Which console should I get?

[AndreiArgeanu]

Hi, I am looking forward to buying an older console to play for exclusives and what not (I have a pc for more modern ones). And I was thinking of getting either a PS2 or a Nintendo 3DS  and I'm not sure which one to get. I am looking for things like price of the games but also how easy are both console to mod and find ROMs possibly or install third party software and other features aswell

[Skiiwee29]

Get a 3ds. They have older, and still get new game launches as well. PS2 would be a waste of money. 

[BigDamn]

Get a used Nintendo Switch that predates the iPatched models. Non iPatched models have an unpatchable hardware exploit that allows you to run custom firmwares. One of the firmwares is RetroArch which is a custom Linux distro. It contains tons of emulators and is getting more (possibly Gamecube and PS2), and its portable!

 

Or just get a gaming laptop... pc gaming ftw

[SteveGrabowski0]

Can't really discuss modding here. Just google that shit. They both have very strong libraries, though the PS2's library is an order of magnitude better IMO (PS2 has the best library of any system ever made IMO). Don't use composite cables on a modern TV, they will make your PS2 look like complete shit. It looks good over component though. I haven't tried the HDMI adapters that convert the PS2's composite out to component. Of course the best way to play PS2 is on a CRT over component since PS2 games were almost universally designed for 480i.

 

The 3DS is a very underrated handheld if you're looking for portable gaming.  It's so easy to just carry even the biggest model (New 3DS XL) in your pocket without fear of scratching it unless you do something stupid like put it in the pocket your keys are in or if you have loose change that could squeeze into the closed clamshell. Though if you go 3DS get a New 3DS XL, since it has a face tracking camera that adjusts the 3D effect to keep it in focus. On older 3DS models it was really hard to keep the 3D in focus. 3DS is also backwards compatible with the DS.

[Stefan Payne]

Depends on what you can get for what prices.

PS2 is mostly older stuff.

While 3DS can still be gotten new, from a store, if you're lucky (in da woods)...

 

PS2 can be emulated reasonably well under Linux.

3DS can not be reasonably emulated as the 2nd Touchscreen is an important part of it.