The 12 greatest retro gaming presents for the 2025 holidays

[ad_1] The stream of recent video video games by no means ends, however for a few of us, nothing beats the classics. When you don’t really feel like looking via eBay and native recreation retailers for outdated cartridges so as to add to the one you love’s assortment, we’ve picked out just a few different present concepts for the nostalgic gamer in your life — from video upscalers for outdated consoles to retro-themed books and paintings.

Greatest retro gaming presents <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/s17i7FuuM3eB_Urz_rhFDg--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-10/ff91f0f0-740f-11ee-beb7-e6e17799c54b" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Will Lipman Pictures for Engadget

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> Utilizing outdated controllers is an enormous a part of retro gaming’s attraction, however typically there’s a superb line between traditional and antiquated. For many who like the unique PlayStation or PS2, however aren’t loopy about Sony’s earliest gamepads, the 8BitDo Retro Receiver for PS lets a wide range of fashionable controllers work with these consoles wirelessly. This adapter helps Sony’s PS4 and PS5 pads, Microsoft’s Xbox One and Xbox Collection X/S controllers (together with the Xbox Adaptive Controller), Nintendo’s Wii U Professional and Swap Professional controllers and most of 8BitDo’s personal gamepad lineup. It received’t add analog management to each recreation, nor will it replicate the pressure-sensitive face buttons supported by a handful of PS2 titles, but it surely pairs merely, helps rumble and doesn’t add any important lag. Most significantly, it makes it simpler to play Vagrant Story or Klonoa 2 from the sofa.

8BitDo makes related adapters for the GameCube, SNES, Sega Genesis, Sega Saturn and different outdated machines as nicely, so take into account this a catch-all advice if you happen to're trying to play on a type of gadgets as an alternative. — Jeff Dunn, Senior Reporter

$25 at Macy's <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/bYSuCApVyrD0y18yftLqeA--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-10/6a86f6c0-7411-11ee-af1f-f4e423d99c68" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Engadget

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> Maybe the best approach to give somebody entry to a lot of retro classics is thru a Nintendo Swap On-line subscription. The Mario maker’s on-line service comes with a lot of emulated necessities from the NES, Tremendous NES and Sport Boy, all of which assist instantaneous save states and rewinding in case the going will get too robust. Upgrading to the Growth Pack provides a variety of N64, Sport Boy Advance and Sega Genesis titles. With the brand new Swap 2, that larger tier additionally features a few GameCube hits. The N64, GBA and GameCube libraries aren’t fairly as complete as the opposite programs and, sure, it’s a bummer that neither Swap enables you to totally personal these decades-old video games. (The GameCube app doesn’t assist rewind both.) But when the one you love desires to expertise a few of Nintendo’s foundational titles for the primary time or simply take a stroll down reminiscence lane, that is an accessible approach to make it occur. — J.D.

$20 at Amazon <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/TWT4rsGPUJXE5fFEzejPOg--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-10/669fbc60-740f-11ee-af2f-3d7046c384ed" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Pressman

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> When you’ve by no means died of dysentery, have you ever actually ever lived? On the earth of retro gaming, Oregon Path holds a particular place within the collective reminiscence. Not simply because it was presumably one of many first video games individuals ever performed, but it surely was doubtless how many people discovered concerning the struggles of our forefathers — together with dysentery. The unique recreation is obtainable on-line, however on your vintage-game loving giftee, the Oregon Path Card Sport packages all of the enjoyable (and ailments) right into a format that may be shared (or pressured) upon associates across the dinner desk.

Whether or not your recipient sees themself as a Banker from Boston or a Farmer from Illinois, all the recreation’s traditional dynamics are right here, preserved in infinite-battery life board recreation format. Two to 6 individuals can play collectively they usually’ll should work to beat the various challenges that confronted vacationers on the path. The sport is rated for gamers ages 12 and above, which we presume received’t be an issue for somebody right into a recreation from the ‘70s. — James Trew, Former Editor-at-Giant

$19 at Amazon <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/LFgzO4I5.38Xn7QZeNReiw--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-10/920f6d00-740f-11ee-9778-d128cca6d645" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Will Lipman Pictures for Engadget

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> There are nearly as some ways to play retro video games nowadays as there are video games to play. Or a minimum of, it could really feel that manner typically. In our humble opinion, one of many perfect of these is the Analogue Pocket handheld console. Not like different emulators, the Pocket has a cartridge port and might play any Sport Boy, Sport Boy Shade and Sport Boy Advance title natively. There may be additionally an adapter for Sega Sport Gear video games, and choices for the Atari Lynx, TurboGrafx-16 and Neo Geo Pocket Shade are purported to be obtainable in time for the vacations.

We cherished the Pocket once we reviewed it, and never only for its trustworthy replica of traditional video games on a implausible fashionable show. We additionally cherished that the Pocket has music-making software program constructed proper in and might simply be performed on a TV by way of a dock (although, that prices further). In case your giftee desires to play video games from different programs than these talked about right here, know that there’s a thriving neighborhood of Pocket followers which have expanded the vary of video games it could emulate to incorporate digital backups from programs such because the NES, SNES and Genesis. — J.T.

$220 at Analogue <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/uLAMZ8zhT3whArGpGkpGmA--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-11/3e8b77b0-be3f-11f0-b6dc-303375cc14d2" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Jeff Dunn for Engadget

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> If the one you love is aware of their manner round emulators and needs to play a wider vary of traditional video games, the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 is one other handheld we like. As an emulation-focused gadget, it takes way more legwork to arrange, however it could run video games as much as the PS2 and GameCube vary with out a lot problem as soon as every thing’s so as. Its Nintendo DS-style clamshell design is straightforward sufficient to slide right into a bag, whereas its 5.5-inch OLED show is vivid and gorgeously colourful. Because it’s based mostly on Android, getting round its OS shouldn’t really feel completely unfamiliar both.

We’re highlighting the Flip 2 because it’s a great center floor, however word that Retroid sells a number of different handhelds with totally different kind components and worth factors. The upcoming Retroid Pocket 6 and still-great Pocket 5, for instance, supply related advantages in a form that is nearer to Sony's outdated PSP. Simply bear in mind that you could have to cope with import taxes shopping for gadgets like these from firms based mostly in China. — J.D.

$209 at Retroid <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/jZQ7RFblCN3Fx8Ln0ySivA--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://media-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-10/b7069a60-914c-11ef-8d7f-0f14c744a98e" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> GameSir

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> Devoted handhelds are enjoyable, however you don’t want one to make use of emulators — your smartphone can work simply as nicely. That mentioned, few retro video games had been made with contact controls in thoughts. With a cellular gamepad just like the GameSir G8 Galileo, that’s not a problem. It’s on the bigger facet, however the bulk makes it really feel nearer to a conventional console controller than most different choices on this house. All of its buttons, triggers and joysticks really feel good and responsive on prime of that, and it really works instantly with a variety of telephones over USB-C — no fiddling in Bluetooth menus required. You’ll most likely have to take away your telephone case any time you need to use it, and a smaller pad just like the Spine One is simpler to pack for the street. However for settling right into a recreation or two for hours at a time, the G8 ought to trigger much less hand cramping. — J.D.

$80 at Amazon <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/WM0EEBzRvM.ASCioffupkg--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-10/e89fd900-7411-11ee-bdff-1b395f3852a7" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Will Lipman Pictures for Engadget

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> We’re reluctant to hawk in stereotypes, however if in case you have a buddy or member of the family that loves retro video games, there’s a excessive likelihood they’d additionally admire the classic clickety-clack of a mechanical keyboard. 8-Bitdo, an organization identified for its in style retro-focused recreation controllers (really useful elsewhere on this information) has expanded into console-themed PC equipment, and the Retro Mechanical Keyboard is a beautiful present for the Mario-maniac in your life.

Importantly, this isn’t only a stable keyboard for Home windows, Mac and Android (though it's that). It’s additionally not only a nice tribute to the design of the Nintendo Leisure System (though it is usually that). The Retro Mechanical Keyboard is a “tenkeyless” (TKL) type keyboard that features a quantity knob, Bluetooth and a couple of.4Ghz wi-fi modes and USB connectivity. Better of all, although, are the included, outsized crimson A and B buttons that your giftee can assign to no matter keyboard characteristic they like. — J.T.

$100 at Amazon <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/YgnUcLPU04nO07veqTPK.A--~B/aD02MDc7dz0xMDc5O2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-10/e0aaf5b0-af45-11f0-b7b7-94c2baab6fd0" loading="lazy" height="607" width="1079"/> RetroTink

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> Accumulating retro consoles is a blast, however most of these programs had been designed for outdated CRT TVs, not fashionable flat screens. Some current TVs have legacy inputs for older {hardware}, and you need to use a primary HDMI adapter, however lots of these can introduce important lag and blur. That makes it more durable to take pleasure in all of the outdated video games your collector buddy hunted down on eBay and (over)paid for. To keep away from this, look to an exterior video upscaler just like the RetroTink 5X-Professional.

It’s slightly black field that may connect with a variety of retro consoles and immediately make them look sharper on fashionable HD shows. It could output as much as 1440p video (different higher-end choices can do 4K), but it retains enter latency all the way down to a degree that solely the pickiest gamers will discover. It additionally comes with a bunch of inputs and settings for fine-tuning a console’s picture, together with a number of types of deinterlacing and pretty clear scanlines that ship a extra old-school look. However the fantastic thing about the RetroTink is that it does most of its work behind the scenes, so there’s no have to spend all day tinkering to make an outdated recreation look good. Simply plug a console in and every thing will probably be just about good to go from the soar. — J.D.

$325 at RetroTink <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/ilM93nIa2OYw3stjOCbgrg--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-10/4afd9710-914c-11ef-bffc-acb91baac9f0" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Mossmouth

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> There are tons of outdated video games you can seek out for the one you love, so it’s price checking in with them first and seeing if one is excessive up on their want listing. When you’re after one thing new that ought to enchantment to a classic recreation lover, although, it’s exhausting to think about a extra becoming choose than UFO 50. This can be a compilation of fifty all-new video games — not mini-games, however full issues — which are designed with 8-bit sensibilities at coronary heart however, for probably the most half, aren’t completely beholden to pastiche. All of them are unlocked from the beginning, and collectively, they current a outstanding breadth of experiences, from a point-and-click horror journey to a first-person dungeon crawler to a sports activities recreation greatest described as “Windjammers with katanas.” Greater than that, they communicate to what makes good outdated video games so interesting within the first place: uncompromised concepts, distinct types and a willingness to play with kind. For a group that’s designed to look outdated, UFO 50 performs like a breath of recent air. — J.D.

$25 at Steam <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/M.g.vRp8i3xbjBra3EUXUw--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-10/0ef45dc0-af47-11f0-9fc7-5bde354f414d" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> The Sport Kitchen

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound is one other commendable throwback for these seeking a contemporary recreation with retro sensibilities. The newest spin-off in a collection that began almost 40 years in the past, this can be a 2D hack-and-slasher with stunning pixel artwork, a rocking soundtrack, diverse ranges, an endearingly tacky plot and frantic but satisfying fight. As Engadget’s Kris Holt aptly termed it, it's a “hell yeah” recreation, one which’s heavy on adrenaline and demanding with out being cussed. It’s not the longest recreation, but it surely ought to fulfill of us who need to scratch a sure ‘80s gaming itch on at present’s {hardware}. — J.D.

$25 at Steam <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/EykGZdY7mfKWecHv8Ub6hg--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://media-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-10/139c3100-914c-11ef-b3ff-2054274b844a" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Bitmap Books

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> Sport Boy: The Field Artwork Assortment is a top quality coffee-table ebook that does precisely what its title guarantees: current the field artwork for greater than 300 totally different Sport Boy video games in daring, vibrant colours. The choice contains necessities (Tremendous Mario Land, Balloon Child) and less-remembered fare (Bubble Ghost, Jelly Boy) alike, sprinkling in each Western and Japanese covers alongside the way in which. Every title will get a full web page structure, with transient write-ups for each the sport and precise artwork accompanied by a handful of screenshots. All of it makes for a breezy but illuminating journey down reminiscence lane for collectors and online game historians.

In case your giftee isn’t tremendous enthusiastic about Nintendo’s unique handheld, writer Bitmap Books has a number of different retro-themed works price trying out, from a historical past of Metallic Slug to a visible compendium for the Nintendo 64. — J.D.

$44 at Amazon <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white object-contain @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/ebAxDGAzx1RKh8uuOM1Qqg--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-10/2f6a40f0-7412-11ee-bfff-e855b0260ddf" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Grid Studio

li]:list-decimal [&_ol]:space-y-6 [&_ul>li]:list-disc [&_ul]:space-y-6"> A body from Grid Studio ought to match nicely into any devoted recreation room. These items deconstruct traditional devices and tidily showcase their elements as wall artwork. The gaming choice contains a number of handheld consoles and controllers, from the Wiimote, to the Xbox “Duke”, to the Sega Sport Gear. Some collectors might wince on the thought of destroying outdated gadgets as an alternative of preserving them, but when there’s a specific system the one you love is keen on, this can be a stylish approach to present it off. — J.D.

From $179 at Grid Studio FAQs Why do individuals purchase retro video games? As a result of they’re enjoyable! Or as a result of online game firms have typically had a spotty document of preserving their very own historical past — and (legally) saving artwork, even in a minuscule manner, is necessary. Or as a result of, deep down, collectors simply need to stave off the ceaseless march of time and cling onto any approach to relive their youth earlier than it dissipates for good. Or as a result of they’re jaded with fashionable recreation design and crave shorter, extra distinct or altogether totally different experiences that aren’t being served by at present’s market. Or as a result of they need to flip the video games they accumulate for a fast buck on eBay. Or as a result of… nicely, you get the thought. — J.D.

Why is retro gaming so costly? To place it merely: provide and demand. Corporations aren’t making outdated video games and consoles any extra, but a rising variety of gaming fanatics need them. And as retro recreation amassing has grown extra in style, sellers have turn into extra aware of how excessive they'll worth their items. Not each retro recreation prices an arm and a leg, nonetheless: Widespread video games from comparatively current consoles are normally extra reasonably priced than lesser-selling titles for older {hardware}, and you may nonetheless discover a good discount every so often by digging via native yard gross sales, particular person eBay sellers and the like. — J.D.

Are retro video games a great funding? It depends upon the way you outline “good.” Is it a good suggestion to purchase a bunch of outdated video games within the hopes that their worth will skyrocket and make you a tidy revenue? No, there’s little rhyme or motive to figuring out precisely which video games will shoot up in worth and by how a lot. There are a lot safer methods to take a position if all you care about are monetary returns. Is it a good suggestion to drop a bunch of money on 40-year-old video video games if in case you have urgent monetary duties? Most likely not! However hey, it’s your life. If amassing retro video games makes you content, and you may finances for them inside motive, that’s a great factor. Have enjoyable. — J.D.

What qualifies as a retro recreation? There’s no set definition for when a online game turns into “retro.” Personally, I consider it as any recreation that’s a minimum of 10 years outdated and was initially launched on a console that’s two or extra generations outdated (or, for PC video games, throughout that era). However many others would stretch the timeline again farther, and the rising creation of “dwell service” video games has sophisticated issues. As an example, Grand Theft Auto V was launched in 2013, whereas World of Warcraft arrived in 2004 — are these “retro video games” when tens of millions of individuals nonetheless play them at present? Perhaps not. With video games from the ‘90s or earlier, although, the excellence is clearer. — J.D.