Let’s be real, every family has that one gamer who’s all about the classics. You know, the one who thinks a SNES controller is the perfect design, or that the original Pokémon theme song is unbeatable? And honestly, they’ve got a point! There’s just something special about revisiting those games from our childhood. That’s why retro-themed gifts are always a hit during the holidays – they’re a guaranteed win!
If you’re looking for a gift for a gamer who loves classic video games – whether they collect old cartridges or you just want to get them a small present – there are lots of great options. Here are some of the best gifts for the retro gaming enthusiast in your life, perfect for 2025, ranging from interesting books to fun novelty items.
Best Retro Gaming Gifts For 2025
Press Reset by Jason Schrier
Jason Schreier, a seasoned journalist, wrote “Press Reset,” which is widely considered one of the best books about video game development and the people behind it. Instead of summarizing it, here’s how Schreier describes the book himself.
The video game industry appears successful on the surface, but it’s often difficult to understand what really happens behind the scenes. “Press Reset” shares the true stories of game developers who worked on famous titles like BioShock Infinite, Epic Mickey, and Dead Space, and then experienced the devastating impact of their studios closing. The book details how these individuals coped with job loss, rebuilt their careers, or left the industry altogether.
Original Xbox: The Console and the Games by Jonathan Clarke and Clarke
For dedicated Xbox fans, the new book Original Xbox: The Console offers a trip down memory lane with a visual look at every game released for the original console.
This book, created by the team at Xbox Era, is a vibrant, full-color journey through gaming history. Spanning 360 pages, it showcases more than 790 games, including classics like Fable, MechAssault, Halo: Combat Evolved, and the original Forza Motorsport. It’s a tribute to the console that launched a generation of gaming.
The 100 Greatest Console Video Games: 1988-1998 by Brett Weiss
Following the success of their popular book about games from 1977-1987, the authors have released a new edition, ‘The 100 Greatest Console Video Games: 1988-1998,’ covering the next decade.
This book showcases 100 games, each with a detailed history spanning two to three pages. You’ll find information on how the games were made, interesting details, and insights from the developers.
A Handheld History by Lost in Cult
A Handheld History is the final book on this list, and it’s a nostalgic trip through gaming. It revisits cherished memories of older consoles and portable games – like long car rides powered by AA batteries – and then brings you up to date with today’s massive mobile games.
Mario Heat Changing Mug
This mug is perfect for coffee or tea lovers! When it’s empty, it displays a classic Super Mario level. But pour in a hot beverage, and the design magically changes – the mug darkens and reveals extra details.
Gameboy Lego Set
LEGO offers many sets inspired by video games, and the Gameboy set is particularly popular. With 421 pieces, it builds a detailed Gameboy, complete with a screen, two game cartridges you can insert, and the ability to display either a Nintendo start screen or a placeholder for a game in progress.
Nintendo NES Coasters
Protect your furniture and celebrate your favorite retro games with these NES-themed coasters! They’re designed to look like classic cartridges from games like Metroid, Duck Hunt, Donkey Kong, and Super Mario Bros., among others. Now you can show off your fandom without leaving water rings!
Super Mario Coin Block Pillow Plush
While there are lots of comfy pillows out there, the Mario coin block pillow is designed for something a little different – letting you relieve stress! Feel free to punch it, but don’t expect any coins to come out. You can always try, though!
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Subscription (12 months)
Okay, so as a gamer who loves the classics, this is awesome! With a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, I don’t just get to replay NES, SNES, and Game Boy games – I also have access to Sega Genesis, N64, and GameCube titles. It’s like a retro dream come true on my Switch!
If your gamer loved one already has a lot of games to play, adding these nostalgic titles makes a fantastic gift.
8Bitdo Bluetooth Retro Receiver for PS1, PS2, and Windows
Want to use a modern controller with your classic PlayStation 1 or 2? 8Bitdo’s Retro Receiver lets you wirelessly connect controllers like those for Xbox, PlayStation 4 & 5, Wii U Pro, and Nintendo Switch Pro to your older consoles. Now you can comfortably play from across the room!
The Oregon Trail Card Game
As a huge fan of the original Oregon Trail, I was so excited to try this card game! It’s a fantastic way to get that same nostalgic feeling without being glued to a screen. Plus, it’s perfect for game nights – you can play with anywhere from 2 to 6 people. And the best part? It even has that awesome 8-bit art style that really brings back memories – just watch out for dysentery, it follows you everywhere!
Atari 2600+ PAC-MAN Edition Console
If you’re nostalgic for the original Atari 2600 or curious about this retro console, the Atari 2600+ offers a great experience. It comes with a wireless joystick and plays both 2600 and 7800 games. Plus, it includes Pac-Man for both systems and connects to modern TVs via HDMI.
Planning your holiday shopping for 2025? We’re curious – are there any retro or nostalgic gaming gifts you’re hoping to get or give? Share your ideas in the comments below, and come chat with us on the TopMob Discord server!
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2025-11-19 23:50