One of the best plug-and-play retro gaming consoles just got a $70 discount, granting access to an immense library of classic titles for far less than a single contemporary game.
For players looking to get a dash of nostalgia without old cartridges and cables taking up space, this discount is the most noteworthy opportunity for entry.
What This Deal Delivers in Hardware and Features
The Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro comes loaded: thousands of classics curated in a spiffy, TV-friendly interface, two wireless controllers, HDMI for quick setup, and modern conveniences like dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0.
It combines Android 9.0 for streaming and apps with EmuELEC 4.5 for emulation, letting you transition from a retro binge to movie night without swapping out what’s plugged in where.
It includes a 256GB game card with systems from the 8-bit and 16-bit era through the first wave of consoles to attempt full 3D, along with save states that are easy to use, simple scraping for box art, controller mapping, and more. If your library grows, you can expand with a microSD card. The output scales gracefully to modern 4K displays, and optional filters can bring back scanlines à la CRT for an authentic appearance.
Why We’re Seeing a Retro Craze Right Now
Players are turning to games of old for something timeless, comfort, and a quick-hit dose of fun. The average U.S. gamer now is in their early 30s — just the right age to revisit childhood favorites, according to the Entertainment Software Association’s most recent Essential Facts report — and a strong majority say games help them relax and relieve stress. Circana’s industry tracking, meanwhile, has the going rate for a lot of new premium releases at $69.99 — putting a one-time purchase that unlocks an entire back catalog in perhaps even starker relief.
The secondary market tells a similar story. PriceCharting’s retro index leaped in recent years to a level much higher than anything before 2020, making it harder for newcomers to get into physical collectibles while also opening opportunities for collectors who held onto the games they loved as kids. A good all-in-one box of hardware lets players experience the classics without breaking the bank for aging gear, rare cartridges, or finicky adapters.
Performance and Compatibility Notes for Emulation
EmuELEC has developed into a lightning-fast, super-flexible front end for those small, compact ARM-based boards that run like a complete and utter champ! 8-bit and 16-bit systems should be indistinguishable from the real thing, while most PS1-era games and a handpicked selection of early 3D consoles should run nicely. Save states, rewind options, and per-game control profiles minimize hassle, whereas Bluetooth enables you to pair alternative pads if you want an arcade stick or modern controller layout.
Like all emulation machines, a small number of 3D games are not going to run as you expect and may need slight adjustments in frame skip, renderers, or cores. The bundled wireless controllers are good enough for local couch co-op, and we’ll assume that the fighting-game purist types chasing zero input lag will be swapping in one of their wired USB pads to have timing just so. As we’ve seen in enthusiast testing from the likes of Digital Foundry, config selection often matters more than raw clock speed, and this is a setup that gives you the tools to dial things in.
How the Overall Value of This Console Stacks Up
At this price point — lower than many DIY builds and multiple boutique options — it offers a hell of a lot for your money. And a Pi 4 kit that includes case, PSU, storage, and optionally quality controllers can easily go in excess of this total before you’ve even set up software. Analogue’s FPGA-based handhelds are all about pristine accuracy, but they’re also going for $200 to start and aren’t necessarily aiming for that living-room multiplayer vibe. Subscription libraries — the way a tier that looks back on major consoles can be — have added fees and ever-shifting catalogs.
In contrast, the X2 Pro is a one-and-done: two controllers, a deep library of games, and a polished front end that launches into your games shelf straightaway. Factor in HDMI connectivity, 4K video output, and Wi-Fi for updates or front-end art, and it’s a slick solution for family rooms and weekend get-togethers.
Smart Buying Tips for Setup, Latency, and Storage
- Check how many HDMI inputs your TV has and plan a USB power source near your setup area.
- If you’re latency-sensitive, enable a low-lag display mode and keep a wired controller for precision platformers and fighters.
- Back up the included microSD image before you start customizing anything.
- Set aside time to program hotkeys for save states and fast-forward.
Note regarding content rights: emulators are legal, but game ROMs are still owned by the developer or publisher of a given game; it can be more complex and varies depending on local jurisdiction. Responsible archivists and groups within the industry recommend reliance on backups of your personal copies of games; read guidance published by organizations such as the Software Preservation Network if you’re not sure about best practices.
Bottom Line on This Discounted Retro Console Deal
A $70 discount on a turnkey retro console that plays thousands of classic games, goes far to accommodate modern TVs, and comes with two wireless controllers is an unprecedented synergy of convenience and value. If you’ve been waiting to bring the golden age of video games back into your living room, this is the cleanest, least fussy way to do it.
