It’s that time of year for buying presents, and no doubt many of you have a games-obsessed friend or family member who still needs to be checked off the list. While many of them might be excited to find more recent titles under the wrapping paper, it can be a bit harder to shop for those who lean more to the old school or retro favorites. Not everyone wants what’s new or trending and no collector minds adding something to their stash.

Games

Okay, we can get the obvious one out of the way, nothing beats getting a game, especially when it’s a title you needed. Thankfully, most game collectors have their lists of what they own (and perhaps want) online or in an app, which they might be happy to share with you. It’s natural to want your gift to be a surprise, but it’s also important to make sure the gift isn’t a duplicate or from a system they do not collect. Unless their collection is really far along, it should be easy to find a relatively cheap copy of a game they yet don’t have. I recently picked up Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (NES) for $10, Captain America and the Avengers (SNES) for $15, and a bundle of Genesis games that averaged out at about $4 a piece. These deals may require a little looking, but they are certainly available. There are also Repro carts, which are reproductions of more rare and expensive carts, if the real thing is out of reach. If the person you are shopping for is a truly loved one, consider something like an EverDrive or PowerPack. These are cartridges that may be loaded with almost every game for a system, in the form of roms. It isn’t the real thing, but the $100-$175 price tag is definitely worth it.  

EverDrive: http://www.stoneagegamer.com/

PowerPack: http://www.retrousb.com/product_info.php?products_id=34

Note: These are best used with real consoles

Consoles / Clone Systems

Game collectors are always looking for consoles to add to their collections, especially if it is one they don’t have and want to build up a library for. Worried they already have the console? That isn’t a problem. Many people enjoy having a backup, or a spare to scavenge for replacement parts. Consoles may seem expensive, but the older ones are always available on eBay. Local flea markets are also great for this, and I have had good luck on other sites and local pawn shops. Be careful with prices, as it is easy to overpay. Set a budget of about $65-$100 and adjust depending on what accessories and games are included. Right now, I would recommend the Genesis model 2, as it is usually the cheaper console to get and Sega games are less expensive.

You could also look at clone systems: unlicensed devices that can run most games, even foreign ones. Some are made smaller, to be portable. You can also find custom-built ones that make for excellent collection centerpieces. The most popular one of these devices is the Retron, which is up to its fifth model and plays the widest variety of games from different consoles, but can occasionally damage cartridges. Always wait for the newer models to be consumer tested. I would recommend reading reviews and checking retro discussion groups like the ones on Reddit before buying any of them, but systems make for a great unexpected gift.

Retron 5 and Accessories: http://hyperkin.com/

CRT TVs

Who doesn’t want a new television for a gift? A problem that many collectors face is that modern devices can have connectivity issues with old hardware, so HD televisions may not be the best idea. There are corrective technologies like the Framemeister, an HDMI converter that helps to upscale the games and fix some of these issues, but it still isn’t quite the same for purists. And games that require light guns—like the NES zapper—require a CRT television, so many retro collectors like to have one or two of these on hand. CRT TVs are not purchasable in major retail stores anymore, but they are available on the internet, in estate sales, and at flea markets among other places. Be careful that the sets still work, as getting them fixed by a third party is almost not worth it. These can make a great gift for the hardcore retro gamer, as long as the collector has somewhere to put it.

Classic Console USB Controllers / Custom Controllers

Having the real physical console and games is the way most of these hardcore retro gamers play, but it isn’t the only way. Some use emulators, while others are playing modern games done in the retro style (think Shovel Knight and Freedom Planet). Most collectors will still find themselves in need of a good pair of sticks that are USB capable. An Xbox controller just doesn’t feel right with a lot of classic games, so I have picked up a few adapters that let me play with my actual NES, SNES, and other original gamepads. I purchased the ones I use the most from a company called Tomee and have been very pleased with the inputs and reliability. But for the love of Mario, check the reviews, because there are bad, cheap ones out there. I bought mine at Amazon, eBay, and some also looked at specialty sites, where they averaged $10-$20 depending on the brand. If normal controllers are too mundane, there are custom accessories. Many companies or individual sellers will modify controllers to specific themes, add lights and grips, or create their own from the ground up. The Freak Series and Wu-Tang controllers are visually entertaining, but something shaped like a giant bug—like the gigantic art-piece controller developed specifically for Death Crimson—may be excessive. These are certainly worth looking into for the collector who wants anything unique and video game related.   

Kontrol Freeks: http://www.kontrolfreek.com/

Storage

This may seem like one of the most boring gift ideas, but I have never hugged a family member more intensely than the time they purchased me two Ikea bookshelves. Game collecting eventually leads to a need for storage space, or for some collectors, better ways to display their prized possessions. Boxed games obviously take up more room than loose cartridges. Systems like the first PlayStation and Sega Saturn have oversized boxes. Not to mention the need for different kinds of storage when it comes to special editions, or non-traditional controllers, like the huge NES Advantage, light guns, or that Resident Evil chainsaw-shaped one I always wanted. As a collection grows, not only will you require more storage, but you’ll need different types as well. Bookshelves are the standard, but I love the plastic drawer containers that can either go on top of a bookshelf or stack on top of each other. These are perfect for handheld games, extra controllers, and adapters, among other things. Some people may also need or want more specific display or protective measures like glass cases, authentic sleeves, dust clothes, and covers. Whatever you choose, the collector receiving this gift will adore it, because if they don’t need it now, it will be useful soon!  

I hope this has helped a little. Now that everyone else is squared away, I need to do some shopping of my own, while trying not to spend all my money on a coffee table shaped like an NES controller.