Do you have a retro gamer that you need to provide a gift for? If so, this is the list for you!
Controllers
Retro-Bit Sega Controllers - $14.99-$34.99
If you have a Sega fan in your life who is still playing Genesis and Saturn to this day they could probably use a nice fresh controller! Retro-Bit teamed up with Sega to provide amazing replacements for the original Genesis (affiliate link) and Saturn (affiliate link) controllers that are just fantastic. Since release, Retro-Bit has made it so these controllers are also available wirelessly through a 2.4 GHz (affiliate link) transmission to ensure the lowest latency possible for your favorite retro console. If PC is more your thing, USB (affiliate link) versions of these fantastic controllers are also available as well as Bluetooth (affiliate link) wireless versions. The aforementioned 2.4 GHz (affiliate link) models also come with a USB dongle making them great for multiplatform use!
Retro-Bit Tribute 64 - $25
N64 fans have been desperately in search of a decent replacement for their controller’s dying thumbsticks. The Retro-Bit Tribute 64 (affiliate link) is here to provide the solution with a well-made controller to bring out the most of your N64 library. The stick isn’t a 1:1 replica of the original so it will feel a bit extra sensitive at first but the performance given is well worth the learning curve. It also has the benefit of you know, not breaking after a month and leaving you unable to turn left or something. Like the Sega controllers above a USB version (affiliate link) is also available in case PC use is more your thing!
Retro Fighters Brawler 64 - $39.99
Like the Tribute 64 above, the Retro Fighters Brawler 64 (affiliate link) looks to replace the archaic N64 controller with a modernized design! For the most part the Brawler 64 (affiliate link) hits it out of the park with a much improved ergonomic design and good thumbstick. For some reason though, the Retro Fighters team decided to use a spring-loaded Z trigger which makes using it quickly when needed takes longer than it should. Other than that it is still a fantastic N64 replacement controller once you get used to the thumbstick.
Hyperkin Hyper Blaster HD - $24.99
Hey do you like Duck Hunt, and are you sad that you can’t play it on a modern flat-panel TV? Well, now you can thanks to the Hyperkin Hyper Blaster HD (affiliate link)! This new NES lightgun comes with an add-on cartridge for you to plug your copy of Duck Hunt into to patch the game into working with modern displays. now you can blast those ducks out of the sky whenever you want without having to dig out the huge clunky CRT!
Scalers
OSSC - ~$180 And RetroTINK 2X - $104.99
Scalers have become a huge talking point in the retro world over the last few years as they allow you to finally connect your older systems to a modern display without them looking like absolute crap. While it will never be the same as playing on a high-quality CRT the convenience and space saved by doing so is a fair trade-off in my book. Currently, there are 2 readily available scalers worth looking into, the OSSC and RetroTINK 2X. Each has different video input compatibilities and features so check them out for your own personal needs!
Games
Metal Storm $44.99-$69.99
Metal Storm is one of those games that got an absurd port for the US release. The story elements were removed and the difficulty lowered as well as various cosmetic changes. In the years since the game has skyrocketed to an insane price point as well. Now, Retro-Bit Publishing has graced NES fans with the original Japanese version of Metal Storm translated to English and restoring the game to its original form for US players. This is one of the hardest and most impressive NES games I have ever witness and it should be in every NES gamer’s library! The game is available in both a standard and collector’s editions.
Consoles
Sega Genesis Mini - $79.99
The Sega Genesis Mini (affiliate link) is awesome! coming with 42 pre-loaded games from different franchises and genres there is something here for everyone. The emulation is top-notch and performance in titles equally so. To say this is the best “mini” console released to date would be a gross understatement! It just stinks that it only came with the 3-button Sega controllers. But hey, those USB Retro-Bit controllers linked up above work on the Mini also!
PlayStation Classic - $34.99
Ok, so the PlayStation Classic (affiliate link) is kind of a disaster. Sony really screwed up with the built-in software and use terrible versions of many of the included games. So why am I including it on this list? Well, one simple reason, it is totally hackable to remove all of the limitations the stock unit had! After hacking the PS Classic can be used as a wonderful PlayStation replacement by adding your own game library to a USB drive and playing on your HDTV. Other systems can also be added making this a very cost-effective emulation box that can handle a variety of different systems including some Dreamcast games! it will require work from the end-user but totally worth it for $30.
