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
Programmable Gamer Control Panels
The Elgato 'Stream Deck' is Customizable
3
GPS Adventure Games
'Quest to LEGOLAND' is a Boredom-Busting GPS Game for Kids
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
Professional PC Gaming Desks
The BenQ ZONE eSports Game Desk is for Hardcore Gamers
Gravity-Inspired Fidget Toys
The 'Moondrop' Fidget Toy Comes in Three Different Celestial Options
Fragmented Office Designs
This Information Management Office Fuses Industrial and Quirky Designs
Voice-Muffling Face Masks
The 'Hushme' Voice Mask Allows for Private Calls in Open Spaces
Alcohol-Accompanying Board Games
The Brand 'Stranger & Stranger' Has Released a Board Game
Chromatic Domino Adaptations
'The Grid Game' is a Colorful Reimagining of Classic Dominoes
B2B Co-Working Spaces
Unilever Foundry's 'Level3' is a New Co-Working Space in Singapore
Underwater Exploration Toys
The GeoSafari Jr. Subscope Lets Kids Uncover Underwater Worlds
Mechanical Typewriter PC Keyboards
The Adesso AKB-636 Keyboard is Inspired by Typewriter Keyboards
Exploring Exciting Flavors
Sanjiv Gajiwala, Vice President of Marketing at Mike's Hard Lemonade
VR Language-Learning Apps
Mondly Uses Immersion to Teach Users New Languages
Modernized Record Consoles
The Wrensilva 'Loft' Record Player Console is a Chic Take on a Classic
Supermarket Clothing Pop-Ups
Lidl Opened a Pop-Up Shop in Hamburg for Its New Clothing Collection
Haptic Feedback VR Suits
The 'Hardlight' VR Suit Vibrates and Responds to Gameplay
VR Supercar Systems
This Mercedes Driving Simulation Puts Users Behind the Wheel of a Race Car
Kid-Friendly Gym Toys
Jakks Pacific's 'Little Mighty Gym' Works in Tandem with a Tablet Screen
VR Driverless Race Cars
The Volkswagen 300 Concept Race Car is Controlled via a VR Headset
Eye Mask VR Headsets
The 'Mild' VR Headset Goggles are a Stylish Take on Immersive Technology
Adjustable Supplementary Desks
The FlexiSpot M-Series Sit-Stand Desktop Workstation is Ergonomic
Opulent Electric Convertibles
The Bentley EXP 12 Speed 6e Features an Electric Powertrain
Environment-Reacting VR Headsets
The 'VAR' Glasses Headset Merges VR and AR Technologies
VR Shaving Simulators
Gillette's In-Store Experience Takes People on a VR Roller Coaster Ride
Enchanting Cookware Pots
Le Creuset's Soup Pot Features Special Details for Disney Fans
Stationary Laptop Docks
The Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Laptop Dock Stations Expand Capabilities
VR Escapism Programs
This Chemotherapy Patient Program Uses Virtual Reality as a Form of Escape
A Multiplicity of Connections
Scott Ostrowski, Chief Technologist at Booz Allen Hamilton
Portable Projection Keyboards
The 'iKeybo' Keyboard Supports Multiple Languages
One-Handed Gaming Keypads
The AULA Gaming Keyboard Showed Off a Condensed Design at CES 2017
Ornate Gemstone Headphones
The 'HiNICE+' Necklace Headphones are Stylishly Functional
Cartoon Friendship Toys
TOMY's Molang Toys Teach Respect, Happiness and Solidarity
Sectioned Gaming Keyboards
The Kinesis Gaming 'Freestyle Edge' Video Game Keyboard is Ergonomic
Culturally Influenced Skincare Brands
Sakhi Copenhagen Fuses Nordic and Eastern Healing Traditions
Interchangeable Aesthetic Speakers
The V-MODA Remix Bluetooth Speaker Amplifier is Dual-Purpose
Pirate Lifestyle Games
The Tortuga 1667 Pirate Game of Mutiny, Plunder & Deceit is Adventurous
Arcade-Like Gaming Retailers
The ASUS Republic of Gamers Store Lets Consumers Test Equipment
Virtual DIY Training Courses
The Lowes Holoroom How To is an Instructive VR Training Clinic
Dementia-Focused VR Tools
The Virtual Reality Empathy Platform Helps Architects Design Inclusively
Programmable Dancing Dolls
The Hasbro Dance Code Belle Character Toy Teaches Rudimentary Code
Interactive Design Store Displays
Occhio's Cologne Flagship Features Smart Product Demo Stations
Family-Specific Hotel Suites
The Holiday Inn KidSuites Make Family Travel More Comfortable
VR Blind Dating
'The League' is Hosting a VR Blind Date Party on Valentine's Day
Breaking Out of Fixed Mindsets
Suzanne Zimny, Head of Innovation at Vimto
Ergonomic Contour Keyboard Designs
The 'XBows' Keyboard is Designed with the Hands in Mind
Board Game Token Votes
The Vote Monopoly Site Lets Fans Vote on the Next Generation of Tokens
Typewriter Keyboard Peripherals
The 'lofree' Keyboard Draws Inspiration from Vintage Keyboards
Conceptual VR Console Headsets
The Nintendo Switch VR System Headset Imagines Capabilities
Premium Tech Kiosks
Best Buy's Google Shop Kiosks Promote the Tech Giant's In-Store Product Range
Glove Gaming Controllers
The 'CaptoGlove' Wireless Controller Utilizes Your Hand for Gameplay
All-In-One Travel Apps
Sygic's Trip-Planning GPS App Inspires, Handles Bookings and More
Event Management Smart Bracelets
Shake-On Provides Essential Event Services and Optimization
Tangible Programming Toys
The 'PETS' Programming Learning Kit Gets Kids Started with Tech
Dedicated PDA Keyboards
The 'Gemini PDA' Android Keyboard Offers Advanced Productivity
Professional Gaming Shorts
KontrolFreek's Performance Gaming Wear is for Competitive Gaming
Interactive Gaming Console Displays
Best Buy's Nintendo Switch Display Features Interactive Videos
Cartoon-Themed Board Games
The Bob's Burgers Monopoly Special Edition Board Game is Loads of Fun
Gaming Computer Console Cases
The 'SENTRY' Game Computer Case Boasts a Slim Design Aesthetic
Pirate Treasure Hunt Games
The 'Jackal Archipelago' Strategic Board Game is Quick to Learn
Heatable Plush Toys
The Microwaveable Heat Therapy Stuffed Animals Offer Soothing Warmth
Hunter Arcade Games
The Sure Shot HD at CES 2017 Turns Any TV into a Shooting Gallery
Egyptian Fruit Juice Collections
Mas Green Offers Fruit and Juices in Patterned Packaging
Modular Video Game Consoles
The 'RetroBlox' Modular Game Console Ports and Plays Retro Games
Muslim Travel Apps
The 'Irhal' App Helps Muslim Travelers Access Useful Resources While Abroad
Robot Apocalypse Board Games
The Terminator Official Board Game Revives the Movie Franchise
User-Scoring Dating Apps
The 'EVE' Mobile Dating App Rewards Male Users for Being Genuine
Retro Cartridge Games Consoles
The Analogue Nt Mini Upscales Game Quality for an HD Experience
Digital Fan Engagement Trackers
The Nada Wearable Lets Event Organizers Track Crowd Reactions
Cross-Border E-Commerce Services
The Walmart Global Shop Lets Consumers Purchase from Overseas
Content-Delivering Pet Apps
This On Demand Veterinary Healthcare Platform is Very Informative
Arabic Afternoon Tea Services
The Ritz Carton Dubai Offers Regional High Tea Flavors and Treats
Pop-Up VR Bars
The House of Peroni Event Featured Immersive Works of Art
VR Movie Theaters
The IMAX VR Center Recently Opened in Los Angeles
Online VR PC Networks
The 'VRLD' Online VR Platform Offers Intuitive Experiences for Users
Customized Beer-Labeling Apps
Laphroaig’s App Lets Drinkers Create "Opinionated" Whisky Labels
Genre-Specific Headphones
The PUMP Audio 'MIX and BOOM' Audio Headphones are for Electronic Music
Real-Time Event Photo Apps
'invt.me' Lets Guests Broadcast Live Event Photos for Everyone to Enjoy
Detachable Helmet Headphones
The Unit 1 'Soundsheild' Headband Headphones are Multipurpose
Hate-Based Dating Apps
The Dating App 'Hater' Matches People Based on Mutual Dislikes
Artfully Framed Televisions
This Samsung Television by Fuseproject Looks Just Like a Piece of Art
Gamified Donation Posters
Surf Life Saving's Posters Intrigue Donors with an Arcade-Style Activity
Workout Recommendation Trackers
The Lumo Wearable Run Sensor Clip Improves Cardio Routines
Holistic Retail Payment Systems
'Square for Retail' Manages Payment and Inventory for Businesses
Ambient Sound Earphones
The Sony Xperia Ear Open Style Concept Merges Music with Environment Audio
Offline-Focused Dating Apps
The 'Stir' App Connects Nearby Singles to Foster in-Person Meetings
Sports-Predicting Algorithms
Unanimous Swarm AI Predicts Sports Outcomes with Startling Accuracy
Anime Strategy Apps
'Pokemon Duel' is a Strategy Board Game Played on Users' Smartphones
VR Portal Attractions
Doraemon Fans Can Now Step Through the Character's 'Anywhere Door'
Surrealist VR Exhibitions
Sotheby's is Using a Virtual Reality Art Experience to Drive Sales
Social Sharing Economy Apps
The 'imeyou' Social Community Platform Connects Nearby Users
Powerful PC Gaming Consoles
The MSI Trident 3 Arctic Gaming PC Console is Laptop-Sized
Gamified Marathon Events
'The Gaming Marathon' by Samsung is a Real-Life Race Game
Multi-Screen Console Devices
The 'LUMI Split-box' Lets Users to Play a Console on Multiple Screens
Vegan Dating Apps
'Veg' is a Tinder-Style App for Vegetarians and Vegans
Muslim-Friendly Japanese Tours
Miyako International Tourist Co. is Catering to Muslim Travelers
Dual-Port Wireless Charging Cases
The Sparen 'DualCase' Charge Cases Pack a Bevy of Features
Minimalist Pastel TV Posters
Léo Gratier Creates Streamlined Graphic Renditions of Popular Shows
Connected Home Media Players
The 'Homy Player' Media Player Device Has Home Automation Features
Decentralized Business Phone Systems
'Spoke' Creates Business Lines Using Employee Cellphones
Flight-Finding Voice Assistants
The 'Amelia' AI Service Performs Flight Searches Quickly
Outdoorsy Dating Apps
LuvByrd is a Dating App for People Who Love to Get Outside
Ergonomic Interface Controllers
The Lenovo 500 Multimedia Controller will be Revealed at CES 2017
Productive 4G Tablet Laptops
The Alcatel Plus 12 4G Tablet Merges Multiple Mobile Features
Mind-Measuring Headphones
The 'Mindset' Headphones Improve Your Concentration with EEG
Zombie Show Slot Games
The Walking Dead II is a New Slot Machine Based on the Show
Professional eSports Basketball Leagues
'NBA 2K eLeague' Will Be Owned by the NBA and Take-Two
Call-Based Dating Apps
Matches on the Hotline App Connect Via a Telephone Call
Iterate to Innovate
Erik Baeumlisberger, Project Manager at SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
Professional Relationship Management Apps
'Ryze' Lets Users Maintain a Better Personal Network
Independent Bookstore Subscriptions
The Book Drop Offers a Curated Set of Books Each Month
Authentic Arabic Brunch Spots
Maha's Brings Authentic Egyptian Cuisine to Toronto's East End
VR Flying Installations
The 'Hypersuit' Puts People in Position to Experience a VR Flight
Marketplace Metrics Platforms
The 'Upright' Analytics Platform Tracks Marketplace Performance
Fitness-Focused Dating Apps
The Lime Dating App Counts Steps When Making Matches
VR Sandbox Expeditions
Audi's Virtual Reality Driving Experience Puts Kids in the Driver's Seat
Charitable Dating App Campaigns
Bumble Was Used to Raise $50,000 for a Planned Parenthood Donation
Gamer Smart Home Controllers
The Zelda Home Automation System is Controlled by N64 Songs
Streamlined Search Apps
Google's App Update Was Designed to Enhance Its Traffic
Kitchen Chemistry Sets
This Kitchen Toy Playset from John Adams Encourages Safe Discoveries
Chromatic Professional Game Keyboards
The Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2 Mechanical Keyboard is Modern
Visual Input Virtual Keyboards
The 'Punchkeyboard' Offers an Input Method for VR Users
Business Transaction Platforms
The 'SlickAccount' Money Management Software Simplifies Accounting