Old games consoles never die – they just get emulated. These days, even budget (about $60–200 range for this feature) retro handhelds are powerful enough to let you carry around decades of gaming history in your trousers. That means everything from ancient Ataris to comparatively modern Dreamcasts – and beyond.
So which retro handheld should you buy? This guide looks at five different takes. The common theme: they’re all pretty great in their own way, and none of them require you to remortgage your house for the privilege of replaying Bubble Bobble.
Why you can trust Stuff: Our team of experts rigorously test each product and provide honest, unbiased reviews to help you make informed decisions. For more details, read how we test and rate products.
Quick list: what’s the best budget retro handheld gaming console?
Stuff’s top retro gaming handheld picks for under $200…
The Retroid Pocket 5 (buy now) is the do-anything option. It’s capable of everything from classic emulation to Android games and has excellent controls and a superb widescreen display.
The TrimUI Brick (buy now) is ideal if your focus is mid-1990s gaming and earlier. But the device itself feels anything but old, with its gorgeous display and premium feel.
The Anbernic RG Cube XX (buy now) pairs a 1:1 display with a chunky, comfy shell. It’s a perfect Pico-8 machine – and surprisingly great for a wide range of other systems too.
The Anbernic RG 35XXSP (buy now) is a nostalgic clamshell you can lob into a bag without fear (assuming the lid is closed). Clicky buttons aside, it’s loads of fun.
The Blaze Entertainment Evercade EXP-R (buy now) switches ROMs for physical cartridges and printed manuals, giving you a properly authentically old-school plug-and-play experience.
The best retro gaming handheld consoles you can buy today
Best retro handheld for widescreen gaming and flexibility
Retroid Pocket 5
Stuff Verdict
A gorgeous Android handheld with a superb screen and excellent controls. It needs a bit of setting up but rewards you with its combination of power and versatility.
Pros
- Superb display and all-round premium feel
- Plenty of power for emulating beyond Dreamcast
Cons
- Setup more complicated than with a Linux system
- Stretching the limits of ‘budget’ pricing
| Retroid Pocket 5 specs and info | |
|---|---|
| Price | $199 |
| Screen | 5.5in AMOLED 1920 x 1080px (400ppi) |
| OS | Android 13 |
| Battery | 5000mAh (3–8h) |
| Dimensions | 199.2mm (w) x 78.5mm (h) x 15.6mm (d), 280g |
| TV out | USB-C |
| Recommended launcher | ES-DE |
| Systems emulated | Up to PS2 + native Android |
For Android emulation, you could pop your phone in a controller and call it a day. But this dedicated handheld woos with its gorgeous 1080p AMOLED that’s bright, punchy and large enough to flatter everything from modern classcis to ancient systems.
My review unit is a slick black number that makes bezels and borders alike disappear, although the all-glass front is a fingerprint magnet. The controls are excellent. I’ve heard grumbles about the smallish D-pad and also analogue sticks getting in the way, but had no such issues myself. The Pocket 5 even works quite well for TATE/vertical play, although it’s less balanced than the EXP-R and the triggers can intrude.
Setup is more of a faff than with Linux devices, but Android brings versatility. There are mature emulators for everything from 8-bit micros to PS2, apps for streaming, and plenty of native Android retro-oriented games like Horizon Chase and Stardew Valley. Whatever I tried, the Pocket 5 remained whisper quiet. Idle times were immense and battery life was impressive – up to eight(!) hours with lower-end systems. And ditching Retroid’s so-so launcher for ES-DE resulted in a more console-like experience that still let me quickly access Android games.
If you need a pocketable retro handheld, the Pocket 5 (ironically) won’t cut it – unless you have comedy pockets. But it’s portable enough for travel, big enough for couch gaming and solid as a telly console if you add an HDMI cable (or the optional dock) and controllers. An excellent buy, then, when you’d like one retro handheld that does everything.
Pocket to ’em
I love the Retroid Pocket 5, but you need to know about the alternatives before you buy one. That’s because the G2 doubles the power for an extra $20 – although its fan is far more noticeable. The Pocket 6, rolling out now, promises even more grunt for higher-end systems. If your main concern is the form factor, consider the latest iteration of the clamshell Retroid Pocket Flip.
Best retro handheld for Game Boy vibes and elegant design
TrimUI Brick
Stuff Verdict
An elegant and compact handheld with a superb screen and a premium feel – but a low price. Ideal for digging into PlayStation-era games (and earlier) on the go.
Pros
- Rock-solid premium build and stunning screen
- Supremely portable yet comfy enough to use
Cons
- Form factor may not suit larger hands
- Rear metal plate prone to getting very warm
| TrimUI specs and info | |
|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 |
| Screen | 3.2in IPS 1024 x 768px (400ppi) |
| OS | Custom Linux |
| Battery | 3000mAh (4–6h) |
| Dimensions | 73.2mm (w) x 109.9mm (h) x 19.9mm (d), 159g |
| TV out | No |
| Recommended OS | PakUI, NextUI, Knulli or CrossMix |
| Systems emulated | Up to PSX (some N64, Dreamcast and PSP) |
Thanks to the kind folks at gogamegeek for sending a TrimUI review unit over. You can buy their top-notch CrossMix setup here.
The TrimUI Brick feels expensive. It’s like an Analogue Pocket went through a hot wash – a tiny, sleek, modern take on the Game Boy that’s satisfyingly solid rather than hollow and toy-like.
That quality extends to the display. It’s small but exceptionally sharp (matching the Pocket 5’s ppi), bright enough for outdoor play, and has the pixels to allow shaders and filters to smooth out scaling quirks without making a mess.
The controls are first-rate and I love having extra function buttons beyond the usual start and select. They make it dead easy to switch brightness or aspect ratio without diving into menus. However, note that the lack of analogue sticks firmly caps the TrimUI’s ambitions at PlayStation and earlier.
Honestly, though, that’s the Brick’s sweet spot anyway. And this isn’t just down to the controls but also the thermals. The Brick’s rear metal plate doubles as a heatsink and can get toasty during longer sessions, especially when you play more demanding games. It didn’t unduly bother me, but it might irk if you rest your hands on (rather than behind) the shoulder buttons.
Speaking of, some folks have found said buttons occasionally make a bid for freedom. (Mine didn’t.) And the entire unit might feel small if you’ve large hands. Me? I adore the Brick and think it’s the perfect companion for classic-era gaming when on the move.
Bring the metal
Spend a bit more and you can get the suitably metal-sounding Brick Hammer. Rock on! Etc! Its metal shell spreads heat more evenly and the unit adds improved speakers and shoulder buttons. TrimUI recently teased a larger Pro model too, with analogue sticks – not my favourite thing on vertical handhelds. Here’s hoping the screen’s as sharp as the original’s, or it’ll feel like a downgrade.
Best retro handheld for unconventional screen layouts
Anbernic RG Cube XX
Stuff Verdict
This quirky, chunky handheld turns out to be brilliant for systems with squarish screens, surprisingly good for vertical arcade games, and a perfect match for Pico-8.
Pros
- 1:1 display is surprisingly versatile
- Ergonomic design elevates it above other 1:1 devices
Cons
- A touch on the bulky side
- Off-centre display is mildly annoying
| Anbernic RG Cube XX specs and info | |
|---|---|
| Price | $67.99 |
| Screen | 3.95in IPS 720 x 720px (258ppi) |
| OS | Custom Linux |
| Battery | 3800mAh (6h) |
| Dimensions | 157.2mm (w) x 89.6mm (h) x 17.9mm (d), 246g |
| TV out | HDMI |
| Recommended OS | MinUI or Knulli |
| Systems emulated | Up to PSX (some N64, Dreamcast and PSP) |
If you’ve played games for many years, you’ll have seen screens change. Mostly, they got wider. So the idea of a square display might seem weird. Yet when you remember those classic systems optimised for square(ish) displays or output – Game Boy, Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket, NES – the Cube XX’s 720 x 720px panel suddenly makes sense.
It also feels tailor made for Pico-8, bringing that fantasy console to life. Pay $14.99, sideload the Pi version, fire up ‘splore’ and you can blaze through thousands of free games that, given Pico-8’s specs (128 x 128px display, 32KB virtual cart limit, “4 channel chip blerps” audio) are distinctly retro in nature.
During play, I found all those things worked wonderfully with this chunky but comfy retro handheld. What surprised me was trying non-square formats. 4:3 games work well, with minimal letterboxing. Portrait games are even better, due to not being squished like on most landscape displays. Probably avoid widescreen titles, mind.
The software experience is… fine. I’m not sold on Anbernic’s default operating system, which splits games between (often poorly) preconfigured ‘Game Rooms’ and RA (RetroArch). I ignore the former, bar for Pico-8. Fortunately, you can always use a different OS.
You should also note the XX’s innards are identical to five billion other Anbernic handhelds (in fact, see the next entry). So that means up to PlayStation and some Dreamcast/N64. Still, as a more focused retro handheld, this is a great buy; and as a dedicated Pico-8 console, it’s just about perfect.
Power up
If you thought XX meant “extra extra” in terms of power, nope. The XX is mostly a downgrade from the older and pricier Anbernic RG Cube. That one runs Android and has more power, active cooling, better triggers and swaps the D-pad and left analogue stick. The 1:1 touchscreen works well for DS titles; less so for Android games, which sometimes scale oddly.
Best retro handheld for chucking into a bag
Anbernic RG 35XXSP
Stuff Verdict
This modern take on a famous clamshell feels cheap and cheerful. But it’s fun to use and a retro handheld you can lob into a bag without worry.
Pros
- Clamshell design oozes nostalgia and protects the screen when closed
- Surprisingly comfy to play, despite its small size
Cons
- Buttons are absurdly clicky and loud
- Charging can be a hassle
| Anbernic RG 35XXSP specs and info | |
|---|---|
| Price | $64.99 |
| Screen | 3.5in IPS 640 x 480px (229ppi) |
| OS | Custom Linux |
| Battery | 3300mAh (8h+) |
| Dimensions | 89mm (w) x 85mm (d) x 27mm (h – closed), 192g |
| TV out | HDMI |
| Recommended OS | MinUI or Knulli |
| Systems emulated | Up to PSX (some N64, Dreamcast and PSP) |
The Game Boy Advance SP was my first proper handheld, which explains my soft spot for Anbernic’s chunky tribute act. The 35XXSP is chunkier than the big N’s little console, but the clamshell design is present and correct.
Flip up the lid and the callbacks continue. Two extra face buttons aside, the layout mirrors the GBA SP’s. Even the hinge looks the same. It feels toy-like in the hand, but that suits retro games. And there’s that oh-so-satisfying snap when you shut the lid. Still, nostalgia alone can’t carry a retro handheld, so how does it play?
Pretty well. The Anbernic’s extra heft is actually a bonus, helping you to avoid hand cramp. I found the D-pad precise but thought the clicky buttons were loud enough to wake the dead. The screen is decent but the 640 x 480px resolution isn’t ideal for GBA integer scaling. And as with the Cube XX, the software is best described as serviceable – although better alternatives await tinkerers.
There are other minor snags. Charging can be picky, though it’s fine when you find a reliable cable and adapter. And the lack of analogue sticks makes the 35XXSP a poor fit for N64 and Dreamcast, even if it can technically run some games from those systems.
That said, I’m not sure I’d want to. This isn’t a device that tries to do everything. It’s an homage to an early-2000s handheld classic and best when playing games for which it’s ideally suited. Or, I suppose, being chucked into a bag without the dread of scratching the screen.
Pick your fighter
Anbernic’s lineup is so vast you’d need an entire room to display every model. For 35XXSP alternatives, though, you’ve two choices. The Pro bolts on analogue sticks (sigh). The RG 34XXSP shrinks things down to match the GBA SP’s size and nails GBA scaling with a 720 x 480px 3:2 display. There are analogue sticks yet again, though, and a weirdly large screen bezel that looks clunky.
Best retro handheld for cart collectors
Blaze Entertainment Evercade EXP-R
Stuff Verdict
An excellent option for fans of retro games who value plug-and-play simplicity, licensing and the warm glow of physical media over endless tinkering and lists of ROMs.
Pros
- Plug-and-play physical carts provide immediacy and reduce choice paralysis
- TATE mode lets you play vertical games with ease
Cons
- Screen is merely OK
- D-pad a bit spongy and buttons feel stiff and cramped in TATE mode
| Evercade EXP-R specs and info | |
|---|---|
| Price | $99.99/£99.99 |
| Screen | 4.3in IPS 800×600 (233ppi) |
| OS | Custom Linux |
| Battery | 3000mAh (4–5h) |
| Dimensions | 192.7mm (w) x 78.5mm (h) x 20.7mm (d), 252g (~265g with cart) |
| TV out | No |
| Recommended OS | Included OS only |
| Systems emulated | Up to PlayStation/N64 |
Most retro handhelds assume you’ll pack an SD card with dubiously sourced ROMs. Evercade does the opposite, providing physical cartridges, carefully curated collections and printed manuals. It’s refreshingly old-school in every way.
That all matters. Licensed collections mean no legal grey area. Carts with anything from a couple of dozen games to just one may feel limiting, but that means less choice paralysis and no endless scrolling through dizzying lists of ROMs. Even the manuals are great – and a reminder of how handy they are for learning new games, or remembering how to tackle ones you last encountered decades ago.
As for the play experience, it’s straightforward and approachable. I’m a fan of the proprietary Evercade interface, which includes instructions for every title. And the TATE mode – activated by pressing a button, after which you turn your console 90 degrees – is perfect for vertical arcade games.
Downsides? The screen is merely OK, the D-pad is spongy, the TATE buttons are a tad stiff and cramped, and the removal of HDMI from this revision (the original EXP had it) feels cynical. (Hey, kids! Buy a VS-R as well!)
Still, such grumbles are easily offset by the nostalgia factor that goes beyond games alone. If you miss boxes, manuals and focusing on a small number of titles at any given time, the EXP-R is a great fit.
Collect them all
The growing Evercade ecosystem now spans excellent bartop arcades and a TV console. But the handheld alternative to an EXP-R is the suitably named Super Pocket. Because it’s super. And fits in a pocket. In fact, there are several, each costing $69.99/£49.99, preloaded with games (the Taito and Neo Geo ones are my top picks), while supporting Evercade carts. The low-res display (just 320 x 240px) is a weak spot, but set expectations accordingly and you’ll still have loads of fun.
What to consider when buying a retro gaming handheld console
Faff: Some retro gaming handhelds work out of the box. Others demand hours of setup. Be honest about your tolerance and choose accordingly.
Customisation: Love tinkering? Then you’ll need to dig into custom firmware and launchers. Retro Game Corps is the gold standard for retro gaming handheld setup guides.
Screen size: Sharper screens mean more flexibility with interpolation. But bigger screens reduce portability. And you’ll need an aspect ratio that works for systems you love. Decide accordingly.
Controls: Think gaming died after the PlayStation? You don’t need analogue sticks. Sickeningly young and think the GameCube is retro? A D-pad and face buttons alone won’t cut it.
Power: You won’t magically run PS2 games on low-end hardware. However, extra power even helps with older systems if you want to run demanding filters.
Charging: Some retro handhelds can be bizarrely finicky regarding charging. Pay attention to charger and cable recommendations.
Games: With Evercade, you buy carts. Easy. Most of the others optionally come with pre-loaded cards (yo-ho-ho) and/or require you to source your own ROMs. No, I’m not getting into that here.
Where to buy: Buying direct can be cheaper, but buying locally tends to be better if something breaks. But be prepared to pay a premium for convenience.
- Now read: Best handheld gaming consoles including Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck and more
