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Best Accessories for Retro Handhelds in 2026
2026-04-11
Affiliate disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and Anbernic affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
A retro handheld works fine on its own but a few inexpensive accessories improve the experience significantly. The right case prevents screen scratches in a bag. A good microSD card prevents corrupted saves. A grip attachment turns an uncomfortable device into one you can play for hours. None of these are mandatory but each solves a real problem.
This guide covers the accessories worth buying and skips the ones that are not.
MicroSD Cards
This is the single most important accessory. The stock microSD cards bundled with some handhelds are unreliable. They use low quality NAND that corrupts data under the constant write load of save states and emulator configuration changes.
Replace the stock card immediately with a name brand card from Samsung or SanDisk.
Best overall: Samsung EVO Select. A2 rated for strong random read performance. Reliable Samsung NAND with a 5 year warranty. The 256GB size covers most retro game libraries comfortably and costs around $20 to $25.
Budget pick: SanDisk Ultra. Slightly slower random read performance than the EVO Select but reliable and widely available. The 128GB size is enough for a focused library of older systems and costs around $12 to $15.
For large libraries: Samsung PRO Plus. If your collection includes large PS2 ISOs, GameCube GCM files, and PSP ISOs you may need 512GB or more. The PRO Plus offers the best sustained write speeds for transferring large libraries.
For detailed recommendations by use case and device, see our Best MicroSD Cards for Retro Handhelds guide.
Check Samsung EVO Select Price on Amazon(affiliate link)Carrying Cases
Retro handhelds have exposed screens, analog sticks, and buttons that are vulnerable to damage in a bag or backpack. A case is cheap insurance.
For standard landscape handhelds (RG35XX, Miyoo Mini Plus, RG556, RP5, RP6): Look for a semi-rigid EVA case sized for your specific device. Anbernic and Retroid sell device-specific cases for $10 to $15. Generic EVA cases from Amazon in the 6 to 7 inch range work for larger devices. The key features are a rigid shell to protect the screen, internal mesh pockets for cables and microSD cards, and a zipper that does not snag.
For clamshell devices (Retroid Pocket Flip 2, RG34XX-SP, AYN Thor): Clamshell devices protect their own screens when folded shut but the hinge and exterior still benefit from case protection. A soft pouch or drawstring bag is often sufficient.
For the Steam Deck: The Steam Deck OLED ships with its own carrying case. Aftermarket cases with additional storage pockets are available if you want to carry chargers and accessories alongside the device.
Check Carrying Cases on Amazon(affiliate link)Screen Protectors
Most Anbernic devices ship with a pre-applied screen protector. It is usually a thin plastic film that works adequately. Replacing it with a tempered glass protector improves scratch resistance and feels better under your thumb if you use the touchscreen.
For touchscreen devices (RP5, RP6, RG556, RG Cube): A tempered glass protector rated 9H hardness protects against keys and coins in a pocket. It adds minimal thickness. Look for one that matches your device's screen size. Anbernic sells device-specific glass protectors for most models.
For non-touchscreen devices (RG35XX, Miyoo Mini Plus): The stock plastic film is adequate. These devices do not benefit from touch feel improvements. Replace the film only if it becomes scratched or starts peeling.
Grips and Comfort Accessories
Some retro handhelds are uncomfortable for extended sessions. Flat-backed devices like the Miyoo Mini Plus, the AYN Thor, and many budget Anbernic models cause hand fatigue after 30 to 60 minutes. A grip attachment solves this.
For the Miyoo Mini Plus: Third-party silicone grips snap onto the back and add ergonomic curves. They cost $5 to $10 and make a meaningful difference in comfort for sessions over 30 minutes.
For the AYN Thor: A grip accessory is essentially mandatory. The clamshell form factor has no natural resting point for your palms during extended play. AYN sells an official grip that clips onto the device. Third-party 3D-printed grips are available from community sellers. Budget $15 to $25 for a grip.
For the Steam Deck: The Steam Deck is comfortable by default for most hand sizes. JSAUX and other brands sell silicone covers that add textured grip surfaces without changing the ergonomics.
Stands and Docks
Many retro handhelds support USB-C video output to a TV or monitor. A stand or dock turns your handheld into a home console.
USB-C to HDMI adapter: A simple USB-C to HDMI dongle ($10 to $15) is the cheapest way to play on a TV. Pair it with a Bluetooth controller for a couch gaming experience. Verify your specific handheld supports USB-C DisplayPort output before buying. Not all devices support video output.
Desktop stands: A small adjustable phone stand ($5 to $10) props your handheld at a comfortable viewing angle for tabletop play. Useful when playing with a Bluetooth controller on a desk.
Steam Deck dock: Official and third-party docks add HDMI output, USB ports, and charging in a single cradle. The official Valve dock is well built but third-party docks from JSAUX offer similar functionality at a lower price.
Bluetooth Controllers
Bluetooth controllers are useful when your handheld is docked to a TV or propped on a stand. They also provide better ergonomics than the handheld's built-in controls for some users.
8BitDo Pro 2: A well-regarded Bluetooth controller that works with Android, Linux, and Steam. Multiple connection modes, customizable buttons via the 8BitDo app, and a comfortable design. Around $45 to $50.
8BitDo SN30 Pro: A compact SNES-inspired Bluetooth controller with analog sticks. Excellent for retro gaming with a nostalgic design. Around $40.
Xbox Controller: Any modern Xbox controller connects via Bluetooth to Android handhelds. The layout is familiar and comfortable. Often available for $40 to $60.
Check 8BitDo Pro 2 Price on Amazon(affiliate link)Charging
USB-C cables: Pack a good quality USB-C cable that supports data transfer and charging. Budget cables often sacrifice data speed for cost. Anker and UGREEN cables are reliable choices at $8 to $12.
Portable battery pack: A 10,000mAh or 20,000mAh USB-C power bank extends your gaming sessions away from outlets. Any reputable power bank with USB-C PD output works. Anker and Baseus are reliable brands.
Car charger: A USB-C car charger enables gaming during road trips. Any PD-compatible car charger works.
What You Do Not Need
Bluetooth earbuds for latency-sensitive gaming. Bluetooth audio adds 100 to 300ms of latency depending on the codec. This is noticeable in rhythm games and fast-paced action games. Use wired earbuds or the built-in speakers for latency-critical gaming. Bluetooth is fine for RPGs and turn-based games.
Expensive HDMI cables. Any standard HDMI cable works. There is no quality difference between a $5 cable and a $30 cable for 1080p output from a handheld.
Custom shells and mods. Aftermarket shells and button swaps are fun cosmetic projects but they do not improve the gaming experience. Consider these hobby upgrades rather than essential accessories.