How to Build a Retro Gaming PC

Retro gaming goes beyond nostalgia. Many foundational games are hard to find due to limited preservation or require specialized equipment or consoles to play. As companies like Nintendo take systems such as the Wii U and 3DS offline permanently, accessing classic games becomes more challenging. For many, retro gaming also involves preserving the history of the hobby as much as enjoying the games themselves.

Some retro gamers focus on titles that defined their consoles, like GoldenEye for the Nintendo 64, or highlight genre classics that didn’t always get mainstream attention, such as the quirky JRPG Secret of Evermore. Unless you still own the original consoles, emulation is often the way to explore these games, which means choosing the right PC to run your emulator smoothly.

Buying a new PC might not be the most straightforward choice. The range of gaming PCs can be overwhelming, covering a broad price spectrum from budget options to high-end models like the iBuyPower Trace5MR 1003Ti. While these are great for modern gaming, retro gaming has different needs. Older games are less demanding, so do you need a powerful system? Also, will a high-definition monitor alter the classic 8-bit or 16-bit look? Building your own PC might be the best way to tailor your setup and take advantage of some unique aspects of retro gaming technology.

CPU: AMD R7 5700G

Motherboard: MSI B550M Pro

RAM: 8GB DDR4-2666

Storage: 500GB SSD

Power Supply: EVGA BR 450

Operating System: Windows 10

This build provides enough power and flexibility without adding unnecessary costs for retro gaming. The RAM is modest by modern standards, and storage might feel limited, but both are sufficient for emulating older consoles. An SSD helps reduce load times in emulators like Dolphin or eSNES, while the AMD processor offers a quiet and cool operation. This setup does not include a dedicated graphics card since the CPU plays a larger role in emulation performance. Overall, this PC serves well as a general-use desktop and a capable retro gaming machine.

Peripherals

Retro gaming involves more than just the PC. Monitor and sound setup are key considerations. For a monitor, exploring available CRT monitors is worthwhile. Although older technology, many retro consoles were designed with the refresh rates of these displays in mind. While a modern HD monitor is an option, viewing sprite artwork on the screens they were intended for can enhance the experience.

For audio, many gaming headsets can reproduce the characteristic sounds of classic games effectively. Finding appropriate headphones is generally easier than sourcing CRT monitors. Even a simple wired headset like this one can provide an excellent retro gaming experience. Wired headsets often offer the benefit of low latency, an important factor in gaming setups.