1Evercade EXP-R handheld console
Evercade is the retro handheld that plays officially licensed games on proper physical cartridges, from Atari and Namco classics to Tomb Raider. The EXP-R has a sharp 4.3-inch screen, a vertical mode for old arcade shooters and Wi-Fi for updates. There are over 60 cartridge collections to add for birthdays to come.
Pros
- Licensed games on real cartridges.
- Lovely bright screen.
- Huge library to collect.
Cons
- No TV output on this model.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Evercade product page ↗
2Atari 2600+ console
If they grew up with an Atari, this will make them grin. The 2600+ is a modern remake of the wood-panelled original that plays real 2600 and 7800 cartridges through HDMI on a modern TV. It comes with the classic joystick and a 10-in-1 game cartridge so they can start straight away.
Pros
- Plays original cartridges.
- HDMI for modern TVs.
- Joystick and 10 games included.
Cons
- Very much a nostalgia gift, not for modern gamers.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Atari product page ↗
38BitDo Pro 3 controller
8BitDo makes controllers that look like the classics but work with today's machines. The Pro 3 has a retro SNES-style shape with modern features like drift-resistant sticks, back paddles and a charging dock. It works with Switch, PC, Steam Deck, Android and Apple devices.
Pros
- Works with nearly everything.
- Charging dock included.
- Classic retro styling.
Cons
- Check it suits their main console.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
8BitDo product page ↗
48BitDo Retro 108 mechanical keyboard
This keyboard looks like it came straight out of the 80s, with colours inspired by classic Nintendo hardware. Underneath it's a proper modern mechanical keyboard with clicky Kailh switches, wireless or wired connection and big programmable 'Super Buttons' for shortcuts.
Pros
- Gorgeous retro looks.
- Satisfying mechanical switches.
- Wireless or wired.
Cons
- Clicky switches are loud for shared offices.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
8BitDo product page ↗
5Paladone Nintendo NES cartridge coasters
These coasters look like classic NES game cartridges, with designs from Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, Metroid and Super Mario. There are eight, all double-sided and officially licensed by Nintendo. They're a cheap, fun present that a retro gamer will actually use under a drink on game night.
Pros
- Officially licensed by Nintendo.
- Eight double-sided coasters.
- Inexpensive.
Cons
- Thin card, not cork or wood.
- A small present on its own.
View on Amazon UK↗UK listing only in this guide.Amazon price at the time shown. Prices and availability can change; the price on Amazon at purchase applies. Product sources
Paladone trade page ↗
What to buy someone who loves retro gaming
Retro gamers love proper hardware and real cartridges. The best gifts for retro gamers are an Evercade handheld, an Atari 2600+, a retro-styled 8BitDo controller or keyboard and NES cartridge coasters. Ask which era they grew up in.
How we picked these gifts for retro gamers
We picked each product for what retro gamers enjoy and because it makes sense as a present. The order is our own choice. The pros and cons come from published product details, not customer reviews.
Amazon shows the current price and delivery. Where we've checked that the US listing is the same product, the US link goes there. Otherwise you'll get the UK listing, labelled as such. More about our research.
