The Breakdown

  • Pre-2000 build quality, runs on AA batteries
  • Physical cartridges, no DRM or account lock-in
  • Repairable and moddable, homebrew scene lives
  • Used units risk battery corrosion if neglected
  • One-time purchase that outlasts modern phones

Side Effects

ancestors filing approval paperwork, smartphones filing for obsolescence

Buy Instead

Pair it with a flash cart or more original games for maximum library depth.