GameStick 4K Review — 40,000 TV Games | Is It Worth Buying?

The GameStick 4K promises 40,000 retro games on your TV for under €50. Too good to be true? We tested it for 3 weeks to give you a full, honest review.

Overview — What is the GameStick 4K?

The GameStick 4K is a mini retro console that plugs into your TV via HDMI. It comes with 2 wireless controllers and 40,000 pre-installed games covering the major consoles from the 80s to the 2000s: NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, PS1, N64, Neo Geo, Arcade.

Unboxing and what's in the box

• ✅ GameStick 4K console
• ✅ 2 wireless controllers (batteries included)
• ✅ HDMI cable
• ✅ USB power cable
• ✅ Instructions in English

Setup — Plug in and play

Picture quality — Is it really 4K?

Let's be honest: retro games are originally 240p to 480p ROMs. The "4K" label means the console upscales the image to 4K via HDMI. The result looks good on a large TV — the picture is sharp, without the blur of older consoles.

The wireless controllers — Our pleasant surprise

The 2 included wireless controllers are the real pleasant surprise. Ergonomics close to a PS2 controller, responsive buttons, precise D-pad. Wireless range is about 8 metres — perfect for playing from your sofa.

The 40,000 games — The reality

Out of the advertised 40,000 games, here's the reality:

• ✅ Around 5,000-8,000 games that are genuinely playable and well known
• ⚠️ Many duplicates (the same game in English, Japanese, Spanish...)
• ⚠️ Obscure or poor-quality games used as filler
• ✅ All the big classics are there: Mario, Zelda, Sonic, Street Fighter, Metal Slug, Pokémon...

Strengths and weaknesses

✅ What we like

• Set up in under 2 minutes, no technical configuration needed
• 2 wireless controllers included — playable with a friend straight out of the box
• Huge catalogue covering several generations of consoles
• Very reasonable price compared to buying several second-hand consoles

⚠️ What you should know before buying

• The "40,000 games" figure includes a lot of duplicates and minor titles
• The picture is still an upscaled retro console image, not genuine native 4K
• Requires a TV with an HDMI port (nearly all TVs since 2010)

GameStick 4K or R36S: which one to choose?

These two consoles serve different needs. The GameStick 4K is designed for playing on the big screen, in the living room, with friends thanks to its 2 included wireless controllers. The R36S (€79.99) is portable, with its own IPS screen, ideal for playing on the go. If you have to pick just one console for home and evenings with friends, the GameStick 4K is the better choice. If you want to take your games everywhere, the R36S has the edge.

Who is the GameStick 4K for?

It's the ideal choice for nostalgics who want to relive the experience of playing on the big screen like back in the day, for families looking for an activity to share, and as a gift with no compatibility worries: all you need is a TV with an HDMI port.

Our final verdict

The GameStick 4K is an excellent purchase at €54.99. For that price, you get hundreds of hours of gameplay, 2 wireless controllers, a 2-minute setup, and a decent picture on your TV.

It's the perfect gift for 90s nostalgics and for gaming nights with friends.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a 4K TV to enjoy the GameStick 4K?

No, the console works on any TV with an HDMI port, regardless of its native resolution.

Can you connect more than 2 controllers?

The console comes with 2 wireless controllers, enough for the vast majority of multiplayer games in the catalogue, which are mostly designed for 1 to 2 players.

Are save files kept if the console is switched off?

Yes, save files are automatically kept in internal memory, even after unplugging the console.