receiver into the USB port on the Game Stick itself. This is crucial for the controllers to work.
2. Plug the Game Stick into the HDMI port of your TV. If space is tight behind your TV, use the included HDMI extender cable.
3. Connect the USB power cable to the Game Stick and plug the other end into a USB port on your TV or a 5V phone charger.
Step 3: Power On
Turn on your TV and switch the source to the correct HDMI input. You should see the loading screen immediately.
Step 4: Controller Sync
Insert 2 AAA batteries, which are not typically included due to shipping safety, into each controller. Turn the switch on the controller to ON. The red light will stop flashing and stay solid when connected.
Step 5: Navigation
Use the D-pad to scroll through the list. Press Select to insert a coin for arcade games and Start to begin. To exit a game and return to the main menu, press Select and Start simultaneously.
How to connect retro game console stick to TV diagram. (Video Credit: AAvirusAA)
TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON ISSUES
Even the best retro game console can encounter minor hiccups. Here are solutions to common queries we receive at 2Bluebox support.
Problem: The controller is lagging or not connecting.
Solution: This is almost always due to low battery power. Even if the light turns on, low voltage can cause signal drops. Replace with fresh, high-quality alkaline batteries. Also, ensure the TV is in Game Mode to reduce display lag.
Problem: The game freezes or has no sound.
Solution: This can happen if the console overheats or lacks power. Ensure you are using an external 5V/2A power adapter rather than the USB port of the TV, as some older TVs do not supply enough amps.
Problem: How do I save my progress.
Solution: In most games on our stick, press Select and Start to open the menu, choose Save State, and select a slot. To resume, go back to this menu and choose Load State.
THE AUSTRALIAN RETRO SCENE
Australia has a vibrant retro community. From the PAX Australia conventions in Melbourne to local meetups in Sydney, the passion for classic gaming is alive. By choosing a console from a local supplier like 2Bluebox, you are ensuring faster shipping times compared to ordering from overseas. We understand the local market and provide support in your time zone.
When you buy from international drop-shippers, you often face 4-week delivery times and zero customer service. We pride ourselves on being accessible and reliable for the Australian gaming community.
CONCLUSION AND FINAL VERDICT
In 2025, the quest for the best retro game console ends with a choice between high-quality convenience and portability.
If you want to relive the glory days of multiplayer gaming on your big screen TV with friends and family, the New Upgrade Retro Game Console Stick is the undisputed champion of value and ease of use. It transforms any room into a retro arcade in seconds.
If your life involves travel, commuting, or you simply love the intimacy of handheld gaming, the Retro Handheld Game Console (R36S) offers a premium experience with a stunning screen and massive battery life.
Both devices eliminate the high cost of collecting physical cartridges while preserving the authentic experience of the games we love.
Ready to jump back into the 90s. Visit 2Bluebox.com today to secure your console. We offer fast shipping across Australia and 24/7 support to ensure your gaming trip down memory lane is smooth and pixel-perfect.
FAQ
Q: Can I add more games to the console?
A: Yes, both the Game Stick and Handheld console support adding ROMs via the SD card. However, with 15,000 to 20,000 games already included, most users find they never need to.
Q: Does it work on non-4K TVs?
A: Absolutely. The device is backward compatible and works on any TV with an HDMI port.
Q: Is there a warranty?
A: We at 2Bluebox provide a warranty on our devices to ensure you are covered against manufacturing defects.
Q: Where do you ship from?
A: We ship directly to our Australian customers, ensuring you do not have to wait months for your device.
FURTHER READING & RESOURCES
To ensure the technical accuracy of our reviews and to maintain the highest standards of E-E-A-T, we have referenced specific data points and community findings from the following authoritative sources:
1. Independent Display Analysis (The R36S Screen)
We referenced the screen quality comparison from RetroDodo's detailed review. As noted by their expert Brandon Saltalamacchia: "The 3.5-inch IPS display is the star of the show... it is clear, crisp, and vibrant, with great viewing angles." This validates our findings regarding the R36S visual performance compared to older TFT models.
Article: R36S Review: The Best Budget Handheld Of The Year
Source: https://retrododo.com/r36s-review/
2. Firmware & Community Optimization
Our recommendations for battery optimization and button mapping are based on the extensive community documentation managed by the r/SBCGaming subreddit. Specifically, we cross-referenced the ArkOS Custom Firmware guide which solves common black-screen issues for new users.
Thread: R36S Helpful Resources, Troubleshooting, Firmware and Mods
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/SBCGaming/comments/18k2iy2/r36s_helpful_resources_troubleshooting_firmware/
3. Technical Emulation Specs (Input Latency)
To explain how our consoles reduce input lag, we consulted the official Libretro (RetroArch) documentation. We utilized their technical explanation of "Run-Ahead Latency Reduction" to verify how the ARM Cortex processors in our devices handle frame processing to mimic original hardware response times.
Documentation: Latency Reduction and Run-Ahead Specs
Source: https://docs.libretro.com/guides/latency/
4. Comprehensive Setup Guide Reference
For the deep-dive setup instructions, we aligned our steps with the industry-standard ArkOS guide by Retro Game Corps (since the R36S utilizes ArkOS). Russ's analysis confirms the importance of replacing stock SD cards: "The stock cards are prone to failure... flashing a new card is the first step we recommend."
Guide: ArkOS Starter Guide (Compatible with R36S/R35S)
Source: https://retrogamecorps.com/2023/03/27/arkos-starter-guide/
