Gift ideas for retro gamers on your holiday list

Retro gaming, or playing classic blasts from the past, has been surging in popularity as of late. There’s a logical for reason for this phenomenon too: those who gamed in the 80s and 90s are now adults. And let’s be honest, going back and reliving all your favourite childhood games is extreme exciting!

And, a new generation of gamers are eager to learn the history behind some of the most beloved modern franchises. Let’s take a look at some great gaming options for the retro gamer on your holiday list.

The C64 Mini Console

The world’s best-selling home computer revolutionized gaming in the 80s and is now getting the mini treatment. Say hello to The C64 Mini Console, it’s 50% the size of the original Commodore 64 and features two USB ports and HDMI output.

Although the iconic 1541 5 1/4″ floppy drive isn’t included, you can however use a USB stick to load games on to it. Further more, The C64 Mini Console comes with C64 Basic. This makes it a fully functional home computer straight from the 80s.

What games come with it?

The C64 Mini Console comes with 64 classic Commodore 64 games. Some of the all-time greats you will find are:

What’s included in the box?

Packaged within the The C64 Mini Console you will find the following contents:

• The C64 Mini Console
• One wired classic style joystick
• HDMI Cable
• USB charging cable

If you grew up like I did with the C64, then The C64 Mini Console is the best way to relive the glory days of the Commodore 64. The USB ports allow for a USB keyboard to be plugged in and an additional joystick for two player fun.

Get The C64 Mini Console

Super NES Classic Edition

The Super NES Classic Edition is a smaller, lighter version of the beloved 90’s console. The Super Nintendo, arguably, has the greatest line-up of exclusives to ever hit any home console. What other console can compete with the likes of Super Mario World, Super Metroid, F-Zero, Star Fox, and hundreds more?

The Super NES Classic Edition allows you relive 20 of the greatest SNES games of all-time. It also comes with the unreleased Star Fox 2, one of the most-requested titles in gaming history. That’s 21 classic Super Nintendo games all on one device!

What games come with it?

The full selection of 21 games pre-installed on Super NES Classic Edition is as follows:

What’s included in the box?

So, we know the included games, but what else comes with the Super NES Classic Edition? Here is the full list of contents:

• Super NES Classic Edition Console
• Two wired Super NES Classic Controllers
• HDMI Cable
• USB charging cable with AC adapter

Two controllers means you can play multiplayer out of the box. Super NES Classic’s multiplayer games include Super Mario Kart, Contra III, Secret of Mana, Street Fighter II, and more.

Get the Super NES Classic Edition

Sega Genesis Classic Game Console

The Sega Genesis Classic Game Console is quite small and lightweight. Although it’s not modeled after a genuine late 80s Sega Genesis console, it features a fully-functional top-loading cartridge slot. This means that in addition to the 81 preloaded titles, you can also play any genuine Sega Genesis game cartridges that you own.

What games come with it?

The Sega Genesis Classic Game Console comes with a full 81 game built-in library. Some of the all-time greats you will find are:

What’s included in the box?

Packaged within the Sega Genesis Classic Game Console you will find the following contents:

• Sega Genesis Classic Game Console
• Two wired 6-button arcade-style controllers
• RCA video/audio connector cable
• AC adapter

The Sega Genesis Classic Arcade Console comes packaged with two controllers. This is great for those looking to game with their family and friends. The controllers feature the updated 6-button “arcade” style layout that Sega released in the console’s later years.

Get the Sega Genesis Classic Arcade Console

NES Classic Edition

The NES Classic Edition is essentially a miniaturized NES that fits in the palm of your hand. It comes loaded with 30 of some of the best games from yesteryear.

The NES Classic Edition cannot play your old NES cartridges. Nor can it go online and does not have internal storage or external storage support. That being said, each game has multiple suspend points. So, you can pick up from the exact second you left off.

The NES Classic Edition comes packed with a wide variety of games that is sure to appeal to all ages. Some of my all-time favourite games like NINJA GAIDEN, Super C, Mega Man 2, and the Super Mario Bros series are all here.

What games come with it?

The full selection of 30 games pre-installed on NES Classic Edition is as follows:

What’s included in the box?

So, we know the included games, but what else comes with the NES Classic Edition? Here is the full list of contents:

• NES Classic Edition Console
• One wired NES Classic Controller
• HDMI Cable
• USB charging cable with AC adapter

The NES Classic Edition supports the use of a second controller for two player games. You can use a Classic Controller, Classic Controller Pro, or the just-revealed NES Classic Controller.

Get the NES Classic Edition

PlayStation Classic

The PlayStation Classic is a smaller, lighter version of Sony’s iconic console. It’s 45% smaller than the original PlayStation console. The PlayStation was the first video game console to ship 100 million units world wide. And, to offer beautifully 3D rendered graphics at home.

Now, with the PlayStation Classic, you can experience 20 glorious PlayStation classics that offer many hours of fun.

What games come with it?

The full selection of 20 games pre-installed on PlayStation Classic is as follows:

What’s included in the box?

Now we know the included games, but what else comes with the PlayStation Classic? Here is the full list of contents:

• PlayStation Classic console
• Two wired PlayStation Classic Controllers
• HDMI Cable
• USB charging cable

Two controllers means you can play multiplayer out of the box. PlayStation Classic’s multiplayer games include Battle Arena Toshinden, Destruction Derby, Tekken 3, and more.

Get the PlayStation Classic

Retro gaming is fun for everyone

Don’t forget to check out our retro video game section for these and even more retro gaming consoles. And, if you need a special controller, adapter or extension cable for a retro console you already own be sure to check out our specialty accessories retro video game section.