Prime Day retro deals can really help you put together a classic console setup, but you admittedly need to be savvy with how the sale works. While you can jump into the event and pick up bits and bobs, discounts on systems, handhelds, controllers and accessories won’t always be staring you in the face. Luckily, I’m well-versed in where to look, and what exactly to pick out, so I figured I’d lend you those skills live as the offers roll out.
The biggest piece of advice I can give when trying to grab the best retro consoles and setup bits this Prime Day is to focus on all the small things. That’s not just a Blink-182 reference; it also means that if you target the low-priced enhancements for your setup, you’ll end up with more meaningful savings. You’re more likely to get a real discount right now on retro controllers, accessories, and tech that isn’t being ravaged by RAMageddon and AI-driven component shortages, whereas price cuts on expensive retro handhelds and systems may simply reduce prices to near “normal.”
If we’re lucky, we’ll get real Prime Day retro deals this year with the big red badge slapped on them. The good news is if that fails to happen, I’ll still be here showing you ways to grab cool classic gaming stuff for less, and that includes highlighting stealth discounts, new-old-stock that could soon vanish and end up astronomically expensive on the second-hand market.
- Accessories: Replacement shells and cases from $10
- Handhelds: Portable systems from $40
- Consoles: Atari remakes from $100
- Controllers: GameSir Pocket Taco is now under $30
UK
- Accessories: Storage and cables for under £10
- Handhelds: Emulation consoles for under £40
- Consoles: 28% off C64 Mini Black Edition
- Controllers: Gulikit Elves 2 Pro now under £30
Best Prime Day retro gaming deals
You’ll need to hang fire on the GameSir Pocket Taco if it’s still sitting at $35. That’s pretty much full price, but I’m keeping it handy here for when it does drop to $27.99, as it should do that during Prime Day. I’d say under $30 is the right price to pay for a gadget that’ll turn your phone into a Game Boy, but it also works nicely as a standalone Bluetooth controller for retro romps.View Deal
Just like with the Pocket Taco, I’m expecting some sort of discount from the 8Bitdo FlipPad once Prime Day properly kicks in. Ideally, we’ll see it hit closer to the $20 mark, as that’s what tends to happen with the brand’s other controllers during the sales.View Deal
Elves 2 Pro (black): was $49.89 now $35.93
This Elves 2 Pro offer isn’t too shabby, but the real value comes in the fact it includes a Goku 2 Wireless Adapter. That’s going to let you sync straight up to your modern emulation systems with minimal latency, while its default Bluetooth functionality is still there for original consoles armed with Retro Receivers. View Deal
The C64 Mini Black Edition: was $69.99 now $65.98
This listing is slightly sneaky since it isn’t dressed as a deal. However, it is $5 cheaper than the Woot deal I plucked out during the summer Prime Day, and closer to the record lows set by the original beige version during previous sales (and just generally since no one seemed to want them for years).View Deal
Atari Pocket Player Pro: was $44.99 now $39.99
This cheap Atari handheld is actually pretty impressive, and it’s a staple gadget to watch during the sales. Right now, it’s under $40, but it can drop lower and will hopefully do so during Prime Day this time around.View Deal
Pocket 5 (black): was $249 now $219
The Pocket 5’s clearance discounts line up nicely with Prime Day, as while the new Pocket 6 is around with enhanced specs, this handheld is easier to get hold of and provides largely the same experience in retro games. It remains one of my favorite portables to this day, and with an extra $30, it’s one of the more affordable emulation machines right now.View Deal
Yes, it’s bananas how small 8Bitdo’s Zero 2 controller actually is, but I like to keep gamepads like this clipped to my belt. What can I say? I’m very fashionable, but it’s worth grabbing the pad while it’s at its lowest price, as $15 isn’t much to pay for an excellent feeling set of retro buttons that can live in your pocket.View Deal
Bluetooth Retro Receiver for PS1/PS2: was $24.99 now $19.99
If you’re still rocking a PS1 or PS2, 8Bitdo’s Retro Receiver is invaluable. Now under $20, the adapter will let you sync up everything from new retro controllers to even your DualSense, providing contempoary comfort and wirless connectivity. View Deal
SN30 Pro: was $44.99 now $35.99
The 8Bitdo SN30 makes for a pretty solid all-in-one retro controller that borrows visual queues from the SNES while including thumbsticks for the PS1 and beyond. Ideally, you’ll want to snatch the pad when it dips under $30, but that might not happen until we’re knee deep in Prime Day.View Deal
M30 Bluetooth controller: was $29.99 now $23.99
This 20% off deal has knocked my favorite Sega Genesis/Mega Drive controller within touching distance of its lowest price. Keep in mind this is the Bluetooth version, so you will need an adapter or retro receiver to use it with the original console, but the discount is still ideal.View Deal
Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller: was $49.99 now $30.69
8Bitdo’s Pro 2 gives modern OG DualShock vibes, and it just so happens to be at its lowest price with 39% off. That’s not too shabby if you’re looking for a new PS1 pad that’s got the right stick layout and will pair with a retro receiver, especially while it’s just over $30.View Deal
N64 Controller (Bluetooth): was $44.99 now $38.24
Whether you’re playing N64 games on the Switch 2 or an authentic retro console setup, 8Bitdo’s controller is a must-grab. You’ll potentially want to check out the 2.4GHz version if you’re in the latter camp, but I’m expecting to at least see some sort of price cut that makes the pad more affordable this Prime Day.View Deal
The Retron GX and I didn’t originally see eye to eye due to its fussy physical game compatibility. That said, it keeps naturally falling in price, and while it’s technically not discounted, this HDMI PC Engine remake could help you break into a new console collection for under $50. It originally came in at closer to $100, so it does feel like a system worth considering if you’re itching to fill another shelf.View Deal
RG35XXSP: was $69.99 now $55.99
I’m always watching Anbernics excellent Game Boy Advance SP clone for discounts, and Prime Day has delivered with 20% off. The discount brings it under $60, which is a fair price to pay for a portable that’ll emulate plenty of ’90s and 2000s systems while providing clamshell goodness.View Deal
Summercart64 for N64: was $82.99 now $70.39
Discounts on the exact N64 flash cart I use to play ROM hacks and prototypes are rare, but Prime Day has knocked the Summercart64 to just over $70. Yes, it’s still an investment, but one that’ll let you play new fan creations and never-released outings on the 30-year-old machine.View Deal
ODV-GBS-C HDMI upscaler: was $89.90 now $71.92
I’ve been waiting for this HDMI upscaler to drop in price, and Prime Day finally helped me grab one. It’s pretty similar to the OSSC, but it’s especially great for interlaced consoles like the PS2, as it features advanced motion-adaptive deinterlacing that specifically helps reduce that annoying flickering effect that plagues Sony’s system. This is the lowest price on the gadget I’ve spotted yet, so it’s well worth a look.View Deal
The Smart Pro is one of the few handhelds at Amazon worth considering, as it’s actually under MSRP. Many other Linux retro portables are either sitting above default pricing, or below what they normally cost, so I wouldn’t sleep on this one if you’re itching to play everything up to the PSP.View Deal
Burger Time machine: was $249.99 now $84.99
This Burger Time version of Numskull’s tiny arcade machine is a massive 66% cheaper at Woot, which puts Prime Day’s discount to absolute shame. More often than not, you’ll find this mini system doesn’t budge past $160 at Amazon, so it’d get on this if you’ve been eyeing up the cabinet like me.View Deal
Highlighting the OSSC is a personal retro Prime Day deal tradition, but I’m still waiting for some sort of discount this year. The McBazel version of this HDMI upscaler tends to be the cheapest, even without offers applied, and the sale has knocked it under $100.View Deal
EXP-R + Tomb Raider Collection: was $129.99 now $89.99
If you’ve been eyeing up the full-fat Evercade EXP-R for a while, you’ll want to grab the one with Tomb Raider for under $100. The white version without any pack-in games comes in at $130, so Prime Day is offering up a deal that might not show up again after stock deplenishes. View Deal
2600+ Pac-Man Edition: was $169.99 now $139.99
Typically speaking, I’d only recommend picking up the Atari 2600+ when it’s a chunk under $100. The Pac-Man version is a different story, though, as it’s liable to sell out faster and never return to virtual shelves. In those situations, I find that resellers start selling special editions of systems for well above MSRP, so it’s worth keeping this collectable console on your radar over Prime Day.View Deal
Centipede bar top cabinet: was $199.99 now $179.99
A 10% discount takes this unique trackball bartop Centepede cabinet down to a new record low for Prime Day, as it normally holds fast at $200. Back in February, this mini machine was closer to $250, and while its games are limited compared to some systems, it offers an authentic way to play a forgotten genre.View Deal
There’s a severe lack of higher-end Prime Day retro handheld deals this year, but the Mangmi Pocket Max is 20% cheaper than usual right now. That does bring it down to its typical price at AliExpress, but sticking with Amazon will result in speedier shipping.View Deal
When does Amazon Prime Day start?
Amazon Prime Day kicks off at midnight tonight, but discounts have already been popping up. In theory, the proper offers will be saved for tomorrow night, so make sure to check back in if you’ve not found the right price.
When does Amazon Prime Day end?
This specific Prime Day kicks off on Tuesday October 6, and wraps up on Wednesday October 7, at midnight. You’ve basically got two days, which used to be the traditional timeframe before Amazon started having a zillion weekly sales a year, to pluck out event-specific savings. As always, though, many of the discounts won’t be subscriber-exclusive, so you might be able to nab some after the event.
Do you need a Prime membership for Amazon Prime Day?
Yes, you will need a Prime membership to grab Amazon’s subscriber-exclusive offers. The age-old workaround to avoid immediately paying is to sign up for a free trial, but many discounts won’t be officially tied to the sale. Simply put, you won’t need a subscription for savings without the big red label, and plenty of retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Newegg, and Woot will be running their own rival events.