Retro Gaming Gifts That Actually Get Played
A budget retro handheld is one of the easiest gifts for anyone who grew up with a Game Boy, SNES or PlayStation. Below are the handhelds worth giving, the small add-ons that make them better, and a short checklist so the gift works the moment it is unwrapped.
Quick answer
For most retro gamers, give the R36H with a quality microSD card. For someone who wants something truly pocket-sized, give the Miyoo Mini Plus. Add a case if it will travel.
For the Gamer Dad (or Anyone Who Grew Up With a SNES)
Pick by the games they loved. For home-console classics such as SNES, Genesis and PlayStation, a horizontal device with two sticks feels most natural. For Game Boy and Game Boy Color favourites, a square screen shows them larger. See R36H vs R36 Max for the details.
R36H
Horizontal grip, two analog sticks and a removable battery. Comfortable for long sessions with SNES, Genesis and PlayStation classics.
Check Price on Amazon →R36 Max
A vertical, Game Boy-style body with a square 4-inch screen that suits Game Boy and Game Boy Color favourites.
Check Price →For Someone Who Wants It Pocket-Sized
These two are smaller vertical devices without analog sticks. They suit 2D classics and short sessions on the go. Compare them in our budget handheld guide.
Miyoo Mini Plus
Small enough for a jeans pocket, with Wi-Fi and a well-loved community firmware. No analog sticks.
Check Price →TrimUI Brick
A sharp 3.2-inch 1024×768 screen and a premium-feeling build. No analog sticks.
Check Price →Stocking Stuffers and Add-Ons
Small, useful extras for someone who already owns a handheld, or to go alongside one. Cases and protectors below are sized for the R36H; see all accessories for other fits.
SanDisk Ultra 128GB microSD
A reliable card to replace or back up the bundled one. The most useful add-on for any of these handhelds.
Check Price →R36H Hard Case
A hard-shell travel case listed for the R36H, with a wrist strap and carabiner.
Check Price →microSD Card Reader
Lets the recipient back up the stock card and add games from a computer.
Check Price →R36H Screen Protector
Tempered glass sized for the R36H's 3.5-inch screen, in a three-pack.
Check Price →Before You Wrap It: A 5-Minute Checklist
- Charge it. Charge over USB-C with a standard 5V charger so it is ready to play on the day.
- Test it once. Power it on and launch one game to confirm the screen and buttons work. That is much easier to sort out before the gift is given.
- Back up the card. Bundled cards are the most common failure point. Copy the card to a computer, or clone it to a quality card. See the SD card guide.
- Note the two key shortcuts. On ArkOS-based handhelds, Select + Start exits a game and Select + X opens the RetroArch menu. A sticky note in the box saves a lot of frustration. The R36H manual covers the rest.
- Keep the receipt and packaging. Budget handhelds vary between batches, so keep the return window open.
About pre-loaded games: many listings advertise thousands of included games. Playing games you do not own may not be legal where you live, and the recipient can instead add backups of their own games. See how to add games.