A dedicated retro gaming space is one of those projects that starts as a simple idea and turns into an obsession. I’ve helped a few people set these up and I’ve built and rebuilt my own several times. Here’s what I’ve learned about what actually matters.
Start With the Display
The display decision shapes everything else. Your options in 2026:
- CRT television — authentic, zero input lag, gorgeous scanlines, but bulky and increasingly hard to find in good condition
- CRT PVM/BVM monitor — best image quality available for retro gaming, expensive and heavy but worth it for purists
- Modern LCD/OLED + upscaler — practical, clean setup, excellent with a RetroTINK 4K or 5X; best option for most people
My recommendation for most people starting out: a good OLED TV plus a RetroTINK 5X. You get low input lag, decent scanline filters, and a display you can also use for modern gaming. Add a CRT later if the bug bites you.
Storage and Display
Cartridges and cases deserve proper storage. IKEA Kallax shelving is the retro gaming community’s go-to — it’s affordable, modular, and the cube dimensions work well for consoles and game cases. Acrylic game stands for displaying carts vertically look great and keep things organised.
Controllers and Cable Management
Budget for spare controllers early. Original controllers age and develop stick drift, dirty contacts, and sticky buttons. Having a backup for each system saves frustration. 8BitDo make excellent wireless receivers for most retro consoles if you want to reduce cable clutter.
Cable management behind the entertainment unit is worth the effort — a velcro cable tie and a few cable clips makes the difference between a space you want to spend time in and one that looks like a disaster area.
Start Small
The best retro gaming rooms I’ve seen started with one or two systems, a good display, and good lighting. They grew organically from there. Don’t try to set up everything at once — you’ll end up with a cluttered mess. Start with the platforms you love most and let the rest follow.
— Chris
