The more things change, the more they stay the same – or so the old adage goes. That can certainly feel true in the modern era when so many AAA titles feel like reskins of previous games (looking at you, Call of Duty). That’s the beauty of a retro gaming Christmas gift. Many gamers cast their eyes back to previous generations, when every game was as difficult as Demon’s Souls and the best racing title available was Ridge Racer.
However, it can be tough to shop for a retro gamer, especially if you don’t know what they already have or even what they’re interested in.
The good news is that you don’t have to look for specific titles (although the new Golden Axe 1Up Arcade will be a hit no matter who gets it), but instead look for gifts that complement the retro aesthetic. We’ve thrown together a list to help get you started.
The Oregon Trail Card Game
Every one of our American readers remembers playing The Oregon Trail on PC back in the 90s. The classic story of a pioneer’s journey across the untamed wilds of early 19th-century America and his fight against dysentery entertained many a schoolchild.
Now you can recreate that same fun with up to six friends with this card game. While a playthrough only takes half an hour or so, it can be surprisingly difficult to make it to the end.
TurboGrafx-16 Mini
The TurboGrafx-16 is a system that is often overlooked by gamers, but it had a ton of great games that any retro gamer should look into. The TurboGrafx-16 Mini brings back some of the best titles on the platform in a smaller package that is compatible on modern televisions.
Also known as the PC Engine, the TurboGrax-16 released in 1987 and had a total of 686 games over its lifespan. The TurboGrafx-16 Mini is a great way to revisit some of the standouts, as it has 25 TurboGrafx games and 32 PC Engine (Japanese) games.
(The set includes only one controller so you might need to pick up a second if you and the giftee are going share a retro gaming Christmas moment.)
FF DOT: The Pixel Art of Final Fantasy
There are still those people out there that try to argue video games are not art. If you know someone like that (or you just want a weapon to help prove them wrong), check out FF Dot: The Art of Final Fantasy. This book demonstrates exactly how beautiful early pixel art was, especially in the first few Final Fantasy games.
You’ll spend hours staring at the pages, and then even more time going back and firing up the NES to play through FF1 again. With 280 pages of art, sprites, and more, this book is a great gift for any retro gamer.
Super Mario Fridge Magnets
Who says video games have no place in the kitchen? These Super Mario-themed fridge magnets are a fantastic gift choice. Not only are the adorable, but they add a bit of your favorite hobby to the kitchen. With 21 different magnets, you can lay out your own Super Mario level on the fridge.
Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros
Game and Watch was a handheld electronic game first released in 1980. It’s an iconic device that many people had never heard of until Mr. Game and Watch made his appearance in Super Smash Bros. A modern version of the handheld released this year that is not only a handheld game, but also an alarm clock.
It’s a great gift that lets retro gamers use their favorite hobby for something they can justify to non-gamers as useful: telling time and waking them up in the morning. Just don’t stay up all night playing Super Mario Bros.
Nintendo Patent Poster Prints
There’s a certain appeal in concept art and old-school designs. These poster prints are fantastic gifts, especially if you frame them ahead of time.
They make for interesting wall art and conversation pieces that show everything from the SNES controller to the N64 itself. At just $18/€18/£13 for a set of four posters, this gift is extra-affordable.
The Game Console: A Photographic History From Atari to Xbox
There are coffee table books, and then there’s The Game Console. This is a heavy, hardcover book with high-quality photographs of 86 different game consoles. If you know someone that loves retro games, this is the perfect gift.
It’s an educational tour through the history and evolution of gaming from its first steps in the Atari to the Xbox One, Playstation 4, and Wii U. Due to its age, the most recent consoles aren’t included–but this is for retro gamers anyway. Pffff, who cares about PlayStation 5 anyway?
That was our Retro Christmas Gaming Gift Guide, thanks for reading and we hope you find the perfect present for the retro gamer/middle-aged person in life.