This Christmas, I’m diving into my ’90s retro gaming roots while enjoying some modern comforts.

Alright, that’s it—I’m cutting the internet! I’ve reached my limit with algorithms, the chaos of AI, and the endless online gaming antics, so I’m treating myself to a nostalgic ’90s gaming getaway. As someone who loves finding fresh ways to enjoy classic consoles and vintage hardware, I’ve got a solid plan in place, and I want to share my approach before I log off until 2026.

This Christmas, I’m going completely offline for a few days. That means no doomscrolling on social media, no music streaming, and definitely no AI distractions. Even if you prefer classic consoles over the latest PS5, PC, or handhelds like the Steam Deck, truly disconnecting can be a challenge if you’re used to the internet in your daily life.

To spark some retro gaming inspiration, I’m outlining how I plan to revisit the consoles I unwrapped back in the ’90s, along with some modern methods to stay offline during the holidays. While I could set up my old CRT TV and PS1 from December 1995, I’ll focus on blending vintage and contemporary tech without worrying about the online world.

I’ve talked about connecting retro consoles to modern TVs or monitors many times, but getting the right setup is crucial. If you have a working CRT with the right connections for your console, go for that authentic experience! I’ll likely use one of my tube TVs during the holidays, but I’m also excited to give my ’90s consoles a modern twist with some new gadgets.

At the heart of my retro setup is an Open Source Scan Converter (OSSC), which upscales compatible retro console signals to HDMI. It’s a line doubler, meaning it duplicates horizontal pixels to boost resolution without lag—something cheaper scalers struggle with.

However, the OSSC has some limitations compared to pricier upscalers, depending on your console. It only works with RGB signals, so if you’re using a yellow composite connector for your Sega Genesis, SNES, or PS1, you’ll need to grab some new cables. The Nintendo 64 is particularly tricky since it’s limited to S-Video at best.

If your console only supports composite or S-Video, I have some workarounds for using the OSSC. One option is to use a transcoder to convert the signals to RGB; I have an older Sony unit, but there are newer add-on boards for the OSSC. Alternatively, you could go for an upscaler like the Retrotink 2x, which converts those input types to HDMI, though the results can be lackluster in terms of color and sharpness.

My plan is to dive back into Final Fantasy IX on the PS1 using the OSSC for a visual upgrade. The results will look much better than modern ports, which often feature jarring character models that clash with the backgrounds—a common issue with remastered versions of classic games. I’ll also revisit some of my favorite Sega Mega Drive (Genesis) titles using the same RGB SCART setup on a 4K display, achieving vibrant visuals with authentic color depth.

Of course, no ’90s Christmas gaming session would be complete without the N64. Since getting it to work with the OSSC can be a hassle, I’m considering the Analogue 3D. It’s the best way to enjoy Nintendo’s classic cartridge library on modern screens, essentially a 4K Nintendo 64 with full game and accessory compatibility, though I know this option isn’t feasible for everyone.

If I stick with the original N64, I’ll skip the RGB conversion and go for an HDMI mod instead. This option requires some soldering, but it’s worth it for a direct video signal that upscales to 720p over HDMI, allowing for a straightforward connection without any scaling issues.

The downside? The N64 hasn’t aged gracefully, so you’ll see some questionable textures on a 4K display. The Analogue 3D mitigates this with CRT filters that replicate the look of a ’90s display, while the HDMI mod lacks such enhancements. You can add a scanline generator for a budget-friendly pixel separation effect, which can make a noticeable difference when using the original console.

You could always just grab a CRT and play any console you want while avoiding internet-connected devices. However, finding the right old TV can be a challenge, so I want to focus on the simplest ways to set up for the holidays. If you have an emulation setup for systems like the SNES, Genesis, and PS1, that could work too, but many of those devices still tempt you with online features.

As much as I’d love to hide away in my game room attic this Christmas, I know I’ll have to venture out for family festivities. This brings the risk of accidentally going online via my smartphone while socializing or lounging around post-turkey. To combat this, I’m considering either an old or new handheld that doesn’t connect to the internet.

You’ve got a ton of retro handheld options, both modern and original. I’m leaning towards the Analogue Pocket, which can emulate various Game Boy and other portable consoles with additional adapters, all while perfectly mimicking original hardware using an FPGA chip.

The Pocket will let me choose between tackling my Game Boy Color backlog or revisiting Sega Game Gear classics, and I can even dive into GBA gems from the 2000s if I want to switch things up. I’m also tempted to take my original Game Boy Color with an AMOLED screen, which could help me feel like I’m back in 1998. That mod isn’t too difficult if you have an original handheld, especially with a replacement shell that fits, and it makes the device look incredibly vibrant.

Not all my options are Nintendo-based; I also have a Super Pocket in my bag. Blaze’s budget-friendly Evercade console uses cartridges to play over 500 arcade classics, from NES ports to indie titles and even 3D adventures like Tomb Raider and Soul Reaver, thanks to larger Giga-carts. If I get a craving for those Eidos classics, I might consider bringing the Evercade EXP-R along, though its bulkier design makes it harder to hide at the dinner table.

I won’t just be bringing a handheld to gatherings. I’ll also have a Tamagotchi on my carabiner (yes, I have matching pants for the Starry Night version), and I’ve got an iPod Classic ready to replace Spotify. I even thought about turning an Anbernic handheld into an MP3 player, but I haven’t experimented with that enough yet. I initially planned to stick with the ’90s theme for music and bring a Sony Discman, but my CD collection is in storage.

Ultimately, I’ll choose either the Analogue Pocket or my AMOLED Game Boy Color, partly because I want to bring my Game Boy camera (mostly for the nostalgia). Nothing screams ’90s like annoying my parents with terrible 2-bit photos, and I can’t think of anything more offline than printing those pictures on thermal paper with Nintendo’s printer.

I hope my festive anti-internet musings inspire you to explore modern ways to enjoy your retro consoles and take a break from the online world, especially as gaming moves toward an all-digital future.

I also want you to carry some of these ideas into 2026, as reconnecting with older technology could spark a new hobby in the new year. I’ll be here sharing tips on building retro console setups with both old and new components, covering everything from the latest mods to shiny new handheld emulators and advice on hunting for vintage gear like CRT TVs.

If you end up spending your holiday downtime with offline tech or have your own plans, I’d love to hear about them. Just make sure to wait until after the holidays to comment, so you don’t get sucked back into the online world.

Merry Christmas, and may all your PS1 games load smoothly!