1.Buy first
One flexible emulation device
A retro handheld or a mini PC covers dozens of systems for less than two original consoles. Start here and find out what you actually play.
🧰Build a Budget Retro Gaming Setup
You do not need a shelf of original hardware to play the classics well. A sensible budget setup is one flexible device, one good video path, and one controller that feels right.
Buy in this order and you will never spend money on something the next purchase makes redundant.
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Our picks
2.Buy second
A controller you like
The pad is what you touch. A good D-pad transforms the 2D library and costs less than almost anything else on this list.
3.Buy third
Video path to the TV
Whether that is an HDMI adapter for a real console or a cable for the handheld's dock, this is what makes it a living-room thing instead of a desk thing.
4.Buy last
Original hardware for one favourite system
Once you know which era you keep going back to, buy the real machine for that one. It is a much better purchase after six months of use than on day one.
Prices as of Oct 27, 2026, 4:34 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
More gear for this setup
Affiliate · Amazon
My Arcade Atari Game Station Pro: Retro Video Game Console with 200+ Games, Wireless Joysticks, RGB LED Lights
$87.99
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Tengchi RCA to HDMI Converter, AV to HDMI Adapter | Composite to HDMI Support 1080P PAL/NTSC For PS1, PS2, PS3, STB, Xbox, VHS, VCR, DVD Players
$13.99
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8Bitdo Pro 3 Bluetooth Controller for Switch1/2, PC & Android, Purple | TMR Joysticks, Swappable ABXY Buttons, Pro Back Buttons, Charging Dock, Hall Effect Triggers, for SteamOS & Apple
$59.99
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BD&M RCA to HDMI Converter, AV to HDMI Adapter Supports PAL/NTSC for PS2, PS3, Xbox, VHS, VCR, DVD Players
$9.95
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8Bitdo Micro Bluetooth Gamepad Pocket-sized Mini Controller for Switch/Switch 2, Android, and Raspberry Pi, Supports Keyboard Mode (Green)
$24.99
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GINGIN AV to HDMI Converter, AV to HDMI Adapter Support 720p/1080p for PS1/PS2/PS3/Xbox 360/WII/N64/SNES/STB/VHS/VCR/Blue-Ray DVD Players
$9.89
Check price on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Prices as of Oct 27, 2026, 4:34 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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FAQ
What is the cheapest way to play retro games?
A budget emulation handheld with games you already own, or the classic collections on a console you already have.
Should I buy original consoles?
Eventually, and only for the systems you play most. Original hardware is the expensive step, not the first one.
Do I need a CRT?
No. A CRT is the most authentic option, but a decent upscaler on a modern TV is close and takes up far less space.
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