Twelve ready-to-play gifts for geeks, sorted by profile: a pocket console, a TV stick for two players, a big screen that goes up to PS2, and small accessories.
The geek gift that never misses is the one that takes them straight back to childhood: a retro handheld console, shipped with its SD card with preloaded OS, that runs NES, Super Nintendo, Game Boy, Mega Drive (Genesis) or PlayStation games the moment the box is opened. There is nothing to install and nothing to set up: plug in, switch on, play. Below are twelve gifts for geeks sorted by profile, from the pocket console to the TV stick, along with the points to check before you buy.
| Geek profile | Gift idea | Why they'll love it |
|---|---|---|
| Nostalgic for the 90s | Pocket console, 3.5″ to 4.5″ | The games of their childhood, from NES to PS1, in their pocket |
| Couple, family, housemates | TV stick with two wireless controllers | Retro gaming on the TV, for two players, through a single HDMI port |
| Demanding player | Big screen, 5.5″ to 7.1″ | Emulation all the way up to PSP, Dreamcast or PS2 |
| The geek who has everything | Wireless controller, protection kit, mini console | The accessory nobody ever buys for themselves |
Gifts for the nostalgic geek: a pocket console
This is the idea that speaks to the most people. A geek aged 30 to 45 grew up with the Game Boy, the Super Nintendo or the first PlayStation, and can still hum the soundtracks. A retro handheld console gives those games back without cartridges or discs: everything sits on the microSD card, sorted by system, and progress can be saved at any moment.
1. The R36S 3.5″, the benchmark pocket format
A 3.5″ IPS screen at 640×480, ArkOS 2.0 already installed and up to 10,000 games depending on the version: the R36S fits in a jeans pocket and boots in a few seconds. Its two analog sticks also cover the PS1 games that need them. It is the easiest gift to get right.
2. The R36H Pro Max 4.2″, for a sharper screen
Same platform, but with a fully laminated 4.2″ panel at 1024×768 and WiFi to add games without taking the card out. The R36H Pro Max comes in seven colors, which helps when you know what the person likes.
3. The R36 Max 2 4.5″, the gift that comes complete
The R36 Max 2 arrives with its case, a tempered glass screen protector, grips and arcade-style joystick caps. A 4.5″ screen at 1024×768, a 4000 mAh battery and rumble: there is nothing left to add to the box.
For two players: retro gaming on the TV
For a geek couple, a family or a shared flat, a handheld has one limit: it is played alone. A TV stick plugs into the HDMI port, runs on USB power and comes with two wireless controllers. Mario Kart, Street Fighter II or Bomberman then find their rightful place again, on the couch.
4. The M15 stick, the entry-level pick for the living room
4K compatible, 64 GB and up to 20,000 games from NES to PS1: the M15 stick is the most direct way to turn a TV into a living-room arcade.
5. The X9 Pro, for arcade nights
The X9 Pro runs EmuELEC, handles more than 40 systems including CPS1, CPS2 and CPS3 arcade boards, and offers up to 30,000 games on 64 GB. It also has WiFi and an Ethernet port.
6. The M88, all the way up to PS2 on the TV
With its octa-core chip and 128 GB of storage, the M88 goes up to PS2 and GameCube. It is the stick for anyone who spent their high school years on the PS2 and wants to find it again on the big screen.
For the demanding player: big screen and serious emulation
Some geeks already know emulation inside out and look at the chip first. For them, the screen matters as much as the list of supported systems: beyond the PS1, you need a more powerful platform than the classic pocket consoles.
7. The H55 5.5″, the all-rounder
A 5.5″ panel, a Rockchip RK3566 chip and 5000 mAh: the H55 reaches PSP and Dreamcast, with up to 15,000 games on its 64 GB card.
8. The M28 7.1″, the extra-large format
A 7.1″ screen, an octa-core chip, Hall effect sticks and triggers, and a kickstand on the back so it can stand on a table: the M28 goes up to PS2 and GameCube.
9. The K59 5.5″ Android 14, for the one who wants it all
A Full HD touchscreen, a MediaTek Helio G99 chip and 6 GB of memory: the K59 emulates up to PS2 and gives access to Android apps. It is the top of the range.
Small geek gifts to go with it
For the geek who already owns a console, or to round off a first gift, these three ideas cost less than a console and get used every single day.
10. The P01 wireless controller with Hall effect sticks
Bluetooth 5.3, Hall effect joysticks and triggers that do not drift over time, a gyroscope and rumble: the P01 controller works on PC, Steam Deck, Switch, Android and iOS. A useful gift even for a player who owns no retro console at all.
11. The protection kit
Hard case, tempered glass protectors and a shell: the R36S 4-in-1 protection kit brings together everything needed to carry the console around without scratching it. It is also available for the R36S Plus and the R36H.
12. The 3″ mini console, the playful nod
A 3″ color screen, up to 500 built-in 8-bit games and an AV output for the TV: the mini handheld console fits in a Christmas stocking. It does not replace a real emulation console, but it is fun from the moment it is unwrapped.
How to choose a retro console as a gift
The retro handheld market is full of models that share the same name without sharing the same components. Before you give one, four points make the difference:
- The screen resolution, not just its size in inches: a 4.5″ panel at 1024×768 is not as crisp as a 4″ panel at 720×720.
- The chip, named on the product page: it sets the last system the console can emulate. An RK3326 stops at the PS1, whatever the size of the screen.
- The real capacity of the microSD card, which some copies artificially inflate.
- The number of games, always stated as a maximum: "up to 10,000 games" depends on the version and on the card.
Each of these checks is explained in our guide retro handheld consoles: are they legit and how to spot a fake. If you are still torn between two models, the quiz gives you an answer in six questions.
FAQ: gifts for geeks, the questions to ask before buying
What gift should you get a geek?
Something tied to what they really love, rather than a generic "geek" gadget. For a player who grew up with the consoles of the 80s and 90s, a retro handheld or a ready-to-play TV stick is a safe bet: they are back on their childhood games that same evening, without installing anything.
What gift should you get a girl who is a geek?
The same rules apply: her world, not a stereotype. A brightly colored pocket console such as the R36H Pro Max (seven colors) or a TV stick for two-player sessions appeals to women just as much as to men, including a geek mom who wants to share her favorite games with her kids.
What are the must-have geek items?
For a gamer: a good wireless controller, a way to play on the go and a screen for playing with others. A retro handheld, a Hall effect controller and a TV stick cover all three of those uses.
Do you need to know about emulation to use a retro console?
No. The SD card with preloaded OS boots straight into a menu sorted by system. You pick the console, then the game. Advanced settings are there for those who want to go further, but they are never required.
Is a retro console a good gift for a teenager?
Yes, from around 10 or 11 years old: Game Boy, Super Nintendo or PS1 games can be picked up in a few minutes, and Linux-based consoles have no online store and no in-app purchases. Our guide to gifts for teen gamers lists the models age by age.
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 for other countries are on the shipping and delivery page.
Is it legal to give someone a retro console?
Buying and giving the console is legal. The real question is about the games you put on it, and it is covered in detail in our article is retro gaming legal.
