🎮 Many Paths, One Past: How to Play Retro Games Today

One of the quiet joys of the Save State project is not just remembering—but replaying. Whether your rolled game was a childhood favorite or a pixelated relic from before you were born, the next big question is:

How do I actually play this game today?

The good news? There’s no single right answer. There are many—and each method reflects a different kind of relationship to history, nostalgia, convenience, and aesthetics.

Let’s take a look at the most common ways people are keeping classic console games alive in the present.


1. 🧠 FPGA Systems (Like Analogue’s Consoles)

Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) recreate the internal logic of classic hardware at a transistor level, offering an incredibly faithful experience without needing the original console.

Pros:

  • Near-perfect accuracy, lag-free
  • Modern video output (HDMI, etc.)
  • Beautiful hardware design (looking at you, Analogue Pocket and Duo)

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Hard to find (low production runs)
  • Still requires cartridges or ROMs

Why use it?
You want the real feel of retro without the quirks of failing capacitors or RF switches—and you appreciate design that honors the past with future-forward polish.


2. đź’ľ Emulation (PC, Raspberry Pi, Steam Deck, etc.)

Software emulators like RetroArch, bsnes, MAME, or DuckStation can run on almost anything—from laptops to handhelds to smart TVs.

Pros:

  • Accessible, customizable, portable
  • Fast save states, screen filters, controller remapping
  • Complete libraries instantly available

Cons:

  • Accuracy varies
  • Some lag or glitches possible
  • Requires some setup knowledge

Why use it?
You want instant access, flexibility, and the ability to play everything—from NES to Dreamcast—on a single device.


3. 🕹️ Vintage Hardware

There’s nothing quite like the original. Many players still maintain real NES, SNES, Genesis, N64, and more.

Pros:

  • Authentic experience
  • No compromise in audio or control feel
  • You get to use your dusty CRT

Cons:

  • Old hardware can break
  • AV output may require adapters
  • Original games are getting pricey

Why use it?
You’re in it for the tactile time travel—dusting off cartridges, blowing into ports, flipping switches. This is muscle memory from a different era.


4. 📱 Nintendo Switch Online (NSO)

Nintendo’s subscription service offers a curated collection of NES, SNES, N64, GBA, and Game Boy titles.

Pros:

  • Convenient and legal
  • Cloud saves, online multiplayer
  • New games added monthly

Cons:

  • Limited selection
  • Occasional input lag
  • No game ownership

Why use it?
You want plug-and-play nostalgia on modern hardware with none of the fuss—and maybe even some bonus features like rewinds and save points.


5. đź§  Mini Systems + Homebrew (Hakchi, Project Lunar, etc.)

NES/SNES/Genesis mini consoles can be “jailbroken” to load additional ROMs using software like Hakchi.

Pros:

  • Fun little collectibles
  • Simple modding process
  • HDMI output and save state support

Cons:

  • Limited hardware power
  • Not as versatile as PCs or RPis
  • Small controllers can be awkward

Why use it?
You love official hardware, don’t mind tweaking things, and enjoy compact setups that blend charm and convenience.


6. 📦 EverDrives and Optical Drive Emulators

These cartridge and disc replacements let you load complete libraries from an SD card or USB, avoiding the need for expensive physical media.

Pros:

  • Use with original hardware
  • Lightning-fast loading and save support
  • Protects fragile carts and discs

Cons:

  • Initial cost can be high
  • Setup varies by system
  • Still need the console

Why use it?
You love the real hardware but don’t want to spend $800 on EarthBound. You want access and authenticity.


đź§  So Which Is Right for You?

There’s no wrong way to play. Your method might be shaped by nostalgia, budget, curiosity, or pure aesthetics.

In fact, part of the Save State process is exploring this very question:

How far am I willing to go to reconnect with a game?

Sometimes you dig up old gear. Sometimes you discover a new passion for FPGA. Sometimes you just pull out your Switch and jump into Super Metroid before breakfast.

Whatever your method, you’re doing something sacred: keeping old worlds alive.

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