The RetroGame shop

What The RetroGame shop does

The RetroGame Shop is a Netherlands-based direct-to-consumer e-commerce retailer founded in 2016 and operating from 's-gravenmoer. The company exclusively sells the R36S retro handheld gaming console — a third-party Linux-based device running the open-source ArkOS firmware in combination with RetroArch, supporting emulation of 30+ classic gaming systems including NES, SNES, Game Boy, Mega Drive, PlayStation 1, PSP, Neo Geo, N64, and MAME arcade titles. The device ships pre-loaded with 15,000+ games (64GB variant) or 30,000+ games (128GB variant) on a microSD card, targeting buyers who want a plug-and-play nostalgia device without technical setup.

The product line consists of two R36S storage variants priced at €69.99 and €79.99 (currently discounted 30% from €99.99 and €109.99), plus two accessory bundles — the Protect-pakket and the Ultimate-pakket — that add cases, screen protectors, grips, and silicone covers. The go-to-market is a single Dutch-language online storefront (theretrogameshop.com) with free NL shipping, a 30-day return policy, and email-based customer support. Marketing is product-led and content-driven, anchored on an educational blog of 9+ articles targeting Dutch retro-gaming search queries for SEO. There is no paid advertising, no social media presence, no third-party retail distribution, and no expansion beyond the Netherlands market.

Revenue is generated entirely through one-time hardware and accessory sales, with no subscription, recurring, or service component. The customer base comprises individual Dutch retro-gaming enthusiasts and gift buyers, evidenced by 5,000+ verified customer reviews and a 4.8/5 average rating. The business is bootstrapped and founder-operated with 1-10 employees, holds no patents or external investors, and operates under Dutch AVG (GDPR) compliance. The strategic posture is that of a narrow, regionally-focused niche retailer rather than a scalable technology company.

Name

The RetroGame shop

Legal name

The Retro Game Shop

Website

https://theretrogameshop.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The RetroGame Shop is a Netherlands-based direct-to-consumer e-commerce retailer selling the R36S retro handheld gaming console and accessories to individual Dutch retro-gaming enthusiasts via a single Dutch-language storefront, operating bootstrapped with 1-10 employees.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Retro Handheld Gaming Consoles

NAICS

Hobby, Toy, and Game Retailers (45912)

SIC

Retail-Hobby, Toy & Game Shops (5945)

akta.pro primary industry

Retro Gaming Hardware (Mini Consoles, Emulation Handhelds) (CRACAOAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Arcade & Retro Gaming Hardware (Mini Consoles, Arcade Sticks, Cabinets) (HDACANAK)

Keywords

• Retro gaming consoles
• Handheld gaming devices
• Emulation handhelds
• Retro game stores
• Portable gaming consoles

Headquarters

HQ city

's-gravenmoer

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Personnel

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales — R36S Retro Handheld: One-time hardware purchase revenue from selling R36S retro handheld consoles. Two storage variants are sold: 64GB (15,000+ games) at €69.99 and 128GB (30,000+ games) at €79.99. No subscription or recurring revenue. Upsell opportunity through accessory bundles (Protect-pakket and Ultimate-pakket).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

The Retro Game Shop is a Dutch online retailer that sells the R36S retro handheld gaming console pre-loaded with thousands of classic games. The shop offers two storage variants (64GB with 15,000+ games and 128GB with 30,000+ games) plus accessory bundles (Protect-pakket and Ultimate-pakket). All orders ship from the Netherlands with free shipping and a 30-day return policy.

Product overview

The RetroGame Shop is a Netherlands-based retailer specializing in the R36S retro handheld gaming console. The company offers a single unified product line centered on the R36S, available in two storage variants (64GB with 15,000+ games at €69.99, and 128GB with 30,000+ games at €79.99), complemented by two accessory packages: the Protect-pakket (protective case + screen protectors) and the Ultimate-pakket (case, screen protectors, grip, and silicone case). The R36S is a Linux-based emulation handheld running ArkOS and RetroArch, supporting 30+ classic gaming systems from Nintendo, Sega, Sony, and arcade platforms. The company provides Netherlands shipping and 30-day return policy.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• R36S Console 64GB Retro handheld gaming console with 3.5-inch IPS display (640x480), pre-installed with 15,000+ classic games from 30+ systems including NES, SNES, Game Boy, GBA, PlayStation 1, PSP, Mega Drive, Neo Geo, N64, Atari, and MAME arcade. Runs on ArkOS with RetroArch emulation. Features USB-C charging, up to 5 hours battery life, and is available in black, white, purple, red, and orange.
• R36S Console 128GB Premium variant of the R36S handheld with 128GB storage containing 30,000+ retro games including heavier systems like PSP and Nintendo 64. Same 3.5-inch IPS display and ArkOS platform as the 64GB version, priced at €79.99 (reduced from €109.99).
• Protect-pakket Accessory bundle including protective case and 4x screen protectors to safeguard the R36S console during transport and use.
• Ultimate-pakket Comprehensive accessory bundle including protective case, screen protectors, R36S grip, and silicone case for maximum protection and comfort during gaming sessions. Marketed as the most popular bundle tier.

Quantifiable outcome

• 4.8/5 average customer rating from 5,000+ verified Dutch gamers
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Funstock Retro: Funstock Retro is a UK-based online retailer specializing in retro gaming hardware, consoles, and accessories. Highly comparable direct peer with similar single-product-line depth, content-driven SEO GTM, and DTC e-commerce model serving nostalgic gamers.
• Retro-Bit: Retro-Bit is a US-based retro gaming hardware company that designs, manufactures, and retires-retro-styled controllers, consoles, and handheld devices through its own DTC storefront. Comparable as a vertically-positioned player in the retro handheld/console retail space with branded authentic-equipment positioning.
• DroiX: DroiX is a Hong Kong-based global online retailer of emulation handhelds (Anbernic, R36S-class devices), retro gaming accessories, and software. Directly comparable as an e-commerce-only retro-handheld specialist shipping internationally with single-product-line depth.

Broad incumbents

• Hyperkin: Hyperkin is an established US retro gaming hardware brand producing and retailing 'RetroN' consoles, controllers, and accessories. Comparable as a broader incumbent in the retro gaming hardware category with an emphasis on authentic, premium positioning versus counterfeits.
• Coolblue: Coolblue is the largest Dutch multi-category consumer electronics e-commerce retailer. Comparable as a Dutch broad-incumbent that sells gaming hardware (consoles, accessories) and could absorb or replicate the retro handheld niche with its scale and capital — a competitive incumbent reference point.

Regional players

• DragonBox: DragonBox is a large European retro gaming retailer (HQ Germany) selling consoles, handhelds (including Anbernic, R36S-class devices), and games. Comparable as a regional retro-gaming specialty e-commerce operator targeting a Benelux/DACH audience with overlapping product assortment.
• Goyagame: Goyagame is a Dutch retro gaming retailer based in the Netherlands, selling consoles, handhelds, and games to Dutch consumers. Same geography, same niche (retro gaming), same regulatory environment (Dutch GDPR/AVG), making it a directly comparable regional peer.

Others

• Anbernic: Anbernic is the Chinese OEM manufacturer of competing retro emulation handhelds (RG35XX series and others) and operates its own direct-to-consumer store. Comparable not as a competitor retailer but as the upstream supplier/adjacent manufacturer shaping the category The Retro Game Shop resells into.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Theretrogameshop-689814044501736

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The RetroGame shop