retro

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 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.

The Retroid Pocket 5 is the full-size Android retro handheld to beat — a 5.0" OLED screen, Dimensity 900 power, and Hall-effect sticks at $219.

The Retroid Pocket Mini packs a Dimensity 900 chip into a pocketable body with a stunning 3.7" OLED screen — one of the best compact retro handhelds of 2024.

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.

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 Snapdragon 700-series 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.