The gamer already has a headset and a mouse. A Hall effect controller, a retro handheld console or a TV stick that goes up to PS2: gifts that won't end up as duplicates.
A successful gift for a gamer is the one they don't already own: a PC or console player has their headset, their mouse and their controller, picked down to the last gram. What they often lack is a machine for playing somewhere other than in front of their setup, or for going back to the games that made them a gamer in the first place. A retro handheld console, a TV stick or a Hall effect controller fills that gap, with no risk of buying a duplicate.
| What the gamer does | Gift idea | What it gives them |
|---|---|---|
| Mostly plays on PC | Wireless controller with Hall effect sticks | A controller that doesn't drift, also for Steam and Switch |
| Travels, takes the train | Retro handheld console | Thousands of classics in their pocket, no connection needed |
| Has friends over | TV stick with two controllers | Two-player sessions on the living-room TV |
| Grew up with the PS2 | PS2-compatible console or stick | The games of their youth on a modern screen |
Why retro makes one of the best gifts for gamers
Gaming gift lists all revolve around the same accessories: headset, XXL mouse pad, mechanical keyboard, gift card. The problem is that the gamer already has all of that, and chooses it themselves. Giving them a peripheral they didn't pick means taking the risk of getting it wrong.
Retro gaming avoids that trap. An emulation console doesn't compete with their PC or their PS5: it does something else. It slips into a bag, switches on in a few seconds and runs the NES, Super Nintendo, Game Boy Advance, Mega Drive (Genesis) or PS1 games they learned to play on. And the SD card with preloaded OS saves them from setting up an emulator, which they would know how to do but never find the time for.
For the PC gamer: the controller missing from their setup
Plenty of PC players use a keyboard and mouse, then dig out an old controller for racing games, platformers or indie titles. That controller is often the weak spot on the desk.
The P01 controller, Bluetooth and Hall effect
The P01 wireless controller uses Hall effect joysticks and triggers, which read position with magnets instead of a contact that wears out: no drift over time. It connects over Bluetooth 5.3, 2.4 GHz or USB-C, and works on PC, Steam Deck, Switch, Android and iOS. A 6-axis gyroscope, rumble, two macro buttons and an RGB ring complete the package.
The card reader, for managing a game library
For someone who already owns a retro console, the 4-in-1 SD and microSD card reader with USB-C and USB-A lets them add games and back up their card from a computer or a phone. A small gift, but the one you always end up looking for at the worst possible moment.
For the gamer on the move: a handheld console
The train, the plane, the lunch break: that is where a pocket console really makes sense. It switches on straight to the game list and needs no connection at all to play.
The R36 Ultra X 4.5″, the sharp screen
The R36 Ultra X displays its games on a fully laminated 4.5″ panel at 1024×768, with rumble and WiFi to add games without taking the card out. Up to 15,000 games on its 64 GB card, from NES to PS1.
The X36 Ultra 4.2″ running Android
For the gamer who also wants their videos and music, the X36 Ultra runs Android 10 with WiFi, a laminated 4.2″ screen and up to 20,000 games on its 64 GB card.
The K59 5.5″, all the way up to PS2
The player who wants the maximum will look at the K59: a 5.5″ Full HD touchscreen, a MediaTek Helio G99 chip, 6 GB of memory and Android 14. It emulates up to PS2 and gives access to Android apps.
For the gamer who hosts: retro gaming on the TV
Evenings with friends are the other use a PC handles poorly. An HDMI stick plugs into any TV in ten seconds and comes with two wireless controllers.
The M88, the stick that goes up to PS2
An octa-core chip, 128 GB and two wireless controllers: the M88 stick goes up to PS2 and GameCube, with up to 20,000 games. It is the most complete of our sticks, and a gift that everyone passing through the living room gets to enjoy.
The X9 Pro, for arcade fans
The X9 Pro covers more than 40 systems, including CPS1, CPS2 and CPS3 arcade boards: the fighting games and shoot'em ups of the old arcades, for two players, on the TV.
Cheap gaming gifts
For a Secret Santa, a stocking filler or a second gift, a few useful ideas on a small budget:
- The hard EVA carrying case, for 3.5″ consoles or 4″ models, which protects the console inside a bag.
- The tempered glass protector cut to fit the screen of the R36H or the R36S Plus.
- The 3″ mini console with up to 500 8-bit games, as a playful nod.
If the gamer is also a geek in the broader sense, our gifts for geeks widen the choice, from the TV stick to the 7″ big screen.
FAQ: gifts for gamers
What do you get a gamer who has everything?
Something that does a different job from their main setup: a retro handheld console for playing on the go, or a TV stick for playing with others on the television. It doesn't duplicate their PC or console, and it takes them back to their very first games.
What are useful things for a gamer?
A reliable wireless controller, a way to play away from home and a case to carry their machine around. On a controller, look at the joysticks first: with Hall effect sticks, they don't drift as they wear.
What gaming gift can you get for under €30?
The P01 controller, a hard case, a tempered glass protector or a card reader all stay within that budget and get used every day. Up-to-date prices are shown on each product page.
Would a PC gamer care about a retro console?
Yes, precisely because it doesn't replace their PC. It starts in a few seconds, needs no connection and runs the classics from NES to PS1, or up to PS2 on the most powerful models.
Do you have to install emulators yourself?
No. The consoles ship with an SD card with preloaded OS: the menu opens on the list of systems, you choose the game and you play. Adding games is still possible through the card or over WiFi, depending on the model.
When is the last day to order for Christmas?
Delivery to the United Kingdom takes 5 to 8 business days, preparation included: order by December 14 at the latest to aim for delivery before Christmas. For the United States, allow 6 to 10 business days and order by December 10 at the latest. Delivery times by country are on the shipping and delivery page.
