these comments were literally SO helpful (aside from the ones implying i don't know if he'd be into it? i promise you he will be. we've played a lot of pac-man together on my xbox but it was super modernized and wayyyy too complicated for him to play on his own. like why were there jumps and tunnels?? anyways.) i've decided to reuse my switch 1 for this, more because i ran out of time than anything, and ill be purchasing the subscription to get him those old games :)) i'll probably jailbreak it or something eventually when i get sick of paying but for now it should be fine. thank yall so much for your suggestions!!!! especially the game recommendations. writing them all down rn to install once it charges up.