“Indiana Jones”, “Terminator” and co. are proof: the 1980s brought a lot of good in the entertainment sector and still enjoy enormous popularity. Retro consoles bring time back to life and are currently available on Amazon for little money.
C64: The “lunchbox” finally in its original format
The pinnacle of the retro consoles just scaled down is the C64, probably better known to gamers as the “lunchbox”. The console was one of the most popular home computers of the early 1980s. The new edition is currently heavily discounted on Amazon and costs only 99.99 euros.
This is the maxi version in the original format and with a working keyboard for maximum retro feeling. Of course, the iconic joystick is also included. So you have almost everything you need to gamble. Only a power supply is missing, but you can use any power supply with a micro USB connection.
The console is connected to your TV with an HDMI cable and is ready for use. You have access to 64 games, including Boulder Dash, Pitstop II, and some Epyx sports games such as Winter Games and California Games. However, not all classics are included. For example, cult games like “The Last Ninja” and “Test Drive” are missing.
If you want to spend less money, the mini version of the C64 may be an option for you. Amazon currently offers this for only 46.86 euros.
The mini version is smaller than its big brother and does not have a working keyboard. You can still play the 64 games with the joystick, even if the quality of the stick is less than the maxi version. But this variant costs less than half.
Amiga 500: The expandable retro console
Another classic among home computers was the Amiga 500, which came on the market in 1987. The retro version of the A500 now costs 99.99 euros on Amazon.
This retro console also comes without a power adapter, but can be powered via a USB-C cable. The replica is smaller than the original and the delivery also includes a rather mediocre gamepad and mouse – all in the slightly yellowed color that results from use in smoky gaming dens, of course.
Just like the C64, the Amiga copy is connected to your television via an HDMI cable and is quickly ready for use. Classics like “Cadaver”, “SpeedBall 2 Brutal Deluxe” and “Chaos Engine” are among the 25 pre-installed games. Excellent: There are more games via legal download available and can be played on the console with a USB stick.
With an ingenious module function: The Evercade EXP
An exciting alternative to the A500 and C64 is the Evercade EXP, which used as a handheld or connected to the TV could be. The retro console is currently available at Amazon with a 15 percent discount for 126.99 euros.
The Evercade EXP has a 4.3 inch (10.9 centimeter) IPS screen, WLAN and a USB-C connection for the power source. A corresponding cable is included, a battery charge lasts about four to five hours. But you need to buy the mini HDMI cable separately to connect to a TV.
18 Capcom games, including Mega Man, Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting and Forgotten Worlds, are preloaded. The trick here: There are several modules you can use to expand your game library. For example, this bundle contains a module with games from the Japanese game company Irem.