Gaming might still seem like a young industry, but the April 2017 gaming trends show that the field of video games has already reached the point of referential nostalgia. Though video games have only really existed commercially since the late 70s at the earliest, that nonetheless means that millions of adults grew up with video games throughout their childhoods. Many of the April 2017 gaming trends reflect those games of past decades.
Some nostalgic gaming systems this month feature updates on classics. Alan Pan's Zelda home automation system, for example, uses a Raspberry Pi computer to make the legendary N64 game more versatile and interactive by adding several different controller interfaces.
Some gaming nostalgia goes beyond actual video games themselves. A Washington, DC, bar turned into a Super Mario-themed pop-up to celebrate both the game and cherry blossom season in the American capital.
Top 25 Gaming Concepts in April
25
Haptic Feedback VR Suits
The 'Hardlight' VR Suit Vibrates and Responds to Gameplay
24
Music-Mixing Games
Hasbro and Harmonix Teamed Up to Create 'DropMix'
23
Sectioned Gaming Keyboards
The Kinesis Gaming 'Freestyle Edge' Video Game Keyboard is Ergonomic
22
Video Game AR Toys
The 'SwapBots' Digital Toys Exist in Real Life and in the Digital World
21
Glove Gaming Controllers
The 'CaptoGlove' Wireless Controller Utilizes Your Hand for Gameplay
20
Modular Gaming Devices
The 'Potan' Handheld Entertainment Device Has Interchangeable Components
19
Vibrational Feedback Headphones
The 'StringPad' 4D Motion Simulator Headphones are Immersive
18
Interactive Gaming Console Displays
Best Buy's Nintendo Switch Display Features Interactive Videos
17
Arabic Emoji Games
The New Wain Waleed Game Functions as an Extension of the Halla Walla App
16
eSports Gaming Stadiums
The MGM Grand Garden Arena is a Large-Scale eSports Venue
15
In-Store Game Development Classes
Microsoft's Xbox Academy Teaches Game Development and More
14
Retro Cartridge Games Consoles
The Analogue Nt Mini Upscales Game Quality for an HD Experience
13
DIY Gaming Consoles
'MAKERbuino' is a Customizable DIY Game Console That Can Be Made for $35
12
Chromatic PC Gamer Keyboards
The Zalman ZM-K900M Mechanical Gaming Keyboards are Customizable
11
Virtual Reality Cafes
'Vrei' is a Hub for Trying Out Virtual Reality Technology and Games
10
Ping Pong Office Apps
The 'PongUp!' App Tracks Scores of Workers for a Fun Office Experience
9
Powerful PC Gaming Consoles
The MSI Trident 3 Arctic Gaming PC Console is Laptop-Sized
8
Gamified Dating Apps
The Splish Dating App Makes Users Complete Quizzes to Get Matches
7
Multi-Screen Console Devices
The 'LUMI Split-box' Lets Users to Play a Console on Multiple Screens
6
Real-Time Zombie Games
The Walking Dead Turned Facebook Live into a Live-Action Video Game
5
8-Bit Pop-Up Bars
The Super Mario Bros Bar Celebrates the Blooming of D.C.'s Cherry Blossoms
4
GPS Adventure Games
'Quest to LEGOLAND' is a Boredom-Busting GPS Game for Kids
3
Programmable Gamer Control Panels
The Elgato 'Stream Deck' is Customizable
2
Online Gamer Event Platforms
'Victus.gg' Acts as an Event Discovery and Management Platform
1
Gamer Smart Home Controllers
The Zelda Home Automation System is Controlled by N64 Songs
Related Ideas
Gaming-Themed Chocolate Partnerships
Kinder Joy and Nintendo Partnered on a Limited-Edition Range
Movie-Themed Kids Meals
Super Mario Galaxy Happy Meal Launches with Collectible Toys
Retro-Style Gaming Consoles
The PlayStation 5 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Marks a Milestone
Ultra-Slim Handheld Gaming Consoles
The 'GamerCard' is Powered by a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W
Retro Gaming Experiences
My Arcade® is Showcasing the Gamestation Retro at CES 2025
Cyberpunk DJ Console Concepts
The Image Creates the MIDI Controller Concept
Sleek Retro Console Remakes
Retro Games Ltd. Announced 'THEC64 Mini' Commodore 64 Remake
Nostalgic Gamer Streetwear Collections
The New Era x PlayStation Range Has Hats, Hoodies and More
Monthly Gaming Giveaway Lineups
Amazon Prime Launches a Prime Gaming April Drop
Retro Gaming Handhelds
Evercade Nexus Brings Physical Cartridges Back to Portable Gaming
See-Through Retro Gamer Controllers
The 8BitDo 64 Controller Comes in New Transparent Options
Pocket-Sized Fidget Toy
Slider-Gamemackey Combines Retro Gaming Buttons with Fidget Puzzle Action
Hybrid Pc Controllers
Valve Steam Controller 2 Launches May 2026 with Trackpads and Controls
High-Fashion Video Game Consoles
The Balenciaga Snake Game Marks the Lunar New Year
Pocket Gaming Power Hubs
The Powerboy 2-In-1 Retro Gaming Console Plays Games and Charges
Modernized Portable Music Devices
The Conceptual TL-1 Music Player by Hunny Modi is Nostalgic
Shooter Game Console Releases
FragPunk Launches for Xbox and PlayStation on April 29
Retro Audio Controllers
The 8bitdo Retro Cube 2 Uses a D-Pad for Volume and Playback Control
Bright Edition Consoles
Analogue Releases the 3d Prototype Consoles Inspired by Nintendo 64 Colors
Retro Gaming Controllers
Hyperkin Partners with ModRetro for M64-Compatible Designs
Foldable Dual-Screen Concepts
Yanko Design Showcases a Nintendo Dual-Screen Concept
Backward-Boost Gaming Systems
Nintendo’s Switch 2 Update Introduces a Handheld Boost Mode
Authentic Retro Hardware Revival
NEOGEO AES+ Delivers True Hardware Experience Without Emulation
Mindful Handheld Gaming Systems
The Conceptual 'Kimera' Handheld Gaming Console is Immersive
Retro Gaming Smartphone Systems
The SOOLRA Attachable Controller and App Transform Smartphones
Game-Based T-Shirt Capsules
UNIQLO's UT Launches an Archival 'Super Mario Series' Collection
Video Game Console Sneakers
The Nike AIR SNES Allows Fans to Actually Play Retro Games
Active Gaming Controller Mats
The GAMR Active Gaming Play Pad Works with Many Platforms
80s-Inspired E-Ink Gaming Consoles
The 'Ink Console' Offers a Series of Text-Driven Adventures
Video Game-Themed Chocolate Gifts
The Nintendo and Godiva Chocolates are Arriving in Japan
Nostalgic 90s-Inspired Gaming Consoles
Analogue 3D Funtastic Consoles Come in a Rainbow of Colors
Category-Defining Home Arcade Collections
Basic Fun! Debuts Its Inaugural Home Arcade Collection
Screen Retro Consoles
HOMMEMADE Gaming Console by A$AP Rocky Uses Retropie and a Flip-Up Display
Millennium-Inspired Handheld Gaming Consoles
The ANBERNIC RG34XX Has a Nostalgic Function and Form
Retro Gaming Room Experiences
Step Back in Time with W Montréal’s Retro Gaming Box Experience
Interactive Motorsport-Inspired Gaming Experiences
EB Games Boasts Mario Kart World in Montreal
Themed Snack Collectibles
Kinder Joy Evolves its Treat-And-Toy Format with Themed Collections
Nostalgic Gaming Devices
The Playdate Handheld Console Reimagines Retro Gameplay with Modernity
Detachable Gaming Console Laptops
The Wistron Dual Fusion Imagines a System for Work and Play
Interactive Toy Experiences
Spin Master Highlights Opportunities in the Toy Sector in 2026
Video Game-Themed Beverages
Candy Can and Bandai Namco Entertainment Partner on Exclusive Collab
Browser Game Platforms
RetroGames Lets Users Play Classic Console Games Online Instantly
Fandom Culture Retail Experiences
EB Games x Vibrant Marketing Launch an 'EB Trends' Store Concept
Industrial Video Game Controllers
The Conceptual Nothing Gamepad (1) by Anurag Sarda is Ergonomic
Retro-Inspired Smartphone Gaming Controllers
The GameSir Pocket Taco Has a Nostalgic Design
Nostalgic Clamshell Handhelds
Anbernic's RG34XXSP is the Nostalgic Gaming Device People Want
Pocket Computing Concepts
Pokepad Focuses on Stylus-First Productivity Without Gaming Apps
Face-to-Face Game Consoles
Board Merges the Best Features of Board Games and Video Games
Industrial Translucent Gaming Controllers
This Sony Game Controller Concept is Futuristic
In-Car Gaming Collaborations
AirConsole x Audi Partner for Car Gaming, and Includes Pictionary
In-Car Gaming Experiences
Atari and AirConsole are Partnering to Bring Games to Volkswagens
Immersive Gameplay Features
The Sandbox Launched 'Game Maker 0.11' for Creators and Brands
Customizable Mobile Game Controllers
The Hyperkin x GameSir X5 Alteron Was Debuted at CES 2026
Digital Halloween Games
Google Celebrates Pac-Man’s 45th Anniversary with a Spooky Maze Doodle
Immersive Gaming Lands
Minecraft World Brings the Game to Life in a Theme Park
Anthropomorphized Gaming Systems
The 'Playdate' Handheld Gaming Device Has a Charming Function
Controller-Driven PC Interfaces
Microsoft Enables Desktop Navigation with Gamepad Controls
Fashion House Retro-Gaming Devices
Balenciaga Presents a Device That Only Plays the Snake Game
Playing Card-Themed Apparel
Nintendo Launches a New hanafuda Product Collection
Retro Tech Sweaters
Microsoft Holiday Sweater Celebrates Fifty Years with Nostalgic Graphics
Instant Gaming Platforms
Zeon Games & Studio Enables Instant Play Through Scroll-Based Gaming
Retro Plug-and-Play Games
Fizz Creations' Wireless Plug-and-Play Systems Appeal to Kidult Gamers
World Building Anime Games
Pokémon Pokopia Offers Players a Cozy Gameplay Experience
Enhanced Mobile Gaming Platforms
Samsung Showcased its New Gaming Hub at CES 2026
Remastered Classic Rhythm Games
PlayStation's Patapon Game is Coming to Steam and Switch
Nostalgic Anniversary Console Updates
Sony Added Nostalgic Themes to its PS5 Console
Vibrant Retro Handheld Gaming
Retroid Designs the Pocket Classic Gaming Device
See-Through Cartridge Gaming Consoles
The ModRetro M64 Revives 90s Technology in a Modern Way
Retro Goggle-Style Gamer Accessories
The Nintendo Classics Virtual Boy Revives a 90s Console
Tech-Enriched Sports Equipment
The 'GOAL' Concept by Yewon Lee Encourages Physical Activity
Modernized Retro Controllers
Nintendo's New Switch Online Gamecube Controller Supports Retro Games
Celebratory Stacking Game Consoles
The Tetris Forever Handheld Video Game Console Marks 40 Years
Compact Key-Fob Consoles
The Playfob Reimagines Car Access as an Adorable Handheld Gaming
Impactful Gaming Experiences
Humanity Games Combines Retro Gameplay With Real-World Lessons
Retro-Inspired Handheld Game Consoles
Sara Ourani Designs the SUP Game Box 400 Console
Gaming Trivia Apps
Retro Game Trivia Offers Daily Retro Gaming Quizzes And Fun Facts
Arcade-Style Console Docks
iMP Gaming's Mini Arcade Pro Crates a Nostalgic Experience
Artistic Gaming Peripherals
ASUS ROG Launches a New Product Lineup with Kojima Productions
Mobile Retro-Inspired Consoles
The Atari Gamestation Go Plays Classics in a Portable Format
Fashion Gaming App-Updates
Fashion Gaming App 'Drest' Launches New Update
Building Block Game Consoles
LEGO and Nintendo are Releasing a Game Boy Building Block Set
Freestanding Retro Gaming Systems
The Vectrex Mini Revives a Classic Video Game System
Sharable Digital Video Games
The Nintendo Switch Virtual Game Card Allows for Sharing
Streaming Service Brainteaser Games
Netflix Puzzled Will Feature Show-Themed Puzzles
Retro-Inspired Arcade Activations
Hotel X Toronto Revives Its Retro Arcade Installation
Child-Focused Handheld Games
The Game Boy-Inspired Kids Device is an Alternative to Tablets
Screen-Free Toy Collections
Luki Lab Spotlights Six Products at the New York Toy Fair 2026
Video Game-Inspired Computer Peripherals
Higround Pays Homage to Xbox's Halo Video Game Franchise
Nostalgic Gamer Keyboard Designs
The 8Bitdo Retro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Honors Nintendo
Social-Focused Childrens Games
Dragon Snacks Games' 'Solar Punk' Will Act as a Social Hub
Gaming Wearable Devices
Tetris Watch Combines Classic Gameplay with Smartwatch Features
Classic Snake Games
Snake Apple Game Explores History, Strategies, And Free Online Play Options
Video Game Desktop Toys
The Nintendo Talking Flower Plays Cheeky Comments and More
Digital Pet Video Games
Tamagotchi Plaza is Arriving on the Nintendo Switch
Online Gaming Portals
Best Website Games Offers Accessible Browser-Based Games Anytime
Brick Toy Revivals
LEGO’s new Game Boy set includes Mario & Zelda-inspired cartridges
Indie Game Directories
Lovable Games Curates Unique Indie Games For Gamers And Developers
Retro Music Platforms
Retro Play Streams Pre-2011 Music Videos With Curated Playback
Searchable Gaming Platforms
Search to Play Helps Users Discover, Track, And Share Video Games
Gaming-Inspired Food Partnerships
Nanak Foods and Nintendo of Canada Debut Their Collaboration
Best-Selling Console Sequels
Nintendo Dropped the Reveal Trailer for the 'Nintendo Switch 2'
Creative Canvas Online Games
Nintendo is Bringing The Classic 'Mario Paint' to Nintendo Switch
Nostalgic Console-Joint Fashion
BEAMS and PlayStation Drop Retro Hoodies and Crewnecks This Season
Charitable Developer Games Showcases
Humble Bundle is Hosting its 2025 Games Showcase
Pixelated Gamer Smart Lights
The Govee Pac-Man Gaming Pixel Light is Officially Licensed
K-Pop-Inspired Computer Peripherals
Higround and Aespa Fuse K-Pop and Gaming
Multifunctional Modern Gamepads
8BitDo's Pro 3 Gamepad is Designed for Modern and Retro Games
Cartoon-Themed PC Peripherals
Razer Teases an Upcoming Collaboration with Pokémon
Retro Game Additions
Nintendo Adds Mario Clash, Mario’s Tennis and Mario Vs. Donkey Kong
Game Console Anniversary Releases
Sony Celebrates its 30th Anniversary with a Nostalgic PS5 Update
Streaming Series Video Games
The 'Thronglets' Game is Inspired by a Black Mirror Episode
Productivity Co-Working Games
On-Together: Virtual Co-Working Turns Focus Sessions to Shared Play
Value-Minded Video Game Consoles
This Nintendo Switch MAR10 Day Bundle Celebrates the Console
Spatial Bubble Games
Bubbles Everywhere Offers Immersive Bubble Popping on Apple Vision Pro
IP-Based Kids Games
Netflix Turns Shows into Play Experiences
Retro Nostalgic Computing Revivals
Ultimate 64 Revives Iconic C64 with Modern Updates
Classic Board Game Remakes
Dungeons & Dragons Takes on a Celebratory Modernized Update
Nostalgic Game Collections
The RIKI 8Bit GAME Collection Expands to Europe for the Nintendo Switch
Revived Retro Arcade Games
Nintendo Breathes Life Back to the NES Version of Tetris
Rhythm-Based Game Collections
Nintendo Launches Rhythm Heaven Groove on Switch
Gamified Productivity Apps
Triforce Todos Combines Retro Game Style With Task Management Tools
Retro Arcade-Themed Capsules
The Hundreds and Tetris are Teaming Up on the 'Future Vintage' Line
Music-Driven Coming-Of-Age Games
Beethoven and Dinosaur’s Mixtape Releases This Upcoming May
Integrated Streaming Access Updates
Spotify and EA SPORTS Team Up to Power In-Game Audio Streaming
Music Guessing Games
HeardlePedia Lets You Guess Songs And Play Fun Music Challenges
Fake Video Gaming Essays
Super Eyepatch Wolf Explores Imaginary Gaming Worlds
HDMI Gaming Technology Lines
HDMI Licensing Administrator Presents HDMI® Gaming Technologies
Retro TV Simulator Games
'Blippo+' is Coming to Nintendo Switch Family of Devices Soon
Electronic Gaming Accessories Lineups
JSAUX Debuts Nintendo Console-Compatible Accessories
Brand Recognition Games
Product Guesser Tests Brand Recognition Through Interactive Play Tool
Archival Game-Honoring Books
Sony’s 30th Anniversary Book Uncovers Unseen Prototypes and Designs
Casual Game Discovery Apps
PizzaSlice Helps Users Find Relaxing, Chill Indie Games Easily
Arcade Game Revivals
Snake Classic Revives The Arcade Game With Modern Features And Challenges
Multiplayer Cartoon Soccer Games
Nintendo is Adding 'Super Mario Strikers' to NSO on Switch 2
Immersive Store Game Launches
Target Launches an In-Store Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Experience
Victorian Parlour Gaming Booths
Inception Group Launches Mr Fogg’s Games Parlour
Digital Dartboard Game Systems
The 'Pixeldarts' Electronic Throwing Game Offers Nonstop Fun
Timed Gameplay Trial Features
Google Play Introduced Game Trials for Sampling Game Titles
Elderly-Catered Journal Concepts
The Dual-Screen Journal Concept Captures Important Memories
Curated Surprise Game Seasons
Panic Announces Playdate Season Three for Episodic Game Releases