Unboxing a new retro handheld is the fun part, and the Old Arcade M17 Retro Handheld Console + Hard Carrying Case Bundle makes the first session even simpler by pairing the console with the case built to protect it. This getting-started guide covers what ships in the bundle, how to set everything up, a few travel tips, and answers to common questions. You can review every detail on the M17 bundle product page.
What's in the Box
The product page lists two items in the bundle, and both matter for getting started:
- 1 x Old Arcade M17 Retro Handheld Console — 64GB of storage and a 4.3" screen, described as ready to play right out of the box.
- 1 x Old Arcade Hard Carrying Case for M17 — a rigid EVA shell with a carbon-fiber finish, soft scratch-free lining, a secure elastic strap, and a mesh pocket for cables, cartridges, and SD cards.
One shipping note is worth reading twice: the console and case may arrive in separate packages. Check your delivery for both pieces before you settle in, since the case is part of the bundle rather than an optional extra.
Setup Steps
Because the console is ready to play right out of the box, setup is mostly about confirming your pieces and packing the case correctly.
- Confirm both packages arrived. Match what you received against the two-item list above so nothing is missing.
- Power on the M17. The console ships with 64GB of storage and a 4.3" screen, and the product page states it is ready to play right out of the box, so there is no lengthy first-run process before your first game.
- Load the case's mesh pocket. Use the pocket for cables, cartridges, and SD cards so small accessories stay with the console instead of loose in a bag.
- Seat the console under the elastic strap. The soft scratch-free lining protects the screen and buttons, and the secure elastic strap holds the console in place.
- Zip up and head out. The slim, lightweight case has a snag-free zipper and slips easily into a backpack or carry-on.
Tips for the First Weeks
Protect the console from day one. The case guards the screen and buttons against drops, bumps, dust, and light splashes, so getting in the habit of using it immediately is the easiest way to keep the handheld in good shape.
Travel light. The case is designed to be slim and lightweight with a snag-free zipper, which makes the bundle a natural fit for commutes, road trips, and carry-on luggage.
Keep accessories together. The mesh pocket is the right spot for cables, cartridges, and SD cards, and the elastic strap keeps the console itself steady during transport.
Think about the value. Old Arcade positions the bundle as a way to save versus buying the console and case separately, and it ships with free shipping over $50 and an easy 30-day return window. If you are still browsing, the Budget Handhelds collection is a good place to compare other portable options.
Why the Bundle Works for Travel
Old Arcade sells the bundle as the way to get everything you need to play retro games on the go, and it costs less than buying the two pieces separately. The regular price is $72.75 USD and the current sale price is $64.00 USD, a 12% saving, with 49 items in stock at the time of writing. The store also highlights free shipping over $50, so this bundle clears that threshold, and it is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee alongside the easy 30-day return window.
The case itself is the reason the pairing makes sense for a portable console. A rigid EVA shell with a carbon-fiber finish handles the bumps of travel, the soft scratch-free lining keeps the 4.3-inch screen and buttons free of scuffs, and the secure elastic strap stops the console from shifting inside. Between the mesh pocket for cables, cartridges, and SD cards and the snag-free zipper, the case is built to keep the whole setup together rather than loose across a bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the console and case ship in one box? Not necessarily. Old Arcade notes that the console and case may arrive in separate packages.
How much storage does the M17 have? The console in this bundle has 64GB.
What size is the screen? The M17 has a 4.3-inch screen.
What can the case hold besides the console? The case has a mesh pocket designed for cables, cartridges, and SD cards, plus a secure elastic strap and soft scratch-free lining.
What is the case made of? It has a rigid EVA shell with a carbon-fiber finish.
Can I return the bundle? Old Arcade lists easy 30-day returns and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You can check current pricing and stock on the M17 bundle product page.
