NEW YORK, NY – The Pandora’s Box light gun console, a device designed for shooting game enthusiasts, has been garnering attention for its unique features and a vast library of retro games. This emulation console, which also includes thousands of arcade and console games, offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane for many gamers.
The console comes with two light guns, which are easy to assemble, and pedals, providing a comprehensive gaming experience. Priced at around $200-$275 depending on the variant, the kit includes everything necessary for setup, with shipping from China costing an additional $48.
One of the distinctive features of the guns is the built-in recoil mechanism, which, although intriguing, can be a bit overbearing in some games. The light guns, initially expected to feel cheap, surprise with their solid build quality and substantial weight. However, the grip texture could be more comfortable.
In addition to the light guns, the package includes two infrared light sensors to be placed on the TV corners and a selection of controllers. However, the included PS2 and NES controllers are deemed substandard by users, suggesting that other controllers might be preferable for non-light gun games.
The console itself, branded as the Retro Shooter Pandora Box, features multiple inputs, including those for pedal and gun recoil, Ethernet, micro SD card slot, HDMI, and power. It does, however, lead to a cluttered setup with many cables, especially when playing in two-player mode.
The gaming experience is largely positive, with a selection of 83 light gun games spanning various consoles, including Dreamcast, PlayStation, NES, and Super Nintendo. However, due to HDMI connectivity, games are stretched on modern TVs, deviating from their original 4:3 aspect ratio. Adjusting the infrared sensors and maintaining a specific distance from larger screens is crucial for accurate gameplay.
Some games do not feature an in-game crosshair, but the system allows for crosshair enabling through the menu. Calibration may be required when switching games, but the process is generally straightforward.
Despite some minor drawbacks in comfort and the requirement of recalibration, the Pandora’s Box light gun console offers a fun and engaging experience for retro game enthusiasts. It’s a worthwhile investment for those with a penchant for light gun games, even if the other 5,000 games on the system might not be the primary draw.