Buying a gift for a gamer can be tricky. You want something they will actually use, something that feels personal, and ideally something that does not cost a fortune. Retro gaming handhelds tick all three boxes — and then some.
Whether you are shopping for a birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, or just because, this guide will help you find the perfect retro gaming gift for any budget. We have broken it down by recipient and price range, so you can jump straight to the section that fits.
Every product in this guide ships from the UK with free delivery, arrives ready to play out of the box, and comes with a 20% discount when you use the code NEW20 at checkout.
Quick Comparison: Every Console at a Glance
Before we dive into the details, here is a summary of every console in our range so you can compare prices and features side by side.
For Kids (Under £25)
K10 Mini — £23.99
If you are buying for a child — or just want a fun, low-cost gift — the K10 Mini is the obvious choice. At just £23.99, it is the most affordable console in our range and it is designed with simplicity in mind.
The K10 comes pre-loaded with 500 NES games, including all the classics: Super Mario Bros, Pac-Man, Contra, Tetris, and plenty more. There is no setup involved. No accounts, no downloads, no parental controls to worry about — just switch it on and start playing.
Its small size makes it perfect for little hands, and the straightforward controls mean even younger children can pick it up and play without help. It is also a brilliant option as a stocking filler or party bag gift, because it looks and feels like a proper console despite the low price.
Who is it perfect for? Children aged 5 and up, nieces and nephews, stocking fillers, party bag gifts, or anyone who wants a simple NES experience without the bells and whistles.
For the Casual Gamer (Under £50)
This is the sweet spot for most gift buyers. Under £50 gets you a seriously capable retro handheld that plays tens of thousands of games across dozens of classic systems. Either of these two consoles will delight anyone who has even a passing interest in gaming.
R36S — £44.89 (Best Seller)
The R36S is our number one seller and the gift we recommend more than any other. Over 500 units sold, 327 reviews, and a 4.9-star rating — it consistently earns praise from both the people who buy it and the people who receive it.
For £44.89, you get a handheld loaded with over 40,000 games on a 128GB microSD card. That covers PlayStation 1, Sega Mega Drive, Game Boy Advance, SNES, NES, Arcade, Dreamcast, PSP and many more systems. The 3.5-inch IPS screen is sharp and vibrant, and the 3500mAh battery lasts a solid 6 hours or more.
What makes it an especially good gift is the free protective hardcase that comes with every R36S order. It arrives in a neat package that looks and feels like a proper present straight away — no extra wrapping or accessories needed. The case keeps the console safe in a bag or coat pocket, which is a thoughtful touch you will not find with other sellers.
The R36S is available in 8 different colours, so you can pick one that suits the person you are buying for. Whether they prefer a classic black or something bolder like purple or orange, there is an option to match their personality.
Who is it perfect for? Practically anyone. Partners, parents, siblings, friends, colleagues — the R36S works as a gift for anyone who has ever enjoyed a video game. If you are not sure what to pick and want a safe bet, this is it.
For a deeper look at everything you get in the box, visit our What's Included page. And if you want to read the full breakdown, check out our R36S Review.
R36S Max — £49.48
The R36S Max is for the person who wants a slightly more immersive experience. It has a larger 4-inch IPS display and a massive 5000mAh battery that lasts over 8 hours on a single charge. Same 40,000+ games, same 128GB card, just more screen and more playtime.
The horizontal (landscape) layout feels similar to a PSP or Nintendo Switch Lite, which many people find more comfortable for longer gaming sessions. If the person you are buying for is the type to settle in for an evening of gaming — or if they commute by train and want something to pass the time — the Max is an excellent choice.
Who is it perfect for? Anyone who values screen size and battery life. Commuters, travellers, or someone who already owns a standard R36S and wants something with a bigger display. It is only a few pounds more than the R36S, so it is worth considering if your budget stretches to £50.
For a side-by-side comparison of the R36S, R36S Max and R36S Ultra, have a look at our Top 3 Retro Handhelds Compared article.
For the Retro Enthusiast (Under £60)
R36S Ultra — £58.67
Some people do not just enjoy retro gaming — they are properly into it. They have opinions about which version of Street Fighter II is the best. They know the difference between PAL and NTSC. They have a shelf of old cartridges somewhere. For those people, the R36S Ultra is the gift that will genuinely impress them.
The Ultra has everything the R36S and R36S Max offer — 40,000+ games, 128GB storage, a sharp 4-inch IPS screen — but it adds WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. WiFi means they can transfer new games and updates wirelessly without swapping SD cards. Bluetooth opens up wireless headphones and external controllers, which is a real quality-of-life upgrade for someone who takes their retro gaming seriously.
The build quality is also a step above. The Ultra has a premium finish and a more refined feel in the hand, which makes it feel like a proper piece of kit rather than a budget gadget. It is the kind of gift that someone picks up and immediately recognises as something special.
Who is it perfect for? Tech-savvy gamers, retro gaming enthusiasts, anyone who wants the best handheld in the range, or someone you really want to impress. At £58.67, it is still remarkably good value for what you get.
For the Whole Family (TV Consoles)
Not every gamer wants a handheld. Sometimes the best gift is one that brings people together around the television. That is exactly what the X2 Plus game stick does.
X2 Plus with 2 Controllers — £49.98
The X2 Plus is a compact game stick that plugs directly into any TV via HDMI. It comes with two wireless controllers and a library of retro games ready to play. Think of it as an instant retro games console for your living room — no subscription, no internet connection required, no fuss.
It is perfect for couples who want something fun to do together on a quiet evening. Fire up Streets of Rage, Contra, or Mortal Kombat and you have an instant two-player experience that beats scrolling through streaming services looking for something to watch.
Who is it perfect for? Couples, housemates, or anyone who wants a shared gaming experience on the big screen. The two-controller pack is ideal if you know it will mostly be two people playing.
X2 Plus with 4 Controllers — £59.48
The four-controller version of the X2 Plus is the ultimate family gift. Plug it in, hand out the controllers, and suddenly you have a game night that everyone can join. It works brilliantly for families with children, groups of friends, or anyone who hosts gatherings and wants something more interactive than a board game.
Four-player classics like Bomberman, Micro Machines, NBA Jam and various multiplayer arcade games come alive when you have got four people crowded around the telly, shouting at each other and having a laugh. It is the kind of gift that creates memories.
Who is it perfect for? Families, parents who want a screen-time activity the whole household can enjoy together, hosts who love game nights, or anyone buying for a group rather than an individual.
Gift Add-Ons and Tips
A retro gaming handheld is a great gift on its own, but here are a few tips to make it even better.
Use the Discount Code
Every order qualifies for 20% off with the code NEW20 at checkout. That brings the R36S down to around £36, and even the R36S Ultra dips below £47. If you are buying multiple gifts, the savings add up quickly.
Pair It with a Power Bank
All of our handhelds charge via USB-C, so a small power bank makes a practical companion gift. It means they can game on the go without worrying about running out of battery. A 10,000mAh power bank from any high street shop will give them multiple full charges.
Check the Colour Options
The R36S comes in 8 colours: Black, White, Purple, Orange, Red, Blue, Light Blue and Yellow. Picking someone's favourite colour turns a great gift into a thoughtful one. It shows you put genuine consideration into the choice.
It Ships from the UK
Unlike many retro handhelds sold online that ship from China and take weeks to arrive, every GameBro order ships from the UK with free delivery. That means no customs fees, no surprise import charges, and fast delivery times. Handy if you are buying close to a birthday or Christmas and need it to arrive on time.
Everything Comes Ready to Play
One of the best things about giving a GameBro console as a gift is that there is zero setup. No downloading, no updating, no creating accounts. The recipient turns it on and they are playing within seconds. That matters, especially if you are buying for someone who is not particularly tech-savvy.
Picking the Right Gift: A Quick Summary
Still not sure which one to go for? Here is the simplest way to think about it:
- On a tight budget? The K10 Mini at £23.99 is a cracking little gift with 500 games.
- Want the safest bet? The R36S at £44.89 is our best seller for good reason — 40,000+ games, free case, and a 4.9-star rating.
- Want a bigger screen? The R36S Max at £49.48 has a 4-inch display and 8 hours of battery.
- Want to impress a tech enthusiast? The R36S Ultra at £58.67 has WiFi, Bluetooth and premium build quality.
- Buying for a couple? The X2 Plus (2 controllers) at £49.98 turns any TV into a retro arcade.
- Buying for a family? The X2 Plus (4 controllers) at £59.48 is the ultimate game night starter.
The Verdict
Retro gaming gifts work because they are fun, nostalgic, and genuinely surprising. Most people do not expect to unwrap a handheld loaded with 40,000 games from their childhood — and the reaction when they do is always brilliant. With prices starting at £23.99 and free UK shipping on every order, there is something here for every budget and every person on your list.
Browse the full range in our shop, and remember to use the code NEW20 for 20% off your order. If you are still deciding between the three handhelds, our Top 3 Retro Handhelds Compared article has a detailed side-by-side breakdown to help you choose.
Whatever you pick, it ships from the UK, arrives ready to play, and is guaranteed to put a smile on someone's face. That is what a good gift should do.
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