Gifts for Retro Gamers
By Tom James
If your idea of gaming perfection peaked somewhere between the SNES and the N64, this guide is for you. Forget the latest triple-A releases — we've gone hunting for gifts that celebrate the characters and worlds that started it all.
From pocket-sized Kirby figures to a proper collector's-grade Samus statue, these picks nod to Nintendo's golden years rather than whatever's trending now. Perfect for the retro gamer who still thinks Hyrule and Zebes never needed a reboot.
1. Kirby: Mini Figures: Kirby's Wonder Room (1 Pcs)
Nintendo — £10.99 at Forbidden Planet. View details
A tiny, huggable Kirby is the perfect desk companion for anyone who spent hours inhaling enemies on the SNES and Game Boy. Simple, sweet, and unmistakably retro Nintendo charm in miniature form.
2. Kirby: Mini Figure: Swing Kirby (Twinkle Traveller: 1 Pcs)
Nintendo — £9.99 at Forbidden Planet. View details
Swing Kirby brings back that classic pink blob energy from the character's earliest adventures. A small, affordable nod to a mascot that's been charming retro gamers since 1992.
3. Kirby: Mini Figure: Terrarium Collection: Kirby's Adventure (1 Pcs)
Nintendo — £9.99 at Forbidden Planet. View details
Part of the Terrarium Collection referencing Kirby's Adventure, this figure taps straight into NES-era nostalgia. A neat shelf piece for someone who rates the original games above the newer spin-offs.
4. Kirby In Dreamland: Mini Figure: Swing Kirby (1 Pcs)
Nintendo — £8.49 at Forbidden Planet. View details
Named after the very first Kirby game, this Swing Kirby figure is about as old-school as the series gets. A thoughtful pick for purists who go all the way back to Dreamland.
5. Legend Of Zelda: Club Mocchi-Mocchi Mega Plush: Korok
Nintendo — £29.99 at Forbidden Planet. View details
Korok spotting has been a Zelda ritual since Breath of the Wild, but this squashable mega plush also makes a fun, comforting nod to the series' long-running charm for lifelong fans.
6. Legend Of Zelda: Grande Mug: Black & Gold Map
Nintendo — £11.69 at Forbidden Planet. View details
A map-print mug in black and gold suits a retro gamer's morning coffee ritual perfectly, letting them start the day thinking about Hyrule rather than whatever's new on the shelves.
7. The Unofficial Zelda Cookbook (Hardcover)
Nintendo — £18.99 at Forbidden Planet. View details
For the Zelda fan who's finished every dungeon and now wants to recreate in-game meals, this hardcover cookbook is a fun, tangible way to celebrate decades of adventuring.
8. Kirby: Key Clip: Kirby & Warp Star
Nintendo — £9.99 at Forbidden Planet. View details
A practical everyday item with unmistakable Kirby and Warp Star styling, this key clip is a low-key way for retro fans to carry a bit of Dreamland nostalgia with them.
9. Metroid Prime: PVC Statue: Samus (Varia Suit Collectors Edition)
Nintendo — £139.99 at Forbidden Planet. View details
This is the showpiece: a serious collector's statue of Samus in the Varia Suit, ideal for the Metroid diehard who wants their retro gaming devotion displayed properly on a shelf.
10. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption: Figma Action Figure: Samus Aran
Nintendo — £109.99 at Forbidden Planet. View details
A poseable Figma of Samus from Metroid Prime 3 gives retro-leaning collectors a detailed, display-ready tribute to one of Nintendo's most iconic action heroines.
11. Metroid: Other M: Figma Action Figure: Samus Aran (Zero Suit Version)
Nintendo — £94.99 at Forbidden Planet. View details
The Zero Suit version of Samus from Other M offers a sleeker take for fans who've followed her journey since the original Metroid, making a great gift for series completists.
12. Super Mario: S.H. Figuarts Action Figure: Yoshi
Nintendo — £47.99 at Forbidden Planet. View details
Yoshi has been a beloved sidekick since Super Mario World on the SNES, and this detailed S.H. Figuarts figure honours that legacy with proper display-shelf quality.
Gifts for Retro Gamers FAQs
What counts as a retro gaming gift?
Anything tied to the consoles and games of the 80s, 90s and early 2000s — the Mega Drive, SNES, N64 and PlayStation eras. For most retro gamers the appeal is the specific games they played then, not retro styling in general.
How do I buy for a retro gamer without knowing their console?
Go for the characters rather than the hardware. Mario, Sonic, Kirby and Zelda merchandise works regardless of which system someone actually owned, whereas console-specific accessories only land if you have guessed the right platform.
Are retro gaming gifts suitable for younger players?
Often yes. Many retro characters are still active franchises, so a Kirby or Mario item works for a child who plays the current games as well as an adult who played the originals. The nostalgia is a bonus rather than a requirement.
Is retro gaming merchandise official?
The items here link to trusted UK retailers selling officially licensed merchandise. We price-compare across them so you are not overpaying, and the retailer handles delivery and returns. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.