We've seen a lot of re-issue/re-make/throwback consoles over the years; stuff like the OUYA, Retron 5, ZX Spectrum Vega, Atari Flashback, even Sega Forever would fall into this bracket. An eclectic mix of ideas but as far as i can tell most of them fall far short of the mark.

The Official Nintendo Classic series seems to have took the bull by the horns and delivered (and will deliver..!) what people expect.

But what do we actually want? Do we even know? What would make the ultimate retro machine?

A software app with a subscription to digital distribution?
Dedicated hardware based on original designs with FPGA based emulation. Built in games and/or subscription based service.
Single or multi format? Developer or distributor based?
Exact replica Bluetooth controllers?
Would we buy physical media?
Do we want new games on new systems based on old franchises and gameplay?

I just don't know...