When people talk about retro gaming, they usually bring up the NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, PlayStation 1, or Nintendo 64—and for good reason. These systems defined gaming for millions and introduced some of the most legendary franchises of all time. But what about the underrated retro consoles that never got the attention they deserved?
Some consoles were overshadowed by bigger competitors, had limited game libraries, or suffered from bad marketing decisions. However, many of these systems were actually ahead of their time, featured amazing games, or had unique hardware innovations that make them worth revisiting today. If you’re looking to expand your retro gaming experience beyond the usual classics, here are some of the most underrated retro consoles you should try—and why they deserved better.
Sega Master System (1985)
The Sega Master System had the misfortune of going head-to-head with the NES, and despite being technically superior, it never gained the same popularity in North America. While Nintendo dominated the market with exclusive deals preventing third-party developers from working with Sega, the Master System quietly built a library of high-quality arcade-style games with bright colors and sharp graphics.
Why it was underrated: It couldn’t compete with the massive popularity of the NES, especially in the U.S., where Nintendo had a near-monopoly.
Why you should try it: Games like Wonder Boy III: The Dragon’s Trap, Phantasy Star, and Shinobi still hold up today. Plus, the Master System version of Sonic the Hedgehog is a hidden gem with unique level designs.
Neo Geo Pocket Color (1999)
Nintendo owned the handheld market with the Game Boy Color, and while the Neo Geo Pocket Color couldn’t compete in sales, it was an incredibly well-built handheld with fantastic fighting games. SNK optimized the system for smooth gameplay, great battery life, and an amazing clicky joystick that made fighters like SNK vs. Capcom: Match of the Millennium feel responsive and precise.
Why it was underrated: It was overshadowed by the Game Boy Color and didn’t get much third-party support.
Why you should try it: If you love fighting games and arcade classics, this system has some of the best portable versions of King of Fighters, Fatal Fury, and Metal Slug.
Sega Saturn (1994)
The Sega Saturn had one of the roughest launches in gaming history. Sega rushed it to market four months early, confusing retailers and developers. While the PlayStation and Nintendo 64 took center stage, the Saturn quietly became a powerhouse for arcade-perfect 2D fighting games, deep RPGs, and innovative 3D experiments.
Why it was underrated: Difficult to program for, poor marketing, and bad timing led to its commercial failure outside of Japan.
Why you should try it: The Saturn has some of the best versions of 2D fighters like Street Fighter Alpha 3 and X-Men vs. Street Fighter, as well as legendary RPGs like Panzer Dragoon Saga and Shining Force III.
TurboGrafx-16 (1987)
The TurboGrafx-16, known as the PC Engine in Japan, was a serious competitor to the NES and Sega Genesis but never found massive success in North America. It had arcade-quality graphics, an amazing library of shoot ‘em ups, and some of the best-looking games of its time.
Why it was underrated: Weak third-party support in the U.S. and a high price point made it a niche console.
Why you should try it: If you love fast-paced action games, the TurboGrafx-16 has some of the best shooters ever made, like Blazing Lazers, R-Type, and Lords of Thunder.
Atari Jaguar (1993)
The Atari Jaguar was marketed as the first 64-bit console, but in reality, it had a confusing multi-processor setup that made it hard for developers to program games. While it failed commercially, it had some truly unique and experimental games that make it worth revisiting today.
Why it was underrated: Poor marketing, weak third-party support, and a terrible controller held it back.
Why you should try it: It’s home to some weird and fascinating exclusives like Tempest 2000, Alien vs. Predator, and Rayman (the original version before PlayStation and Saturn).
Dreamcast (1999)
The Sega Dreamcast is often called the best console ahead of its time, and yet it was discontinued after only a few years. It introduced online gaming, a memory card with a screen (VMU), and arcade-perfect ports of Sega’s biggest hits. Unfortunately, the PlayStation 2’s arrival crushed the Dreamcast’s momentum, and Sega exited the hardware business soon after.
Why it was underrated: The PS2’s hype overshadowed it, and Sega had lost consumer trust after the failures of the Sega CD and 32X.
Why you should try it: It has one of the best libraries of arcade-style games, including SoulCalibur, Crazy Taxi, Shenmue, Jet Set Radio, and Skies of Arcadia. Plus, the homebrew community is still alive, making new games for it even today.
Nintendo Virtual Boy (1995)
The Virtual Boy is Nintendo’s biggest hardware flop, but that doesn’t mean it’s completely without merit. It attempted to bring 3D gaming to handhelds with its unique red-and-black screen, but poor marketing, eye strain, and an awkward design made it a disaster.
Why it was underrated: It was uncomfortable to use, expensive, and had a very small game library.
Why you should try it: Games like Wario Land and Red Alarm show what the system could have been if it had more support. It’s a fascinating piece of gaming history and one of Nintendo’s most unique experiments.
Final Thoughts: Why These Consoles Deserved Better
Many of these underrated consoles failed not because they were bad, but because of poor timing, bad marketing, or unfair competition. The Sega Saturn had incredible 2D games, but the world was moving toward 3D. Dreamcast was ahead of its time, but Sony’s PlayStation 2 crushed it. The Neo Geo Pocket Color had some of the best portable fighting games ever made, but the Game Boy Color dominated the market.
If you’re a retro gaming fan looking to expand beyond the usual NES, SNES, Genesis, and PlayStation experience, these underrated consoles have hidden gems worth playing today. What’s an underrated console you think deserved more love? Drop a comment below and share your favorites!