Intro

You know, as an experienced gamer, I make it my mission to stay up to date on everything video games—including modern gaming tech.

Case in point: I’ve found myself buying more and more modern collections of classic games. Just yesterday, I picked up the Sega Genesis Classics for $25 on Amazon—an awesome price, if I’m being honest.

My recent replay of Phantasy Star IV on an emulator really got me thinking about building a library of these modern collections.

It’s ironic. I always said I wouldn’t touch collections of older games, but I’ve had to acknowledge a simple truth: old gaming hardware doesn’t last forever.

And for those of you who think like I used to—avoiding modern collections—you might be making a mistake.

Collections like the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, and Mega Man X Legacy Collection aren’t just nostalgia trips—they matter. Let me explain why.

The Why –

When you hear names like Devil May Cry or Spyro: Year of the Dragon, your first thought is probably, “those are old-school games.” And you’d be right.

But here’s the thing—you can experience those same games today through modern collections, and in many ways, the experience is even better.

Take a moment like missing a jump in Mega Man 4 by inches. Frustrating, right?

Now imagine rewinding time and trying again instantly.

That’s one of the biggest advantages of modern collections: features like rewind and save states. Being able to save anywhere—right outside a boss room, for example—completely changes how you approach these games. It respects your time while still preserving the challenge.

Some players argue that these features dilute the experience. The reality? They make these games more approachable without stripping away what made them great in the first place.

I saw this firsthand replaying Phantasy Star IV. The battle against the Xe-A-Thouls was brutal. I lost the first time—but before going back in, I saved right outside their chamber.

That wasn’t possible in the original version. But in collections like the Sega Genesis Classics, it is.

There’s also this idea floating around that “no one plays these old games anymore.” That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Games like Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back and Ninja Gaiden Sigma 1 are still being played—just in a different way.

And don’t get it twisted: these aren’t watered-down versions. The challenge, pacing, and strategy are still intact.

There’s a reason these games are still talked about. For some players, they’re held on a pedestal. For others, they’re personal classics.

I’m in that second group.

Now think about something like Streets of Rage 2. Playing it on original hardware is great—if you have it.

But that hardware won’t last forever.

Original consoles like the Sega Genesis or even a PlayStation 2 are only getting harder (and more expensive) to find.

So what happens if you don’t have access to them?

That’s where modern collections come in. They’re not just convenient—they’re essential.

Collections like the Mega Man Legacy Collection keep these games alive and accessible for years to come.

I used to have a strict “everything must be original” mindset. But over time, I realized how expensive and impractical that approach can be.

Would you rather spend $180 on a copy of Wild Arms 4 from a random seller? Or would you grab it digitally for a fraction of the price?

That purist mindset can drain your wallet fast.

Modern collections are simply more affordable—and just as fun, if not more so.

Think about Mega Man X. People are still playing it today—but most aren’t using the original cartridge. They’re playing it through collections on platforms like the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, or Nintendo Switch.

It’s instant, convenient, and accessible.

No cartridges. No aging hardware. Just the game.

And let’s not ignore the bigger picture – relevance.

Franchises like Crash Bandicoot stay alive because of these collections.

Services like the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack and collections like Sega Genesis Classics act as preservation tools—keeping these games playable long-term.

On top of that, there are quality-of-life improvements that matter more than people admit.

Saving progress, restarting from checkpoints, improved resolution—these things add up.

Especially in games like Devil May Cry, where tough fights (looking at you, Phantom) can be punishing.

Sure, some collections only offer minor upgrades. But when your old console fails or a disc stops working, you’ll be glad these versions exist.

Games like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night don’t just disappear—they live on.

Conclusion –

At the end of the day, modern collections aren’t replacements—they’re gateways.

They preserve the design, mechanics, and soul of classic games while making them more accessible than ever.

If you’re stuck in a purist mindset, you might be limiting your own experience.

Features like rewind and save states don’t take away from these games—they give you more ways to enjoy them.

And more importantly, they ensure these experiences don’t get lost over time.

Modern collections let you keep your progress, your memories, and your connection to these games intact.

So don’t write them off.

You’re not replacing the past—you’re making sure it’s still playable in the future.

Next up: I’m breaking down the best retro game collections worth owning—and which ones are actually worth your money.

If you’re looking to get started with modern retro collections, check out my curated list here:

https://benable.com/RoddyMcG/must-have-modern-retro-game-collections