The Best Retro Handheld Gaming Consoles in 2024 (2024)

After a long, dormant period, handheld and portable gaming consoles are on the rise again. Thanks to the Nintendo Switch, more and more gamers are looking for handheld gaming options. Sony has even launched their portable console lineup in a renewed bid to challenge for market share. Besides the new handheld consoles, there is something even more exciting in the portable console world: the rise of retro handheld emulators. Gamers looking to relive the days of yore or younger gamers looking to see what it was once like can now jump feet-first into the world of retro games without worrying about digging out old consoles or finding a CRT TV that still works.

These handheld consoles offer the nostalgic feeling of games that gamers grew up with but with modern-day creature comforts, like backlit screens, microSD card storage, and, for some, the ability to play multiple console generations on one machine. This list comprises some of the best consoles dedicated to retro game titles.

How To Pick The Perfect Retro Handheld Console

When looking for handheld retro gaming consoles, below are three key factors to consider.

Nostalgia: Nostalgia and supported games go hand in hand. When playing a 2D platforming game from the Game Boy era, gamers don't want to have to use a joystick when a D-pad feels much more nostalgic. At this point, many handhelds of the time are harder to find, especially in working conditions, and the price of some games is insane. That's why a lot of these handhelds are based on designs from the original portable consoles of the day.

Supported Games: Seeing as technology has progressed quite a bit from when a lot of the games played on these consoles came out, these games aren't always limited to handheld emulations. Finding out what games or generation of games a gamer wants to play will make it easier to determine which handheld to pick up.

Take the Miyoo Mini +, for example. This handheld will easily run games from the Game Boy, but it can also handle games from the PS1 era and almost everything in between. So, for gamers who want to play games like Super Mario Bros. or play through the original Silent Hill, the Miyoo Mini + will be a great option. On the other hand, if gamers want the option to choose from pretty much any retro console, the Steam Deck might be a better option.

Battery Life: When selecting a handheld console, check whether its battery life is decent or mediocre. One of the strong points of a handheld is its ability to deliver on-the-go gaming. Even if it becomes necessary to plug it into the nearest power outlet or a power bank, it should last at least a couple of hours.

Game Rant's Picks for the Best Retro Handheld Gaming Consoles in 2024

Best Overall Retro Handheld Console

Miyoo Mini Plus+

The Miyoo Mini Plus+ is the latest handheld console after the now impossible-to-get Miyoo Mini Plus 2. It comes in four colors: Gray, White, Transparent Black, and Transparent Purple. The efficient but powerful processor allows gamers to enjoy their favorite 8- and 16-bit games all day.

Playing Time

Up To 7 Hours

Chipset

SigmaStar SSD202D Up to 1.2 Ghz

RAM

128MB LPDDR3

Storage

64GB via Included Micro SD Card

Wireless Connectivity

Wi-Fi

Display

3.5 Inch 640x480

Dimensions

4.25 x 3.09 x 0.88 inches

Pros

• Excellent gaming performance
• Buttons are responsive
• Comes with preloaded games

Cons

• Can be too small for gamers with larger hands
• The native OS is not the best out there

See at Amazon

Miyoo, as a whole, has earned quite an excellent reputation with emulator fans, and the Miyoo Mini Plus+ is probably one of the best examples of why. This handheld console is about the size of a deck of cards and can emulate thousands of titles across multiple generations. With some well-done emulations, the Mini Plus+ can handle games up to the PS1 era, but it excels in Game Boy games. And because of the backlight 4:3 screen, these games can easily be played anywhere, even in the dark or fairly direct sunlight, with little to no visual problems.

When it comes down to using the Miyoo Mini Plus+, the experience is even better. For gamers with larger hands, it might feel a little cramped, but for the most part, it is incredibly comfortable and easy to play games for hours without hand cramps. The 4 face buttons are raised out of the shell, making them easy to press but not too easy where accidental button presses are a concern. The Mini Plus+ makes it easy for first-time emulators to get started, with the console coming with thousands of games pre-installed. When gamers want to add games of their own, it is easy enough, thanks to the microSD storage.

Best Budget Retro Handheld Console

ANBERNIC RG35XX

The RG35XX is a powerful handheld emulator that can run most games up to the PS1. The built-in 64 GB TF storage will hold up to 5,000 games. The 2600 mAh battery will give gamers up to 5 hours of playtime without recharging. Gamers who want to play some emulated games without being limited to the D-pad and 4 buttons can connect any 2.4Ghz wireless-compatible controller and play games with a full-sized controller on the big screen.

Playing Time

5 hours of gamplay (2600 mAH battery)

Chipset

quad-core ARM Cortex-A9

RAM

DDR3 256MB

Storage

64GB TF/MicroSD

Wireless Connectivity

2.4 ghz for wireless gamepad connection

Display

3.5-inch IPS full viewing angle, OCA full lamination

Dimensions

11.7x8.1x2 cm

Weight

165 grams

Output resolution

640x480

Pros

• Excellent GameBoy emulation
• Very affordable price

Cons

• Pre-loaded OS is a bit disappointing

See at Amazon

For gamers who like the Game Boy-like design but would like a slightly bigger screen and overall handheld, the ABBERNIC RG35XX is an excellent option. This budget handheld console offers fantastic performance in games from the Game Boy era, but it starts to hitch up a bit when pushing it to PS1 or PSP games. But at this price point, most gamers should be able to overlook a few laggy moments for the overall excellent experience the RG35XX provides.

The build quality feels robust and comfortable for long gaming sessions. And for gamers who don't want to rely solely on the handheld to play games, the RG35XX can display on a TV via HDMI, and gamers can connect to a controller for a Switch experience. The operating system on this handheld has become a sore point for many users. It is plain and has kind of a roundabout way to get to some settings. However, some users have figured out how to install GarlicOS on the RG35XX, making the whole experience much more likable.

Best Premium Retro Handheld Gaming Console

Steam Deck

$509 $589 Save $80

Valve's long-awaited portable console is here, and it's taking the handheld gaming market by storm. Valve partnered with AMD to create Steam Deck's custom APU, optimized for handheld gaming. It is a Zen 2 + RDNA 2 powerhouse, delivering more than enough performance to run the latest AAA games in a very efficient power envelope.

Storage

64 GB - 512 GB

Screen

7" diagonal 1280 x 800px (16:10 aspect ratio) 60Hz

Battery

40Whr battery. 2 - 8 hours of gameplay

See Also

5 Best Retro Handhelds That Play GameCube Games

4K Capabilities

Yes

CPU

AMD APU Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.0 and Dual-band Wi-Fi radio, 2.4GHz and 5GHz

Ports

1x USB-C with DisplayPort 1.4 Alt-mode support; up to 8K @60Hz or 4K @120Hz, 1x USB 3.2 ,1x Micro SD slot, 1x 3.5 audio jack

Dimensions

298mm x 117mm x 49mm

Weight

Approx. 669 grams

Pros

• Extremely powerful gaming performance
• Versatile use cases
• A large community of emulators

Cons

• Larger form factor than most other options
• High price tag

See at Amazon$509 at Walmart

While technically not a retro console, the Steam Deck is one of the most powerful handheld gaming PCs. Because of that, it is also one of the most powerful retro handheld emulators. It is easily one of the most expensive handhelds. Still, because of the raw performance it offers, plus the number of community members working together to make emulation more accessible, the Steam Deck is a great way to try out emulation without being locked into just playing retro games.

After gamers install EmuDeck, it can easily handle any retro console title from Dreamcast to GameCube and most PS2 games. The fact that gamers can swap between playing Crazy Taxi and the latest Triple AAA game in a few moments is ridiculous. It is a step in the right direction for the emulating community to grow larger. The Steam Deck is the way to go for gamers who want a handheld console that can handle everything thrown its way and doesn't mind the larger form factor.

Best Retro Handheld for Nintendo Classics

Nintendo Switch Lite

The Nintendo Switch Lite is a more affordable, portable solution for players who want to play all the most exquisite Nintendo games on a tight budget.Nintendo Switch Lite provides an affordable and portable option, ensuring players on a tight budget can still enjoy the finest selection of Nintendo games on the go.

Battery

Approx. 3 – 7 hours

Dimensions

3.6” x 8.2” x 0.55”

Brand

Nintendo

Weight

1.1 lbs

Display

5.5” Touch Screen

Pros

• Smaller build
• Very affordable

Cons

• Limited to handheld mode

See at Amazon$200 at Nintendo

The Nintendo Switch Lite is a smaller, yet powerful variant of the best-selling Switch console. Unlike the regular Switch, users can’t remove the Lite’s Joy-Cons, as they're in-built. Despite this, the Switch Lite can play every game that the regular Switch runs in handheld mode. Many of these are retro titles that should stir up nostalgia among users.

Users simply have to subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online for $20 per year to get access to classics from legendary consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo Entertainment (SNES), and Game Boy. Upgrading to the Family Plan ($50 yearly) unlocks access to titles like Mario Kart 64 (Nintendo 64), The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (Game Boy Advance), and Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (SEGA Genesis). Of course, gamers can also simply purchase their favorite titles individually, if they prefer.

Aside from being a great way to relive the thrill of retro hits, the Switch Lite battery is quite decent and should be playable for up to seven hours at a time, according to Nintendo. Its smaller build makes it comfortable to hold for long periods compared to other Switch models too. It's also less expensive than the regular Switch or OLED variant, making it a great purchase for consumers not looking to break the bank on a new console.

Best Mid-Range Retro Handheld Gaming Console

Retroid Pocket 2S

Retroid Pocket 2S gets all your favorite retro games from childhood to reality. With a 3.5-inch display and a resolution of 640x480, the images will be crisp and clear. Stages will be colorful, and the gameplay will be smooth through 60Hz refresh rate. Boasting Android OS, it has all the power to play intensive games from the Playstore and store them on its big storage.

Number of Games Included

N/A

Brand

Retroid

RAM

4GB LPDDR4X

Storage

128GB eMMC

Display

3.5 inch

Output resolution

640x480

Graphics

Mali G52MC2

Battery

4000mAH

Processor

UNISOC T610 Octa Core CPU

Pros

• Powerful octa core CPU and Mali GPU to play intensive titles
• Boasts a good storage capacity
• Features a touchscreen display

Cons

• Doesn't come with any pre-loaded games
• Quite expensive

See at Amazon

Retroid doesn't need an introduction in the field of gaming handhelds, particularly the Retro ones that aim at fulfilling the dreams of adults who used to love classic retro games decades ago. While the console doesn't come with preloaded games, it doesn't restrict users from downloading them. Boasting an Android 11 operating system, the console supports every game from the Google Play Store and can play them without struggling a bit.

Powered by the T610 Octa-Core CPU and the Mali G52MC2 GPU, the console has all that juice to run games close to 60 frames per second. With its 60Hz display, featuring a 480p resolution on a 3.5-inch screen, games will play buttery smooth and will have vibrant worlds. It has quite a good amount of RAM capacity and the storage of 128GB will be sufficient for storing hundreds of games at the same time.

With its touchscreen display, the device further enhances the experience and has different types of control systems, like a D-pad, face buttons, and two joysticks to adapt to different game requirements. Supporting Bluetooth and Wi-Fi out of the box, the Pocket 2S Retro makes the life of every retro gamer convenient.

Best Performance Retro Handheld Gaming Console

Asus ROG Ally

The Asus ROG Ally is the ultimate handheld system for PC gamers. Relying on the new AMD Ryzen Z1 series of processors, the ROG Ally can handle any game thrown at it. The 7-inch 1080p Full HD display with FreeSync Premium on the system provides gamers with a crystal clear and smooth gaming experience.The advantage of the ROG Ally is that it can run most Windows-compatible games and is compatible with Xbox Game Pass titles. It also comes with 3 months of Game Pass Ultimate. The ROG Ally also features an ergonomic design that makes gaming for long periods enjoyable.

Dimensions

2 Speakers with Dolby Atmos

Playing Time

1.3-4+ hours

Brand

Asus

Weight

1.34 lbs

Chipset

AMD Ryzen Z1 / Z1 Extreme

RAM

16GB LPDDR5

Storage

512GB NVMe SSD (PCIe 4)

Wireless Connectivity

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Headset Compatibility

Wired, Wireless

Display

7-inch LED IPS

Output resolution

1080p

Graphics

2.8 GHz AMD RDNA 3

Ports

USB-C, Custom Asus PCIe Port

Battery

40Wh / 1.5 to 3 hours

Pros

• Extremely powerful hardware for modern AAA titles as well as classical games
• A lot of storage space to store numerous games
• Boasts all the latest connectivity features

Cons

• Comes at a hefty price
• Ideal mostly for modern titles

See at Amazon$700 at Best Buy$700 at Asus

Nothing beats the Asus ROG Ally when it comes to portable gaming. Capable of emulating a plethora of consoles, the ROG Ally is the champion of all gaming handhelds. Released in June 2023, the Asus ROG Ally took the world by storm with its high-end specs, incorporating an octa-core Zen 4-based Z1 extreme processor and a dedicated RDNA 3-based GPU with 12 CUs. Its hardware is too powerful for retro games, which is a plus point as these aren't the only titles it can run.

By boasting Windows 11 OS natively, it acts as a mini-computer and runs Steam games with buttery smooth performance. With plenty of RAM and storage capacity, a lot of games can be stored and, with its exceptional 120Hz IPS screen, the fluidity in gameplay will be quite visibly distinguished from other retro handhelds. Users who specifically want to play older titles can emulate multiple Nintendo consoles on it, including the 64, 3DS, and SNES.

FAQ

Q: What is the most powerful handheld gaming console?

While the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally are quite competent, the Ayaneo 2S is considered the most powerful handheld console for gaming. Unfortunately, it's expensive and has an underwhelming battery life.

Q: Why is retro gaming popular?

Many gamers love returning to the basics when nobody cared about graphics or FPS. Since retro games can deliver that feeling of simplicity alongside nostalgia among older gamers, their popularity continues to increase.

Q: What is the most sold gaming console?

Sony's PlayStation 2 is the most-sold game console, with more than 150 million units bought since its release in 2000.