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The sub-$100 tier is the best value in retro gaming. You will not run PS2 or GameCube down here, but everything from the 8-bit era through PS1, and often N64, Dreamcast, and lighter PSP, plays beautifully. These handhelds are cheap enough to toss in a bag, hand to a kid, or buy on a whim. Here is how to choose, then our ranked picks.
How to choose a handheld under $100
A few things separate a great budget handheld from a forgettable one.
- Chip and emulation ceiling. Most devices here use the Allwinner H700, a Rockchip RK3566, or a budget Unisoc part. All of them clear NES, SNES, Genesis, Game Boy, and PS1 with ease. The stronger chips add N64, Dreamcast, and some PSP. None of them are PS2 or GameCube machines, so set your expectations there.
- Screen shape. A 4:3 or 1:1 screen fills the display for old consoles with fewer black bars. A 16:9 screen suits PSP and modern indies. Pick the shape that matches the systems you play most.
- Firmware. The stock software is usually basic. The real magic comes from community firmware like muOS, KNULLI, Onion OS, and ROCKNIX, which add clean launchers, box art, save states, and RetroAchievements. All of it is free.
- Form factor. Vertical handhelds pocket the easiest. Horizontal ones with analog sticks are better for N64, PSP, and anything that needs a stick.
Tier 1: the best of the best
Anbernic RG35XX ($55)
The default recommendation for a first retro handheld. A 3.5 inch 4:3 IPS screen, the proven Allwinner H700, and a tiny Game Boy Color sized shell. It plays NES through PS1 flawlessly and slips into any pocket. Community firmware support is excellent. Read our full RG35XX review.
Miyoo Mini Plus ($65)
The cult favorite. A 3.5 inch screen, a featherweight 105 gram body, and 8 to 10 hours of battery on the community Onion OS firmware. It has no analog sticks, so it is a pure 2D and PS1 machine, and it is wonderful at exactly that. See the Miyoo Mini Plus review.
Anbernic RG34XX SP ($70)
A clamshell styled after the Game Boy Advance SP, with a 3.4 inch screen, dual analog sticks, and 2 GB of RAM. The folding design protects the screen and feels premium for the price. Great for anyone who wants a hinge and sticks on a budget. Read the RG34XX SP review.
Tier 2: strong specialists
Powkiddy RGB30 ($70)
The square-screen pick. Its 4 inch 1:1 720x720 panel is incredible for Game Boy, arcade boards, and vertical shooters that suit a square aspect. The Rockchip RK3566 clears everything through PS1, and the 4,100 mAh battery is generous. Read the Powkiddy RGB30 review.
TrimUI Smart Pro ($70)
The budget widescreen pick. A sharp 4.96 inch 720p screen, dual analog sticks, and a 5,000 mAh battery. The Allwinner A133P tops out around PS1, but the bigger screen and sticks make it a comfortable everyday device. Read the TrimUI Smart Pro review.
Anbernic RG40XXV ($75)
A bigger 4 inch 4:3 screen, dual sticks, and a 3,200 mAh battery good for 7 to 9 hours. It is the RG35XX grown up, and the right pick when you want one more inch of screen and a stick for N64 and PSP. See the RG40XXV review.
Tier 3: ultra-budget
TrimUI Brick ($50)
A tiny vertical device inspired by the Game Boy Pocket. The screen is lovely for the size and the price is hard to argue with. It tops out around PS1, so treat anything above that as a bonus.
Powkiddy V90 ($45)
The cheapest folding clamshell worth buying, styled after the GBA SP. It plays the 8-bit and 16-bit catalog that makes up most of what casual players reach for, and it folds shut to protect the screen. A great low-stakes gift.
Frequently asked questions
Can any handheld under $100 run PS2 or GameCube?
No. PS2 and GameCube need a Snapdragon or Dimensity Android device, which starts higher up the range. Under $100 you are looking at NES through PS1, with N64, Dreamcast, and lighter PSP on the stronger chips.
Do I need to install custom firmware?
Not strictly, but it is the single biggest upgrade you can make, and it is free. Onion OS for Miyoo, and muOS or KNULLI for Anbernic, turn a basic device into a polished one with box art, save states, and a clean launcher.
Which one should I buy first?
For most people the Anbernic RG35XX at $55 is the easiest recommendation. If you want analog sticks, step up to the RG40XXV or the TrimUI Smart Pro. If you want the lightest pure-2D device, the Miyoo Mini Plus is the one.
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