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Finding the best retro gifts can be a minefield – even more so than hunting down the best gifts for gamers. Fans of old-school gear are very particular, after all, so getting them the right thing isn't an easy task.
Luckily, the GamesRadar+ experts and I are here to help. We're all massive nerds as is, but we also have the likes of retro aficionado Phil Hayton (who handles all our coverage of the best retro consoles) to help with recommendations. As a result, you'll find the very best retro gifts to suit a variety of interests below – no matter what your loved one plays on, be it emulators or OG consoles hooked up to modern screens. There are even a few collectibles up for grabs if you want to play it safe.
Better yet, these will all arrive long before the Christmas rush. That means you can rest easy during the Holidays knowing that you're all set before the big day.
Best retro gifts
Look at it, it's beautiful. Who doesn't want one of the most iconic consoles of all time dangling from their Christmas tree? This Xbox 360 ornament comes as part of Hallmark's 2025 collection and is sure to light up any room (just hopefully not with a red ring).
See all Hallmark gaming ornaments at Amazon
If you're shopping for anyone that's stuck with PlayStation since the beginning (or good stocking-fillers in general), this is the perfect option. Besides having the iconic PlayStation symbols on its cards, the tin is based on the classic PS1.
Its graphic novel format means we get a fairly surface-level account of gaming's origins all the way through to Minecraft and Angry Birds. Still, with in-depth spotlights on Nolan Bushnell, Jerry Lawson, and Shigeru Miyamoto, and the energetic art of Jack McGowan, there's plenty for retro lovers to pore over in here.
See all video game history books at Amazon
Hunting down something cheap and cheerful for fans of arcade machines? This is the perfect retro gift. Besides being surprisingly affordable, it's highly-detailed yet small enough to fit on a desk or shelf without dominating the space. It even comes with tiny Lego coins to insert!
See all retro sets at Lego
Silent Hill 2 Remastered was one of the biggest launches on PS5 in the last year or so, and its soundtrack was a stone-cold banger. If you're shopping for someone who adores the series and loves vinyl too, this is a match made in (creepy) heaven.
See all video game vinyl at Amazon
The Super Pocket invokes the glory days of the Game Boy in more ways than one, and it's perfect for the player in your life who likes collecting physical carts. Not only does it have access to over 500 games via Evercade cartridges, but for under $60, you're getting a portable console with a selection of games built in.
See more gaming handhelds at Amazon
Using original gamepads is all fine and well, but I know a few retro console owners who are itching to use modern controllers with their old systems. The solution? Well, 8Bitdo makes a bunch of adapters for the PS1, GameCube, SNES, and more that'll provide wireless connectivity to new pads.
See more retro accessories at Amazon
If you know someone who was brought up by the Commodore 64, giving them a tiny version is a no-brainer. The original C64 Mini is technically discontinued, but it's still around for now and boasts 64 built-in classic games, a USB joystick, HDMI output, and modern perks like save states.
More plug-and-play consoles at Amazon
This is another retro console that's now discontinued, so if you've got a fighting game fanatic in your life, I'd grab this tiny arcade machine while it's still around. It's packing its own integrated screen, controls, and 40 SNK classics, but the Neo Geo Mini's secret weapon is HDMI output and USB controller support.
More mini arcade machines at Amazon
How to choose the best retro gifts
I've been giving and receiving retro gifts for what feels like aeons now, and the dos and don'ts are burned into my brain. I'd love to tell you picking out the perfect present is as easy as typing "retro games" into Google and hammering the buy button on the first thing you see, but that is a recipe for disappointment.
You see, "retro" is an extremely broad term, especially when it comes to gaming. Not everyone will have fond memories of the same consoles and classic capers, and you can't even make assumptions based on age. In truth, the only real way to start hunting for gifts of the vintage variety is to find out the games your special someone enjoys, as that will drastically narrow down your options.
By that, I don't even simply mean genre, as I've had well-meaning family members buy me cheap novelty arcade machines with faux games on them based on a general assumption. If you can actually sniff out specific series, franchises, or even platforms, you'll stand a better chance of finding a gift that actually suits their tastes.
Let's just say, for example, your chosen player loves '90s 16-bit classics like Sonic the Hedgehog. Depending on what they already own, you could provide them with a new way to play the blue blur's OG outings. If they've still got their Sega Genesis, or they use something newer to revisit Green Hill Zone, thinking about novelty toys and game room décor might be a better call.
Picking up new retro consoles for playing old games can be an easy solution, especially if you go for an all-in-one package with access to multiple adventures and classics. You'll want to think hard about whether they'd actually want a new system, though, as if they already have an expansive collection or a robust emulation setup, you might be buying them something they technically already have.
Opting for specific gadgets for retro consoles they own is a solid move, too. New gizmos for old systems are constantly arriving, and you could beat your giftee to the chase by picking up new gamepads, controller adapters, and visual-enhancing upscalers first. I'd always check in on our coverage first to make sure each is highly rated, as some add-ons might not be worthwhile for specific setups.
Ultimately, the more you can learn about the retro fan you're buying for, the better. If you can get a nosy around their cave, that'll help you buying them dupes, and making note of all the games they enjoy can help you get experimental. Over the past five years, we've ended up with so many great consoles, novelty items, and toys that tie into franchise you'd never expect, and you'll be surprised how easy it is to find something to fit a specific niche.
If you want more cool gear, be sure to check out the best gaming handhelds. There are some fun throwbacks in our guide to the best Lego sets, too.
