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
Retro Gaming Experiences
My Arcade® is Showcasing the Gamestation Retro at CES 2025
Retro-Futuristic DJ Consoles
The Conceptual teenage engineering OP-J DJ Console is Advanced
Industrial Handheld Gaming Consoles
The Conceptual PocketMan P1 Has Exposed Components
Nostalgic Gaming Timepieces
The Retro Gaming Watch Brings Gameplay to the Wrist
Modernized 90s Gaming Consoles
The Analogue 3D Console Upscales N64 Games to 4K
Modular Next-Gen Gaming Consoles
The Conceptual Nintendo Switoo Imagines the Brand's Next Handheld
Projector-Equipped Handheld Gaming Consoles
This Nintendo Game Boy Concept is 90s-Inspired
Minimalist Mobile Gaming Controllers
The Conceptual 'Mini Controller' by Wootae Kim is Stylish
3D Display Gaming Consoles
The Conceptual 'Uplight' Game Console Has Interchangeable Components
Customizable Mobile Gaming Consoles
The 'ORBIS' Handheld Gaming Console Concept is Multipurpose
Handheld Gaming Laptop Designs
The Conceptual Compal Rover Play Has a Two-in-One Design
High-Fashion Video Game Consoles
The Balenciaga Snake Game Marks the Lunar New Year
Brand-Themed Handheld Consoles
The HyperMegaTech Super Pocket Comes in Two Special Editions
Ergonomic Minimalist Gaming Controllers
The Moenix Game Controller Concept Has a Yoke-Style Design
80s-Inspired E-Ink Gaming Consoles
The 'Ink Console' Offers a Series of Text-Driven Adventures
Flipped Handheld Gaming Devices
AYANEO's Flip DS Gaming Device is Inspired by Nintendo
Video Game-Themed Chocolate Gifts
The Nintendo and Godiva Chocolates are Arriving in Japan
Next-Gen Drinking Games
Almost Friday Features Four Mini-Games for Adults & Beer Can-Shaped Cards
Novel AI-Generated Product Designs
Arcade Introduced a Transformative AI Product Creation Platform
AI-Powered Choose-Your-Own Adventure Books
Playbrary GPT Merges Literature with Gaming
Millennium-Inspired Handheld Gaming Consoles
The ANBERNIC RG34XX Has a Nostalgic Function and Form
Geometric Gamer Laptop Concepts
This Conceptual Dell Gaming Laptop Series by Wei-Yi Li is Stylish
Retro Gaming Room Experiences
Step Back in Time with W Montréal’s Retro Gaming Box Experience
Streaming Series Games
Netflix Stories Invites Viewers to Participate in Their Own Adventures
Modular Handheld Gaming Systems
The 'feeel' Gaming System by Jasmin Kappler is Customizable
Reservation-Based Gaming Retail Initiatives
PlayStation 5 Pro in Japan is for Hardcore Gamers
Modular AI-Enabled Record Players
The Conceptual Nostalgic AI Record Player is Two-in-One
Game-Themed Noodle Launches
KRAFT Mac & Cheese and Nintendo Debut New Super Mario Power-Up Shapes
Detachable Gaming Console Laptops
The Wistron Dual Fusion Imagines a System for Work and Play
Industrial Video Game Controllers
The Conceptual Nothing Gamepad (1) by Anurag Sarda is Ergonomic
Cozy Video Game Loungewear
The Super Mario Meets Gelato Pique Collection is Arriving in Japan
Accessible Nostalgic Gaming Systems
The Anbernic RG35XX H Pays Homage to the History of Gaming
Building Block Gaming Consoles
The LEGO PS One by GoofySwan099 is Highly Detailed
Mobile-Friendly Gaming Controllers
The 'MOI3D' Concept Controller by Vadim Danilkov is Two-in-One
Retro Video Game Stores
Gamestop is Opening 'Retro' Locations to Sell Used Games
Scent-Releasing Gaming Devices
The 'Gamescent' Syncs with Gameplay to Add a Sense of Smell
Vintage-Inspired Mini Gaming Systems
The AYANEO AM02 Mini PC System Has a Retro Flair
Arcade-Style Gaming Controllers
The Octopus Arcade Stick Brings the Arcade to the Living Room
Anniversary-Celebrating Console Bundles
Sony Launched a PS5 Bundle with PS1-Inspired Designs
Modern Update Mobile Games
Flappy Bird is Getting Another Launch with New Modern Changes
Immersive Gameplay Features
The Sandbox Launched 'Game Maker 0.11' for Creators and Brands
Video Game-Inspired LEGO Sets
LEGO Super Mario is Sure to Capture the Attention of Fans
Drink-Shaped Gaming Devices
7-Eleven is Giving Fans the Chance to Win a Slurpee-Shaped Tetris Game
Heritage-Inspired Game Consoles
PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection Nods to the First Console
Interactive Gaming Phone Cases
Bitmo Lab Introduces the Protective GameBaby Transformative Case
Anthropomorphized Gaming Systems
The 'Playdate' Handheld Gaming Device Has a Charming Function
Interactive Video Game-Themed Tours
The Play Nintendo Tour Runs from June 13 to September 2, 2024
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
Remastered Classic Rhythm Games
PlayStation's Patapon Game is Coming to Steam and Switch
Digital Pet-Inspired Streetwear
The BAPE x Tamagotchi Collab Delivers Nostalgia with Style
Vertical Layout Game Consoles
Powkiddy's RGB20 Pro Plays 16-bit-era Games with Ease
Vibrant Retro Handheld Gaming
Retroid Designs the Pocket Classic Gaming Device
Video Game-Themed Candy Branding
The Hershey Company and Nintendo Announced a New Partnership
Sharable Digital Video Games
The Nintendo Switch Virtual Game Card Allows for Sharing
Professional Social Media Games
LinkedIn Released Three Games to Build Connections on its Platform
Foldable Gaming Consoles
This Game Boy Flip Concept Pushes the Boundaries of Handheld Gadgets
Retro Handheld Computers
soulscircuit Draws Nostalgic Elements with Raspberry Pi and Pilet 5
Nostalgic Anniversary Console Updates
Sony Added Nostalgic Themes to its PS5 Console
Nostalgic Handheld Gaming Systems
My Arcade Gamestation Portable Has Retro-Style Controls
Virtual Pet Gaming Updates
Tamagotchi Uni Releases the Expansive Tama Portal Feature
Celebratory Stacking Game Consoles
The Tetris Forever Handheld Video Game Console Marks 40 Years
Game-Themed Retro Keyboards
Higround and Minecraft Launch a New Collaborative Keyboard Collection
Artful Diverse Gaming Backgrounds
The Xbox Celebrates Collection Honors Cultural Heritage
Revived Retro Internet Games
Neopets is Celebrating its 25th Anniversary with New Revivals
Web3 Gaming Platforms
Nifty Island Launches a New Social Gaming Platform for NFT Use
Resort-Inspired Video Games
Nintendo Debuts Super Mario Party Jamboree for Switch
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
Updated Game-Streaming Devices
Sony Added a Few Much-Needed Features to its 'Portal' Handheld
All-Aluminum Handheld Gaming Consoles
The Analogue Pocket Aluminum Comes in Four Colors
Video Game Travel Merchandise
The Nintendo Super Mario Travel Items are Arriving for Summer
Mobile Retro Gaming Apps
The 'Delta' Application is Now Available on iOS Devices
Motion-Sensing Alarm Clocks
The Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo Provides Playful Wake-Up Calls
Multifunctional Game Sets
The 'LEGO' Group is Merging Physical and Digital Play
Singer-Collaborated Game Campaigns
Nintendo and Raye Join Forces on a Series of Advertisements
Preschool Gaming Subscriptions
The Piknik App Subscription Service Shares Games for Preschoolers
Cult-Favorite Game-Themed Pizza Menus
Boston Pizza & Nintendo Debut a Mushroom Kingdom-Themed Menu
Musician-Themed Online Games
Fortnite Festival Lets Players Get in on the Concert Action
Modular Arcade Gaming Systems
The Polycade Sente System is an Innovative Gaming Design
Casual Mini Games
This Online Hub Allows for Players to Easily Learn Engaging Games
Video Game Refreshment Campaigns
The Suntory x Super Mario Campaign is Playful
Comprehensive Tech Showcase Events
Logitech Announced Gadgets and Software at 'LogiPlay 2024'
Digital Pet Video Games
Tamagotchi Plaza is Arriving on the Nintendo Switch
Nostalgic Spring-Ready Fashion Capsules
Filling Pieces Unveils its Gelato Games Capsule for SS24
Nostalgic Handheld Gaming Units
The Analogue Pocket GBC Colors Edition is Limited in Numbers
Competitive Live Games
April-8 Live Game Let's Players Challenge Friends Across The Globe
Haunting Gaming Adventures
The New Hauntii XBOX Game Is Super Mario Inspired
Mobile Escape Rooms
Phone Escape: Hopeless Takes Mobile Entertainment to New Dimensions
Best-Selling Console Sequels
Nintendo Dropped the Reveal Trailer for the 'Nintendo Switch 2'
Racing Video Game-Inspired Blocks
LEGO Introduces the Dynamic Super Mario Kart Set
Foldable Gaming Controller Concepts
The Swift Game Controller Concept Makes it Easily Portable
Open-Source Emulation Apps
The Emulator Frontend 'Retroarch' is Now Available on iOS Devices
Gamer Music Libraries
The Nintendo Music App Shares Fan-Favorite Nintendo Soundtracks
Gaming Ads-Inspired Video Games
D3 Publisher and Monkeycraft Present the Ironic Those Games
Charitable Developer Games Showcases
Humble Bundle is Hosting its 2025 Games Showcase
Gamepad-Like Game Controllers
CRKD Introduces the NES-Style Neo S Game Controller
Seasonal Gamer Ornaments
Hallmark Launches a Variety of Gamer-Approved Ornaments for the Holidays
Feature-Rich Retro Gamer Consoles
The XGO Handheld Retro Gaming Console Supports 10 Emulators
Game Console Anniversary Releases
Sony Celebrates its 30th Anniversary with a Nostalgic PS5 Update
Retro Social App Devices
Edwar Banquet Designs the Retro Instagram Gadget with a Console Shape
Value-Minded Video Game Consoles
This Nintendo Switch MAR10 Day Bundle Celebrates the Console
Age-Inclusive Board Games
Hasbro Revamps its Classic Board Games to Accommodate Aging Consumers
Gaming-Themed Tech Accessories
The Kojima Productions x Higround Collection Arrives This Month
Youth Movement Competitions
The PLEZi Absurdly Good Games Encourages Summer Activity
Collectible Figurine Action Games
Funko! Announced 'Funko Fusion' for Modern Platforms
Simplistic Dynamic Game Experiences
Joelle Tindall Created the Unique Touch Egg Game
Free Gaming Platform Updates
Steam is Updating its Demo System for 2024 with New Features
Active Entertainment Systems
Nex Playground Gets People Moving at Home
Game Streaming Service Updates
Sony has Added Several Titles to 'PlayStation Plus Premium'
All-in-One iGaming Solutions
CrazyGames Unveils a New Collection of Browser-Based Games
Classic Board Game Remakes
Dungeons & Dragons Takes on a Celebratory Modernized Update
Gaming Experience-Enhancing Innovations
Inspired Entertainment, Inc. Debuts New Gaming Innovations
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
Functional Gaming Toys
Nintendo's Latest Gashapon Toys Can be Added as Controller Parts
Trendy In-Game Music Hubs
Roblox Launches the New Roblox Music Hub for Music Discovery
Color-Matched Gaming Consoles
The Analogue Classic Limited Edition Pockets Come in Eight Colors
Retro Arcade-Themed Capsules
The Hundreds and Tetris are Teaming Up on the 'Future Vintage' Line
In-Car Gaming Systems
Volkswagen Will Feature AirConsole's Video Games in its Vehicles
Anniversary-Commemorating Esports Kits
G2 Esports Unveils its New Gallery Experience and Team Kit
Speed Completion Video Games
Nintendo's NES Classics Game Challenges Players to Play Quickly
Video Game-Themed Pixel Paintings
Minecraft Honors Anniversary with a Pixel Art Collection
Pink Tonal Gaming Controllers
Nintendo Previews the Upcoming Pink Colorway for the Joycons
Collapsible Gamer Controller Designs
The 'Swift' Foldable Controller Concept is Compact
Virtual Table Top Games
TinyTable Combines the Joy of Table Top Games with Virtual Video Calls
Basketball Gaming Additions
Nintendo Adds Basketball to Nintendo Switch Sports
Stimulating Word Association Games
Worlds of Words Challenges Players to Think Outside the Box
Gaming-Inspired Headphone Campaigns
Nazarian Films Aims to Engage a Younger Generations
Holographic Video Game Characters
Proto Uses ProtoHologram to Create a Digital Mario
Networking Platform In-App Games
LinkedIn is Working on Integrating Games to its Platform
April Fool's Lifestyle Collections
Nugget Introduced Its 'Most Trendiest - High Endiest' Line Yet
Video Game Merchandise Events
The King of Games Tokyo Pop-Up Store is Nintendo Approved
Phone Puzzle Games
Word Search Game Offers Mental Stimulation with Word-Based Challenges
Social Gaming Calendars
ArcadeCal Helps Gamers Coordinate Their Gaming Sessions
Digital Dartboard Game Systems
The 'Pixeldarts' Electronic Throwing Game Offers Nonstop Fun
Game-Specific Adaptive Music
PlusMusic Enhances Gaming Immersion with Personalized Music
Daily Gaming Mystery-Solving
Players are Tasked to Guess the Game with 'Daily Game Trivia'
Elderly-Catered Journal Concepts
The Dual-Screen Journal Concept Captures Important Memories
Online Trivia Platforms
Masters of Trivia Offers a New Take With a Diverse Array of Topics