The 13 Best Retro Video Game Gifts for the 2024 Holidays.
Here are the best gifts for retro video game lovers that you can buy this year, selected by the editors of Engadget.
The supply of new video games seems endless, but for many, nothing beats the classics. If you don’t want to waste time searching for old cartridges on eBay or in local shops to enrich the collection of a retro video game lover, there are several gift options that might interest you, from video scalers for vintage consoles to books and retro-themed artwork.
Using old controllers is one of the features that adds the most charm to retro gaming, although it can sometimes be complicated. For fans of PlayStation and PS2 consoles who feel uncomfortable with the original Sony controllers, the 8BitDo Retro Receiver allows you to wirelessly connect a variety of modern controllers, such as those from PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and the Pro controllers from Wii U and Switch. This adapter, while it doesn't add analog controls to all games and doesn't replicate the pressure-sensitive buttons of some PS2 titles, pairs easily, supports vibration, and introduces no significant latency. This makes it easier to enjoy games like Vagrant Story or Klonoa 2 from the comfort of the sofa.
The Oregon Trail holds a special place in the collective memory of video games. Not only was it one of the first games many played, but it also taught us about the challenges faced by our ancestors. Although the original game is available online, the Oregon Trail Card Game offers all the fun in a format suitable for sharing with friends around the table. This game can accommodate two to six players who must face the challenges of travelers on the historic trail.
Emulating retro games doesn’t require a dedicated handheld device; your smartphone will work too. The GameSir G8 Galileo is a mobile controller that solves the problem of touch controls in retro games. Although it is a bit larger, it resembles a traditional console controller and connects easily to a wide range of phones via USB-C, eliminating the need for complicated Bluetooth setups.
Collecting vintage consoles can be a lot of fun, but many were designed for CRT TVs and not modern screens. While some new TVs have inputs for older devices, these can introduce lag and blurriness. An external video scaler like the RetroTink 5X-Pro offers a solution. This device connects to various retro consoles and enhances the image for modern HD screens, supporting resolutions up to 1440p without adding significant latency.
One of the best options for playing retro titles is the Analogue Pocket, a portable console that accepts cartridges from Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance. Adapters for Sega Game Gear and other consoles are also planned. The quality of the games is excellent on its bright modern screen, and additionally, the Pocket includes software for making music and can be played on TV using a dock.
If the Analogue Pocket is too expensive and the person you plan to gift enjoys emulating, the Retroid Pocket 4 is another great option. This emulation-focused device can run games from PSP and Dreamcast and features a portable design. Its 4.7-inch screen is sharp, and since it runs on Android, its software is accessible to most users.
Another ideal gift for retro video game lovers is a book that showcases the 100 most important games of all time, filled with stories behind each development and interviews with their creators, accompanied by color illustrations that evoke nostalgia. This book is perfect for any coffee table or as a backdrop for a live stream.
For Sega fans who don't want to deal with searching for an original Genesis, the Sega Genesis Mini 2 is a more accessible option, with a library of 60 games that includes classics like Sonic CD and Phantasy Star II. Although it only comes with one controller, it is the superior six-button one, which will enhance the experience for those looking to relive those memories.
A subscription to Nintendo Switch Online offers access to a vast collection of retro games from NES, Super NES, and Game Boy, with options for instant save and rewind. The expansion option adds titles from N64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis, allowing you to relive some of Nintendo's most iconic titles.
For those who also enjoy the mechanical sound of a keyboard, the Retro Mechanical Keyboard from 8-Bitdo can be a perfect gift. Inspired by the design of the Nintendo Entertainment System, this keyboard is functional for both PC and mobile devices and features large customizable buttons that will surely delight any gaming enthusiast.
Finally, the Game Boy: The Box Art Collection is an excellent coffee table book that showcases the box art of over 300 Game Boy games, featuring a mix of popular and lesser-known titles from various regions, offering a nostalgic journey through the history of this console.
You may want to consult your loved one before purchasing an old game, but if you’re looking for something new that would suit a vintage video game lover, UFO 50 is a collection of 50 brand new games with an 8-bit aesthetic that is offered unrestricted from the start, inviting you to relive classic experiences with a modern twist.
A Grid Studio frame is another option that would stand out in a game room, artistically presenting iconic elements from consoles and controllers in an elegant display.
