A game system clone is a third-party remake of a game system. In many cases, they are bootlegged/pirated/unlicensed. These kind of game systems are often sold online, or at flea markets especially in developing countries, where it is seen as an affordable alternative to more expensive consoles such as the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360.
Game system clones come in a variety of styles, shell shapes, etc. In some cases, a game system clone will have built-in games, and a cartridge slot for expansion. One of the most cloned game systems of all time is the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
One of the most popular NES clones was the Russian Dendy game console. The machine is so popular that in Russia, game consoles in general are often referred to as Dendys.
| Name | Manufacturer | Release date | Clone of | Physical resemblance | Officially licensed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atari Flashback | Atari | 2004 | Atari 2600/Atari 7800 | Atari 2600/Atari 7800 | Yes |
| Atari Flashback 2 | Atari | 2005 | Yes | ||
| Atari Flashback 2+ | Atari | 2010 | Yes | ||
| FC Twin | Yobo | 2006 | Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) |
SNS-101 (SNES redesign)/Super Famicom Jr. | No |
| Generation NEX | Messiah Entertainment | 2005 | Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) | Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) | No |
| PolyStation | 2005 | Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) | PlayStation | No | |
| Retro Duo | Retro-Bit | 2008 | Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) |
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) | No |
| Sega Zone | Sega | 2010 | Mega Drive/Genesis | none | Yes |
These consoles are very similar in appearance/design to a major console.
| Name | Manufacturer | Release date | Resembles | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vii | Jungle Soft | 2007 | Wii | Sold in China only, built-in games |
| WiWi | Wii | Sold in China only, similar to the Wii | ||
| iSport, built-in games | Wii | Sold in China only, built-in games | ||
| MyGame | Wii | Built-in games | ||
| Zone 40/Zone Mini/Zone 60 | Jungle Soft & Ultimate Products | 2010 | Wii | Built-in games |
| POP Station | PlayStation Portable | Built-in 8-bit games | ||
| Neo Double Games | Nintendo DS | Built-in 8-bit games | ||
| Mini Polystation 3 | PlayStation 3 | Built-in 8-bit games |