Retro Video Game Gift Guide: Ideas for Every Retro Gamer

The Game & Watch started the handheld gaming revolution and was a big factor in Nintendo’s early success. Nintendo is bringing the iconic system back with a modern update. This version includes: Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, and a Mario version of Game & Watch: Ball. Available on Amazon.

The Game & Watch started the handheld gaming revolution and was a big factor in Nintendo’s early success. Nintendo is bringing the iconic system back with a modern update. This version includes three full Legend of Zelda games from the NES and SNES eras: The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The adventure of Link, and the Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. Available on Amazon.

This Gameboy inspired case transforms an inexpensive Raspberry Pi Zero and turns it into a fully fledged handheld gaming console. You’ll have no problem playing Atari, Lynx, NES, SNES, Genesis/Masterdrive, Gameboy, Gameboy Color, Gamegear, NeoGeo Pocket, and some Arcade games. Available on Amazon.

Enjoy handheld gaming like it’s the 90’s again. Tiger Electronics has rereleased some of their classic LCD games inspired by some of the most popular retro video games of the day. The game features 6 stages of play, each filled with challenges and obstacles. Players can pick up Rings and Chaos Emeralds, call Tails for help, and enter the Gumball Bonus Stage for extra points. Available on Amazon.

The PlayStation Classic comes with 20 pre-loaded games including: Final Fantasy Vll, Jumping Flash, Ridge Racer Type 4, Tekken 3 and Wild Arms. This mini Console is approximately 45 percent smaller than the original PlayStation and includes two wired Controllers, a virtual memory card, and an HDMI cable. Available on Amazon.

Sega’s iconic generation defining console, the Sega Genesis, has returned with a new slick, miniaturized form factor. The Genesis Mini console is loaded with 42 legendary games and is plug and play ready right out of the box! In addition to the Sega Genesis Mini console you get 2 wired controllers, 40 games + 2 bonus games, power cable, USB adapter, and HDMI cable. Available on Amazon.

The Commodore 64 introduced America to 8-bit gaming. The computer can be experienced now, better than ever with HD graphics and a library of built in games. Available on Amazon.

When it comes to emulating retro games, it’s hard to find a cheaper, better supported, and more capable system for the money than Raspberry Pi 4. Available on Amazon.

The Steam Link offers a modern way to play games made in a retro style. So called pixel games bring the look and feel of classic games, many taking inspiration from the 8 and 16-bit eras. Some popular games in this category include Stardew Valley, Terraria, and Shovel Knight which can all be played on the Steam link. Available on Amazon.

While the Nintendo Switch is a current gen console, it has a lot of appeal to retro gamers. Coming standard with an online subscription, Switch users can access libraries of games for the NES and SNES that contain many of the system’s most popular titles. It also includes new versions of some of the classics with a lot of improvements that increase playability. Available on Amazon.

There are few game soundtracks more iconic than that of Castlevania’s. In honor of the game’s 30th anniversary, Mondo released this album featuring all 12 BMG tracks from the game. Journey through the darkness of Dracula’s castle, from tower to tower fighting and facing the nightmares within. Limited Edition red colored vinyl. Available on Amazon.

Contra has some of the most memorable music from the 8-bit era. This limited vinyl LP pressing including jacket artwork by Eric Powell. Features both the NES / Famicom and arcade versions. Mondo is proud to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the run-and-gun franchise with the premiere Vinyl release of the classic shooter that started it all. Available on Amazon.

Metal Gear got it’s start in the 8-bit era and gave rise to the stealth genre of video games. This premiere physical release of the soundtrack is cut at 45RPM, and features all new original artwork by Paul Mann that pays tribute to the 80’s action films that inspired the game. Chiptunes have never sounded so good! Available on Amazon.

This double LP is a must have for Final Fantasy fans. FFVII defined an ear and the soundtrack remains as iconic as the game itself. It doesn’t get better than listening to Tifa or Aerith’s theme on 180g vinyl. Available on Amazon.

Doom is the PC game that kickstarted the first person shooter (FPS) revolution. It inspired countless imitators, but none came close to the game play or the music that Doom offered gamers of the day. It has been described as “audible fuel and soundwave adrenaline”. A must have for any gamer or audiophile. Available on Amazon.

Playing With Super Power takes readers on a journey as they experience the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The book explores the SNES’ development and the visionaries behind this groundbreaking console. Available on Amazon.

Author Meagan Marie is a force to be reckoned with in the gaming industry. In Women in Gaming, she tells the stories of 100 women who made an impact on the video game industry, both large and small, through their diverse careers within the field. Available on Amazon.

For gamers growing up in the mid-80s and early 90s, the Nintendo Entertainment System reigned supreme. The NES Encyclopedia offers an in-depth look into the games that made the system and Nintendo of America itself. The book covers all 714 officially licensed NES games, and more than 160 unlicensed games released during the system’s lifespan, giving for the first time a definitive history of this important console’s full library. Available on Amazon.

Gamers interested in the history behind the computer revolution that spawned the video game industry will love this deep dive by Walter Isaacson. While the book covers much more than just the video game industry, it gives you the broad view that is necessary for understanding where it’s been and where it’s going. Available on Amazon.

A cookbook inspired by Lara Croft’s journeys across the globe. Discover over 40 recipes and take on the role of the globe trotting archeologist as you learn about the cultures that inspired these incredible dishes. Co-authored by Megan Marie, you are sure to get an authentic Tomb Raider experience. She is part of Crystal Dynamics’ team and is focused on the Tomb Raider franchise. Available on Amazon.

If you didn’t collect enough cheese wheels and bread in The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, now is your chance to experience the flavors of Skyrim, Morrowind, and Tamrie in a whole new way. This cookbook offers more than 60 delicious recipes for dishes taken right from the Elder Scrolls games: Apple Cabbage Stew, Sunlight Souffle, Sweetrolls, and more can all be made at home with these easy to follow recipes. Available on Amazon.

Launching well over a decade ago on the PS3, Square Enix has had a long time to build the world of Final Fantasy XIV and fill it with a variety of dishes for every taste. Author and video game food blogger Victoria Rosenthal brings the foods of FFXIV to life with recipes like Knight’s Bread of Coerthas and La Nocea’s Rolanberry Cheesecake. Available on Amazon.

Anyone who has played Fallout knows that the food stands out. Players have become accustomed to eating centuries old processed foods, found in the wasteland, but I bet you never imagined how good that Blamco Mac & Cheese or iguana-on-a-stick could taste! Victoria Rosenthal brings gamers another culinary classic with this cookbook! Available on Amazon.

There are few games as engrossing as WoW. Sit down at the computer playing this game and you may find that your whole day has gone by without eating. There’s nothing better than getting to carry the WoW experience into the kitchen. Chelsea Monroe-Cassel’s writing is a blend of imagination and historical research which brings WoW inspired mixed drinks, desserts, and dishes to your kitchen table. Available on Amazon.

These high quality keyboards are perfect for both working and gaming and all come in 80’s inspired color themes. They are compatible with Macs and PCs and come with a Bluetooth dongle for easy wireless connectivity. Keyboards come equipped with Cherry MX switches, made by the industry leader in key-switch technology. Available on Amazon.

8Bitdo is the leader in wireless controllers for retro video games. However, don’t let the SNES color pallet of the Sn30 Pro+ fool you. It is compatible with the Nintendo Switch, PCs and Macs as well as popular emulation platforms like Raspberry Pi and Android. Available on Amazon.

The Gameboy digital watch by Paladone takes the classic Gameboy design and shrinks it down to fit on your wrist. Not only does this watch look like a Gameboy, but the alarm sounds with the Super Mario Land theme song. Available on Amazon.

There’s nothing like playing your favorite retro game while enjoying a cold drink from one of these Super Mario Bros themed pint glasses! This set comes with two pint glasses each holding 16 oz. Available on Amazon.

If you’re enjoying a cold one while gaming, you might as well go all out with these Super Mario Bros. coasters! Each individual coaster has the iconic and classic 2D pixel design of the original games for the full effect of the fun, retro Super Mario Bros. style. Available on Amazon.