Prime Day retro gaming deals are now live, and I've picked out the classic consoles, controllers, and accessories worth caring about

Yes, it's bananas how small 8Bitdo's Zero 2 controller actually is, but I like to keep gamepads like this clipped to my belt. What can I say? I'm very fashionable, but it's worth grabbing the pad while it's at its lowest price, as $15 isn't much to pay for an excellent feeling set of retro buttons that can live in your pocket.

The 8Bitdo SN30 makes for a pretty solid all-in-one retro controller that borrows visual queues from the SNES while including thumbsticks for the PS1 and beyond. Ideally, you'll want to snatch the pad when it dips under $30, but that might not happen until we're knee deep in Prime Day.

This 20% off deal has knocked my favorite Sega Genesis/Mega Drive controller within touching distance of its lowest price. Keep in mind this is the Bluetooth version, so you will need an adapter or retro receiver to use it with the original console, but the discount is still ideal.

8Bitdo's Pro 2 gives modern OG DualShock vibes, and it just so happens to be at its lowest price with 39% off. That's not too shabby if you're looking for a new PS1 pad that's got the right stick layout and will pair with a retro receiver, especially while it's just over $30.

Whether you're playing N64 games on the Switch 2 or an authentic retro console setup, 8Bitdo's controller is a must-grab. You'll potentially want to check out the 2.4GHz version if you're in the latter camp, but I'm expecting to at least see some sort of price cut that makes the pad more affordable this Prime Day.

If you're still rocking a PS1 or PS2, 8Bitdo's Retro Receiver is invaluable. Now under $20, the adapter will let you sync up everything from new retro controllers to even your DualSense, providing contempoary comfort and wirless connectivity.

This cheap and cheerful Atari gadget is way more comprehensive than it has a right to be for under $40. In fact, I'd argue that if you're just looking for a quick Yars Revenge fix or some Asteroids action for your backpack, the Pocket Player Pro is worth grabbing over the 2600+ remake, and it's comparitively much more affordable this Prime Day.

I'm a sucker for My Arcade's tiny arcade machines, and this Pac-Man version is close enough to its lowest price for me to recommend. It might feel like a novelty, or dangerously close to those naff plastic gifts at your local big box supermarket. However, these tiny cabinets feature surprisingly nice controls and decent build quality, not to mention the arcade emulation is solid.

I'm always watching Anbernics excellent Game Boy Advance SP clone for discounts, and Prime Day has delivered with 20% off. The discount brings it under $60, which is a fair price to pay for a portable that'll emulate plenty of '90s and 2000s systems while providing clamshell goodness.

The Retron GX and I didn't originally see eye to eye due to its fussy physical game compatibility. That said, it keeps naturally falling in price, and while it's technically not discounted, this HDMI PC Engine remake could help you break into a new console collection for just over $60. It originally came in at closer to $100, it does feel like a system worth considering if you're itching to fill another shelf.

Highlighting the OSSC is a personal retro Prime Day deal tradition, but I'm still waiting for some sort of discount this year. The McBazel version of this HDMI upscaler tends to be the cheapest, even without offers applied, and the sale has knocked it under $100.

A 10% discount takes this unique trackball bartop Centepede cabinet down to a new record low for Prime Day, as it normally holds fast at $200. Back in February, this mini machine was closer to $250, and while its games are limited compared to some systems, it offers an authentic way to play a forgotten genre.

Typically speaking, I'd only recommend picking up the Atari 2600+ when it's a chunk under $100. The Pac-Man version is a different story, though, as it's liable to sell out faster and never return to virtual shelves. In those situations, I find that resellers start selling special editions of systems for well above MSRP, so it's worth keeping this collectable console on your radar over Prime Day.