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...

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...

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...

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!...

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...

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 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...

Discover a world of gaming adventures with the Nintendo Switch! If you're an avid gamer or looking to unleash your inner gamer, the Nintendo Switch is the console for you. This innovative gaming device offers a unique hybrid design that allows you to play your favorite games anytime, anywhere. Whether you're gaming on your TV, playing in handheld mode, or even competing against friends online, the Nintendo Switch delivers an immersive gaming experience like no other. With a vast library of games to choose from, there's something for everyone. From captivating single-player adventures to competitive multiplayer battles, the Nintendo Switch has it all. Find yourself engrossed in epic fantasy worlds, embarking on thrilling quests, or challenge your friends to intense Mario Kart races. The Nintendo Switch is not just a gaming console; it's a gateway to endless entertainment. With its versatile Joy-Con controllers and intuitive gameplay, you'll find yourself immersed in...

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,...

Chances are, the reason you’re visiting The Old School Game Vault is that you’re interested in building your retro game collection. Lucky for you, we’re about to make that a whole lot easier. You see, rather than buying retro games one cartridge at a time, you can purchase classic game anthologies that include several games. And, below, we’ll tell you how to get your hands on the best classic game compilations for PS1. Why PS1, you ask? The original PlayStation is one of the best platforms for collecting retro game anthologies, for several reasons. One: the PS1 has a lot of truly excellent anthologies—some of the best, really. A few of these contain bonus content, enhancements, and other PS1-exclusive features. And many include unaltered ports of original arcade games as opposed to the inferior ports that were released on previous consoles. Two: PS1 discs are (usually) also playable on the PS2...

Embark on an electrifying journey through the most iconic Mega Man video games that have revolutionized the gaming industry! These legendary titles not only captured our hearts but also pushed the boundaries of what video games could achieve. With breathtaking graphics, innovative gameplay mechanics, and unforgettable boss battles, these Mega Man games elevated our gaming experience to unprecedented heights! From the nostalgic charm of the original Mega Man to the cutting-edge 3D excitement of Mega Man X, each entry on this list showcases the evolution and enduring popularity of this beloved franchise. Join us as we celebrate the thrill of battling alongside the Blue Bomber, outsmarting evil Robot Masters, and uncovering the mysteries of Dr. Wily's nefarious plans. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to the Mega Man universe, this list promises to take you on an exhilarating journey through the very best of the Mega Man series. So, grab...