In the age of flashy three-dimensional graphics, older gamers and potential gamers have been alienated by the increasingly complex modes of display and gameplay in modern video games. Hardcore gamers as well often long for the gameplay over graphics formula embodied in retro gaming.

On most of the modern hardware offerings (Xbox, Gamecube, PS2, PSP) and into the next generation (Xbox 360, PS3, and Nintendo Revolution) 2D gaming has all but died. The days of games like Super Mario Bros, Castlevania, and Metal Gear seem to be long gone as the 2D style of gameplay has nearly been abandoned entirely. Yet, there is hope for nostaligic gamers and newcomers alike in Nintendo's latest handheld offering, the Nintendo DS.

For even the most frugal geek, one computer is just never enough. With new Linux distributions to be installed and new servers to be configured on a weekly basis, it just isn't practical to do it all on one computer. But even if you feel compelled to set up your own lab, maybe you just don't have the cash around to by four or five brand new systems. If that sounds familiar, I have a few solutions for you to consider.