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
Ultra-Slim Handheld Gaming Consoles
The 'GamerCard' is Powered by a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W
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
Premium Gaming Subscription Services
PlayStation Plus Expands Access to Recent Blockbuster Titles
Online Retro Game Emulators
Retro Games Lets You Play Classic Console Titles Right In Your Browser
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
Nostalgia-Driven Gaming Handsets
The AYANEO Pocket Micro 2 Supports Retro Gaming
Monthly Gaming Giveaway Lineups
Amazon Prime Launches a Prime Gaming April Drop
Retro Gaming Handhelds
Evercade Nexus Brings Physical Cartridges Back to Portable Gaming
Travel-Suited Retro Gamer Systems
Retroid Pocket Nova Takes Nostalgia Gaming Anywhere
Retro AI-Powered Gaming Handsets
The Ayaneo Konkr Pocket Block Has a Highly Portable Profile
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
Modernized Portable Music Devices
The Conceptual TL-1 Music Player by Hunny Modi is Nostalgic
Pocket Gaming Power Hubs
The Powerboy 2-In-1 Retro Gaming Console Plays Games and Charges
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
Hybrid Pc Controllers
Valve Steam Controller 2 Launches May 2026 with Trackpads and Controls
Authentic Retro Hardware Revival
NEOGEO AES+ Delivers True Hardware Experience Without Emulation
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
Gaming Audio Hubs
ASUS Combines Dolby Atmos Audio With Multi-Device Controls
Anniversary-Honoring Gaming Consoles
The XBOX Series X25 Limited Edition Marks 25 Years of Gaming
Active Gaming Controller Mats
The GAMR Active Gaming Play Pad Works with Many Platforms
Browser Gaming Platforms
Unblocked Games Lets Users Play Quick Games Anywhere With No Restrictions
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
Interactive Motorsport-Inspired Gaming Experiences
EB Games Boasts Mario Kart World in Montreal
Energizing Video Game-Themed Drinks
Gong cha EnerTeas Were Created with The Tetris Company
Gaming Peripheral Collections
Razer and Pokémon Espeon and Umbreon Drop Themed Gaming Accessories
Themed Snack Collectibles
Kinder Joy Evolves its Treat-And-Toy Format with Themed Collections
Screen Retro Consoles
HOMMEMADE Gaming Console by A$AP Rocky Uses Retropie and a Flip-Up Display
Nostalgic Gaming Devices
The Playdate Handheld Console Reimagines Retro Gameplay with Modernity
Browser Game Platforms
RetroGames Lets Users Play Classic Console Games Online Instantly
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
Fandom Culture Retail Experiences
EB Games x Vibrant Marketing Launch an 'EB Trends' Store Concept
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
Furniture-Integrated Computing
Lian Li Merges Premium Desks with Enthusiast PC Hardware
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
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
Playable Brand Universes
adidas and Brawl Stars Connect Gaming, Apparel and Live Fan Experiences
Immersive Gaming Lands
Minecraft World Brings the Game to Life in a Theme Park
Customizable Console Bundles
Nintendo Paired Switch 2 with a Pick-your-own Digital Game
Gaming Lifestyle Collections
Toca Boca and MINISO Blend Retail with Digital Rewards
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
Controller-Driven PC Interfaces
Microsoft Enables Desktop Navigation with Gamepad Controls
Modular Gaming Controllers
HyperX Introduces Swappable Controls and Custom Gaming Parts
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
Screen-Free Interactive Gaming
tonies and Hasbro Turn Classic Board Games Into Audio Adventures
Compact Key-Fob Consoles
The Playfob Reimagines Car Access as an Adorable Handheld Gaming
Franchise Gaming Peripherals
IQUINIX Blends Ghost in the Shell Design with Competitive Gaming
Impactful Gaming Experiences
Humanity Games Combines Retro Gameplay With Real-World Lessons
Retro Multiplayer Revival Games
Nintendo revives Star Fox with online multiplayer for Switch 2
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
Playable LEGO Collectibles
LEGO Launches a Working Pinball Machine with Authentic Arcade Mechanics
Mobile Retro-Inspired Consoles
The Atari Gamestation Go Plays Classics in a Portable Format
Freestanding Retro Gaming Systems
The Vectrex Mini Revives a Classic Video Game System
Interactive Convention Activations
LEGO SMART Play Transforms Comic-Con into Immersive Experiences
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
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
Online Gaming Portals
Best Website Games Offers Accessible Browser-Based Games Anytime
Gaming Trivia Apps
Retro Game Trivia Offers Daily Retro Gaming Quizzes And Fun Facts
Brick Toy Revivals
LEGO’s new Game Boy set includes Mario & Zelda-inspired cartridges
Personalized Telehealth Service Platforms
Enhanced Reports Success of the Inaugural Enhanced Games
Soccer-Themed Entertainment Events
Sky Zone Turns Global Soccer Excitement into Active Play
Hand Tracking Games
Pixel Ninja Turns Your Hand Into A Magical Shield With AI
Indie Game Directories
Lovable Games Curates Unique Indie Games For Gamers And Developers
Mobile Sports Simulation Gaming
MLB The Show Brings Team Building and Gameplay to Mobile
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
Artistic Museum Simulators
Two Point Museum Added Emotion-Driven Art Curation Gameplay
Gaming-Inspired Food Partnerships
Nanak Foods and Nintendo of Canada Debut Their Collaboration
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
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
Online Encyclopedia Puzzles
Cloudberries Launched a Limited-Edition Wikipedia 25 Puzzle
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
Experiential Tabletop Launches
MindWare Brings Immersive Game Demos to Gen Con 2026
Retro Game Additions
Nintendo Adds Mario Clash, Mario’s Tennis and Mario Vs. Donkey Kong
Productivity Co-Working Games
On-Together: Virtual Co-Working Turns Focus Sessions to Shared Play
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
Creator-Inspired Board Games
MrBeast Brings His Viral Challenges and Competition Style Home
Personalized Console Ecosystems
Xbox adds new interface updates and Gamerscore badges
Rhythm-Based Game Collections
Nintendo Launches Rhythm Heaven Groove on Switch
Playable Gaming Archives
The Internet Archive Preserves 758 Retro PC Demo Discs
Gamified Productivity Apps
Triforce Todos Combines Retro Game Style With Task Management Tools
Game Controller Sofas
Controller Sofa is a Game Controller-Inspired Seating Concept
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
Gaming News Customization Tools
Feed It Games Builds a Custom Gaming News Feed For Your Interests
Personalized Game Calendars
Steam Maps Upcoming Game Releases to Each Player's Interests
Fake Video Gaming Essays
Super Eyepatch Wolf Explores Imaginary Gaming Worlds
In-Game Music Experiences
Toca Boca Integrates Music From Major Artists Into Gameplay
HDMI Gaming Technology Lines
HDMI Licensing Administrator Presents HDMI® Gaming Technologies
Brand Recognition Games
Product Guesser Tests Brand Recognition Through Interactive Play Tool
Electronic Gaming Accessories Lineups
JSAUX Debuts Nintendo Console-Compatible Accessories
Retro TV Simulator Games
'Blippo+' is Coming to Nintendo Switch Family of Devices Soon
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
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
Arcade Game Revivals
Snake Classic Revives The Arcade Game With Modern Features And Challenges
Victorian Parlour Gaming Booths
Inception Group Launches Mr Fogg’s Games Parlour
Timed Gameplay Trial Features
Google Play Introduced Game Trials for Sampling Game Titles
Curated Surprise Game Seasons
Panic Announces Playdate Season Three for Episodic Game Releases