Retro games collections are so yesterday. Retro hardware is where 'it's at' (is there a more cliched way to begin a retro-themed post? Oh sod it, it's friday). A few weeks ago Atari announced that it would launch a sleek new version of its eighties 7800 console in the States, under the new name, Atari Flashback, complete with 20 built-in games (including the never before released rarity, Saboteur).
But much more exciting is the news that Sega Toys in Japan has just released Mega Drive PlayTV, a re-styled Mega Drive with six classic titles including the original Sonic, Altered Beast and Golden Axe. It looks so cute, and has lovely little electric blue controllers.
This seems to represent a new flavour of videogame nostalgia. A few years ago we were happy to download ROMs of all our favourite games from the WWW - but now we can play them on reincarnations of the original hardware. Does this provide a better gameplay experience? Or is this just about console fetishism?
Whatever, I feel another top five coming on...
Top five pieces of classic hardware that should be re-released
Apple II Every Appleophile should get the chance to experience the company's original mass-produced home computer, with its tappety-tap keyboard and noisy disk drive. It had some decent games too, including Zork, Ultima and, unless my memory banks have failed, the original version of Epyx's brilliant Summer Games. More info.
The GEC/MB Vectrex This unique console, launched in 1982, came with a black and white monitor and used vector graphics, rather than the pixel-based graphics common to all other consoles. You could also slide coloured plastic overlays over the screen to give the effect of colour visuals. Would look great in any self-concious retro-chic appartment. More info.
The PC Engine When I started work on Edge magazine back in 1995, this console was held in God-like esteem by then-editor Jason Brookes. Launched in 1987 by NEC, the console was only ever a cult machine in the west, but saw some stunning arcade conversions. More info.
The SNK Neo Geo Originally launched as a cartridge based system in 1991, this home version of SNK's MVS coin-op board brought arcade quality conversions of Samurai Shodown, Fatal Fury and King of Fighters to homes across the world. Well, homes with plenty of disposable income as the carts often cost between £80 and £100. An updated version of the console appeared in 1994, complete with a single speed CD drive (and famous juggling monkey loading screen). We had one of these in the Edge games room for many years and would break it out while on deadline to play Windjammers at four in the morning. More info.
The Virtual Boy Everyone should get to experience the sheer eye-damaging fun of Nintendo's abortive 3D gaming device. Play Mario in red, blurry 3D! Suffer migraines like you never thought possible! More info.
