Last Updated on March 1, 2024
Want to start retro gaming but don’t know what the best retro gaming system is? GfK has compiled a list of the most popular UK alternative consoles, and provided data on the fastest selling micro, retro, and TV console systems.
The data compiled relies on figures from traditional retailers (e.g. Argos, GAME, Amazon, Tesco, etc.) and as such omits direct-to-market manufacturers. Consequently, devices like the Steam Deck and Playdate may not have the correct representation.
But of the consoles included in the list of 150+ tracked devices, 1.5 million were sold since 2005. While not a volume comparable to the Nintendo Switch, it is about the same as the Nintendo 64.
The UK’s best-selling retro, micro and TV consoles
Wth the Nintendo classics at the top of the list, it is interesting to note that only limited numbers of both systems were released in the UK. They’re essentially the best retro gaming systems released to date, based on this.
| Title | Company | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Classic Mini: SNES | Nintendo | 2017 |
| Nintendo Classic Mini: NES | Nintendo | 2016 |
| Sony PlayStation Classic | Sony | 2018 |
| Sega Megadrive Mini | Sega | 2019 |
| Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros | Nintendo | 2020 |
| Sega Megadrive Flashback HD (85 Games) | AT Games | 2018 |
| Namco 5 in 1 Stick TV Games System | Jakks Pacific | 2005 |
| PlayStation TV | Sony | 2014 |
| Namco Ms Pac-Man Plug N Play Games | Jakks Pacific | 2005 |
| Steam Link | Steam | 2015 |
The UK’s fastest-selling (week 1 sales) retro, micro and TV consoles
Meanwhile, the fastest-selling retro gaming list, based on week 1 sales, makes for interesting reading. Not only does it point to the best retro gaming consoles, but also the best retro gaming computers.
| Title | Company | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Classic Mini: SNES | Nintendo | 2017 |
| Sony PlayStation Classic | Sony | 2018 |
| Nintendo Classic Mini: NES | Nintendo | 2016 |
| Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros | Nintendo | 2020 |
| Sega Megadrive Mini | Sega | 2019 |
| The A500 Mini | Retro Games/Koch | 2022 |
| The C64 Mini | Retro Games/Koch | 2022 |
| PlayStation TV | Sony | 2014 |
| Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda | Nintendo | 2021 |
| Ouya | Ouya | 2013 |
Amiga A500 Mini: best retro gaming home computer remake
Of particular interest in the above features is the sub-set considered “home computer remakes.” Of these, the A500 Mini – the Amiga emulation system that has set the retro internet alight over the past few weeks – is the fastest selling based on week 1 sales, and the number 2 all-time seller. Both of these facts bode well for the possibility of a full sized A500 system.
Interestingly, the C64 Mini is the second fastest-selling computer remake in the list, and leads the all-time selling list in the category. And good news for Retro Games Ltd – the full-sized C64 is number 3 in the all-time seller and fastest selling lists.
(Note that these figures exclude traditional home consoles and console handhelds.)
Gaming since 1984, retro gaming since 2004. Contributes to Linux Format magazine, TechRadar.com, and other publications.
