This post contains affiliate links. That means I earn a commission when you click the links and place an order.
Step into the time machine and embark on a journey to the era of pixelated adventures and joystick mastery. For the 80s and 90s kids who grew up in the golden age of gaming, finding the perfect gift to evoke those cherished memories can be a delightful challenge. Fear not, as we've curated the ultimate list of the 10 best gifts for retro gamers.
1. Super Mario Bros Game & Watch - Classic charm in handheld time capsule
The Mario Bros Game and Watch handheld, available through the provided Amazon link, is a delightful homage to the classic Nintendo Game & Watch series. This handheld wonder features not only the iconic Mario but also includes the timeless gameplay of Super Mario Bros and Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels.
With a modern twist, it incorporates a crystal-clear LCD screen, vivid colors, and sleek design, capturing the essence of the original while introducing it to a new generation. Portable and compact, this Game and Watch device is perfect for on-the-go gaming or as a cherished collector's item for enthusiasts of the beloved plumber from the Mushroom Kingdom. Nostalgic yet cutting-edge, the Mario Bros Game and Watch handheld beautifully merges the past and present, providing hours of retro gaming joy in the palm of your hands.
Click below to purchase the Super Mario Bros Game & Watch.
2. Super Mario Wonder - Warp-pipe to childhood joy
Embark on a captivating journey through the nostalgia-filled Flower Kingdom with Super Mario Wonder, the latest side-scrolling adventure in the iconic Super Mario series. Perfect for any retro gaming enthusiast, this game immerses players in the magic of Wonder Flowers, offering surprising and game-changing effects, such as animated pipes and enemy stampedes. With the largest cast of characters ever in a side-scrolling Mario game, including classics like Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, and more, it's a delightful throwback for any retro gamer. The inclusion of four different-colored Yoshis and Nabbit, providing damage immunity, eases players into the action. Uncover the thrill of new power-ups like the Elephant Fruit, transforming characters into playful elephants capable of unique abilities. Super Mario Wonder ensures an immersive and exhilarating gaming experience, making it an ideal gift that will enchant any retro gamer.
Click below to purchase Super Mario Bros Wonder.
3. Retro Gaming Shirts - Retro Style for the Modern Retro Gamer
As a retro gamer, one of the my favorite ways to show off my love my video games is to wear cool shirts. Help the gamer in your life start a collection of retro gaming shirts, showcasing iconic characters and logos that ignite childhood nostalgia. T-shirts serve as wearable time capsules, seamlessly transporting gamers back to the golden era of console wars and pixelated glory. Whether it's a timeless Mario design or a nostalgic Sonic the Hedgehog throwback, each shirt encapsulates the essence of gaming history. Gift a retro gamer one of these shirts to not just enhance their wardrobe but to immerse them in a sartorial journey through the captivating nostalgia of classic gaming.
Here are a few retro gaming shirts that are available on Amazon.
4. Retro Gaming Ornaments - Deck the Halls with Pixels: Classic Games for a Nostalgic Holiday
Indulge in the holiday spirit with a touch of nostalgia! Adorn your tree with retro gaming ornaments showcasing beloved games like Donkey Kong, Sonic, and the legendary Legend of Zelda. These ornaments transcend mere decorations; they are miniature time machines, whisking gamers back to the exhilaration of holidays gone by. Help your loved one share the love for classic gaming by adding these iconic symbols to their festive decor, turning holiday celebrations into a vibrant homage to gaming history.
Click below to get a closer look at a few retro gaming Christmas ornaments available on Amazon through Hallmark.
5. Retro Gaming Mugs and Coasters - Sip and Play: 80s and 90s Nostalgia in Every Sip
Start the day with a cup of joe in a mug that celebrates the iconic characters of retro gaming. Paired with matching coasters, these practical gifts are a stylish addition to any gaming den. Perfect for the 80s and 90s kids who want to infuse their daily routines with a dose of pixelated charm.
Here are a few mugs to get you started.
You can find a few retro gaming coasters below.
6. Arcade 1Up Cabinet - Relive the Glory Days: A Must-Have for Every Retro Gamer's Den
Surprising a devoted retro gamer with an Arcade 1Up Cabinet is an extraordinary choice. Impeccably crafted, it becomes a captivating portal to the golden era of gaming. The cabinet, in scaled-down or full-sized versions, transcends nostalgia, merging style with functionality, elevating any gaming space. It's more than furniture; it's a celebration of classic gaming joy—a personalized, immersive experience etching enduring memories. As a creation of Arcade1Up, these cabinets aren't just replicas; they're portals to relive the magic of retro games at home.
Arcade1Up Cabinets boast a curated selection of timeless games, including classics like Dragon's Lair, Ms. PAC-MAN, Galaga, Street Fighter II, and my personal favorites The Simpsons and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Arcade1Up Cabinets offer an immersive, genuine gaming encounter—a gift that invests in cherished memories and pays homage to the enduring joy of classic gaming.
You can find Arcade 1Up cabinets on Amazon and on their official website.
7. N64 to HDMI Converter - Level Up Your Gaming: Bridging the Gap Between Nostalgia and Modern Tech
This N64 to HDMI converter is a game-changer for retro gaming enthusiasts looking to revive classics like "Super Mario 64," "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time," and "GoldenEye 007." The device ingeniously bridges the gap between the classic Nintendo 64 console and modern display technologies by converting the N64's analog signal to a crisp HDMI output. Users laud its plug-and-play simplicity, eliminating the need for complex setups or additional power sources. The converter supports various resolutions, delivering a visually enhanced gaming experience without compromising on authenticity. With a sturdy build and positive customer reviews highlighting its reliability, this N64 to HDMI converter is a must-have for anyone seeking to resurrect the nostalgic charm of their Nintendo 64 games on contemporary displays. Whether you're a seasoned retro gamer or introducing a new generation to classic titles, this converter seamlessly brings the magic of "Super Mario 64," "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time," and other beloved N64 games to the forefront of modern entertainment setups.
You can grab the N64 converter here!
8. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Cowabunga Collection - Bringing Back the Heroes in a Half-Shell for 80s and 90s Kids
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Cowabunga Collection, as featured on the provided Amazon link, is a shell-shocking tribute to the beloved heroes in a half shell. This comprehensive collection for PlayStation 5 brings together a treasure trove of TMNT content, including 13 classic games spanning the turtles' video game legacy. From the iconic "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time" to the modern "TMNT: Mutants in Manhattan," this compilation offers a nostalgic journey through the turtles' adventures. With updated visuals, enhanced gameplay, and additional features, this collection is a must-have for fans eager to relive the ninja action and camaraderie of Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael in their quest to save New York City. Cowabunga indeed!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Cowabunga collection is available on PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch.
9. The 100 Greatest Retro Video Games - A Literary Adventure Through Gaming History for Retro Enthusiasts
The book titled "100 Greatest Retro Video Games" is undoubtedly a captivating journey for gaming enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive exploration of iconic games and their fascinating stories. As outlined on the provided Amazon link, this meticulously curated collection spans a wide array of genres, from platformers and puzzlers to shooters and racing games. Authored by a team of seasoned writers and experts from Retro Gamer magazine, the book not only highlights timeless classics like Pac-Man and Manic Miner but also delves into more recent masterpieces such as Halo: Combat Evolved and Resident Evil 4. The inclusion of in-depth coverage, stunning screenshots, artworks, and exclusive interviews with gaming legends like Shigeru Miyamoto, John Romero, Toru Iwatani, and Alexey Pajitnov elevates this book beyond a mere compilation, making it an essential read for both nostalgic gamers and those seeking a deeper understanding of the gaming industry's evolution. Whether you're a seasoned retro gamer or a newcomer eager to explore the roots of video game culture, "100 Greatest Retro Video Games" promises an enriching celebration of the enduring legacy of these digital masterpieces.
You can check out the book below.
10. Retro Game Controller Poster - A Visual Tribute for Every Retro Gamer
Transport yourself back in time with the Nostalgic Gamer Art poster from Haus and Hues, a captivating homage to the golden era of retro gaming. Ideal for 80s and 90s kids, this visually stunning wall art showcases a graphic history of gaming input devices, ranging from the obscure Atari's Home Pong console of 1975 to iconic joysticks and beloved dualshock controllers. The poster serves as a nostalgic time capsule, evoking memories of pixelated adventures and endless hours of gameplay. Crafted with premium protection in mind, each print is reinforced with recycled chipboard pads and shipped in rigid stay-flat mailers. Whether framed for a polished finish or displayed with poster tape, clipboards, and bulldog clips for a casual vibe, this gamer wall decor adds a unique touch to any space. Gift this perfect gamer gift to fellow enthusiasts and let the nostalgia of classic gaming take center stage in your home or dorm room.
You can grab this retro game controller poster below.
In the world of retro gaming, the joy lies in the journey back to the formative years of video game culture. Whether it's the handheld magic of Game & Watch, the groundbreaking Atari 2600, stylish shirts, festive ornaments, practical mugs and coasters, or the immersive arcade cabinet experience, these gifts are a testament to the enduring appeal of classic gaming. So, as you embark on the quest for the perfect present, remember that the best gift is one that transports your favorite 80s and 90s kids back to the pixelated paradise of their youth.
