A retro Christmas gift: the handheld that brings back childhood

Every year it is the same question: what do you get for someone who already has everything? Another scarf, a box of candles, a gift card slipped into an envelope? What if this year you gave a memory?

The SF3500 is a retro handheld with a big 5-inch screen. It fits in the hand, plugs into the TV, and it has a rare power: it makes the person unwrapping it smile before they have even switched it on.

A gift that tells a story

The best gifts are not always the most expensive ones. They are the ones that touch something. A retro console takes you straight back to childhood afternoons: the click of the power switch, the pixels, the warm controller in your hands, your friend sitting next to you on the carpet.

Giving the SF3500 means giving that moment. You can be sure the conversation will turn to memories: “remember, at your grandma’s?”, “we spent hours on it”. It is a gift people share from Christmas Eve onwards.

Who is it for?

The SF3500 appeals to very different people:

• The nostalgic grown-up. In their thirties or forties, they grew up with the consoles of the 80s and 90s. They will love getting that feeling back on a properly big screen.
• The parent who wants to pass it on. They dream of showing their kids what they played at their age. With the TV output and controllers, the console becomes a family game.
• The child discovering it all. As a first console, simple and with no subscription, it does the job very well. On Reddit, one owner sees it as a good first console for a child (r/SBCGaming).
• The traveller. Train, plane, holidays: it slips into a bag and makes journeys go faster.

And let’s be honest: a lot of people who give one end up wanting one for themselves. The same Reddit thread tells the story of a buyer who gave one to their nephew, then bought another for themselves because they had too much fun with it.

Why people love it

A screen you can actually see. 5 inches, at 854 × 480 pixels. Most pocket retro consoles stop at 3.5 inches. You can read everything without squinting, even lying on the sofa.

It feels right in the hands. Two sticks, round buttons, curved grips: you hold it like the controllers of the old days.

It plugs into the TV. Thanks to its video output, the game moves to the big living room screen. That is where it becomes a real family gift.

It goes on holiday. With its rechargeable 3000 mAh battery, it follows its owner everywhere. It also plays music and videos.

Which pack should you give?

All three packs contain the same console. Choose according to the person:

• Solo, the console on its own: for someone who will mostly play handheld, in bed or on the commute.
• Duo, the console and one controller: for a couple, or for playing two-player on the TV now and then.
• Salon, the console and two controllers: our most complete pack, ideal for a family or for people who often have friends over. It is the one we recommend as a gift to share.

Worth knowing: the console is sold without games. The person receives the console and the controllers in the pack you picked.

Delivery: when should you order?

The sooner, the better. Allow 7–15 business days for delivery, which is tracked and free. You get a tracking number by email and can follow the parcel along the way.

A good habit for Christmas: order as soon as you have found your idea, rather than waiting for the last week of December, when every carrier is swamped. You will have peace of mind, and time to wrap it nicely.

What if they don’t like it?

You have 14 days after delivery to change your mind, with no reason needed. Return shipping is at your expense. The period starts on the day you receive the parcel, so if you order very early, keep that in mind.

The legal guarantee of conformity also applies: 24 months in most of the European Union. All the terms are on the shipping and returns page.

Our advice

If you are still unsure, ask yourself one question: does this person have childhood memories of video games? If so, the SF3500 will move them. If it is a child, it will open up a world you can share.

For a nostalgic adult, the Solo pack already makes a lovely gift. For a family, the Salon pack is the one that will bring the most evenings together. You will find all three packs on the SF3500 handheld game console page, so you can turn this Christmas into a trip back to childhood.