When most people think of the TurboGrafx-16 system—wait, let’s rephrase that. Pretty much no one thinks about the TurboGrafx-16 system, ever. After all, it’s just another console that lost the console wars because it wasn’t good enough, right? Wrong! Sadly, this wonderful console had a lot to offer before it bit the dust. And much of this content was exclusive to the system. Particularly, there are a lot of amazing TurboGrafx shmups that retro game enthusiasts are missing out on. Besides exclusive games, the system offers several arcade ports that are often better than the original. Read on to learn more about the best TurboGrafx shmups ever made. 1. R-Type R-Type is one of the most famous arcade shmups, and one of the earliest to be ported onto home game consoles. Notably, the NES port was an enormous success and is still popular among retro gamers today. Technically speaking, though, the...

What kinds of Super Nintendo games do you like most? Undoubtedly, you already have a few 16-bit game genres in mind. Of course, there aren’t really many genres to choose from. There are racing, fighting, shooting, puzzle-solving, and adventure games, plus RPGs. That’s pretty much it. Due to its limited capabilities, the SNES could only handle a small list of game genres, right? Well, actually, a lot of game creators have put that theory to the test, creating some of the best Super Nintendo games, ever made. We’ve listed some of our favorites in this guide. Read on to learn all about them. 1. Star Fox Today, hearing that the latest Star Fox game uses 3D polygon graphics is not impressive. But in 1993, it was mind-blowing. In those days, there were no 3D polygonal console games—not one, ever—until Star Fox came out. We had played 3D games in the arcade,...

The Nintendo Switch has cemented its status as a cornerstone of the gaming industry since its debut, boasting a diverse array of titles to suit every gamer's preference. However, alongside its widespread popularity, there has been a concerning surge in counterfeit games flooding the market. To aid consumers in identifying genuine Nintendo Switch games, we've compiled some crucial pointers: Nintendo has maintained a commendable track record in combatting counterfeiting efforts. As of the time of this publication, the primary concern within the secondhand market pertains to instances of label swapping and the distribution of promotional display cartridges that lack functionality. Nonetheless, it's foreseeable that counterfeit copies may emerge on platforms like eBay and other online marketplaces over time. Outlined below are key indicators to help discern counterfeit Nintendo Switch games. Whether you're dealing with an outright counterfeit, encountering games with altered labels, or being offered dummy promotional cartridges, these guidelines will...

One of the most enduring traditions of video games has been the ‘Nintendo World Championships’ – players from around the world getting together and pitting their skills against each other in their favorite games. Some of the most iconic moments in gaming history have happened at these tournaments.

Wondering what the 5 best Dreamcast light gun games are? Well, that puts us in a weird position. You see, there are only 5 Dreamcast light gun games altogether: Death Crimson OX, Sega Smash Pack Volume 1, Demolition Racer: No Exit, Confidential Mission, and House of the Dead 2. But no matter. You asked for it (presumably) so we’re giving it to you: a list of all 5 Sega Dreamcast light gun games ranked from worst to best. We’ve researched all 5 titles and reviewed each one in detail below. Which ones are worth buying and which ones are crap? Is it even worth it to get a Dreamcast and light gun peripheral to play these games? (Spoiler: Yes it is.) Find out all you need to know in this buyers’ guide. Just remember, Light Guns only work on Old School Tube TV's and here is the reason why. 5. Death...

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link The Legend of Zelda games are seriously one of the best video series ever made. Still, the larger this series gets, the more questions it raises. Are the Zelda games connected and if so, how? And why does Link always start the game empty-handed? Where are the items he won in the previous games? Perhaps the most common question is, “What’s the correct order in which to play the Zelda games?” That’s easy: play them oldest to newest. Honestly, we may never understand the overly complex in-game chronology. But we’ll gladly give you a guided tour through the History of the Zelda Games.  Besides, it’s more fun to see the series progress as you play through in the originally-intended order. Together, let’s explore how it all started with the first 2 classic games in the series. 1. The Legend of Zelda - Nintendo NES The Legend of Zelda original game release...

Classic RPG fans, prepare your arguments. We’re about to settle one of the longest-standing console war showdowns of all time: SNES vs PS1 RPGs. It’s quite a bold claim, we know. Both consoles produced numerous titles that are still considered the best RPGs ever made. SNES gave us Earthbound, Final Fantasy II and III (IV and VI in Japan), and Chrono Trigger. PS1 gave us Final Fantasy VII-IX, Final Fantasy Tactics, Legend of Dragoon, Parasite Eve, and more. At this moment, you may find yourself involuntarily screaming at your screen, audibly (and angrily) naming the obvious winner of this showdown. We understand. Some will tell us that Final Fantasy VII is the game that changed the world of RPG gaming forever. If that’s you, you’re right. Alternatively, you may argue that Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy III changed RPG gaming first. You’re right, too. But which console truly reigns supreme in the...

Let’s face it. You’re here because you never get sick of playing the same retro NES titles over and over again. And it’s even more fun when you discover new things about these familiar favorites, even after all these years. That being the case, brace yourself. What follows is the ultimate, explorative, mind-blowing excursion into the hidden realms of your favorite NES titles (and one of your least favorites). How many times have you played Super Mario Bros. 3? Answer: Many. And how many times have you done so as a purple-suited Racoon Mario who swims through the air? Answer: Probably 0. But for those of you who own an NES Game Genie, that’s about to change. Without further ado, we give you the best nintendo games for using game genie codes. Experience these 10 familiar classics in wild new ways with these original nes game genie cheats. (Note: we at...

When modern gamers think of video game based movies, they might recall awesome titles like Jurassic World Evolution. Old-school gamers have a different association—namely, a horrible one.

Wondering how to determine whether your NES game is a first print? Not to be discouraging but, uh, good luck with that. There’s no “rule of thumb” when determining the first print status of NES games. The process and details are different for each game. Furthermore, this valuable info may be hard to come by, guarded as trade secrets by shrewd investors. It may also be unknown and/or highly disputed. More importantly, does it even matter if your NES game is a first print? And what is a first print anyway? Ha! We’ve now gone full circle, back to “how to determine if your NES game is a first print.” These points are just a light sampling of the chaos and confusion—the maddening rabbit hole of buying and selling first-print NES games. The good news is, we’ve done our research and compiled all the answers you need to shed some light...

In the golden age of retro gaming, merchandisers thought of game consoles as marketing platforms rather than entertainment systems. Their devious plot was to create games that were basically commercials for some beloved franchise.

Light gun shooters have been an arcade staple for as long as video game arcades have been a thing. Strangely, though, most of our light gun experience outside of arcades is limited to Duck Hunt and… that’s it. Well, that changes today. All you need is a Sega Saturn console, the Saturn light gun accessory, an old, CRT TV, and the 5 games listed below. These are the best Sega Saturn light gun games you can buy, and some of the best console light gun shooters period. They are listed from best to worst, and even the worst is worth owning. Read on to see what your console game library is missing. 1. Area 51 In the glory days of arcade light gun shooters, the mid-1990s, there were many options to choose from. Among this plethora, one game reigned supreme: Area 51. And it’s no wonder why. The Ultimate Arcade Shooter...

The Nintendo GameCube debuted in 2001 and sold nearly 22 million units during the lifespan of the console. The GameCube is a great gaming console that is perfect for beginners. It is affordable and has a variety of games to choose from. The GameCube is a great gaming console that is perfect for beginners. It is affordable and has a variety of games to choose from. If you are looking for an amazing gaming experience, a GameCube is a perfect choice for you. With its many features and options, you will be able to find the perfect game to fit your needs. Continue reading our guide to buying the best GameCube for sale for beginners What's the Nintendo GameCube Best Known For? The GameCube has a library of exclusive first-party titles, as well as a number of popular third-party games. It is also recognized for its unique design and controller. The GameCube hit shelves in 2001...

The late 1990s and early 2000s produced some of the most beloved retro games in history. Most often, we thank the N64, the original PlayStation, and the original Xbox for that. Soon after this era, gamers upgraded to newer PlayStations and Xboxes. And let’s not forget Nintendo’s revolutionary Wii, the first console designed primarily for motion-sensing games. But we are forgetting something, aren’t we? What about the Nintendo GameCube? Why do gamers so often overlook the GameCube when reminiscing through retro gaming history? It certainly isn’t for lack of playability. The GameCube has an excellent library of games from our favorite game franchises. Some of these titles are considered the best in their respective series, like Mario Kart: Double Dash! That’s why, today, we’re going to show our love for Nintendo’s most overlooked console. Read on to learn 7 compelling reasons why every retro gamer should own a GameCube. 1. Excellent...

4 days ago, SNK tweeted an announcement that had retro-gaming nerds like us drooling in anticipation. Today, November 9, 2022, we see that promise fulfilled. SNK has just released its second volume of 10 long-lost Neo Geo Pocket Color games on Steam and Nintendo Switch. If you’ve read our recent account of the original console’s tragic failure, this is very uplifting news indeed. Even better, the 10 titles included in Neo Geo Pocket Color Vol.2 make up an awesome collection. This selection exhumes many exclusive spin-offs of familiar franchises, like SNK vs. Capcom: Card Fighters’ Clash. There are also sports games, a puzzle game, and one rare oddity that finally gets a worldwide release. Using our extensive nerd knowledge, we’ve reviewed each of these titles in detail. Read on to see why we’re super excited about Neo Geo Pocket Color Vol.2. 1. Rockman Battle & Fighters Rockman Battle & Fighters is...

Step back in time with the PlayStation 2 and discover the timeless classics that continue to captivate gamers today. With its iconic selection of video games, the PlayStation 2 has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. From action-packed adventures to thought-provoking narratives, these must-play classics showcase the enduring quality that makes them just as enjoyable now as they were when they were first released. Unleash your inner hero with "God of War," an epic journey through ancient mythology filled with heart-pounding battles and breathtaking visuals. Or immerse yourself in the immersive world of "Shadow of the Colossus," where you'll navigate stunning landscapes and face off against towering colossal beasts. If you're in the mood for some classic role-playing action, "Final Fantasy X" and "Persona 4" deliver unforgettable stories and gameplay experiences that have stood the test of time. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the PlayStation 2,...

As you know, the category of “retro video game accessories” is a very mixed bag. Remember the Power Glove? It was a prestigious NES accessory that children couldn’t afford and parents wouldn’t buy. The advertisements essentially boasted that it would bring our games to life by mystical forces (while telling us nothing about how it works or what it does). Ironically, the Power Glove is just as baffling and mysterious in real life as the ads promised. Few of us ever learned how it was supposed to work. And none of us ever got it to work properly. Fortunately, not all game accessories are completely useless. Some are entirely essential, like controllers. Today, we’re here to talk about the most important Sega Saturn accessories (besides controllers). These are the Saturn Backup Memory, extended RAM cartridges, and the GameShark. Read this guide to discover what they are and why you need them!...

Get ready to take a trip down memory lane as we dive into the world of Super Nintendo and explore the all-time best games that captivated millions of gamers in the '90s. From beloved classics like Mario and Zelda to lesser-known gems, this article is your ultimate guide to the finest games ever released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The SNES revolutionized the gaming industry with its advanced graphics, groundbreaking gameplay, and unforgettable characters. Whether you're a seasoned gamer looking to relive the glory days or a curious newbie interested in discovering the roots of modern gaming, this list has something for everyone. Join us as we revisit iconic titles like Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Donkey Kong Country. We'll dig deep into what made these games so special, analyzing their gameplay mechanics, captivating storylines, and memorable soundtracks. So grab your...

In the annals of gaming history, the Game Boy is remembered as a trailblazer. The handheld console with its small monochrome screen sold 118 million worldwide. It quickly captured the hearts of gamers and ignited a gaming revolution, spawning legendary gaming titles like Pokemon and Mario Bros. But the Game Boy didn't simply emerge onto the market in a vacuum. Before the Game Boy's triumphant arrival in 1989, a procession of other handheld gaming consoles had already laid the foundation for portable gaming experiences. These precursors introduced ground-breaking features and gameplay innovations that helped shape the landscape of handheld gaming. However, as is often the case in the world of innovation, success depends on factors such as timing, market readiness, and the competitive environment, like the unpredictable outcomes seen on TV's "Shark Tank." In the grand tapestry of gaming history, these devices played a significant role in paving the way for the...

In recent articles, we delved into the joys of hacking retro video games with console accessories such as Game Genie and GameShark. Today, we unearth even more amazing secrets buried deep within your favorite N64 games, like the hidden Star Fox Arwing enemy in Ocarina of Time. But, this time, there’s a catch. There are, like, 19 or more versions of the GameShark for N64 and they are not created equal. Some of them won’t be able to access the awesome hidden content you’re looking for. Lucky for you, we know exactly which version is best. Spoiler alert: It’s GameShark Pro v3.1 or higher. To find out why, read on. Why Are There Different Versions of GameShark For N64? So, why doesn’t the first N64 GameShark work for all the games? Why was there a need for subsequent versions? Put simply, InterAct had to keep updating their GameShark accessory because Nintendo...