I have been save-scumming like you wouldn't believe. Quicksaves don't persist between runs, though.

I had the Game Gear port (effectively the same as the Master System version), and it's really great, I agree. Amazingly playable, even though I was used to using a mouse for the game on PC.

Ooh, thank you Project EGG is new to me. I'm going to have a linguistically bemused browse.
Zoom Platform has loads of games that just don't get release anywhere else.

I've also noted a bunch of (slightly dubious) purchases of old game IP by a couple of companies that are putting a raft of 16-bit era titles out on Steam (mostly DRM-free, though). Unfortunately, in many cases, these "official re-releases" lack key materials that even bootleg/"abandonware" versions included.

Sorry for promoting my own stuff, especially as it's probably only partly relevant for PC based builds, you'll find the tutorial series I built this cabinet for the Official Raspberry Pi Handbook 2023, starting at page 118 - it's free to download from https://magpi.cc/handbook2023 or you can buy a print copy at https://store.rpipress.cc/products/the-official-raspberry-pi-handbook-2023

Main differences would be that I used a kit that you might have to get your vinyl decals cut to match your cab's measurements (if you used on of the several common sets of cab measurements when building, this increases the likelihood of just being able to order decals, though), and you'll be needing USB adaptors for your sticks and buttons (sounds like you already have these though).

And here's a bunch of the resources I used when writing up my build:

Fitting Sanwa shafts (watch out for the e-clips!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOuDvnan77A

Wiring JST:
https://support.focusattack.com/hc/en-us/articles/207447823-Which-wires-in-the-5-pin-joystick-harnesses-are-for-which-direction-ground-on-Seimitsu-LS-and-Sanwa-JLF-joysticks

Applying vinyls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3FOAxIURKY

Also, try not to be like me and lose track of where you've plugged your spade connectors on the buttons. Especially: test before you tie the wiring loom out of the way. I had to reconfigure my BAR XYZ buttons in software blushes in intense professional shame.

I really wanted an N-Gage. Like, so badly. But I was a broke student, so hand-me-down flip phones was what I got. Probably for the best, but I'd still leap at one if I found it for a decent price.

Looks like these are choice stats from Cricana's forthcoming Market Dynamics In Gaming 2023 report which, annoyingly, doesn't yet appear to have actually been published yet. I suppose it'll be announced at https://www.circana.com/press-releases/ when it actually comes out.