>>11799371
I'd begin by choosing a device that can emulate most retro consoles well, it can be your smartphone or tablet with a telescopic controller, or a dedicated handheld, if you want to play in bed, or a laptop, desktop, modded console or emulation box if you'd prefer playing on a desk or couch with a bigger monitor or TV. Alright, now what? I'd download full ROM sets for most consoles, especially cartridge based ones since their full libraries are often less than 1GB in size, we never know when Nintendo will take it all down, so be safe. It's also nice to download some manual sets, but that's personal preference, I personally love them. Now here comes the part of choosing what to play, after you've set up your emulators and stuff, what ROM do you pick? So many choices...

What genres did you like playing before? What were your favorite IPs?

I'd start with those, begin with whatever's familiar, as what's familiar is also what's comfortable that'll motivate you early on since it'll be easier, after you play enough of your favorite genres and IPs, the hobby will feel more natural for you, but if you try to go for new things, with a learning curve, from the get go, it could be enough for it too feel like a chore and you could quit too soon.