If you’re looking for something a little more old-school than the latest AAA game, then you’re not alone. There are plenty of gamers who prefer the good old days of the Sega Genesis, the PlayStation Classic, and other throwbacks to console generations from a time where we wouldn’t even have considered ray-tracing. Newer isn’t always better, so here’s our list of some of the best retro gifts for the holidays for the legacy gamer in your life.
Best Retro Gifts for the Holidays – Sega Genesis Mini
If you’re after a taste of retro gaming, then you can’t go wrong with the heralded Sega Genesis Mini. The Mini has a full suite of old classics like Contra: Hard Corps, Earthworm Jim, Mega Man: The Wily Wars, and even the likes of the original Sonic the Hedgehog. It has 42 games in its collection, which is quite the number compared to other retro console “reboots” that are being offered on the market currently, so this library is definitely worth the pick-up if you consider yourself a fan of the good ol’ days.
Best Retro Gifts for the Holidays – Disney Classic Games: Aladdin and The Lion King
With Disney making a resurgence with its streaming offerings that we’ve been more than happy to pick up on, what better time to get into some of the company’s most beloved material. We’re talking about some childhood favorites here – the Aladdin and The Lion King games. They’ve been re-released for the PS4, PC, Switch and Xbox One this year and we promise that they’ll be nostalgic fun for the whole family.
Best Retro Gifts for the Holidays – PlayStation Console Shaped Bifold Wallet
If you want to wear your love for Sony on your sleeve, then this wallet that looks like just like the classic console is a perfect gift. It’s got a coin pocket, note and card slots, and fastens with a button so it can keep all your money safe. Also, it’s official Sony merch, which means that those after quality can breathe a sigh of relief.
Best Retro Gifts for the Holidays – Triforce Journal
The Legend of Zelda is a timeless franchise, but if the latest Link’s Awakening release is a little too modern for you then let’s take it all the way back to pen and paper. We’re talking about a good, old-fashioned journal with the Triforce emblazoned on the front. That’s right, something that you can write in, using some sort of implement that isn’t a keyboard. What’s more retro than that?
Best Retro Gifts for the Holidays – Street Fighter II Home Arcade
This one’s more significant to splash out on, but if you’re after something to really bring back memories of being at the arcade, shelling out coins next to your mates to have a go on the brightest, flashiest machine, then this the definitive purchase. What better way to bring back those memories than to have an actual Street Fighter II Home Arcade?
Best Retro Gifts for the Holidays – Nintendo Super Mario Bowser v Mario 3-Pack Diorama
There are few rivals as iconic in video games as Mario and Bowser. With a feud that’s lasted decades, the two have really stood the test of time, and it’s nice to have something to commemorate this long-standing relationship with. We recommend the official World of Nintendo Super Mario Bowser v Mario diorama – it comes with three figures and lets you lock the two enemies in a duel forever in whatever location you please.
Best Retro Gifts for the Holidays – PlayStation Classic
If you have fond memories of the PlayStation and how it revolutionized gaming, then you can’t really go wrong with the PlayStation Classic. While it doesn’t quite have the heft of the original (it’s about half the size), you’ll have a virtual memory card, a pair of wired controllers, and 20 retro titles to enjoy. We’re talking Final Fantasy VII, Tekken, Wild Arms, and other notable highlights.
Now that you’ve got our list of the best retro gifts for the holidays, seeking out great deals on these at various retailers should be a piece of cake. Need a hand with picking out anything else for the family? We’ve got Black Friday gift guides galore:
- Best Xbox One Black Friday Deals
- Best GameStop Black Friday Deals 2019
- Epic Games Store Black Friday 2019 Deals
