A recent trend has shown big companies releasing 'mini' versions of their classic consoles which are essentially plug and play systems. There have been these types of systems released before but I don't think it became as popular as it is now until Nintendo released the NES mini which was followed by the SNES mini and the Playstation Classic from Sony. Here are a list of consoles that I think most need the 'mini' treatment next. Some of these may have had plug and play versions of them released before but I think they're deserving of a new/improved iteration.
#5 N64 Mini
I actually have played very little N64 throughout my life. This is due to me only having one many years after it was released and, even then, I mostly owned the 'bargain bin' type games for it rather than the classics. To give some perspective, the game I remember spending the most time playing on it was 'Ready 2 Rumble Boxing'. Not quite Mario 64. However, the N64 is still the most fun I've ever had playing multiplayer games. This is due to some of my friends having one. Mario Kart 64, Goldeneye and especially Smash bros (along with four controllers) would be more than enough reason for me to buy this if it was ever released.
#4 - Megadrive Classic
The Megadrive has had about a million plug and play versions of it released. However, the reason we need another one is because none of the previous versions of it have ever done it any justice! The Megadrive is my favourite console of all time and it has such an incredible library of games, many of which could be described as 'hidden gems'. If Sega was to actually put time and money into making a quality 'mini' version of the Megadrive with more than just the same old games that have been released on every previous version, I think a lot of people would still buy one.
#3 - Saturn Mini
The Saturn is probably my most underrated console on this list. It never stood a chance when it was first released because it was up against the mighty Playstation and N64 but it still had a decent game library that could definitely do with a second chance at being appreciated. This includes some classics that weren't included on the Playstation Classic such as the first Tomb Raider game.
#2 - Windows 95 Classic
This might sound odd due to how easy it is to download old PC games but, if a mini, plug and play version of a classic windows PC (complete with ugly keyboard and mouse) was released, I for one would definitely buy one. This is because I think it would be a new, interesting way to rediscover the huge library of classic PC games from the mid 90's. Civilization II, Duke Nukem 3D, Warcraft II, Diablo, Dungeon Keeper, Carmageddon, Theme Hospital...the list is endless.
#1 - Gameboy Mini
In my opinion, the console most deserving of a 'mini' version is the Gameboy. For my personally, the Gameboy evokes more nostalgia of childhood in the 90's than possibly any other console. Again, there are already many ways to emulate Gameboy games but I still feel like there is a place for a quality, officially licenced mini version of the console. Just the way it looked is iconic which is shown by how many people still have it as their iPhone cover. If they were to do a Gameboy Color version, you could even have the different colours they came in. Always clear purple for me.
Anyway, what classic console would you want to see a 'mini' version of?
