The handheld gaming emulator scene is booming at the moment, but what is the best retro gaming handheld, really? With new devices being released every couple of months, it is easy to become overwhelmed. So check out this list of DroiX’s favourite retro gaming handhelds to get you started on the purchase of your first (or next) device!
What is a Retro Gaming Handheld?
A retro gaming handheld is, as the name implies, a handheld device that is intended for retro gaming. Typically, these take the form of small SoC (System-on-a-chip) devices with a built-in display and controls.
Often, these handhelds will run some form of open-source operating system, such as EmuElec. This grants these handhelds the ability to play a huge variety retro games directly on the device (no fancy «cloud gaming» here!).
Why should I buy a retro gaming handheld when I have a mobile phone?
This is a question we often receive, and it is a reasonable one. With better versions of Android emulators being made every day, most people already pretty much have a portable gaming handheld in their pocket all the time.
While we can’t offer you one catch-all, «this is why» type of answer, we can provide a couple of arguments as to why you might buy a retro gaming handheld.
1. Keeping Things Separate
Some people simply like to keep their gear separate, and focused!
- Maybe you don’t want to fill up your phone’s storage with ROMs
- Maybe you want to save battery on your phone during the day.
- Or maybe you see your phone as a communications device first and foremost, and don’t want to game on it.
2. Dislike of Phone Gaming
Gaming, particularly retro gaming on mobile phones can be uncomfortable at times. Retro games are not designed with the imprecision of touch screen controls in mind. Which can make more intensive games challenging, if not frustrating to play.
There are workarounds to this in the form of mobile-compatible gamepads. But some people might not like a peripheral being required.
3. They’re just… cool!
Plainly put, the idea of a gaming handheld that can play hundreds – if not thousands of games from all manner of retro platforms, all in the palm of your hand? Retro gaming handhelds are not unlike dreams many gamers have had as a kid.
«What if my Game Boy could play my PS1 games too?» – What we have here is an answer to that age-old question.
The Best Retro Gaming Handhelds
#1. AYN Odin 2
Technical Overview of the AYN Odin 2
The AYN Odin 2 is a state-of-the-art retro gaming handheld designed for both retro and modern gaming enthusiasts. With dimensions of approximately 8.8 x 3.8 x 0.6 inches and a weight of 420g, it offers a comfortable handheld experience. The console is available in various colours like Transparent Blue, Transparent Purple, Black, Cold Grey, and White, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences. It features a large 6-inch IPS touch screen with a full HD resolution of 1080P, ideal for displaying vivid and sharp gaming graphics.
The Odin 2 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which includes an advanced Kyro GoldPlus core at 3.2GHz, complemented by Kyro Gold and Silver cores for efficient multitasking. Depending on the model, it offers between 8GB and 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and storage options ranging from 128GB to 512GB UFS 4.0, providing ample space for games and applications. Additional features include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, dual speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and an 8000 mAh battery for extended play sessions.
Performance and Gaming Capabilities
The AYN Odin 2 stands out significantly for performance among handheld gaming devices. Its robust Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset ensures smooth and responsive gameplay across a wide range of gaming titles, from classic retro games to demanding modern titles. The device’s high RAM capacity and efficient UFS 4.0 storage further enhance its performance, offering quick loading times and seamless multitasking capabilities.
The Odin 2’s GPU, the Qualcomm Adreno 740, is capable of handling intensive graphics, ensuring that games not only run smoothly but also look visually stunning on its 6-inch HD display. The console’s WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 capabilities enable quick online connectivity and seamless multiplayer gaming experiences. Moreover, its large 8000 mAh battery supports extended gaming sessions, which is a significant advantage for gamers on the go. Read our full AYN Odin 2 review here for in-depth benchmarks and comparisons.
User Experience and Our Thoughts
The AYN Odin 2 delivers an impressive user experience, combining powerful hardware with user-friendly design. The large, vibrant screen offers an immersive gaming experience, and the device’s ergonomic design ensures comfort during prolonged gaming sessions. Running on Android 13, the Odin 2 provides a familiar and customizable interface, offering access to a wide range of games and applications available on the Android platform.
Overall, the AYN Odin 2 is an excellent choice for gamers seeking a high-quality, versatile handheld gaming device. It excels in delivering a blend of powerful performance, extensive game compatibility, and portability, making it a top contender for the best retro gaming handheld!
#2. Retroid Pocket 4 Pro
Technical Specifications of the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro
The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is an advanced retro gaming handheld boasting a compact form factor, measuring 7.2 x 3.1 x 0.9 inches and weighing 269g, making it both portable and ergonomic. The console features a 4.7-inch IPS touchscreen display with a resolution of 750×1334, providing crisp and vibrant visuals suitable for gaming. It’s powered by a Dimensity 1100 CPU with a combination of high-performance cores ([email protected]) and efficiency cores ([email protected] GHz), alongside a Mali G77 MC9 GPU, ensuring smooth gameplay across various titles. The device includes 8GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB of UFS 3.1 Storage, expandable via a Micro SD card.
Performance and Gaming Experience
In terms of gaming performance, the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro offers a robust experience. With its high-end Dimensity 1100 chipset, the retro gaming handheld handles a wide array of games with ease. During performance tests, including the demanding Antutu benchmark, the console demonstrated impressive results, ensuring that games run smoothly even under stress. The 4.7-inch touchscreen is responsive and delivers clear and vivid colours, enhancing the overall gaming experience. The device’s gaming controls, including the D-Pad, analog sticks, and gaming buttons, are intuitively placed and offer precise control, which is crucial for both retro and modern gaming. Read our full Retroid Pocket 4 Pro review here for in depth analysis including benchmarks and comparisons.
User experience and our thoughts
The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro stands out as an excellent choice for gamers seeking a versatile and powerful handheld gaming console. Its combination of high-performance hardware, a vibrant display, and a user-friendly interface makes it ideal for a wide range of gaming genres, from classic retro games to more contemporary titles. The console’s support for various emulators and the ability to run games smoothly makes it a great option for those who cherish old-school gaming experiences as well as those who enjoy modern mobile gaming. Additionally, the device’s ergonomic design and long battery life make it suitable for extended gaming sessions, whether at home or on the go. The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro offers a blend of performance, portability, and a rich gaming library, making it an ideal choice for one of the best retro gaming handhelds for both casual and serious gamers.
#3. Anbernic RG35XX Plus
Technical Specifications of the Anbernic RG35XX Plus
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus is a compact and lightweight retro gaming handheld measuring around 4.61 x 3.19 x 0.87 inches and weighs 186 grams, offering a portable and comfortable gaming experience. The device is available in three distinct colours: White, Grey, and Transparent Black, catering to various aesthetic preferences.
It boasts a 3.5-inch IPS display with a resolution of 640×480, optimal for the classic retro gaming visuals. Under the hood, the RG35XX Plus is powered by an H700 quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, clocked at 1.5GHz, and is paired with a dual-core G31 MP2 GPU. It comes equipped with 1GB LPDDR4 RAM and offers options of either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage for games and the operating system. The handheld also includes modern connectivity features such as 2.4/5G WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 4.2. Additionally, the device is powered by a 3300mAh Li-polymer battery, promising up to 8 hours of gameplay, and includes a micro HDMI port for big-screen gaming.
Performance and Gaming Experience
In terms of performance, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus provides a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the RG35XX. The newer H700 processor ensures faster and smoother gameplay, particularly noticeable in more demanding retro games. This performance boost is evident in the enhanced emulation capabilities of the device, which comfortably runs classic gaming consoles and handhelds. The increased RAM and storage options also mean that players can store a larger library of games and enjoy quicker access to their favourite titles. The 3.5-inch IPS screen delivers crisp and vibrant visuals, enhancing the gaming experience for retro titles. Additionally, the inclusion of a micro HDMI port allows players to connect the handheld to a larger screen, offering versatility in gaming setups. Read our full Anbernic RG35XX Plus review here for performance comparisons.
Overall User Experience and Our Thoughts
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus is an excellent choice for gamers who are passionate about retro gaming and are looking for a portable and efficient device. Its ergonomic design, combined with the responsive control layout, makes for a comfortable gaming experience, especially during extended sessions. The device’s larger battery capacity compared to its predecessor ensures longer gaming times without the need for frequent recharging.
The RG35XX Plus stands out in the crowded field of best retro gaming handhelds due to its balance of performance, portability, and value. It’s a suitable option for both long-time retro gaming enthusiasts and newcomers looking to explore the world of classic games. With its upgraded hardware and user-friendly interface, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus offers a satisfying and nostalgic gaming experience.
#4. Miyoo Mini Plus+
The Miyoo Mini Plus+ is a retro gaming handheld that was released in early 2023. However many had to wait a while to get one as it was at launch near impossible to buy due to demand. Thankfully DroiX has a large supply of Miyo Mini Plus+ available to buy right now! It is a small, pocket-sized device that is powered by an ARM Cortex-A7 dual-core processor and 128MB of RAM.
The Miyoo Mini Plus+ has a 3.5-inch IPS display with a resolution of 640×480 pixels. It also has a D-pad, four action buttons, two shoulder buttons, and a Start and Select button. The Miyoo Mini Plus supports a wide range of retro consoles, including the NES, SNES, Gameboy, Gameboy Color, Gameboy Advance, Sega Genesis, and Neo Geo Pocket Color. It also has built-in Wi-Fi 5, which allows users to play compatible emulator cores with friends online.
The Miyoo Mini Plus+ portable gaming handheld has been well-received by critics and gamers alike. It has been praised for its small size, affordable price, and ability to play a wide range of retro games. The Miyoo Mini Plus+ is a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts and is a great option for those looking for a cheaper and easy way to play their favorite classic games.
And not forgetting Onion OS which is a massive update to the original firmware. Everything is improved from the menu layout to features such as Game Switch, auto-saving, game scraping and more!
Read our in-depth Miyoo Mini Plus+ review here.
What we like!
- Great looking 3.5″ 640×480 4:3 aspect ratio display, perfect for retro gaming on
- Great price
- Built-in Wi-Fi 5
- Supports the excellent Onion custom firmware
- Supports a decent number of systems, more with custom firmware
What we don’t like!
- Maybe a little too small for some
- Factory OS is a little basic
#5. Anbernic RG-ARC
Technical Overview of the Anbernic RG ARC-S and ARC-D
The Anbernic RG ARC-S and RG ARC-D are innovative retro gaming handhelds sharing similar dimensions, measuring approximately 7.5 x 3.14 x 2.2 inches and weighing around 242 grams. The consoles are available in distinct colour options, with the RG ARC-S offered in Transparent Black and Blue, and the RG ARC-D in Black and Grey. These devices feature a 4.0” IPS display with a resolution of 640×480, ideal for classic game emulation. Internally, both models are powered by the RK3566 Quad-Core 64-bit Cortex-A55 processor with a clock speed of 1.8GHz, paired with a Mali-G52 MP2 GPU.
The ARC-S comes with 1GB LPDDR4 RAM, while the ARC-D is equipped with 2GB, providing adequate processing power for retro gaming. Both models offer 16GB of internal storage for the Linux OS, expandable with 128GB or 256GB Micro SD cards for additional game storage. The Anbernic RG ARC-D model also includes an extra 32GB eMMC for its Android OS. Other features include 2.4/5G Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2, high-quality stereo speakers, and a 3500 mAh battery capable of up to 6 hours of gameplay.
Gaming Performance and Software Experience
The Anbernic RG ARC-S and ARC-D provide a seamless gaming experience, with their hardware capable of emulating a variety of retro gaming consoles and handhelds. Both models run a Linux OS, offering a user-friendly interface and a preconfigured setup with emulation station style UI, making it easy to navigate and play a vast library of classic games. The emulators support systems ranging from SEGA Naomi Arcade, Dreamcast, Saturn, and PlayStation Portable, to a comprehensive list of RetroArch cores for systems like Game Gear, WonderSwan, and Genesis/Mega Drive.
The Anbernic RG ARC-D model additionally runs Android 11, allowing for dual-boot functionality and access to a wider range of emulators and Android games. The touchscreen feature on the ARC-D enhances the overall gaming experience, especially for emulators that benefit from touch controls.
Read our full Anbernic RG ARC-S & ARC-D review here for more information on the performance.
Final Assessment and User Recommendation
The Anbernic RG ARC-S and Anbernic RG ARC-D stand out in the retro gaming handheld market with their unique design, inspired by the classic SEGA Saturn controller, and their robust emulation capabilities. The choice between the two models boils down to user preference and the specific needs of the gamer. The ARC-S is a great option for those who prefer a straightforward retro gaming experience on Linux, while the Anbernic RG ARC-D is ideal for users seeking the additional versatility provided by Android OS, along with touchscreen functionality. Both models offer excellent build quality, ergonomic design, and a diverse range of supported gaming systems, making them suitable for retro gaming enthusiasts who value both performance and nostalgia with the best retro gaming handhelds.
#6. Anbernic RG405V
Technical Specifications of the Anbernic RG405V
The Anbernic RG405V is a portable retro gaming handheld designed for those who appreciate both classic and contemporary games. It showcases a sleek design, measuring approximately 5.7 x 4.13 x 1.3 inches and weighing 282 grams, making it both portable and comfortable for extended gaming sessions. The device is available in three distinct colour schemes: Grey, Transparent Purple, and Wood Grain, offering a variety of aesthetic choices for gamers. It features a large 4-inch IPS touchscreen with a resolution of 640×480, perfect for rendering retro games crisply.
The console is powered by the Unisoc Tiger T618 64-bit octa-core processor, which includes 2x A75 cores at 2.0GHz and 6x A55 cores at the same frequency, and is paired with a Mali G52 GPU at 850Mhz. This configuration is complemented by 4GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of eMMC storage, expandable via Micro SD card. The RG405V supports 2.4/5G WIFI 802.11a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 5.0, runs on Android 12, and includes a 5500 mAh Li-polymer battery capable of providing over 6 hours of gameplay.
Performance and Gaming Experience
In performance benchmarks, the Anbernic RG405V demonstrates its prowess as a capable gaming device. The Tiger T618 processor ensures smooth gameplay and efficient operation across a wide array of game titles. Benchmark results from Geekbench, 3DMark, and Antutu reveal that the RG405V competes closely with other devices using the same chipset, offering a balanced mix of single and multi-core performance. Learn more about the performance and comparisons with other models in our full Anbernic RG405V review here.
For gaming, the RG405V excels in emulating systems up to the PS1 and Dreamcast era, with the ability to upscale graphics for enhanced visual quality. The device’s controls are well-placed and responsive, providing an enjoyable gaming experience. The larger screen size is a significant advantage, offering clear and vibrant images that enhance the immersion in games.
Overall User Experience and Recommendation
The Anbernic RG405V stands out in the market of retro gaming handhelds with its combination of high-quality hardware, user-friendly software, and a comfortable physical design. The Android 12 operating system ensures a modern and versatile interface, with the ability to download and play a wide range of emulators and games. The console’s ergonomic design and the larger screen make it a favourable choice for extended gaming sessions.
Furthermore, the inclusion of pre-installed emulators and a straightforward setup process makes the RG405V an excellent option for those who prefer a plug-and-play experience. However, the absence of an HDMI port might be a drawback for gamers looking to connect to larger screens. Overall, the Anbernic RG405V is a solid choice for best retro gaming handheld with both retro gaming enthusiasts and casual gamers who seek a blend of portability, performance, and ease of use.
#7. Retroid Pocket Flip
The Retroid Pocket Flip retro gaming handheld was released in mid 2023. It is a clamshell-style Android OS device that is powered by an Unisoc Tiger T618 octa-core processor and 4GB of RAM. The Retroid Pocket Flip has a 4.7-inch IPS display with a resolution of 750×1334 pixels. It also has a D-pad, four action buttons, shoulder, trigger and macro buttons, and a Start and Select button.
The Retroid Pocket Flip supports a wide range of retro consoles, including the NES, SNES, Gameboy, Gameboy Color, Gameboy Advance, Sega Genesis, Neo Geo Pocket Color, PlayStation 1, Dreamcast, and PSP. It also has built-in Wi-Fi 5, which allows users to download games and firmware updates to the retro gaming handheld.
We liked the included software, Retroid Launcher is a good frontend for your emulators. There is also the built-in screen controller mapping which lets you play Android games with a controller if if they do not support it.
The clamshell design, its powerful processor, and its ability to play a wide range of retro games at a mid range price are what makes this retro handheld well worth considering.
Read our full Retroid Pocket Flip review here.
What we like!
- Large 4.7″ display at 750×1334 looks great
- Clamshell design available in multiple colours
- WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 supported
- Android OS is easy to use.
What we don’t like!
- Factory OS and menu are a little basic
#8. Anbernic RG505
The Anbernic RG505 is another retro gaming handheld released in late 2022 but qualifies as 2023. it is a powerful and portable handheld gaming console that allows you to play classic games from the 1970s to the 2000s. It is available in three colors: gray, turquoise, and yellow.
The Anbernic RG505 is powered by an Unisoc Tiger T618 octa-core processor and 4GB of RAM, which allows it to emulate a wide range of retro consoles, including the NES, SNES, Gameboy, Gameboy Color, Gameboy Advance, Sega Genesis, Neo Geo Pocket Color, PlayStation 1, and PSP. It also has a 4.95-inch OLED display with a resolution of 960×544 pixels, which provides clear and vibrant images. The RG505 portable retro gaming console also features hall effect sensor analogues, which provide more accurate and responsive controls than traditional controls.
The RG505 runs on Android 12, and also has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0, which allow you to connect to the internet and other devices wirelessly. The RG505 retro gaming handheld is powered by a 5000mAh rechargeable battery, which provides up to 8 hours of gameplay on a single charge.
The Anbernic RG505 is a great choice for retro gamers who are looking for a powerful and portable handheld gaming console. It is small, lightweight, and easy to carry around, and it supports a wide range of retro consoles. The RG505 also has a high-quality display and accurate controls, making it a great choice for playing classic games.
Read our deep dive review of the Anbernic RG505 here.
What we like!
- Large 4.95 OLED display which looks amazing!
- Fast Unisoc Tiger 1618 processor
- Google Play Store included
What we don’t like!
- Apps need a little setting up
#9. Anbernic RG353M
The Anbernic RG353M is a powerful and portable handheld gaming console that allows you to play classic games from the 1970s to the present day. It is available in a stylish aluminum alloy case and measures only 5.07 x 2.7 x 0.62 inches and weighs 232 grams, making it extremely portable and easy to carry around.
The RG353M is powered by a RockChip RK3566 quad-core Cortex-A55 processor and 2GB of RAM, which allows it to emulate a wide range of retro consoles, including the NES, SNES, Gameboy, Gameboy Color, Gameboy Advance, Sega Genesis, Neo Geo Pocket Color, PlayStation 1, and many more. It also has a 3.5-inch IPS multi-touch screen with a resolution of 640×480 pixels, which provides clear and vibrant images. The RG353M retro gaming handheld also features dual analog sticks and gaming buttons for pixel-perfect precision and 3D accuracy.
The RG353M runs on Linux OS, which comes with a combination of Emulation Station and RetroArch emulators. This provides a wealth of gaming options on many classic game consoles from the 1970s to the present day. The RG353M also has built-in Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2, which allow you to connect to the internet and other devices wirelessly. It also has a mini-HDMI output, which allows you to connect the classic gaming handheld to the TV and game on a larger screen.
The Anbernic RG353M is a great choice for retro gamers who are looking for a powerful and portable handheld gaming console. It is small, lightweight, and easy to carry around, and it supports a wide range of retro consoles. The RG353M also has a high-quality display and accurate controls, making it a great choice for playing classic games.
You can read our full Anbernic RG353M review here.
What we like!
- Dual OS with Android 11 & Linux
- Choice of two colours in a metal case
- WiFi 5 & Bluetooth 4.2
- 3.5″ touch screen, 640×480 resolution
- HDMI output
What we don’t like!
- No Google Play Store installed but there are workarounds.
#10. Anbernic RG35XX
The Anbernic RG35XX was released in late 2022 so it is essentially a 2023 retro gaming handheld designed to play retro games. It is powered by an ARM Cortex-A9 quad-core processor and 256MB of RAM, and it has a 3.5-inch IPS display with a resolution of 640×480 pixels. The Anbernic RG35XX supports a wide range of retro consoles, including the NES, SNES, Gameboy, Gameboy Color, Gameboy Advance, Sega Genesis, Neo Geo Pocket Color, PlayStation 1, and some N64 games. It also has built-in Wi-Fi, which allows users to play online with compatible emulators.
Like the Miyoo Mini Plus+ retro gaming handheld it does have a relatively basic OS and menu system compared to more expensive handhelds. But this can remedied with installing custom firmware such as Garlic OS which improves on all the features and includes more emulators.
The RG35XX vintage gaming handheld is a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts because it is small, affordable, and easy to use. It is also a great option for those who are looking for a cheap and simple way to play retro consoles.
Read our comprehensive RG35XX review here.
What we like!
- The 3.5″ 640×480 4:3 aspect ratio display is perfect for retro gaming on
- Great price
- Supports the excellent Garlic custom firmware
- Supports a decent number of systems, more with custom firmware
What we don’t like!
- Supplied OS and menu is a little basic
Recap
Here is a comparison chart for the best retro gaming handhelds
| MODEL | PROCESSOR | DISPLAY | OS | WHERE TO BUY |
| AYN ODIN 2 | Snapdragon Kyro 64bit 1x GoldPlus @ 3.2Ghz, 4x Gold @2.8Ghz, 3x Silver @2.0Ghz | 6″ IPS touchscreen, 1920×1080 | Android 13 | BUY HERE |
| RETROID POCKET 4 PRO | Dimensity 1100 4*[email protected] 4*[email protected] GHz | 4.7″ IPS touchscreen 16:9 750×1334 | Android 13 | BUY HERE |
| ANBERNIC RG35XX PLUS | H700 quad-core ARM Cortex-A53, 1.5GHz frequency | 3.5-inch IPS full viewing angle, OCA full lamination/ 640*480 | Linux | BUY HERE |
| Miyoo Mini Plus+ | ARM Cortex-A7 dual core running up to 1.2GHz | 3.5″, 640×80 | Linux | BUY HERE |
| ANBERNIC RG ARC-S & ARC-D | RK3566 Quad-Core 64 bit Cortex-A55, Main frequency 1.8GHz | ARC-S: Linux ARC-D: Linux & Android 11 (Dual Boot) | BUY HERE (ARC-S) BUY HERE (ARC-D) | |
| ANBERNIC RG405V | Unisoc Tiger T618 64-bit octa-core 2*[email protected]+6*[email protected] | 4″ IPS touchscreen, 640×480 | Android 12 | BUY HERE |
| Anbernic RG35XX | Quad-core ARM Cortex-A9 | 3.5-inch IPS, 640×480 | Linux | BUY HERE |
| Retroid Pocket Flip | Unisoc Tiger T618 octa-core processor 2x A75 @2.0GHz & 6x [email protected] | 4.7” touchscreen, 750×1334 | Android 11 | BUY HERE |
| RG505 | Unisoc Tiger T618 64-bit octa-core – 2xA75 @2.0GHz & 6xA55 @2.0GHz | 4.95” OLED touchscreen, 960X544 | Dual Boot Android 12 & Linux | BUY HERE |
| RG353M | RK3566 Quad-Core 64 bit Cortex-A55, Main frequency up to 1.8GHz | 3.5-inch IPS touchscreen, 640×480 | Dual Boot Android 11 & Linux | BUY HERE |
