Join me as I hunt for the best Black Friday retro deals I'd actually buy

2025 is the year of the N64, but you don't have to buy an expensive new remake

If there were a console Zodiac, this would absolutely be the year of the Nintendo 64. I mean, not only is the Analogue 3D now serving up 4K goodness using FPGA tech, but Modretro is set to reveal its FPGA N64 tomorrow, too. That might have you looking at your original console in despair, wondering if it's even worth trying to replay Ocarina of Time on something that can't plug straight into your TV and features low-res, blurry visuals.

The gatekeepers would have you thinking that's the case, and while I think the Analogue 3D is outstanding, it's still worth playing a real N64. I'll be sharing upscaling solutions that'll help you achieve nice visuals using the OG system, even the versions that only support composite. But, even if you do just want to grab the cheapest HDMI adapter at Amazon, that's a completely valid way to play.

Ultimately, my goal is to help you actually play N64 games in 2025. I'll offer up nicer gamepad solutions and remedies for the console's soft graphics, but you should stick with the setup you can afford and prefer. It's easy to feel pressured into enthusiastic solutions, especially during Black Friday, but that won't be happening here.

Check out N64 accessories at Amazon

Praise Hylia, the Zelda Game and Watch has finally dropped in price again

Earlier this year, I shared a price drop on Nintendo's Zelda: Game and Watch handheld that resulted in a stock wipeout. When it eventually showed back up, it was wearing a higher $70 price tag. That was a huge bummer considering it was under $60, but I'm thrilled to report it's now back for cheaper.

I'm not saying you should immediately buy the Zelda: Game and Watch, but I'm honestly not sure how long it'll stick around for. It's highly collectable, and while it only comes with the OG Legend of Zelda, Adventure of Link, and Link's Awakening, it's the closest thing we have to an official Game Boy Classic Edition. Its D-pad and screen are exactly what I'd want from a remake of Nintys '90s handheld, not to mention the battery life is ridiculous (mine is still running even though I haven't charged it in a year.)

Zelda: Game and Watch | $68.99 $53.49 at Amazon

8Bitdo's ridiculously clicky Neo Geo controller is also under $30

Yes, this is the same controller I use with the Neo Geo Mini, but 8Bitdo's wireless take on SNK's console gamepad isn't just for that arcade machine. I actually use it with the Analogue Pocket in docked mode, and I'm willing to bet you've never used a pad with a clicky stick quite like this. It's phenomenally tactile, and naturally fantastic for arcade romps and fighters, but I'd say it's a good option for any 8 and 16-bit games that only require four face buttons max.

It's currently under $27, and I'd say that's a nice price considering its build quality and functionality. It'll work with PC and Switch too, so if you've never held an original Neo Geo AGS controller, or just love the idea of a clicky stick, this is well worth a look.

8Bitdo Neo Geo controller | $29.99 $26.99 at Amazon

My favorite way to play SNK fighting games is creeping down in price

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Say what you like about the Neo Geo Mini and it's original MSRP, but I absolutely think the tiny arcade machine is worth just over $50. That just so happens to be what it's going for right now at Amazon, with a sneaky coupon knocking it down even further. Even without a discount, it's nowhere near its $109.99 launch price, which understandably rubbed some enthusiasts the wrong way due to its lack of mechanical controls (no clicky switches here, just membranes and analogue sticks, baby)

It's absolutely worth watching mini consoles like this, especially during Black Friday. The Neo Geo Mini is technically discontinued, and while sellers seem to have plenty of units still available, even slight discounts could cause stock to dry up. That will then in turn result in it costing more in the future, and believe me when I say I've kicked myself over not grabbing similar consoles in the past while they were at their cheapest.

TL;DR - Great mini console for fighting games, and connects to your TV via HDMI!

Neo Geo Mini | $59.90 $51.21 at Amazon

Hello, welcome, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Hey there!

Hope you're all having a great Thanksgiving, and welcome to my Black Friday retro deal hunting party. Feel free to take a metaphorical seat and a beverage of your choice as I share with you the latest console and handheld drops that are actually worth your time.

Don't worry, I'm not here to shout at you to spend money. We're keeping things chill here as we chat a bit about retro consoles that are included in the Black Friday sale, whether they're actually worth picking up rather than sticking with an OG system. I'll naturally be sharing ways to get the most out your old hardware too, as I'm big into enhancing setups so that your favorite old adventures still look incredible in 2025.

Even if you've no plans to buy anything at all this Black Friday, you're still more than welcome to hang out. I'll be chatting plenty about all things retro over the next few days, and I'll be sharing some highlights from my personal collection if that's your jam.