Ideas to shop around
Directions rather than one particular thing, for when you’d rather choose. Some come with a few that fit.
Retro handhelds
Which handheld? Anbernic RG35XX and Miyoo Mini are small, simple Linux handhelds that play 8-bit to PS1-era games well and are very cheap. The Retroid Pocket 5 and the newer Pocket 6 run Android, so they handle PSP, Dreamcast and many PS2 and GameCube games and can also run mobile games; the Pocket 6 is the faster of the two. For Nintendo DS and 3DS games, which use two screens, look at the dual screen Retroid Pocket Duo or the more powerful AYN Thor. The Analogue Pocket is different: it uses hardware reproduction to play real Game Boy, GBC and GBA cartridges, so it suits people with a cartridge collection.
8 that fit · about $59.99 – $329
Anbernic RG35XX Retro Handheld (3.5" IPS, Linux)about $59.99 · amazon.com
Anbernic RG35XX Pro Retro Handheldabout $72.99 · amazon.com
Miyoo Mini Plus Retro Handheld with Caseabout $79.99 · amazon.com
Retroid Pocket 5 Android Retro Handheldabout $219 · amazon.com
Analogue Pocket (Black)about $249.99 · amazon.com
Retroid Pocket 6 Handheldabout $244 · goretroid.com
Retroid Pocket Duo Handheldabout $269 · goretroid.com
AYN Thor Handheld (Base)about $329 · ayntec.com
Mini consoles and plug-and-play
Classic systems that work with an HDMI cable and nothing else. No setup, ideal for families.
4 that fit · about $34.99 – $569
Atari 2600+ Console and Joystickabout $129.99 · amazon.com
SEGA Genesis Mini 2about $34.99 · amazon.com
Nintendo SNES Classic Editionabout $305 · amazon.com
ACEMAGIC Retro X3 Mini PC (Ryzen 7 H 255, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)about $569 · acemagic.com
Controllers and adapters
Modern controllers and wireless receivers that work with classic consoles and emulators.
3 that fit · about $16.99 – $42.49
8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Controllerabout $42.49 · amazon.com
8BitDo Retro Receiver for SNES Classicabout $16.99 · amazon.com
8BitDo Bluetooth Retro Receiver for PS1/PS2/PCabout $24.99 · amazon.com
Storage and DIY builds
Memory cards, card readers and a Raspberry Pi kit for people who like to tinker.
3 that fit · about $9.99 – $199.99
SanDisk 256GB Ultra microSD Cardabout $52.85 · amazon.com
Vilros Raspberry Pi 5 Retro Gaming Kit (4GB, 128GB SD)about $199.99 · amazon.com
Anker USB-C SD and microSD Card Readerabout $9.99 · amazon.com
Retro Gamer Mugs, Lights and Desk Decor
Mario mugs, glowing desk lights, NES coasters and a mini arcade. Low risk gifts that show off a love of classic games and suit a desk or shelf.
7 that fit · about $11.99 – $55.99
Paladone Super Mario Bros. Heat Changing Mugabout $14 · amazon.com
Paladone Game Boy Heat Changing Coffee Mugabout $15 · amazon.com
Paladone Nintendo NES Cartridge Drink Coasters (Set of 8)about $11.99 · amazon.com
Super Mario Mini Question Block Lightabout $17.97 · amazon.com
Super Mario Piranha Plant LED Desk Lightabout $29.95 · amazon.com
My Arcade Retro Machine Mini Arcade (200 Games)about $29.99 · amazon.com
Divoom Pixoo Pixel Art Digital Picture Frameabout $55.99 · amazon.com
Retro Gaming T-Shirts and Hoodies
Wearable nostalgia: pixel art tees and 80s arcade hoodies for anyone who grew up with joysticks and quarters.
6 that fit · about $13.99 – $27.99
Retro Pixel Heart Health Bar 80s 90s Gamer T-Shirtabout $14.99 · amazon.com
Game Over Retro Pixel Arcade Video Gamer T-Shirtabout $13.99 · amazon.com
Video Game Vintage Retro Gaming Arcade 80s Pullover Hoodieabout $27.99 · amazon.com
80s Video Game Vintage Retro Arcade Pullover Hoodieabout $26.99 · amazon.com
Video Game Controller Evolution Retro Gaming T-Shirtabout $20.99 · amazon.com
Respect Your Elders Retro Gaming Funny Gamer T-Shirtabout $17.99 · amazon.com