Best Retro Handheld Gaming Consoles
RG505
The RG505 with Android 12, stands tall as a paragon in the realm of retro gaming handhelds. With its commendable integration of high performance, precise controls, and high definition, it has notched up the nostalgia of retro gaming by several levels. Its compact dimensions and lightweight build make it incredibly portable and easy to carry. Furthermore, the Unisoc Tiger T618 64-bit octa-core processor along with 4GB LPDDR4X RAM and 128GB of internal storage ensure that even the most demanding of retro games run buttery smooth. The RG505’s versatility is exceptional as it supports over 25 classic gaming consoles, computers, and handhelds spanning from the 1970s to the 2000s.
Delving into the immersive experience that the RG505 provides, the vibrant 4.95-inch OLED touch screen plays a significant role. The display has an impressive resolution of 960×544, matching the classic PSP. This high-resolution display combined with the rich colors of the OLED panel rejuvenates the classic games, making them feel as exciting as they did in their heydays. The controls of the RG505 deserve special mention. Equipped with hall effect sensor analogues, the controls are not only highly accurate but also durable and long-lasting as compared to traditional controls.
Moreover, Android 12 at the core of the RG505, bestows a seamless and responsive interface, ensuring an enjoyable user experience. It also allows for easy firmware updates and access to the Google Play Store. The RG505 is equipped with a 5000mAh rechargeable battery, allowing for up to 8 hours of uninterrupted gaming. The inclusion of WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 ensures fast and reliable connectivity, enabling players to delve into classic multiplayer games with friends via RetroArch.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight, ideal for gaming on the go.
- Exceptional performance thanks to Unisoc Tiger T618 octa-core processor and 4GB LPDDR4X RAM.
- Vibrant 4.95-inch OLED touchscreen with high-resolution display.
- Durable and accurate controls with hall effect sensor analogues.
- Android 12 for a seamless and responsive user interface.
- Supports a wide range of classic gaming consoles and computers.
- Long battery life with a 5000mAh rechargeable battery.
- WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 for fast and reliable connectivity.
- Regular firmware updates and access to Google Play Store.
Cons:
- Initial setup for emulators can be a little complicated for beginners.
- Lacks HDMI output for playing on larger screens.
To learn more check out our review here or the YouTube video above.
Retroid Pocket 3 Plus+
The Retroid Pocket 3+ emerges as the cream of the crop among retro gaming handhelds, achieving new heights in performance and versatility. The crux of its appeal lies in its powerful hardware, spearheaded by the Unisoc Tiger T618 octa-core processor and the Mali G52 MC2 GPU. This combination delivers a high-performance gaming experience, while ensuring power efficiency. Adding to its allure is the substantial memory and storage options – 4GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Furthermore, a Micro SD card slot is also available, allowing gamers to easily expand storage as per their gaming library needs.
Another impressive aspect of the Retroid Pocket 3+ is its operating system, Android 11, which offers full support for the Google Play Store. This empowers gamers to effortlessly download new apps and games and update the existing ones. Coupled with built-in WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5, the Retroid Pocket 3+ guarantees speedy data transfer and offers the thrill of online gaming through compatible software like RetroArch. Moreover, its HDMI output enables players to relish a big-screen gaming experience by connecting the console to a TV or monitor.
The Retroid Pocket 3+ doesn’t stop at performance; it ups the ante with an array of features that enhance usability and organization. The built-in frontend efficiently indexes your gaming collection, making it easy to locate your favorite games or explore new ones. Moreover, the Retroid Pocket 3+ comes with an overlay accessed by swiping the screen, which gives instant access to commonly used functions, system information, and built-in screen mapping software. This flexibility and organization make the Retroid Pocket 3+ an unmatched retro gaming handheld console.
Pros:
- High-performance hardware capable of running retro and some newer generation games smoothly.
- Ample storage with an option for expansion through a Micro SD card slot.
- Runs on Android 11 with full support for Google Play Store, facilitating easy downloading and updating of apps.
- Includes built-in WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5 for fast data transfer and online gaming.
- HDMI output for big-screen gaming.
- User-friendly frontend that organizes the gaming library efficiently.
- Useful screen overlay for quick access to commonly used functions and screen mapping.
Cons:
- Placement of SELECT & START buttons is inconvenient and not intuitive.
- Some gamers may find it disappointing that performance may be mixed or games incompatible for newer consoles.
To learn more check out our review here or the YouTube video above.
Retroid Pocket Flip
The Retroid Pocket Flip is truly a game-changer in the realm of retro gaming handhelds. With its clamshell design, it not only takes you on a nostalgic trip back to the Gameboy Advance SP days but also provides an unmatched level of protection for the screen. This is particularly handy for those gamers who like to take their handhelds on the go. But it’s not just the design that makes it appealing; the hardware specs are equally impressive. The Retroid Pocket Flip is packed with an eight-core ARM Cortex CPU, coupled with 4GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 128GB of high-speed eMMC storage. This ensures that not only can you store a large library of games but that they’ll run smoothly too. And for those who are not satisfied with the internal storage, there’s a microSD card slot for further expansion.
Another outstanding feature of the Retroid Pocket Flip is its high-quality 4.7-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 750×1334. The display is vibrant and boasts 450 nits of brightness, which means you can enjoy your games in various lighting conditions. Moreover, the controls are highly responsive; the classic D-pad and dual hall effect sliders ensure precision, and the double-injected molded buttons are designed for longevity. What sets the Retroid Pocket Flip apart from the competition is its compatibility. Running on Android 11, it has full access to the Google Play Store. This allows gamers to not only relish in the classics but also to dive into the modern pool of Android games. It supports games from the early 70s to the 2000s, offering an extensive range of options.
Lastly, the Retroid Pocket Flip is all about connectivity. With its high-speed WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0, you can stay connected with ease, be it for multiplayer gaming or connecting peripherals. The USB Type-C port enables fast charging, ensuring that you spend more time playing and less time waiting for the device to charge. In addition, it features a mini-HDMI output, so you can play your games on a larger screen, making it ideal for both portable and home gaming. With all these features packed into a portable and stylish clamshell design, the Retroid Pocket Flip stands tall as the ultimate choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.
Pros:
- High-performance eight-core processor for smooth gaming.
- Large, high-quality touchscreen display.
- Clamshell design for screen protection and portability.
- Wide range of game support (from 70s classics to modern Android games).
- Ample storage with expandability options.
- Excellent connectivity options including WiFi, Bluetooth, and HDMI out.
- Durable and responsive controls.
- Access to Google Play Store with Android 11.
Cons:
- The clamshell design may not be everyone’s preference.
- Some users might find the shoulder buttons slightly obstructed by the design.
- The battery life may vary based on usage patterns and may not be sufficient for some users.
- Android OS might be overwhelming for users looking for a simple plug-and-play experience.
To learn more check out our review here or the YouTube video above.
As we take a step back to reflect on the various technological marvels discussed in this compilation of articles, it becomes increasingly clear that we are in the midst of a technological renaissance. From the Retroid Pocket Flip, which pays homage to the retro gaming era with its modern features and design, to the Anbernic series handhelds that provide an affordable and quality option for retro gaming enthusiasts, we see how technology has adeptly amalgamated the past with the present.
So you’ve got quite a few different choices for all sorts of work cases. which Retro Handheld Emulator are you choosing? If you’re still not sure take a look at last year’s choices to help make your mind.
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Classic gaming, but on-the-go? It’s more likely than you’d think. Check out this list of five of our best handheld retro consoles to give your portable play sessions a nostalgic flair.
Estimated reading time: 13 minutes
A Handheld Retro Console?
The market for handheld retro consoles has begun to boom in recent years. The ability to play hundreds, if not thousands of games on a specially crafted device for them has mass appeal. They make an excellent gift for a child, allowing older gamers to share the classics with the new generation. They also make great gifts for older geeks, allowing them to relieve the nostalgia of their early gaming days.
Whoever it’s intended for, and whatever the reason, the fact remains that these devices are becoming increasingly popular. So we’ve compiled a list to help you get started and truly find a handheld retro console that is best for you.
