🕹️ From Tacos to Tech: How a Family Trip to Mexico Sparked My Ultimate Retro Gaming Setup

After two amazing weddings in Mexico, what stuck with me most wasn’t the parties — it was finding a hidden arcade with my kids. Watching them light up playing retro games sparked something in me. I decided to build a portable, offline retro gaming console we could take anywhere. I stripped out the bloat with ReviOS, loaded it with emulators and LaunchBox, and made it plug-and-play ready for any screen. It’s more than just a console — it’s a way to relive childhood, connect with my family, and keep those nostalgic moments alive wherever we go.

MINIPROJECTS

Me

6/25/20252 min read

After two beautiful, back-to-back weddings for my sister-in-law, I returned from an unforgettable trip to Mexico — full of laughter, celebration, and flavor. We experienced the best of the culture: homemade tacos, artisan tequila, and vibrant celebrations that brought everyone together.But the moment that stuck with me most wasn’t at the wedding — it was during a quiet afternoon before the big day. While exploring a local marketplace, my family and I stumbled upon a hidden arcade playroom — not a store, but a tucked-away gaming room packed with classics. My 3- and 6-year-old sons were instantly hooked. Watching them mash buttons and light up with joy sparked something in me: nostalgia, creativity, and the urge to build something lasting. Even my wife got swept up in the moment when she found her childhood favorite — 101 Dalmatians — and started playing like she never stopped. That’s when the idea hit me: what if I built a portable, offline retro gaming system we could take anywhere? With the hotel Wi-Fi barely working (basically SOS), the timing couldn’t have been better.

🎮 The Ultimate Portable Retro Console

I’ve now started building what I call the Ultimate Retro Gaming Setup — a lightweight, travel-friendly console in the form of a laptop. Here’s what it’s built for:

  • A dedicated gaming laptop packed with emulators and classic titles

  • LaunchBox + Big Box for a premium console-style experience with full themes and box art

  • A 4-port USB hub supporting wired controllers to avoid the usual Bluetooth headaches

  • HDMI output for plug-and-play into any hotel or home TV

  • Entire setup fits in one bag — fast, reliable, no internet required

  • 🧹 Cutting the Bloat: Choosing ReviOS

During setup, I realized Windows 11 was eating nearly 150 GB — almost 15% of my available storage. For a dedicated retro build, that made no sense. So I switched to ReviOS, a debloated and performance-tuned version of Windows. Not only did it cut the fat, it also made the system faster, more responsive, and way cleaner.

🎨 Making It Ours

To give it that nostalgic and personal flair, I’m planning to skin the laptop and decorate it with retro stickers — pixel characters, logos, and gaming icons that mean something to me and my boys. That way, when they see it, they don’t just see a laptop — they know it’s our custom-built family console. Whether it’s a lazy afternoon in a hotel room or a rainy weekend at home, this system is more than just for games. It’s for memories, connection, and keeping the inner child alive. And it all started with tacos, downtime in Mexico… and the joy of watching my kids fall in love with the same games I once did.

— Manny 👾

The Build