I grew up with a Commodore 128. I used it mostly in C64 mode and spent a lot of time playing games, even though I only had a datasette. Now I have two kids (8 and 6) and after beginning elementary school the older one is asking for a game console :-) We will eventually get one, but in the meantime I thought of installing a C64 emulator on my old laptop and use a semi broken PS joystick to let them play some retro games. I am planning to install Pit Stop II, Boulder Dash, Great Giana Sisters, Crackout, International Karate and probably more. While doing this, it occurred to me that I am not restricted to C64, I can install an Amiga simulator (I envied Amiga when I was a kid, but could not afford one) and have access to a lot more games, with much better sound and graphics (I don't mean to start a war).

Do you have game recommendations or other tips for such a project? I am willing to install other simulators as well, if it can be done via RetroArch on Debian.