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We are halfway through 2026, and the retro handheld market has been busy. AMOLED screens went mainstream, Android flagships got faster, and the budget tier kept getting better. With so many strong devices out there, it helps to cut through the noise. These are our mid-year awards: the best handhelds of 2026 so far, picked by category, so you can find the right one for your needs and budget.
Affiliate disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and Anbernic affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Best Overall
The device we would recommend to the most people, balancing power, screen, price, and library support.
The
remains the all-around pick for most buyers. It handles everything from the 8-bit era up through PSP and Dreamcast with ease, has a beautiful screen, and costs far less than a flagship. For the typical buyer who wants one device that does almost everything, this is the one. Read our full review.Best Budget
The best handheld for spending as little as possible while still getting a great experience.
The
is still the budget champion. A sharp screen, friendly firmware, and flawless play of everything through the 16-bit and early handheld eras, all for a low price. Nothing beats it as a first device or a cheap second one. See our full review.Best Flagship
For the buyer who wants to emulate the heaviest systems with no compromises.
The
sits at the top for Android emulation. It powers through the demanding systems that mid-range devices struggle with, from GameCube and PS2 to the heaviest arcade boards. If you want the best and price is no object, start here.Best Screen
For players who care most about how their games look.
The
earns this with its large, vivid AMOLED display. Deep blacks and rich color make every game pop, especially darker games and OLED-friendly genres. Our best AMOLED handhelds guide has more.Best for PC Gaming
For the buyer who wants retro plus a full modern game library.
The
remains the benchmark. It runs every retro system with ease and plays your Steam library too, all on a gorgeous screen. Our Steam Deck retro gaming guide covers the emulation side.Best Pocketable
For the smallest device you can carry anywhere.
The
stays the pocket favorite, tiny and charming with a strong custom firmware community. Our micro and pocket handhelds guide has more small picks.Best Value
The device that gives you the most performance for the money.
The
takes this too, since it delivers near-flagship capability at a mid-range price. It is the device we point to most often when someone asks what to buy.Best for Kids
For a simple, durable device a child will love.
The
is a great pick, with a clamshell that protects the screen and a simple interface. Our set up for a kid guide helps you prep it.How the Market Looks at Mid-Year
A few themes stand out so far in 2026. AMOLED screens have spread from flagships down into the mid-range, raising the bar for how games look. Android flagships keep closing the gap on the heaviest systems. And the budget tier keeps improving, so even a cheap device today does more than ever. It is a great time to buy at every price point. Our state of retro handhelds mid-year recap digs into the trends.
Quick Picks
- Best overall and best value: Retroid Pocket 5
- Best budget: Anbernic RG35XX
- Best flagship: AYN Odin 2
- Best screen: Anbernic RG556
- Best for PC gaming: Steam Deck OLED
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