handheld

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is one of the first handhelds on Intel's Arc G3 Extreme, and MSI's most powerful yet. It trades the OneXPlayer 3's modular tricks for a lighter, more comfortable body, but it inherits the same Intel Arc emulation question.

The best Atari Lynx games for handheld emulation. 15 Lynx classics that shine on a modern screen, from California Games to Chip's Challenge, on the color handheld ahead of its time.

The OneXPlayer 3 is the first handheld on Intel's Arc G3 Extreme, and a modular 3-in-1 that turns from a handheld into a tablet or a mini laptop. It is also the most expensive way to emulate.

Can't buy the handheld you want because it sold out? Here is why 2026 stock is so tight, plus the best in-stock alternatives to every hard-to-get device, grouped by the one you were chasing.

The AYANEO Pocket Micro 2 puts a Snapdragon 865 in a tiny 3.5 inch shell. It sold out on launch day. Here is what it actually runs and who should buy it.

The Retroid Pocket Nova pairs a 4.5 inch 4:3 AMOLED with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 class chip, starting at $229. Pre-orders opened June 26. Here is what it runs and who should buy it.

The Snapdragon 865 is a 2020 flagship that keeps showing up in 2026 handhelds. Here is why its driver support matters, what it can emulate, and where it sits against newer chips.

Should you clip a controller onto your phone or buy a dedicated retro handheld? We break down cost, battery, screen, convenience, and who each option is really for.

How to set up Azahar, the modern 3DS emulator, on your handheld in 2026. The best dual-screen devices, install steps, system files, and settings.

How to set up Flycast and play Sega Dreamcast games on your handheld in 2026. The best devices, install steps, BIOS files, and widescreen settings.

How to set up Vita3K and play PlayStation Vita games on your handheld in 2026. The best devices, install steps, firmware, GPU drivers, and game notes.

The Ayaneo Pocket Air is a slim Android handheld with a 5.5 inch AMOLED screen and the Dimensity 1200 chip. It is a stylish device for PS2 era emulation.

The Ayaneo Pocket S is a premium Android handheld with the Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 chip. It is built to push PS2, GameCube, Wii, and Switch emulation.

The GPD Win 4 is a Windows handheld with a slide up screen that hides a full keyboard. It is a powerful, flexible PC you can hold in two hands.

The GPD Win Mini is a clamshell Windows handheld with a built in keyboard and a fast AMD chip. It is a tiny laptop and a powerful gaming device in one.

The Powkiddy RGB30 is a budget handheld built around a 4 inch square screen. It is made for 8-bit and 16-bit games, and it runs them beautifully.

The Powkiddy V90 is an ultra budget clamshell handheld styled after the Game Boy Advance SP. It is made for cheap, simple 8-bit and 16-bit fun.

The Powkiddy X55 puts a big 5.5 inch 720p screen on the RK3566 chip. It is a large, affordable handheld for couch sessions up to PS1.

The Trimui Brick is a tiny vertical handheld with a stunning 3.2 inch 1024x768 screen. It became a budget favorite for a reason.

The Trimui Smart Pro is a budget widescreen handheld with a 4.96 inch 720p screen, dual sticks, and a big battery. It is a strong value up to PS1.

The only handheld with two AMOLED screens and a metal hinge — and the definitive device for DS and 3DS emulation. If you know why that matters, the AYN Thor is for you.

The best Android handheld under $250. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 power, a 5.5" 120Hz AMOLED screen, and 6,000mAh battery — the RP6 sets the benchmark for 2026.

The Lenovo Legion Go S brings an 8" screen and AMD horsepower to SteamOS — a legitimate Steam Deck OLED alternative that trades OLED and portability for raw size and power.

The Retroid Pocket 5 is the full-size Android retro handheld to beat — a 5.5" OLED screen, Snapdragon 865 power, and Hall-effect sticks at $219.

The Retroid Pocket Mini packs a Snapdragon 865 chip into a pocketable body with a stunning 3.7" OLED screen — one of the best compact retro handhelds of 2024.

The ROG Xbox Ally X is the most powerful handheld PC you can buy — and one of the best emulation machines ever made. Windows 11 is the asterisk.

The best emulation handheld ever made — if you can justify the price. The Steam Deck OLED is a retro gaming powerhouse hiding inside a PC gaming device.

The complete guide to MelonDS. Installing standalone and the RetroArch core, BIOS setup, dual-screen layouts, touch input, and performance tuning.

PPSSPP brings your PSP collection to life on modern handhelds. Device picks, standalone vs RetroArch core, graphics settings, and control mapping.

A bigger screen, dual sticks, and the same beloved vertical form factor. The RG40XXV is the RG35XX all grown up — but is it the upgrade you've been waiting for?

Anbernic's flagship Android handheld packs a Unisoc T820 chip into a large, comfortable shell. Big screen, big power — big price.

The best mid-range retro handheld money can buy. The RP4 Pro handles everything from NES to PS2 and GameCube without breaking a sweat.

Anbernic's refined take on the RG35XX adds analog sticks and a bigger battery. A meaningful upgrade or just a cash grab?

The pocket-sized legend gets a bigger screen and battery. The Miyoo Mini Plus is still the king of ultra-portable retro gaming.

The best budget vertical handheld under $60. After 30 days of daily carry, here's the full verdict.