Best Retro Handheld Consoles In 2024 (2024)

While there's obviously still an audience for the latest blockbuster triple-A titles, the interest and curiosity for retro handhelds has been growing for some time. These handhelds have a lot going for them. They are not too expensive, for the most part, have that neat portable form factor, and often include a library of hundreds of games. They also come in various shapes, sizes, and levels of performance.

Since demand for these retro handhelds has grown, more and more devices have come on the market, which makes choosing between them a challenge. There are handhelds catering to different segments too, with some retro handhelds commanding premium prices as they target collectors and those looking for the best device possible to play the classics from Nintendo, Sega, NeoGeo, Atari, and more. Here is our guide to some of the best retro handhelds out there with each offering featuring their own special quirks and capabilities.

Updated on April 17, 2024, by Sai Vsr: In this update, we've got the Retroid Pocket 3+, a brilliant retro handheld gaming choice that's amazing for both screen quality and performance. Find out more information on it below.

Best Retro Handheld Consoles

Best For Screen Quality

Retroid Pocket 3+

Makes it clearer than ever.

Get right into retro gaming with the Retroid Pocket 3+! Sporting a Unisoc Tiger T618 processor, 4GB RAM, and 128GB storage, this Android 11 powerhouse brings both classic and modern games to life on a vibrant 4.7" display.

Pros

• Octa-core Unisoc Tiger T618 CPU for robust emulation.
• Bright, crisp 4.7" touchscreen display.
• Ergonomic design with Switch-like button layout.

Cons

• Awkwardly placed START and SELECT buttons.
• Requires quite a bit tinkering for the optimal emulator performance.

See at Amazon

The Retroid Pocket 3+ really does bring the timeless charm of retro gaming, elegantly packed within a state-of-the-art handheld device. The centerpiece here is the beautiful Unisoc Tiger T618, an octa-core rig that lets you emulate an expansive selection of classic gaming systems, from the NES to Dreamcast, and even PSP. With 4GB RAM and a commendable 128GB internal storage, you get room for both a great library and the choice to indulge in some amazing gameplay.

Coming to the actual reason why we listed it, the device boasts a vibrant 4.7-inch touchscreen display, with a resolution of 750x1334 pixels, bright enough to keep you hooked. It also performs impressively in direct sunlight, making the console a great companion for on-the-move gaming. Plus, it runs on Android 11, so you've got other perks that aren't gaming, like cool little apps and streaming access to streaming services.

Ergonomically speaking, though, the Retroid Pocket 3 Plus borrows inspiration from the Nintendo Switch, sporting a user-friendly button layout that resonates with both long-time gamers and rookies. The controls are responsive, and the analog sticks give you really accurate input too.

Best For Arcade Games

Super Pocket

Capcom, Taito, Or Both?

HyperMegaTech's Super Pocket is a handheld console loaded with arcade versions of retro games. There are two versions available, one for Capcom titles and another for Taito games. They are also compatible with Evercade cartridges, making a growing library of more than 500 games available.

Pros

• Two versions to choose from
• Built-in games plus more than 50 cartridges available
• Play as intended, or don't and save your progress

Cons

• Back buttons are awkwardly placed

Capcom Edition for $60 at AmazonTaito Edition for $60 at Amazon

Before I'd ever picked up a controller, my first experience of video games was in arcades. Yeah, I'm old, but I'd hazard to guess a few of you reading this are old too. If so, and you've been looking for a way to replay some of the indystry's best arcade games without saying goodbye to an endless stream of quarters, here's your answer. Each version of the Super Pocket (Capcom or Taito) comes loaded with a library of classic arcade games from each developer. Still not enough? There are also more than 50 cartridges to pick up, most of which include multiple games. If you still need convincing, I own and play both and reviewed the two of them in a lot more detail.

Best Linux

Miyoo Mini Handheld

For those who prefer a change of scenery.

Check out this really cool retro Miyoo Mini Plus Handheld Game Console, portable gaming device with a 3.5-inch screen, preloaded classic games, WiFi connectivity, and customizable features for an immersive retro gaming experience.

Pros

• Compact and portable design for gaming on-the-go.
• High-quality 3.5-inch screen for vivid gaming visuals.
• Preloaded with a diverse range of classic games.

Cons

• Runs on Linux, which may limit some users.
• Limited to 5-6 hours of battery life.

See Also

5 Best Retro Handhelds That Play GameCube Games

See at Amazon

Let us put you on to some serious game. Console lovers, try picking up the snazzy Miyoo Mini Plus, an underrated handheld that crams old-school gaming goodness into an impressively compact size. Right off the bat, you can tell that the 3.5-inch screen is a standout, with a very thin, almost bezel-less design bringing beloved classics to life in rich pixel-perfect detail, thanks to a vibrant 640x480 resolution that's gonna work perfectly with classic graphics.

Under the hood, you get an ARM Cortex-A7 dual-core 1.2G processor, which handles most retro games with ease. Coming to the visual part of it, the colors pop magnificently as you revisit all-time greats from the NES, SNES, Genesis, and arcade eras. Plus, there's also this amazing library of built-in titles that offers instant access to some prime fun! All in all, a solid choice at an affordable rate.

Best Retro Handheld For Build Quality

Anbernic RG353M

Dreamy Dreamcast Emulation

The Anbernic RG353M is one of the best built retro handhelds, with a metal case and performance that could entertain you for years considering how many retro games it can play. It has a stylish and comfortable horizontal form factor, remains coat pocketable, while having enough power to play PS2 and Dreamcast games pretty much flawlessly.

Pros

• Solid metal build.
• Features a touchscreen.
• One of the best handhelds for Dreamcast games.

Cons

• Action buttons could be better.

$137 at AnbernicSee at Amazon

The Anbernic RG353M is one of the more premium retro handhelds in the Anbernic range. Equipped with an excellent 3.5-inch touchscreen, with a resolution of 640x480, it'll display retro games beautifully. The RG353M is versatile too as it runs dual OS: Android 11 and Linux, making it ripe for experimentation, while the mobile OS means it can play Android games. It has decent, if not spectacular battery life, of around seven hours, and stereo speakers. But you want to know about the performance, right?

Super Nintendo, Game Boy Advance, Sega Mega Drive, and other mainly 16-bit games will work flawlessy and will look great on the 4:3 display, but the RG353M is capable of much more. It plays PS1 and N64 titles very well too. But what's most notable is this little retro handheld's performance with Dreamcast games as it can emulate so many of that console's library to a high standard. Where the RG353M will struggle somewhat is with the PSP's biggest games, such as God of War: Chains of Olympus, with framerates dipping an unenjoyable amount, although it'll still emulate many of the PlayStation Portable's best games fairly well. Overall the RG353M is a tidy package, with a premium feel.

Best Retro Handheld Under $80

ANBERNIC RG35XX

Great Entry Level All-Rounder

The Anbernic RG35XX is an attractively priced retro handheld that has a lot going for it. The entry level portable console from retro handheld specialists Anbernic will tempt many. The RG35XX has a great screen and offers hundreds of games from the NES, SNES, Game Boy library, and more besides, in a shape that many gamers will recognise.

Pros

• Great screen for NES, SNES, and Game Boy games.
• Familiar form factor.
• Affordable price.

Cons

• Not enough power for more modern retro games.
• Awkward shape for shoulder buttons.

$58 at AnbernicSee at Amazon

The RG35XX is one of the most affordable retro handhelds out there, putting it in the 'impulse buy' bracket. Fortunately, quality hasn't been skimped on the screen. Sporting a 3.5-inch, fully laminated 640x480 IPS screen, the Anbernic RG35XX will make all those NES, SNES, Game Boy (whether that's the original, Color, or Advance) games look great.

It includes NeoGeo, Sega Genesis, Game Gear games, among others, and what's more it'll even cover PlayStation titles. Just don't expect too much power from this particular retro handheld. The RG35XX also has some neat features, such as an HDMI output allowing you to hook it up to an external monitor, and the ability to work with gamepads. While it should work fine out of the packaging, buyers can look up guides online to ensure the device works optimally since retro handhelds often can do with a little user tweaking.

The Ultimate Handheld Retro Emulator

Steam Deck

If You Want The Best Handheld Emulator

The Steam Deck has much going for it and it has a growing community who appreciate its combination of size, power, and price. For the money the Steam Deck is one of the most capable gaming PCs on the market, and with its Linux-based OS, the ability to run Windows games, users will find its emulation performance quite proficient.

Pros

• Versatile.
• Powerful.
• Steam support.

Cons

• Short battery life.

$570 at Walmart$570 at Steam

The Steam Deck itself might not look or feel very retro but that in fact might be one of its advantages considering its power and performance, since it is able to play many modern triple-A games, but it is also incredibly versatile. The Steam Deck has a devoted community and frequent updates from Valve, while its hardware grunt and software adaptability means it can opened up for a wide range of emulation. If you want to really tinker and experiment then the Steam Deck is simply one of the best retro handheld emulators on the market, if not the very best, capable of powering the more hard-to-emulate titles out there.

Best Retro Handheld For Game Boy Fans

Analogue Pocket

Luxury Game Boy Gaming

The Analogue Pocket is for those serious about their Game Boy gaming. This retro handheld is built to take Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges. The Analogue Pocket's stand out feature, besides its audio capabilities, is its gorgeous screen that'll have your Game Boy games looking like they've never looked before.

Pros

• Beautiful screen.
• Built in synthesiser and sequencer.
• Original display modes.

Cons

• Very expensive.
• No emulation.

$220 at Analogue

The Analogue Pocket is something special and is coveted among Game Boy devotees. This is because it plays and displays Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games like few other consoles. That's because it's equipped with a 3.5-inch LCD with a 1600x1440 resolution resulting in 615 ppi. With Analogue ensuring color, dynamic range, and brightness are all also best in class, games on the Pocket pop.

Out of the box the Pocket is compatible with Game Boy cartridges up to the GBA, but will need cartridge adapters to work with Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket Color, Atari Lync, and other systems' games. The Analogue Pocket has a special ability too, since it comes with digital audio workstation Nanoloop built in. The toughest thing about the Pocket, apart from its Gorilla Glass screen, is its price however, making it a hard purchase decision for anyone but the most devoted retro gaming collectors.

Best Retro Handheld For Retro Vibes

Blaze Evercade EXP

Putting The Art In Cartridge

The Evercade EXP handheld is one for the retro gaming enthusiasts who favor properly licensed physical collections. That's because the Evercade EXP takes cartridges with cartridges coming in lovely boxes that include a manual. It's a great way to show off your collection and taste in games. It's a more official way to sample classics from the likes of Intellivision, Codemasters, the Oliver Twins, Delphine Software, Team17, Piko Interactive, Sunsoft, and other legends of gaming history.

Pros

• Stylish design.
• There's a portrait mode.
• Options for authentic Arcade vibes.

Cons

• Only up to five hours battery life.

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The Evercade EXP is a good looking and well built retro handheld that's all about retro games and retro packaging. That's because it takes cartridges so players can get comfy and cozy with classics such as Cannon Fodder, Night Stalker, Sensible Soccer, Worms, Pac-Man, Galaga, Double Dragon, Earthworm Jim, and many more. What's more, Evercade games are officially licensed by the brand owners so the game makers can benefit and players can feel like they're getting the authentic package.

The Evercade EXP also comes with 18 built-in games from Capcom. These include legendary titles Street Fighter 2, Mega Man, Final Fight, Strider, Breath of Fire, and Ghouls 'n Ghosts, among others. The Evercade EXP is a handheld that holds gaming history in its neat and highly portable form, while its cartridge boxes with manuals included are made for showing off your retro collection. For those who want re-live memories of going to the arcade, the Evercade EXP even has options to enforce restrictions such as a coin limit and 'competition mode' that prevents save states.

Best Retro Handheld With A Crank

Playdate

Cranking Up The Fun

The Playdate is the most intriguing handheld featured on this list and it's worth highlighting for its novelty and newness. The Playdate's makers have really considered the retro appeal of handhelds while adding whimsical and playful touches that hark back to the tactile nature of Game Boy creator Gunpei Yokoi's designs. The real pleasure is discovering the Playdate's library, which include brand-new games, and making use of that crank.

Pros

• It has a crank.
• Colorful design.
• Unique games.

Cons

• Requires Wi-Fi to get new games.

$199 at Playdate

The Playdate is different from many of the other handhelds here. Despite having that retro vibe, the Playdate includes brand-new games in a console that's decidely low tech. Sporting a black and white screen that's not backlit but "super reflective", the Playdate is full of charm. The crank is part of that, giving your hands something to play with even when you're not even playing one of the games that utilize it.

Once set up the Playdate receives two brand-new games every week for 12 weeks. This is also one of the smallest handhelds on this list, if not the smallest, for that extra portable convenience. The Playdate might interest budding game developers out there too since the SDK is free to download and there's a Playdate developer site to help you get started.

FAQ

What is emulation?

While some of the handhelds listed above are compatible with the original game cartridges, others will use emulation to run old games. That means they use software to emulate the hardware of old systems to run ROMs. ROMs are a legal grey area and so we cannot tell you where to find them, but they exist to run on various emulation software.

The Steam Deck for example can download EmuDeck, which can be used to install the RPCS3 emulator, which then transforms the machine into something capable of running PlayStation 3 games. In other cases, such as the Anbernic handhelds, they often come with ROMs pre-installed.

Do you need AA batteries?

Unlike the original Game Boy or GBC or GBA or Game Gear, all the listed handhelds have built-in rechargeable batteries making them much more convenient than the original handhelds. Battery life varies a lot between them however and as with all lithium-ion batteries it pays to keep them charged up with at least some battery most of the time to ensure battery health in the long term.