This is a list of awesome cool video games, retro and recent, that are worth your time if you're looking for something to play. Maybe you're someone that's played a lot of indie games and now you want to check out the classics that inspired them. Maybe you're well familiar with the iconic games but want to discover something cool and new you haven't played before? Well this is aiming to be a good place to look! Games for nearly every major system and even where to start for emulating them!
I'll be marking featured games with different emoji depending on why they're featured. Not every game gets a special mark, but the ones that do are the most worth your attention.
⭐: Stars are for extremely important games that have stood the test of time. They've introduced or perfected mechanics that would become commonplace in modern video games. They're worth playing at least once if you appreciate the history of the medium.
💎: Gems are for games that are a sort of "hidden gem" on the system. They're semi obscure and you likely haven't heard of them even as a fan of that system, but they still have something special to be highlighted for.
Featured systems will be split by company (Nintendo, Sony, Sega, Microsoft, Misc.) and individual systems will get their own pages to talk about the games and other notable info.
Some of the oldest games you'll see on this list truly planting the seeds for so many genres.
Showing us the potential of video games in the palms of your hands.
The system where video games started to become really amazing...
The magic of exploring games in 3D with 360 degrees of control!
A beefier handheld letting you play some massively ambitious games anywhere you go
The weird little box with some really inventive experiences
Almost like a precursor to smartphones, being a touch screen handheld filled with great casual games.
Games that made you get up and move! Some great stuff truly anyone can enjoy.
Nintendo's last traditional handheld still punched well above its weight!
The funny confused little flop still managed to get some really solid games.
This system changed everything about portable gaming as we know it.
Additional systems being mentioned for sake of completion.
Video games in full 3D??? Look at those polygons!
You're buying this because of the games and not the DVD player, right?
Music play, movie releases, internet browsing, oh and some cool video games too.
This console terrifies babies.
The handheld that was never given a chance, yet it managed to build a very strong cult following.
Some extra games that are impossible or very difficult to emulate.
Grouped together because the lists are short and emulators hard to use.
Blast processing! It could do what nintendon't!
The system way too ahead of its time for its own good.
A few other Sega systems grouped together.
Drop in a quarter for quick action!
You'll really need your imagination for some of these, but they hold up suprisingly well!
Not really bundled under the same emulator, or even emulators at all for some of these!
Showing off some really cool fun things you can do with the power of emulation.
A collection of cool handhelds to check out for portable emulation.
What if you could bundle all your emulated games into one convenient place?
Some new challenges to take on when replaying an old favorite.
Playing these games with online multiplayer? Tell me more!
It's like that game you just played but... a completely different experience!
A multi system emulator setup that might be worth your time.