Neo Geo ★ Simple & Best

If you see one at a retro game show and have the budget, don't buy it to collect—buy it to play Windjammers or Garou: Mark of the Wolves . No other console from that era will make your jaw drop quite like a Neo Geo firing on a CRT.

Score: 9.5/10 (Context: 1991 Launch) | 8/10 (Context: Collector's Market Today)

You love 2D fighters, have deep pockets, or find a good deal on a Neo Geo CD or Mister FPGA core. Skip it if: You think $70 for a modern game is "expensive." (Walk away, gently.)

The console that asked "How much is your quarter worth?" and answered "Everything."