Display Tray vs. Shelving: How to Showcase Your Retro Games

Quick Answer

For most collectors who want to showcase a small number of handhelds and keep them accessible, a display tray is the better choice. Shelving works better if you have a large collection, need vertical storage, or want to display items of different sizes. If you sell retro games, a display tray is practically required for countertop retail.

You've got a growing pile of handhelds and mini arcade machines. Now you need a way to show them off without turning your room into a junk drawer. The two most common solutions are display trays and shelving, but they serve very different purposes.

This comparison looks at how each option handles visibility, protection, space, and cost. We'll use real examples from My Arcade's lineup, like the Tetris Gamer V and Retro Arcade Machine X, to show where each approach shines and where it falls short.

What Is a Display Tray?

A display tray is a shallow, often compartmentalized tray designed to hold multiple handhelds or mini arcade machines in an upright or angled position. Many trays are sold as retail point-of-purchase units, meaning they arrive with a set number of devices and are meant to sit on a counter or table. For example, the TETRIS GAMER V (201 GAMES IN 1) TRAY -12 PCS includes 12 units of the Tetris Gamer V, each with a 2.5-inch full-color screen and 200 bonus games. The tray keeps them organized and ready to grab.

The main appeal is that a display tray turns a collection into a single, tidy unit. It's portable, so you can move the whole tray from a shelf to a table when guests come over. It also protects devices from tipping over, since each slot holds one unit securely. However, trays are usually designed for a specific product size, so they may not fit other handhelds you own.

• Great for retail counters, convention tables, or a dedicated display shelf.
• Keeps multiple identical or similarly sized devices neat and upright.
• Often includes the devices themselves, which can be a cost-effective way to start a collection.

What Is Shelving?

Shelving is any vertical storage system—bookcases, wall-mounted shelves, or cube organizers—that provides flat surfaces for your items. It's the most flexible option because you can adjust shelf heights, add dividers, or mix in other collectibles. A shelf can hold a Tetris Nano Player Pro, a PAC-MAN Micro Player, and a Retro Arcade Machine X side by side, even though they come in different shapes and sizes.

The trade-off is that shelving doesn't inherently organize or protect your devices. You'll need to add stands, risers, or dust covers to keep everything looking sharp. Without those extras, handhelds can slide around, cables can tangle, and small accessories can get lost. Shelving also takes up more vertical space, which is a plus if you have a large collection but a downside if you're short on room.

• Best for large or mixed collections that include different brands and sizes.
• Requires additional accessories like stands or labels to look intentional.
• Can become cluttered quickly if you don't dedicate a shelf to gaming only.

Key Trade-Offs: Space, Protection, and Cost

Space: A display tray typically occupies a fixed footprint—roughly the size of a small countertop appliance. It's compact and self-contained. Shelving uses vertical space, which can be more efficient in a small room, but only if you use the height well. A single wall shelf can hold more devices than a tray, but it may look sparse until you fill it.

Protection: Trays win here because each device sits in its own slot, reducing the chance of scratches or drops. Shelving leaves devices exposed to dust and accidental bumps. If you have pets or kids, a tray on a high surface is safer than an open shelf.

Cost: Trays that include devices can offer significant savings compared to buying each unit separately. For instance, the TETRIS PIXEL POCKET PLAYER (11 GAMES IN 1) TRAY -20 PCS includes 20 units, which brings the per-unit cost down. Shelving itself is often cheaper upfront, but you'll spend more on individual stands and dust covers over time.

• Measure your available space before choosing—trays need depth, shelves need height.
• If you have curious hands or paws, prioritize a tray with secure slots.
• Factor in the cost of accessories when comparing shelving to an all-in-one tray.

Which Option Fits Your Collection?

If you own a handful of handhelds and want them ready to play, a display tray is the clear winner. It keeps everything in one place, looks tidy, and often comes with games you can share. The Tetris Gamer V tray, for example, gives you 12 units—enough to host a small tournament or give as gifts. The Retro Arcade Machine X, with its 300 games and full-color LCD, is a natural fit for a tray if you have several.

If your collection spans multiple brands and sizes, or if you enjoy rotating pieces in and out, shelving gives you the freedom to rearrange. You can group by color, era, or manufacturer. But be honest: without a system, shelves turn into piles. Use bookends, clear acrylic risers, and labels to keep it looking like a display, not a storage bin.

• Trays are best for identical or similarly sized devices from the same line.
• Shelves are best for eclectic collections and frequent rearranging.
• Consider a hybrid: a tray on a shelf for your most-used handhelds, with overflow on shelves above.

Trade-Offs at a Glance

• Space Efficiency: A display tray uses a fixed countertop footprint and keeps everything contained. Shelving uses vertical space but can look empty until filled. Choose a tray if you have more depth than height; choose shelving if you have more height than depth.
• Protection and Organization: Trays hold each device in its own slot, reducing movement and dust exposure. Shelves leave devices open to bumps and require added stands or covers. If your collection includes loose accessories or small parts, a tray keeps them together better.
• Cost and Flexibility: Trays that bundle devices can lower the per-unit price but lock you into one model. Shelving is cheaper upfront but needs extra purchases to look polished. If you plan to expand with different brands, invest in adjustable shelving and a few acrylic risers.

Product Facts That Matter

• TETRIS GAMER V (201 GAMES IN 1) TRAY -12 PCS: Includes 12 units of the Tetris Gamer V (DGUNL-7030), each with a 2.5-inch full-color screen, 200 bonus games, and powered by 3 AAA batteries or USB-C. This all-in-one tray gives you a ready-made display and a dozen playable handhelds, which is ideal for retail counters or party favors. The dual power option means you can use rechargeable batteries or a USB-C cable, though neither is included.
• TETRIS PIXEL POCKET PLAYER (11 GAMES IN 1) TRAY -20 PCS: Includes 20 units of the Tetris Pixel Pocket (DGUNL-7083), each with an officially licensed Tetris title, bonus games, and a full-color screen. This tray offers a higher unit count at a lower per-unit cost, making it a strong choice for resellers or large families. The smaller size may fit tighter spaces than the Gamer V tray.
• Retro Arcade Machine X: Features 300 games and a full-color LCD screen with controls that mimic original arcade cabinets. Its larger size and arcade-style controls mean it needs more vertical clearance than a typical handheld. A shelf with adjustable height is often a better fit than a standard tray slot.

Which Should You Choose?

Best for

• Collectors with a small, focused set of handhelds who want a tidy, ready-to-play display.
• Retailers or event organizers who need a countertop point-of-purchase solution.
• Anyone who wants to protect devices from dust and accidental drops without adding stands.

Not for

• Collectors with a large, mixed-size collection that includes consoles and arcade machines.
• People who frequently rearrange their display or rotate items in and out.
• Those who need to store accessories, cables, and manuals alongside the devices.

Display trays and shelving both have a place in a retro gaming setup. If you want a clean, protected, and portable way to showcase a handful of handhelds, a tray is the practical pick. If your collection is large or constantly changing, shelving gives you the flexibility to grow. Pick the one that matches how you actually use your games, not just how you want them to look.