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IN BRIEF
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As the holiday season approaches in 2024, it’s time to embrace the nostalgia of retro gaming and find the perfect gifts for the gamers in your life. With a plethora of amazing options available, from vintage console upgrades to charming collector’s items and modern interpretations of beloved classics, there’s something for every retro enthusiast. Whether they’re revisiting childhood classics or exploring the iconic titles that shaped gaming history, these gifts are sure to bring joy and excitement this festive season.
The holiday season is just around the corner, and if you have a retro gaming enthusiast in your life, you might be wondering what to get them! Fear not, as we’ve curated a delightful collection of some of the best retro gaming gifts available for 2024. From modern gadgets that enhance classic gaming experiences to nostalgic treasures that revive memories from the past, this guide will help you find the ideal gift that will surely bring a smile to their face.
Innovative Controllers and Adapters
For those who cherish playing on the original consoles, the 8BitDo Bluetooth Retro Receiver is a fantastic tool. This device allows modern wireless controllers to connect seamlessly with older consoles such as the PlayStation and Xbox, preserving the retro feel while utilizing the latest technology.
If your friend loves classic Nintendo games but struggles with controller limitations, consider gifting them the GameSir G8 Galileo. This mobile gamepad makes playing retro games on smartphones easier and more enjoyable, bridging the gap between classic gameplay mechanics and new-age technology.
Classic Game Experiences
Imagine the joy of being greeted by the phrase, “You have died of dysentery!” The Oregon Trail Card Game brings the classic educational game to life, allowing players to recreate pioneer journeys while testing their survival skills. It’s an amusing and immersive way to appreciate the hardships of our ancestors and share fun moments with family and friends.
For the true vintage gaming experience, consider the Sega Genesis Mini 2. This compact console allows users to enjoy a selection of 60 classic Sega and Sega CD titles, perfect for reliving those beloved memories without the risk of wearing out an original cartridge.
Nostalgic Books and Art Pieces
Help your loved one relive the glory of retro gaming through literature with Game Boy: The Box Art Collection. This coffee table book showcases over 300 vibrant cover art designs from the iconic Game Boy era, providing a visual feast that sparks nostalgic memories and conversations.
For those who appreciate creative displays, consider gifting a stunning frame from Grid Studio. These pieces beautifully deconstruct classic gaming hardware, turning components of beloved handheld consoles and controllers into striking wall art. It’s a unique way to celebrate both the aesthetic and functional aspects of video game history.
Modern Emulation Solutions
The Analogue Pocket is easily one of the best gifts for retro game lovers. With the ability to play Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games natively, this handheld console merges the charm of classic gaming with modern technology. Its support for various adapters means your gamer friends can also explore other retro titles from systems like Sega Game Gear or TurboGrafx-16.
For those more inclined towards emulators, the Retroid Pocket 4 offers an affordable yet powerful option. This device is capable of running games from systems like the PSP and Dreamcast, catering to the craving for a broad retro gaming experience on a handheld console.
Subscription Services for Ongoing Fun
If you’re looking for a gift that keeps on giving, consider a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online. This service provides access to a library of emulated classics from the NES and SNES, along with engaging multiplayer options. For gamers who appreciate the blend of nostalgia and modern convenience, this gift idea is sure to be a hit.
Memorable Gaming Compilation
For something fresh that resonates with retro vibes, the compilation of games known as UFO 50 presents a unique offering. This collection features 50 all-new titles, designed with 8-bit aesthetics but fully realized gameplay. Featuring diverse genres, it allows players to experience new adventures that evoke the spirit of classic gaming.
Gift Cards for Ultimate Flexibility
With so many options out there, sometimes it’s best to let your gamer choose! A gift card for platforms like Steam or local gaming stores ensures they can snag that elusive title or accessory they’ve been eyeing. This way, you can be a part of their vintage gaming journey without second-guessing their preferences.
Finding the perfect gift for a retro gaming enthusiast doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these engaging options ranging from innovative technology to nostalgic keepsakes, you’re sure to delight any gamer with the spirit of retro gameplay during this holiday season. Check out online platforms, including Best Products, Engadget, and LitRPG Reads for more inspirations!
Top Retro Gaming Presents Comparison
| Gift | Description |
| 8Bitdo Bluetooth Retro Receiver | Allows modern controllers to connect wirelessly to retro consoles. |
| The Oregon Trail Card Game | A fun board game that recreates the classic survival challenges. |
| GameSir G8 Galileo | A mobile gaming controller for retro games on smartphones. |
| RetroTink 5X-Pro | Upscales the image from retro consoles to modern HD displays. |
| Analogue Pocket | Handheld console that plays Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Advance games. |
| Retroid Pocket 4 | An emulation-focused handheld that runs games up to PSP graphics. |
| UFO 50 | A collection of 50 retro-style games with modern design. |
| Sega Genesis Mini 2 | Includes 60 classic Genesis and Sega CD games for nostalgia. |
| 8Bitdo Retro Mechanical Keyboard | A nostalgic keyboard designed after the look of retro consoles. |
| Game Boy: The Box Art Collection | A visual book showcasing vibrant box art from over 300 Game Boy games. |
FAQs
Why do people buy retro games? Because they’re fun! Or because video game companies have generally had a spotty record of preserving their own history — and (legally) saving art, even in a minuscule way, is important. Or because, deep down, collectors just want to stave off the ceaseless march of time and hang onto any way to relive their youth before it dissipates for good. Or because they’re jaded with modern game design and crave shorter, more distinct or altogether different experiences that aren’t being served by today’s market. Or because they want to flip the games they collect for a quick buck on eBay. Or because… well, you get the idea.
Why is retro gaming so expensive? To put it simply: supply and demand. Companies aren’t making old games and consoles any more, yet a growing number of gaming enthusiasts want them. And as retro game collecting has grown more popular, sellers have become more acutely aware of how high they can price their goods. Not every retro game costs an arm and a leg, however: Popular games from relatively recent consoles are usually more affordable than lesser-selling titles for older hardware, and you can still find a good bargain every now and then by digging through local yard sales, individual eBay sellers and the like.
Are retro games a good investment? It depends on how you define “good.” Is it a good idea to buy a bunch of old games in the hopes that their value will skyrocket and make you a tidy profit? No, there’s little rhyme or reason to determining exactly which games will shoot up in value and by how much. There are much safer ways to invest if all you care about are financial returns. Is it a good idea to drop a bunch of cash on 40-year-old video games if you have pressing financial responsibilities? Probably not! But hey, it’s your life. If collecting retro games makes you happy, and you can budget for them within reason, that’s a good thing. Have fun.
What qualifies as a retro game? There’s no set definition for when a video game becomes “retro.” Personally, I think of it as any game that’s at least 10 years old and was originally released on a console that’s two or more generations old (or, for PC games, during that generation). But many others would stretch the timeline back farther, and the growing advent of “live service” games has complicated things. For instance, Grand Theft Auto V was released in 2013, while World of Warcraft arrived in 2004 — are those “retro games” when millions of people still play them today? Maybe not. With games from the ‘90s or earlier, though, the distinction is clearer.
