With the latest computer games and VR systems becoming completely immersive and looking so realistic, it’s easy to forget that they are all descendants of something much cruder, plinky plonky and 8-bity. My partner, who appears to have hit his mid-life crisis early, has regressed back to buying all the old games he used to play when he was kid, each time he gets a new one he will beam with excitement, telling me it was his ultimate favourite (there have been 12 ultimate favourites so far) and insists I come and play, within two minutes of tedious music, chunky graphics and frustrating controls I am ready to tear my hair out. However, he will happily sit the for hours reliving the best days of this youth, hog the T.V. when I have important world events to catch up on, such as who just got evicted off Love Island. Perhaps the Retro Handheld Console from Thumbs Up could be the answer to my problems?

Don’t let size deceive you, although only 5.7 x 2.1 x 9.3cm it has over 150 8-Bit games packed inside its bright red and blue combo, including, Tic Tac Toe, Connect Four, Football, Racing Games and Shooting Games all with gloriously colourful 80-Bit graphics. It has a 1.8inch LDC screen (who says bigger is better), it can easily fit in your pocket, and is powered off 3 AAA batteries that are not included but does include a wrist strap for when things get animated. Controls are basic with a directional button, A and B button, Start and Reset button, On/Off and Volume control (thank good you can switch it off).

None of the games come with instructions which means it takes a couple of goes to get to grips with it but none of the games are difficult to learn. When I first handed this to my partner he was happy to play with it but after a few minutes he lost interest claiming it didn’t have any of the classic games he used to play, which leaves me at a loss to who would enjoy it and without my TV again. However, as I surprise twist I found myself hooked on a few of the annoying little games. The Retro Handheld Console is a low cost, nostalgic and entertaining little game, it would make a good gag gift for anyone who grew up in the 80’s. RRP £17.99

Buy now

4 out of 5

Pros

Low cost

Colourful

Over 150 games

Easy to use

Cons

Basic

You will either be hooked or lose interest quickly

Batteries not included