Retro Gaming
Arcade Cabinets, Handhelds & Classic Consoles
Retro gaming has exploded from a niche hobby into a mainstream market, driven by a generation of adults who grew up with pixel art and chiptunes and want to share that experience with their kids. The hardware has never been better — miniature arcade cabinets with authentic controls, pocket-sized emulation handhelds with sharp IPS displays, and faithful re-releases of classic consoles make it possible to relive the golden age without hunting down fragile original hardware.
Arcade Cabinets & Countercades
Arcade1Up dominates the home arcade market with three-quarter-scale replicas of classic cabinets featuring official game licenses, real joysticks and buttons, and 17-inch LCD displays. Popular models include the Ms. Pac-Man and NBA JAM Deluxe editions, with prices ranging from compact countercade units to full-size machines. These are statement pieces that double as functional furniture for game rooms, offices, and man caves. For tighter spaces, countertop arcade models deliver the same authentic controls in a smaller footprint.
Handheld Emulation Consoles
The handheld retro gaming market is thriving, led by Anbernic and Retroid Pocket. Anbernic offers devices at every price point — from the budget RG35XX line starting around $55 for NES/SNES/Game Boy emulation, up to the premium RG557 with its AMOLED display and Android 14 for more demanding PS2 and GameCube titles. The Retroid Pocket 5 and 6 push performance even further with Snapdragon processors. The TRIMUI Smart Brick stands out for its exceptional build quality and sharp 4:3 display at a competitive price.
Classic Console Re-Releases
For plug-and-play simplicity, classic console re-releases offer curated game libraries in faithful hardware replicas. The Atari 2600+ plays original cartridges alongside its built-in collection, bridging old and new. Plug-and-play TV game sticks loaded with thousands of titles offer the lowest barrier to entry, though quality varies wildly — stick to known brands and read the specs carefully before buying.
Controllers & Accessories
Retro-styled controllers compatible with modern devices round out any setup. USB and Bluetooth versions of classic NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis controllers connect to PCs, smartphones, and emulation handhelds. 8BitDo leads the market with faithful reproductions that add modern conveniences like rechargeable batteries and analog sticks. Quality carrying cases, screen protectors, and grip accessories for handhelds are also worth considering.
