Top 5 Retro Consoles Worth Collecting
Are you a retro gaming enthusiast looking to start a collection? Or you're curious about the history and value of some of the most sought-after retro consoles. Either way, you've come to the right place! In this blog post, we will explore the top 5 retro consoles worth collecting according to our opinion. We will provide you with the backstory and value of each console to help you decide which is worth adding to your collection.
PSP
The PlayStation Portable (PSP) was released way back in 2004. It was the first-ever handheld console that used an optical disc format and Sony's special Universal Media Disc (UMD) format for games and movies. It was a huge hit and sold over 80 million units worldwide. Nowadays, collectors can't get enough of the PSP because of its cool design and amazing library of games.
Fun Facts about the PSP
The PSP was the first handheld console with Wi-Fi. This allowed users to play online games and download content from the PlayStation Network.
The PSP had an add-on GPS receiver that could be used with navigation software or games like Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker.
The PSP had a web browser, which allowed users to browse the internet on the go.
The PSP allowed users to enjoy movies, TV shows, and music from both UMD discs and downloaded files.
The PSP 3000 had a built-in microphone, which could be used for voice chat in online games or recording voice messages.
Wii
The Wii was released in 2006 and it was a massive hit, selling over 100 million units worldwide! This console was the first to use motion controls, which made it popular among casual gamers and families. The Wii had an awesome collection of first-party games, including classics like Super Mario Galaxy and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Even today, the Wii is highly sought after by collectors because of its unique design, innovative gameplay, and its status as one of the best-selling consoles ever.
Fun Facts About The Wii
Code Name: Before the Wii was officially named, the console was known by its code name, “Revolution.”
Wii Sports: The game “Wii Sports” was included with the Wii console in all regions except Japan and South Korea. This game became incredibly popular and is often credited with the success of the Wii.
Wii Channels: The Wii introduced a new feature called “Channels,” which were essentially apps that allowed users to do things like check the weather, read news, browse the internet, and even create caricatures of themselves called “Miis.”
Wii Remote: The Wii Remote (also colloquially called the Wiimote) can be used as a handheld pointing device and detects movement in three dimensions.
Wii Fit: The Wii Fit game and balance board accessory were introduced to keep players active. It was a commercial success and helped establish a fitness-related video game trend.
Game Cube
The Game Cube was released in 2001 and was Nintendo's first console to use optical discs instead of cartridges. It was also the first console with a built-in handle, making it easy to transport. The GameCube featured an extensive lineup of first-party games, including beloved titles such as The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Super Smash Bros. Melee. Today, the Game Cube is highly sought after by collectors due to its unique design, impressive selection of games, and status as one of Nintendo's most beloved consoles.
Fun Facts About The Game Cube
The GameCube is not a cube. Its width and length are close at 5.9 inches and 6.3 inches, respectively, but its height is over an inch smaller at 4.3
It comes with two particular startup sounds. One can be triggered by holding the “Z” button on the startup screen.
The GameCube was the first Nintendo console to use discs to store the games. Unlike other consoles at the time, the GameCube uses small discs instead of full-size DVDs.
Nintendo DS
The Nintendo DS was the first handheld console and featured a dual-screen design, and it was also the first console to include a touch screen. This made it a huge favorite among casual gamers and families. The DS had an extensive library of first-party games, including notable titles like Nintendogs, Mario Kart DS, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, and New Super Mario Bros. Nowadays, collectors highly seek the DS due to its unique design, innovative gameplay and status as Nintendo's most successful consoles.
Fun Facts about the DS
The Nintendo DS is a handheld game console produced by Nintendo, released globally between 2004 and 2005. The Nintendo 3DS succeeded it in February 2011.
Development on the Nintendo DS began around mid-2002, following an original idea from former Nintendo president Hiroshi Yamauchi about a dual-screened console.
The original Nintendo DS console has two 3-inch TFT LCD panels, separate processors, and up to 1 gigabit of semiconductor memory. The lower display of the Nintendo DS is overlaid with a resistive touchscreen designed to accept input from the included stylus, the user's fingers.
The DS is resilient. For instance, Neal Mueller and Chris Grubb took theirs to one of the harshest environments on Earth, the top of Mt. Everest, in 2005. Despite high altitudes, wet conditions, cold temperatures, drops, fierce winds, and the devices constantly spilled food and spices on them by the Sherpas who played with them in the Base Camp kitchen, the DSes worked perfectly.
The DS was initially called City Boy. The name was meant to imply that hip young adults would take their DSes with them as they went to work and play in urban centers daily.
Some retailers featured DS Download Stations that allowed users to download demos of current and upcoming DS games; however, due to memory limitations, the downloads were erased once the system was powered off.
PS3
The PS3 was released way back in 2006, and it was Sony's third home console. It was cool because it was the first console to use Blu-ray discs, so you could play higher-quality games and watch incredible movies. The PS3 had some great games, like Uncharted 2: Among Thieves and The Last of Us. Nowadays, collectors are all over it because it has a unique design and an impressive library of games, and it is Sony's 3rd most successful console.
Fun Facts About The PS3
The Air Force Research Laboratory built the 33rd most powerful supercomputer in the world using the PlayStation 3 networked together.
The PS3 was first announced at the E3 convention in 2005 and finally hit shelves in Japan on November 11, 2006, and in North America on November 17
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