However, most of gamings history remains stranded on past hardware.
There are entire franchises considered to be classics that have been unavailable for generations.
TakeGod of War, for example.
First-party efforts are most subject to this abandonment as theres typically no native PC alternative to fall back to.
Even franchises that you might not expect fall prey to this, likeMarioandZeldareleases on the DS and 3DS.
Products like this offer an authentic experience at a fraction of the cost of some of the rarest titles.
EverDrive cartridges for handhelds are becoming a necessity for preserving libraries as old cartridge batteries are quickly dying out.
Handhelds are perhaps the gaming devices that are most essential to hold on to.
Thus, most games will play best on the handheld theyre designed for.
Just check that to properly care for them by removing batteries when not playing to prevent damage.
I recommend keeping your options open so that you could return to the original releases.
Additionally, it streamlined the controls for modern sensibilities, rubbing some fans of the original the wrong way.
robtek/Shutterstock.com
Its still a wonderful game, but it simply doesnt replace the original.
We can similarly apply this toPokemonand its ongoing series of remakes.
Ports can also be tricky to get right.
GameStop / Sony
However, its a key capacity in which people keep their erstwhile consoles relevant.
Of course, things can go wrong when modding a console, even with the most trusted software.
Its typically a low risk, but one you should understand before beginning the process.
Sony
My recommendation would be not to begin this process on any console youd be sad to potentially lose.
Which Consoles Are Essential to Keep?
Here are some specific consoles that are particularly valuable to have on-hand.
Nintendo
This functionality was removed from later models to reduce cost.
Consoles of this era and prior are simply fun to use.
Slotting in cartridges and playing on controllers that pre-date design homogenization makes gaming feel truly retro.
Craig Lloyd / Review Geek
To this same end, the Wii is probably worth keeping for its singular take on motion controls.
As previously mentioned, these features also make emulation of games that utilize them difficult.
In other words, these handhelds will never be obsolete.
Analogue
AnAnalogue Pocketis worth considering as a catch-all for older handhelds if you want to consolidate your hardware collection.
Its definitely not a cheap investment but one to consider as a worthy alternative.
Its also great for those moments when you want to take a trip down memory lane.
