If you want to revisit a specific game from the era of classic consoles, the most effective way is to download an emulator. As an alternative, many enthusiasts have put emulators online, simplifying the setup process considerably. But what if someone decided to create an online console that works directly in the browser? Welcome to the AirConsole project.
One of the most interesting ideas I've come across in recent months is turning a Raspberry Pi into a cross-platform emulation console. There are also those who built dedicated arcade cabinets with real joysticks and buttons, resulting in very well-crafted recreations of arcade machines. Of course, you don't need any of that to enjoy a classic. With an average emulator and a copy of the game in question (a gray area if there ever was one), you're guaranteed hours and hours of entertainment. And if for some reason you don't want to download more software, don't worry: these days you can find emulators online (with the help of external modules like Java) or the fabulous Console Living Room and The Internet Arcade from Archive.org.
The AirConsole Experience
Another similar and very attractive option is the AirConsole project. In essence, it's a virtual console that you access directly from the browser, and it turns a compatible mobile device into its primary controller. When you visit the page for the first time, AirConsole presents a code. Then you visit that same page from your smartphone, enter the code, and the sessions are linked. Currently, AirConsole offers six games: Tic Tac Boom (a sort of Bomberman clone), Hit Parade (an odd mix of arcade and gardening), Quick Minds (trivia), Pad Poker (the name says it all), Air Shields (shooting), and PolyRacer (racing).
That repertoire might seem a bit weak, but AirConsole has something more to offer: an integrated NES emulator. All you have to do is drag a ROM image into the browser window and let the virtual console handle the rest. AirConsole is compatible with Android devices (the newer the version, the better) and iOS, and having a smartphone is mandatory, otherwise you won't be able to control anything.
