Ever wondered if those “55,000 Games Included” emulator consoles are actually worth buying… or complete junk?

In this episode of the Tangent Retro Gaming Podcast, we dive deep into the world of cheap retro emulator handhelds, HDMI game sticks, and premium portable gaming systems. From ultra-budget $10 devices found on Temu and AliExpress to powerful handhelds capable of running PS2 and GameCube games, we break down what’s legit, what’s misleading, and what retro gamers should actually spend their money on.

We cover:

Cheap emulator handhelds under $20

The best value retro gaming systems

Premium handheld emulation devices

Fake game counts and scam marketing

Hidden gems in the emulator scene

Pros and cons of each price tier

Why retro gamers are obsessed with these devices

Whether you’re brand new to emulation or already deep into the retro handheld rabbit hole, this episode is packed with nostalgia, laughs, and honest opinions on the gaming devices flooding the internet right now.

What’s the BEST emulator handheld you’ve ever owned?

Let us know in the comments!

Hosted on Soapbox. See https://soapbox.host/privacy for details.

Remember when gaming meant standing shoulder-to-shoulder, fighting over quarters, and yelling at your friends to STOP DYING?

In this episode of the Tangent Retro Gaming Podcast, we’re diving into the absolute madness of 4-player arcade machines—the loudest, most chaotic, and most unforgettable era in gaming history.

From the legendary Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (arcade game) to the hilarious brawls of The Simpsons (arcade game), these games weren’t just about winning… they were about surviving the chaos together.

We break down: 🔥 Why 4-player arcades felt so different

💰 How these games were designed to eat your quarters

🎮 The best (and most chaotic) moments from the arcade era

🧠 Trivia you probably didn’t know

⚡ And why nothing today quite matches that feeling

Whether you grew up shouting “COWABUNGA!” or just love retro gaming history, this episode is pure nostalgia fuel.

Hosted on Soapbox. See https://soapbox.host/privacy for details.

Which retro hockey game truly holds up today?

In this episode of Tangent Retro Gaming Podcast, we hit the ice and break down three classic hockey titles that defined a generation: Ice Hockey, Blades of Steel, and NHL 92.

From the chaotic fun of fat players in Ice Hockey, to the legendary fights in Blades of Steel, to the realism shift that started with NHL 92 — we’re asking the big question…

👉 Which one is STILL the best today?

We break down:

What aged well (and what didn’t)

Which game is the most fun in 2026

Which one changed hockey games forever

Drop your pick in the comments — and don’t say “all of them”… we know you have a favorite.

🎧 New episodes of Tangent Retro Gaming Podcast

Hosted on Soapbox. See https://soapbox.host/privacy for details.