Many years ago, when games were simple but extremely fun and genuine, playing on a home video game console was not only part of every teenager’s routine, but also a daily sacred ritual. Times have changed, but our tender affection for old-school games still remains strong. How come that in the age of gorgeous 3D games we still hold our memories about vintage console games dear? It’s hard to say for sure. It’s possible to presume that it’s in large part due to nostalgia that makes us smile and sigh when we hear such words as “cartridges,” “Mario,” “Pac-Man,” or “Nintendo.” Playing retro games is akin to returning to places you haven’t visited since your childhood. You let warm nostalgic feelings envelop you and cannot help wanting to grab a joystick, sit back in your favorite armchair, and go kick Koopas’ asses in Super Mario Bros. Enough dreaming! Presently, you have all the tools at your disposal necessary to relive those forgotten emotions.

There are a good many fans of old-school games who still think it’s essential to own a physical console to start playing their favorite classics. Some ransack their closets in search of old devices, while others are willing to spend a fortune and buy a vintage console and cartridges on eBay. We must stop you right away if you’re planning to do the same. Presently, you don’t need any console, as well as cartridges, to dive into retrogaming. ROMs and emulators, which are free and easy to use, will suffice.