Retro console replaces PC emulators and streams Netflix

For those in the thread-the-needle evolution of old-school rigs, the RetroN Sq reminds you that it’s really a waste of time “building” an emulator box. The Super Console X2 Pro comes preloaded with a huge library of retro games plus dual OS support that deals with Netflix and other streaming apps, transforming any TV into an all-in-one nostalgia-and-streaming center.

Why This Box Is Better Than PC Emulators

Emulation on a PC usually involves BIOS files, mapping controllers, and playing with I’ve forgotten how many other settings.

The X2 Pro cuts the homework out. It can be booted directly into the EmuELEC 4.6 OS for retro gaming (with RetroArch cores under the hood), so save states, box art scraping, and controller profiles are available at your fingertips from first boot. That’s the headline feature for anyone who just wants to plug into HDMI and play.

Designed for couch play and everyday streaming apps

The other half of the pitch is everyday streaming convenience. Loaded with a dual-boot option in Android 9.0, the X2 Pro can handle popular apps such as Netflix and YouTube, and it also supports 4K output on compatible displays. It has built-in Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth, and it comes with two wireless controllers out of the box, so it’s living-room ready in a way that a desk-bound PC usually is not.

There’s real-world precedent for this split style working, too: EmuELEC is already built to support ten-foot navigation, and Android has all the apps covered when it comes to entertainment. U.S. fixed broadband speeds (as measured by Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index) rise safely above 200 Mbps, which is plenty of overhead for simultaneous high-bitrate video streaming and cloud software updates on a single device.

What classic systems the X2 Pro can actually emulate

Straight out of the box, the X2 Pro is good for more than 60 classic systems — that means SNES, Sega Genesis, PlayStation, and Nintendo 64 standbys. In layman’s terms, 8- and 16-bit consoles run perfectly on this hardware; original PlayStation games are usually full-speed, too. The N64 is hit-and-miss depending on which game you try; some favorites work perfectly and others need settings adjustments. It houses a quad-core ARM CPU and a Mali-class GPU that offer plenty of room for 2D and early 3D libraries. Expandable storage: You can grow your collection.

It is worth stating the legal basics. Emulation is legal, but downloading copyrighted ROMs you don’t own is not, according to the Entertainment Software Association. The cleanest option is to back up your own cartridges and discs when possible.

How Netflix certification and 4K playback really fit in

The console is promoted as having 4K streaming; the hardware can output at that resolution. The key difference here comes down to app certification — Netflix requires L1 Widevine DRM to display 4K on a device, a requirement listed in its support pages. Most low-cost Android boxes can only play at L3, which is 720p medium-definition quality. Translation: you’ll get a consistent app experience no matter what, but the maximum resolution is up to the device’s DRM level and your TV’s HDCP support.

If you’re chasing the crisper stream, pair the box with a 4K display and confirm both your account plan and home network. Netflix would like to see a reliable 25 Mbps for that — most recent home connections exceed that, and the X2 Pro’s Wi‑Fi is good enough for sustained viewing when wireless signal strength is at its best.

Pricing, bundled accessories, and what you actually get

As of this writing, the Super Console X2 Pro is on sale priced at $84.97 with a listed price of $159.99, which comes out to a 44% savings. The bundle also comes with two wireless controllers, an HDMI cable, and a power supply, plus onboard Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth capabilities and expandable storage options via microSD or USB. It’s certainly cheaper and much faster to run than building out a piecemeal Raspberry Pi or retro PC project.

What to watch for when using budget retro game boxes

As always with these retro boxes, the quality of the controllers is fine but not premium, so if you’re an enthusiast then you may want to pair your own Bluetooth pads for lower latency and better ergonomics. Also, though Android 9.0 takes care of the basics, newer Android TV builds occasionally deliver smoother app updates and improved voice features — trade-offs to keep in mind if you plan on streaming as your main use case.

Why this retro-and-streaming combo matters right now

The market for retro hardware has remained strong for years: Nintendo’s NES and Super NES Classic systems collectively sold into the tens of millions, according to company briefings, with software packages like RetroArch and EmuELEC gaining extra momentum by catering to modding communities. A gadget that boots straight into a friendly set of catalogs, and then warps through Netflix without having to switch inputs, is tailored for how people customarily experience their TVs — snacking across games and shows from one remote.

Bottom line: the Super Console X2 Pro’s value and focus

If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution to playing classic games without the hassle of setting up a PC, the Super Console X2 Pro is definitely worth considering. It brings emulation and streaming into one, cheap box — a box that gets the majority of retro stuff right while respecting Netflix without fuss. And for the living room, simplicity still trumps.