Black Friday retro deals are coming in fast, and I'm on the ground picking out the discounts actually worth looking at. As GamesRadar's resident classic console and handheld editor and nerd, I've been testing new ways to play retro games and enhancing original setups for decades, so I'll keep you right during the sale.
Phil is GamesRadar's retro console and handheld expert, and they've been serving up setup advice for years. Having previously spearheaded a '90s pop culture website and contributed retro gaming advice and gaming history lessons to sites like TechRadar and the BBC, they're now the gaming editor responsible for testing the latest emulation machines, console remakes, and arcade machines.
Quick links
US
- Handhelds: My Arcade handhelds from $15
- Consoles: Grab an Atari 7800+ for under $100
- Arcade: Savings on full-size and bartop machines
- Controllers: 25% off 8Bitdo's Sega Genesis pad
- Accessories: Mclassic HDMI upscaler is now under $75
UK
- Handhelds: The Super Pocket is back under £40
- Consoles: 21% off the Atari's HDMI 2600+ console
- Arcade: Up to £130 off Arcade1Up machines
- Controllers: Discounts on 8Bitdo USB gamepads
- Accessories: Grab an OSSC HDMI upscaler for under £100
Today's best Black Friday retro deal highlights
Live updates
That's it for me this Thanksksgiving Day. The good news is that all of these retro gaming deals - and possibly more - should still be live tomorrow and through the weekend (but in the event that stock looks particularly low, you might still want to bite before the weekend). The even better news is that we'll be back for Black Friday proper to help keep you on top of all the retro gaming deals as they happen, so make sure to check back throughout the weekend for more top picks!
Retro upscaling for your favorite setup
Speaking of bringing your older consoles into the modern era, this Open Source Scan Converter is our preferred choice of upscaler that we use for our retro consoles. Designed to work with your modern HDMI ports by multiplying rows of pixels to bring resolution in line with what you might hope for on a modern screen, it's an easy plug-and-play if you want to use an RGB Scart cable, but you can use a whole suite of different technical settings to fit your personal setup. And even better, you're saving almost $30 on it right now.
Mcbazel OSSC | $139.90 $111.92 at Amazon
An alternative take on retro gaming
The Kaico Summercart64 is a different branch of the complex tree that makes up the retro gaming ecosystem - while some of you might be looking for those classic consoles, others will already have them. If you've got an N64 hiding out somewhere, this flash cart can be used to help you run ROMs directly on the console, which means that you can have a chance to play fan-made sequels to the likes of Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask.
Kaico Summercart 64 | $82.99 at Amazon
Another classic mini, repurposed for the modern era
Rounding out our list of our favorite retro consoles that are seeing discounts so far this Black Friday season is the Atari's THE400 Mini. It's a more niche pick, granted, but it turns this classic console into a proper little plug-and-play experience. There are a few pieces 'missing' from the original, but those are made up for by mod-cons that have been brought in instead; no real cartridges, but HDMI output; no functioning keyboard, but 25 built-in classic games, as well as the ability to run your own Atari games (and even 2600 games) via USB ports that also mean you won't be stuck with Atari's gamepads.
Once again, it's a little difficult to tell just how good this deal is right now, but this rarer console can often be hard to get your hands on at all, which means that even if it's not coming in at an all-time low price, it might still be worth picking up at this competitive price while stocks last.
Atari THE400 Mini | $99.64 at Amazon
Two arcade classics in one cheapest-ever package
A lot of the really big-name brands seem to be holding off on their biggest discounts so far, which is making finding a good price for something like the PlayStation Classic or the Sega Genesis Mini pretty hard. Thankfully, one major name is making it a little easier. Atari has had a pretty rocky road over the past few years, but the 2600+ is still one of our favorite retro consoles, and it's certainly the best you're likely to get if you're chasing those arcade juggernauts of yore.
If you fancy paying homage to two different arcade icons, this PAC-MAN Edition is tied for its best-ever price, offering the classic chassis with a bright yellow coat of paint. It might not be the most subtle retro console out there, but it's certainly an attention-grabber.
Atari 2600+ PAC-MAN Edition| $169.99 at Amazon
OG Xbox, modern-day TVs
Retro gaming isn't all about reimagining really old consoles - sometimes it's about making sure your slightly old consoles work with your modern hardware. That's where the XBHD adapter comes in - working with the original Xbox console, it plugs directly into the back, transforming the output to HDMI for easy connection to your current TV and monitors. The extra benefit is that it comes with extra network points, which also makes playing LAN multiplayer games a lot easier. Right now, it's matching the lowest price we've ever seen for this piece of tech, so if you're a OG Xbox fan, this could be a great way to revisit Microsoft's first console.
A true classic, actually in stock for once!
No retro setup is complete without Nintendo, and what better Nintendo console than the Super NES Classic? It's a little tricky to ascertain just how good this price is, but that's mostly because keeping track of the the Super NES Classic's stock can be tricky - suffice to say that right now, you can actually pick one up for yourself, and rest relatively safe in the knowledge that you're saving a few bucks on the normal sale price. I won't say these won't get any cheaper as the weekend goes on, but I will say you're at risk of them running out of stock if you wait around too long.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System Classic Edition | $284.99 $268 at Amazon
Our best budget console is its lowest-ever price
Right at the top of our list of the best retro consoles is the Super Pocket, and this Taito Edition which comes preloaded with 18 arcade classics is currently its lowest-ever price at Amazon, 21% off at $54.99. As with all Super Pockets, we love the look and the library - fully compatible with any Evecade cartridges, that means you can fit up to 500 games within this tiny handheld. Rapid USB-C charging, a great screen, excellent emulation, and very solid battery life all round out the package, cementing the Super Pocket's place at the top of our list of retro must-haves.
HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket Data East Edition | $69.99 $54.99 at Amazon
For just $12, you can cure your wobbly N64 joystick woes forever
If you've still got an original N64 controller, chances are its thumb stick has a bad case of the wobbles. Thankfully, Black Friday has a $12 solution that will swap out the original part for a shiny new hall-effect joystick and remove any risk of drift after swinging Bowser around in the future.
The N64 hall-effect joystick mod is pretty simple, and my tests confirm that it's actually almost as accurate as the original mechanical part. Whether you're still using your OG console or considering a new 4K alternative like the Analogue 3D, I think this stick is well worth it if you're planning to tackle a big backlog of games.
Hyperkin Hall-effect N64 Joystick | $14.99 $12.74 at Amazon
Now that Black Friday is in full swing, one of my favorite budget handhelds is at a record low
You've no doubt spotted me banging on about the Anbernic RG28XX at least once during events like Black Friday, but there's a good reason for that. Not only is it a pretty affordable pocket-sized emulator already, but it seems to get cheaper with every sale that passes. This year is no different, as it's currently going for $37.99 at Amazon.
Previous discounts have dropped the RG28XX just under $40. While the new price is only marginally cheaper, those extra few dollars are a lot when it's already at a good price point. Keep in mind, this isn't just a basic Game Boy emulator; it's more than capable of running plenty of PS1 games in addition to being a solid Pokémon machine.
Anbernic RG28XX | $49.99 $37.99 at Amazon
The N64 flashcart I use back up to full price, and I'd be wary of the alternative at Amazon right now
Just a quick one for N64 and Analogue 3D owners wondering where the compatible flashcart offer went. For whatever reason, the Kaico Summercart64 has jumped back up in price, even though we're now closer to Black Friday. It could potentially drop again for the main event, but there's an alternative without a brand name attached as part of the sale for $70.39.
If you feel like giving this unbranded Summercart64 a try, feel free. It might end up having the same innards and work just fine with the Analogue 3D. However, it looks far lower quality going by the photos, as even the label cuts off half the logo. There are a lot of bootlegs of the flash cart flying around the internet, and some of them won't work as expected.
Kaico Summercart64 | $82.99 at Amazon
No pressure, but the Super Pocket version your loved one would probably prefer is down for Black Friday
Out of all the different Super Pocket flavors out there, the Capcom version is probably the one most retro fans will want to receive as a gift. The reason? It's arguably got the most games casual players will recognize and enjoy, including Street Fighter 2 and Mega Man.
That's not to say your loved one will be disappointed receiving the Neo Geo Edition, especially if they're into fighters. It's just that the Capcom version has more iconic gems, whereas not everyone's going to remember Burger Time on the Data East model, for example. Not that it matters too much anyway, as these handhelds have access to over 500 games via Evercade cartridges, but the yellow and blue brick will provide instant access to Street Fighter 2.
Super Pocket Capcom Edition | $69.99 $54.99 at Amazon
Read more: Super Pocket review
View the full Super Pocket range at Amazon
The upscaler I use is back down for Black Friday, but there's a catch
Out of all the HDMI upscalers I've tested with retro consoles, the OSSC stands out as the best option in terms of value and price. Yes, there are higher spec options out there with 4K abilities, but for most players, this line doubler is going to provide fantastic results across everything from the SNES and Genesis to the PS2.
The only drawback is that, unlike some upscalers, the OSSC is only compatible with scart and component cables that use an RGB signal. That rules out directly plugging in consoles like the N64 that exclusively use S-video or even just composite, if you've got that Pikachu model I shared earlier.
The solution to this, amusingly, is to buy another device to use as a transcoder, and while I personally use a chonky Sony box from the '90s, there are add-on boards specifically for the scaler, and the Retroscaler 2x also helps bridge the gap (it's around $30 at Aliexpress)
Either way, I'd swing by my full guide on how to connect a retro console to a modern TV, then have a peek at the OSSC.
OSSC upscaler | $130.90 $111.92 at Amazon
Look your old console in the eye and say it can't have a new controller
You can't do it, can you?
Of course, you can't. Those systems have been serving you for decades now, so the least you can do is treat your PS1 to an 8Bitdo adapter or even your Genesis to a wireless pad. I've already rounded up a collection of retro controller alternatives worth considering, but I'll list some of the dongles and gamepads with Black Friday discounts for your convenience below.
The current offers all happen to be largely on 8Bitdo dongles, which I'd then use with the Gulikit Elves 2 Pro since I'm already on record saying it's the only controller I'd buy this Black Friday. I stand by that statement even outside of retro console use, FYI, even if there are pads out there that don't "look like what a non-gamer would sketch if you asked them to draw you a gaming controller."
8Bitdo Retro Receiver for PS1 | $24.99 $19.99 at Amazon
8Bitdo Retro Receiver for Gamecube | $24.99 $19.99 at Amazon
8Bitdo Neo Geo controller | $29.99 $26.99 at Amazon
Gulikit Elves 2 Pro wireless | $49.99 $39.99 at Amazon
This Centipede track-ball arcade machine is addictive, attractive, and 25% off
Having just put together a slightly chaotic arcade machine setup in my living room, I've been spending lots of time with cabinets like the Arcade Classics Centipede. There aren't too many options out there rocking a roller ball rather than a joystick, but the formula is more addictive than I'd like to admit. Every time I pass through to the kitchen I end up having a few shots of the Atari shooter and losing track of time.
It's perhaps not the first cabinet I'd buy, given the Evercade Alpha is within touching distance when it's full price. But, Black Friday has brought it under $200, which makes it a more reasonable option considering it's only host to five games rather than a full ecosystem of cartridges.
Arcade Classics Centipede | $249.99 $187 at Amazon
I think you should grab a Sega Astro Mini V even without a Black Friday discount
I've highlighted the Sega Astro City Mini a few times this year, and the V just dropped to a lower price without a Black Friday discount. That's perhaps a sign that the Amazon seller is trying to shunt remaining stock, but doesn't want to give in to actually cutting it since once it's gone, it's gone.
This certainly feels like the case given that it happened to the standard model, and it's now only available for over $200 by sellers who tend to sell retro collectables at a higher price anyway. I'd love to see the V model actually drop specifically for Black Friday, but since there's allegedly only six left, I reckon fans of arcade shmups should take the plunge sooner than later.
Sega Astro City Mini V | $109.99 at Amazon
For just $12, you can cure your wobbly N64 joystick woes forever
If you've still got an original N64 controller, chances are its thumb stick has a bad case of the wobbles. Thankfully, Black Friday has a $12 solution that will swap out the original part for a shiny new hall-effect joystick and remove any risk of drift after swinging Bowser around in the future.
The N64 hall-effect joystick mod is pretty simple, and my tests confirm that it's actually almost as accurate as the original mechanical part. Whether you're still using your OG console or considering a new 4K alternative like the Analogue 3D, I think this stick is well worth it if you're planning to tackle a big backlog of games.
Hyperkin Hall-effect N64 Joystick | $14.99 $12.74 at Amazon
Now that Black Friday is in full swing, one of my favorite budget handhelds is at a record low
You've no doubt spotted me banging on about the Anbernic RG28XX at least once during events like Black Friday, but there's a good reason for that. Not only is it a pretty affordable pocket-sized emulator already, but it seems to get cheaper with every sale that passes. This year is no different, as it's currently going for $37.99 at Amazon.
Previous discounts have dropped the RG28XX just under $40. While the new price is only marginally cheaper, those extra few dollars are a lot when it's already at a good price point. Keep in mind, this isn't just a basic Game Boy emulator; it's more than capable of running plenty of PS1 games in addition to being a solid Pokémon machine.
Anbernic RG28XX | $49.99 $37.99 at Amazon
Yes, the Xbox 360 is now retro, and it'll benefit from this upscaler
Like it or not, the Xbox 360 is now 20 years old. That means it now has a seat at the retro console table, even if it is sort of "nu-retro" thanks to its HDMI capabilities and modern visuals. The thing you should probably keep in mind is that Microsoft's sequel console runs most games at 720p 30fps max, and that doesn't look fantastic on new monitors and TVs.
That's why you should treat the Xbox 360 like a retro console by using upscaling solutions. One of my favorites so far has been the mClassic, as it can take a 720p signal via HDMI, upscale it to 1440p, and add anti-aliasing that takes the edges off jagged textures and visuals. I'm not a huge fan of its MSRP, but I do like to recommend it once it drops under $80 during events like Black Friday. It's still an investment, but one that will help Microsoft's console feel that bit fresher.
Marseille mClassic | $99.99 $74.99 at Amazon
This weird looking handheld is specifically for DS games, but think twice before grabbing it at Amazon
I've been getting plenty of questions about the MagicX Zero 40 since sharing my review. That's hardly surprising seeing as it's got a daft looking shape and a vertical screen, but that's because it's designed to emulate Nintendo DS games. It actually happens to be a solid device specifically for dual-screen outings and even TATE vertical shooters, and I just found at at Amazon for slightly less.
The handheld does highlight a bit of a problem with Amazon this Black Friday, though, as while it claims the DS remake is down to its "lowest price in 30 days," it's still a chunk more than listings at AliExpress. I know the latter marketplace isn't always ideal when it comes to delivery and product quality, but the portable is shipping from the US.
Again, this is a solid option for Nintendo DS games with a more modern screen and perks like an analogue stick, but Amazon's price is a bit sketchy. Keep in mind that sellers on the storefront are largely using the same suppliers as AliExpress stores, and while overseas shipping is sometimes a reason to use Prime, I can't see any reason to spend more here.
MagicX Zero 40 | $76.67 at AliExpress
Price check: $94.99 $87.99 at Amazon
Time for a quick tea break
Hope you're all enjoying the Black Friday retro chatter so far!
I suspect some of the big deals are still to come, but I know that discounts aren't the most important thing when it comes to the retro gaming hobby. Actually getting the right systems up and running is a priority, and it's something I'm thinking about over a cup of tea while looking at the Pikachu N64 I acquired lately.
Yes, it's an adorable N64, but it's also an example of how making sure you've got the right hardware is important. Many of you might not be aware that this specific version skips on S-video output, instead only including the parts for composite (best described as a guesswork at what colors and graphics should look like on your screen). It doesn't really matter if you're using an old tube CRT, but if you're planning on grabbing an HDMI upscaler, it will narrow down your options.
The TL;DR is you need something that'll support composite, and I'll be sharing gadgets with Black Friday discounts throughout the day.
Check out HDMI upscalers at Amazon
Trust me, I'm sad there aren't any Time Crisis Light Gun deals too
I've already had a few friends and readers ask if the new G'aim'e Time Crisis Light Gun console is discounted for Black Friday. Sadly, it isn't, and I've actually yet to see it hit any third-party retailers in the US. It was previously available at Argos in the UK, but it seems to be out of stock at the moment for most postcodes I've tried.
You'll be the first to know when the light gun is back in stock, and I've been watching for ways to save when Argos restocks drop using coupons. It's all a big "wait and see" right now, but even if it misses Black Friday, I'd still keep an eye on it as we approach the festive season.
Are Hyperkin Retron consoles worth considering this Black Friday?
Hyperkin has been making emulation-based retro consoles for decades, and feelings are mixed towards the company's Retron systems. For some, they make for a quick and easy way to play physical games without any emulator settings faff, but it also comes under fire for compatibility issues and accuracy quirks.
As someone who's tested most of these systems, and even repaired a Retron 5 or two in my time, I do think they're worth looking at for the right price. Some options, like the Retron 77, aren't that different from the official Atari 2600+ since they both dump the ROM into memory so it can be run through an emulator. Systems like the newer Hyperkin Retron GX are slightly different since it seem to be incompatible with more games than most of these consoles, so I would wait for a nice discount before jumping on that PC Engine remake.
The short answer is yes, Hyperkin consoles are absolutely worth a look this Black Friday, so long as you're not an enthusiast looking for hardware perfection.
Check out Hyperkin Retron consoles at Amazon
2025 is the year of the N64, but you don't have to buy an expensive new remake
If there were a console Zodiac, this would absolutely be the year of the Nintendo 64. I mean, not only is the Analogue 3D now serving up 4K goodness using FPGA tech, but Modretro is set to reveal its FPGA N64 tomorrow, too. That might have you looking at your original console in despair, wondering if it's even worth trying to replay Ocarina of Time on something that can't plug straight into your TV and features low-res, blurry visuals.
The gatekeepers would have you thinking that's the case, and while I think the Analogue 3D is outstanding, it's still worth playing a real N64. I'll be sharing upscaling solutions that'll help you achieve nice visuals using the OG system, even the versions that only support composite. But, even if you do just want to grab the cheapest HDMI adapter at Amazon, that's a completely valid way to play.
Ultimately, my goal is to help you actually play N64 games in 2025. I'll offer up nicer gamepad solutions and remedies for the console's soft graphics, but you should stick with the setup you can afford and prefer. It's easy to feel pressured into enthusiastic solutions, especially during Black Friday, but that won't be happening here.
Check out N64 accessories at Amazon
Praise Hylia, the Zelda Game and Watch has finally dropped in price again
Earlier this year, I shared a price drop on Nintendo's Zelda: Game and Watch handheld that resulted in a stock wipeout. When it eventually showed back up, it was wearing a higher $70 price tag. That was a huge bummer considering it was under $60, but I'm thrilled to report it's now back for cheaper.
I'm not saying you should immediately buy the Zelda: Game and Watch, but I'm honestly not sure how long it'll stick around for. It's highly collectable, and while it only comes with the OG Legend of Zelda, Adventure of Link, and Link's Awakening, it's the closest thing we have to an official Game Boy Classic Edition. Its D-pad and screen are exactly what I'd want from a remake of Nintys '90s handheld, not to mention the battery life is ridiculous (mine is still running even though I haven't charged it in a year.)
Zelda: Game and Watch | $68.99 $53.49 at Amazon
8Bitdo's ridiculously clicky Neo Geo controller is also under $30
Yes, this is the same controller I use with the Neo Geo Mini, but 8Bitdo's wireless take on SNK's console gamepad isn't just for that arcade machine. I actually use it with the Analogue Pocket in docked mode, and I'm willing to bet you've never used a pad with a clicky stick quite like this. It's phenomenally tactile, and naturally fantastic for arcade romps and fighters, but I'd say it's a good option for any 8 and 16-bit games that only require four face buttons max.
It's currently under $27, and I'd say that's a nice price considering its build quality and functionality. It'll work with PC and Switch too, so if you've never held an original Neo Geo AGS controller, or just love the idea of a clicky stick, this is well worth a look.
8Bitdo Neo Geo controller | $29.99 $26.99 at Amazon
My favorite way to play SNK fighting games is creeping down in price
Say what you like about the Neo Geo Mini and it's original MSRP, but I absolutely think the tiny arcade machine is worth just over $50. That just so happens to be what it's going for right now at Amazon, with a sneaky coupon knocking it down even further. Even without a discount, it's nowhere near its $109.99 launch price, which understandably rubbed some enthusiasts the wrong way due to its lack of mechanical controls (no clicky switches here, just membranes and analogue sticks, baby)
It's absolutely worth watching mini consoles like this, especially during Black Friday. The Neo Geo Mini is technically discontinued, and while sellers seem to have plenty of units still available, even slight discounts could cause stock to dry up. That will then in turn result in it costing more in the future, and believe me when I say I've kicked myself over not grabbing similar consoles in the past while they were at their cheapest.
TL;DR - Great mini console for fighting games, and connects to your TV via HDMI!
Neo Geo Mini | $59.90 $51.21 at Amazon
Hello, welcome, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Hey there!
Hope you're all having a great Thanksgiving, and welcome to my Black Friday retro deal hunting party. Feel free to take a metaphorical seat and a beverage of your choice as I share with you the latest console and handheld drops that are actually worth your time.
Don't worry, I'm not here to shout at you to spend money. We're keeping things chill here as we chat a bit about retro consoles that are included in the Black Friday sale, whether they're actually worth picking up rather than sticking with an OG system. I'll naturally be sharing ways to get the most out your old hardware too, as I'm big into enhancing setups so that your favorite old adventures still look incredible in 2025.
Even if you've no plans to buy anything at all this Black Friday, you're still more than welcome to hang out. I'll be chatting plenty about all things retro over the next few days, and I'll be sharing some highlights from my personal collection if that's your jam.
