buyer's guide

Battery numbers on a spec sheet lie. A 7,000 mAh device can die faster than a 3,000 mAh one. Here are the longest-lasting retro handhelds in 2026, split by what you actually play.

The best retro handhelds for kids are cheap enough not to stress over, tough enough to survive a backpack, and simple enough to hand over without a tutorial. Here are six picks under $75.

Want to play retro games on the TV? Some handhelds have a real HDMI port; others output video over USB-C. Here are the best handhelds with TV output in 2026 and exactly what you need to connect each one.

The best handhelds for PS3 emulation in 2026 — which PC handhelds can actually run RPCS3 well, ranked by CPU power, ease of setup, and value.

AMOLED is the new $200 default in retro handhelds. Here are the seven premium AMOLED handhelds worth buying in 2026, ranked by use case and budget.

The best retro handhelds for PSP games at every budget. We test PPSSPP performance across 12 devices to find the ones that deliver upscaled, full-speed PSP emulation.

The sweet spot of retro handheld gaming. These devices under $75 handle everything from NES to PS1 with room to spare — and a few push into Dreamcast and N64 territory.

Essential accessories for your retro handheld gaming device. Covers carrying cases, screen protectors, grips, stands, microSD cards, and charging solutions.

The best retro gaming handhelds of 2026 ranked by price tier. Budget picks under $50, mid-range options under $150, and premium Android powerhouses for PS2 and GameCube emulation.

The GBA SP form factor is back in a big way. Here are the best foldable retro handhelds for pocketability, screen protection, and nostalgia.

The definitive guide to dual-screen and single-screen handhelds that actually do Nintendo DS and 3DS emulation justice. Tested and ranked.

Which portable devices can actually handle Wii games through Dolphin? We test the top contenders and rank them for performance, controls, and value.

The $100–$200 range is the sweet spot for powerful retro handhelds. Here are the best devices for PS2, GameCube, PSP, and beyond.

The global memory crisis is driving up prices and killing popular handhelds. Here's what happened, what's been affected, and which devices to grab before they get more expensive.

The best handhelds for PS2 emulation in 2026 — which devices can actually run God of War, Shadow of the Colossus, and your PS2 library at full speed.

The best microSD cards for retro handhelds in 2026 — reliable picks ranked by use case, with clear guidance on what size you actually need for your game library.

The best retro handhelds in the $60–150 range — where PS1 and N64 emulation is flawless, PSP gets viable, and some light PS2 starts showing up.

Same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, wildly different form factors. The RP6 is the best all-around Android handheld under $250. The AYN Thor is the only device that does DS and 3DS emulation right. Here's how to choose.

Not sure whether to spend $65 or $549? This guide breaks down three tiers of retro handheld so you can find the right device without the regret.

The RP5 costs $219 and fits in a jacket pocket. The Steam Deck OLED costs $549 and runs your entire Steam library. Which one is actually right for you?

Three premium PC handhelds, three very different philosophies. Steam Deck OLED at $549, Legion Go S SteamOS at $649–$829, ROG Ally X at $999. Here's how to pick the right one for retro gaming — and beyond.

The RG40XXV costs $65. The Retroid Pocket 5 costs $219. Is the RP5 worth 3× the price? A full breakdown of form factor, screen, emulation ceiling, and more.

The best PC gaming handhelds of 2025 ranked: Legion Go S, ROG Ally X, Steam Deck OLED, and more — with emulation ceilings and honest price-tier picks.

The best retro handhelds under $50 — perfect cheap retro handheld gifts for 2025. Five tested picks with a clear top recommendation.

Two of the best budget handhelds under $80 go head-to-head. Which one deserves your money?

The definitive ranked list of the best retro handhelds you can buy for under $100.

The best ultra-compact handhelds that slip in your pocket without compromise.