Remember the mini console “craze” a few years back? It all kicked off in 2016 when Nintendo released the NES Classic Edition, a tiny replica of their iconic 8-bit system packed with 30 pre-installed games.
Nintendo followed up with the SNES Classic in 2017, and after that, other companies jumped on the bandwagon. Sony released the PlayStation Classic in 2018, Sega launched the Genesis Mini in 2019, and even Konami got in on the action with the TurboGrafx-16 Mini in 2020.
Since then? Cricket chirps. Gone the way of the Tamagotchi it seems.
But, if we ignore the actual business motivations for the craze, and fantasize about another mini consoles hitting the market, which classic system do you think deserves the honor?
The OG Game Boy
The Game Boy, Nintendo’s handheld wonder, is an obvious choice for an official miniaturization. Well, on paper at least. The NES and SNES Classic Editions were likely just stopgap products, something to tide fans over during the Wii U’s twilight years and before the Switch’s launch. Nowadays Nintendo seems content to offer retro games through its Nintendo Switch Online service rather than produce dedicated hardware.
Besides, the market is saturated with Game Boy-inspired handhelds. From the Analogue Pocket to countless emulation devices, if you’re itching for some monochrome nostalgia, you’ve got options.
Despite having virtually no market reason to ever exist, we still believe that it deserves a mini-classic version based on its cultural impact alone. It was many gamers’ first portable system, introducing millions to the joys of gaming on the go.
Top 5 Must-have Titles
- Tetris: Obligatory classic. OG console, for the OG release title.
- Pokémon Red/Blue: Gotta catch ’em all, and your wallet’s contents.
- The Legend of Zelda: It’s dangerous to go alone, but this adventure’s worth it.
- Super Mario Land 2: Skipping the first, Wario time begins in this creative classic.
- Kirby’s Dream Land: This hungry pink boy launched a star franchise.
Visualizing the (official) Game Boy Mini
A hypothetical Game Boy Mini could modernize the classic design with a backlit LCD screen, USB-C charging, and several other modern perks like wireless charging. Then, throw in multiplayer options for certain compatible titles, and you’ve got a default product template.
However, given the existence of Game Boy lookalikes today, it should transcend simply being a modern version, and be a collector’s item of sorts. In a memento format, I believe that the best way to preserve the legacy of this console is to make it into a fashionable accessory. A slightly larger keychain perhaps, that happens to be a fully functional console of its own.
To that end, we still need to make the innards as usable as possible. If it is not longer than two inches, it could support a 1-inch screen, allow for at least 10 hours of very low-power gaming time, and maybe even two or three fake tiny cartridges on the back.
Sega Saturn
Ah, the Saturn, the often overlooked 32-bit console, has a dedicated fanbase clamoring for a mini-console revival. Unfortunately, Sega has been hesitant to commit to such a project.
In a 2019 interview with IGN, Sega’s Yukio Sugino explained the challenges of creating a Saturn Mini, citing the system’s complex architecture as a major hurdle. If just raw computing power, it is just half a generation ahead of the first PlayStation. But the instructions and hardware processing stuff are what makes it challenging to recreate.
Well, there is the emulation solution. But that too is a can of worms, as the NES mini had already proven. Besides, Sega seems to be adamant about not relying on such options when seriously considering the project.
Nonetheless, Saturn’s library is a treasure trove of arcade-perfect fighting games, unique JRPGs, and 2D powerhouses that showcase the system’s strengths. Sega also teased that it hasn’t given up on the possibility just yet, even as late as 2023.
Top 5 Must-have Titles
- Panzer Dragoon Saga: Rarer than a PS5, but infinitely more legendary.
- Guardian Heroes: Is this a JoJo reference? No, it’s better.
- Virtua Fighter 2: You can’t “Finish Him,” but you’ll finish nothing else.
- Sega Rally Championship: Deja vu racing that’s actually groundbreaking.
- NiGHTS into Dreams: This psychedelic fever dream revolutionized action games.
How would a Saturn Mini even work?
A Saturn Mini could be a sleek, black box that captures the original’s understated design. Modern amenities like HDMI output, CRT filter, save states, are the standard flair. But perhaps more importantly, we can implement online leaderboards for games like Sega Rally for retro competition.
For its power input, we can possibly use an alternative low-power mode, which would run exclusively off its HDMI 1.4 port. For standard play, the usual USB-C connection is used. As for other external flairs, we can add a non-functional front-loading disc tray, have all buttons function the same as the original, and retain the dual port connectivity. Dual boomerang (wireless) controllers are included, of course.
Nintendo 64
As we mentioned, the NES and SNES mini were more of a marketing gimmick by Nintendo than an actual, dedicated move to celebrate the legendary classics. As such, the window of opportunity of an N64 mini should have been long closed by now.
In fact, in a 2018 interview with Kotaku, Nintendo of America President (at that time) Reggie Fils-Aimé tempered expectations for an N64 Classic, stating, “I would not ever rule something out, but what I can tell you is certainly that’s not in our planning horizon.” Since then, Nintendo has remained tight-lipped about any potential N64 revival.
This was also acknowledged by the fans of that year’s Vancouver Retro Gaming Show, one of the most visited in NA, where this was a hot topic, especially the timing being very close to the Sony PlayStation 1 Classic release, while NES and SNES Mini held the hype-fort. However, some of the attendees commented that they would like to have a little bit of modern-day features, like a web browser and access to the Internet, which is true as they could access even more titles through local online casino CA gaming platforms, which also held different retro types of games, so you wouldn’t be considered by only the consoles native choices.
But you know what? The N64 still represented a quantum leap in console gaming, introducing analog stick controls and co-pioneering 3D gameplay in ways that still influence game design today. So, even with lots of N64 titles available on Nintendo Switch Online today, people still generally welcome the concept, whenever touched upon.
Top 5 Must-have Titles
- Super Mario 64: So long, 2D platforming; hello, gaming revolution!
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time: Hey, listen!… to this masterpiece.
- GoldenEye 007: No Oddjob allowed in this multiplayer game-changer.
- Mario Kart 64: Blue shells may end friendships, but start gaming nights.
- Star Fox 64: Do a barrel roll into cinematic excellence in real 3D!
In an alternate universe with the N64 mini…
First and foremest, its iconic controller should be preserved as perfectly as possible, odd middle stick and all. Well, there is an argument for maintaining the original four ports, especially since we might still be able to cram them in despite a 50-60% reduction in the console’s original size. (a certain “cube” comes to mind).
Oh but, while the Rumble Pak connected to original controllers would still function as normal, Transfer Paks will no longer work, since we are dealing with a pre-set number of dedicated N64 titles. At the software front, HD upscaling is an absolute must, along with all other supporting visual enhancements like special AA options. Then other standard classic mini feature flairs apply.
Keep in mind that the mini version will show a cartridge (with a generic N64 logo) already attached to the slot!
PlayStation 2
And now we come to the heavyweight champion: the PlayStation 2. Sony’s best-selling console of all time seems like a no-brainer for the mini treatment, but it’s not without its challenges.
For one thing, Sony has absolutely no idea how to handle a mini console release well. The PlayStation Classic, released in 2018, was an absolute disaster. With a lackluster game selection, emulation issues, and a full price tag, it left fans wondering if Sony had learned anything from Nintendo’s success (other than making a quick buck).
Sure enough, Sony didn’t really seem to look back at all, being completely quiet on the PS2 mini concept altogether. Which is quite sad, because despite the technological and licensing hurdles, the PS2 is a historical giant that is comparable to how the SNES succeeded the NES.
Top 5 Must-have Titles
(Please don’t raise your pitchforks!)
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas: Follow the damn train to open-world innovation.
- Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater: Climb the infinite ladder of stealth-action perfection.
- Shadow of the Colossus: Photos taken moments before artistic brilliance.
- Final Fantasy X: HA HA HA your way through this emotional epic.
- God of War II: Not yet “BOY!” but peak mythological mayhem.
If Sony truly cared about the concept of a Classic Mini
A PS2 Mini would need to capture the iconic design of the original, complete with the rotating PS logo. It should still be sturdy enough to be tilted upright just like the original, plus dual USB ports can be seamlessly integrated to represent the original memory card slots. If button size is to be maintained, it might be better to use a capacitive touch access style instead, since the original functions mostly only boil to powering the device on or off.
As for the chosen titles, we can expect fluctuations in performance due to the difference in processing loads clashing with the native emulation hardware. But, we should have several DLSS/FSR-like features that can smoothen the overall experience.
In conclusion, while each of these consoles has a strong case for miniaturization, the reality is that the mini console trend may have already “peaked.” Companies seem to be pivoting towards subscription services and digital re-releases rather than dedicated hardware.
However, if we had to pick one console that truly deserves the mini treatment next, it would be the PlayStation 2. Its vast library, cultural impact, and the fact that it’s just far enough in the rearview mirror to hit the nostalgia sweet spot make it the ideal candidate. The technical challenges are significant, but if any company has the resources and incentive to overcome them, it’s Sony.
But alas, we live in a different timeline.
