Retro Gaming Gear Guides
Plain-English buying advice for the hardware that makes old games playable today — converters, upscalers, handhelds, controllers and used consoles. No prices, no scores, just what each thing does and who it suits.
Retro handhelds
Pocket emulation devices, sorted by budget and use.
- 🎮Best Retro Handhelds Under $100Cheap emulation handhelds that actually run what they claim.
- 💸Best Retro Handhelds Under $50The cheap end done right: what works, what doesn't.
- ✈️Best Retro Handheld for TravelPocket size, long battery, no Wi-Fi required.
- 🧒Best Retro Handheld for KidsOffline, no store, no accounts — just games.
Video & upscaling
Getting old consoles onto modern TVs without a blurry picture.
Controllers
D-pads that match the era you're actually playing.
- 🕹️Which 8BitDo Controller Should You Buy?The whole 8BitDo line, sorted by what you're plugging it into.
- 💻Best Retro Controllers for PC EmulationMatch the pad to the console library you're emulating.
- 🎮Best Controller for PC GamingWhich gamepad works best on Windows and Steam, and what is worth paying extra for.
Consoles & setups
Buying used hardware and building a retro corner.
Capture & streaming
Recording 240p consoles without dropped signals.
TV, desk & PC setup
Gaming TVs, desks and the pieces around them.
Gifts
Nostalgia presents that work out of the box.
Popular retro gear
Affiliate · Amazon
R36MAX 2 Retro Handheld Game Console, 4.5" IPS HD Display
$89.99
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8Bitdo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller for Switch 2, Switch & Windows,Black | TMR Joysticks, Switchable Hall Effect/Tactile Triggers, Charging Dock, Vibration and Motion Control, 2 Pro-level back buttons
$56.99
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TicKnot ODV-GBS-C Mini Video Converter RGBS Scart/YPbPr to HDMI & VGA Upscaler for Retro Gaming Console PS2/N64/Dreamcast/Saturn with Zero Lag (Tran Blue) (Tran Orange)
$67.99
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HDMI Cable for Nintendo Gamecube, Nintendo 64 N64, Super Nintendo SNES (3-in-1), GameCube/SNES/N64 to HDMI Adapter with S-Video Signal Output (Better Video Quality), HD Converter with 4:3/16:9 Switch
$29.99
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WUSUTE One More Game or Go to Sleep Gamer Decision Coin, Gifts for Gamer Boyfriend, Husband, Men, Gaming Accessories for Men, Game Gifts for Christmas, Valentine's Day, His Birthday
$8.38
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RG Rotate Retro Handheld Game Console Android 12 Console with 3.5 inch Swivel Screen Unisoc T618 Chip 3GB+32GB, 2000mAh Aluminum Alloy Body +ABS Plastic with RG Rotate Carrying Case Bag
$109.24
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Prices as of Oct 27, 2026, 4:34 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Shopping for someone? See our gift guide for gamers.