Best Single Board Computers
The moment I heard about these little things called single board computers my life was changed forever! The possibilities offered by these tiny machines when it comes to retro gaming is immense. With SBCs you not only have the ability to create a gaming console that contains thousands of classic titles but (with the right no-how) you can also carry them in your pocket and play them on the go.
That said, there are many different SBCs out there, so which one is the best one to go for? I have tried and tested a number of them over the years and there are a definite few that have managed to stand out amongst the crowd.
Here are some of the single board computers that I would recommend to any retro gamer.
Best All Rounder – Raspberry Pi 3b+
If you have read anything about SBCs then you would almost certainly have heard of the Raspberry Pi. While the third version in the series doesn’t possess the greatest specs when compared to a few other SBCs on this page, the amount of support available to you is astronomical.
Pretty much any question you have regarding retro gaming and the Raspberry Pi 3 can be answered by way of a quick Google search. As well as this there are a huge number of front end retro gaming management applications supported by the Pi 3, so whatever your preference it is likely that the Raspberry Pi 3 has got you covered.
Also not to be disregarded is the sister of the 3b+, the Raspberry Pi 3a+. While it doesn’t have all the connectivity options that the model 3b+ boasts, the 3a+ is that little bit smaller and packs a similar punch when it comes to specs.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONBest for Portability – Raspberry Pi Zero W
If it’s portability that rings your bell, then you need look no further than the Raspberry Pi Zero W. True, it’s the least powerful of all the SBCs mentioned here, but what it lacks in specs it makes up for in its ability to squeeze into the tiniest of builds.
It’s more than 50% smaller than the other SBCs in this list and despite its size it still features wireless connectivity and enough power to easily handle the 16-bit generation of games. This coupled with it’s extraordinarily cheap price tag make it the ideal candidate for creating portable retro gaming consoles.
Best for Performance – Odroid XU4
Being one of the few SBCs on this list that is not a Raspberry Pi means the Odroid XU4 must be doing something right. If you’re looking for an SBC that can keep up with the later generations of retro consoles then the XU4 is the one to go for.
Despite being more powerful even than the Raspberry Pi 4 it still manages to cram all it’s components into a comparable size and while support is not at the levels that the Raspberry Pi 3 enjoys, there is still a decent amount of help available out there. The most common model is fitted with an active cooling system in the form of a fan, but if you’re concerned about excess noise you could always opt for the passively cooled Odroid XU4Q.
Also, the generous folks over at RetroPie have developed a version of their front end application specifically for the Odroid XU4, so no need to worry about any lack of quality in that department.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONBest Newcomer – Raspberry Pi 4
The most recent addition to the Raspberry Pi family, the Raspberry Pi 4 is the most advanced version yet, and Raspberry Pi’s answer to the Odroid XU4.
Being the new kid on the block as it is, support for this unit is not yet at the levels you’d like it to be, however it is growing rapidly and it won’t be long before this newcomer takes over the mantle of best all rounder.
If you’re looking to enjoy retro gaming in the long term, then the Raspberry Pi 4 may be you’re best option.
Best For Arcade Cabinet – Odroid N2
The daddy of this bunch, the Odroid N2 is the largest SBC on this list both in size and power. Given its size, the N2 isn’t really suited to handheld gaming however if you are considering building an arcade cabinet (particularly a wall mounted one) then don’t discount this SBC.
With all this raw power available to you, you can aim to be playing the later generation retro machines with all the settings set to max. This means great resolution, great frame rates and a great retro gaming experience.
Honorable Mention – NanoPi M4
Now, this little SBC is actually a bit of a beast on the inside. For it’s size it packs a hell of a punch and it’s specs are quite impressive.
Retro gaming wise there is no version of RetroPie available for it which could put a lot of people off. It does however, run Recalbox which is almost identical to RetroPie and some say easier to manage.
As I said the M4 is very powerful and should have no issues playing systems such as the N64, Dreamcast and other similar consoles, however support is slightly lacking for this machine so newbies may want to avoid it. If you are brave enough to make the jump I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.
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