In 2026, you can find compact handheld consoles that put classic games from systems like the Game Boy, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis and PlayStation in the palm of your hand. Better screens, faster processors, longer battery life and improved controls have also made modern retro handhelds much more appealing than the inexpensive emulation devices of a few years ago.
But finding the best retro handheld is not simply about choosing the device with the fastest processor. A good retro console needs to make old games feel right. Controls, display quality, battery life, build quality and the games it can actually handle all matter.
Retro gaming is more popular than ever, with 30% more retro consoles sold in 2025 compared to 2024. But before comparing your options, it helps to understand what separates a good retro handheld from an average one.
First, the screen matters. A sharp IPS or OLED display can make old pixel-based games look fantastic, especially when you can adjust the aspect ratio and scaling. Second, a comfortable control layout is just as important. You may spend hours playing, so responsive buttons, a reliable D-pad and comfortable grips can make a major difference.
Performance is another key factor. If you only want to play older 8-bit and 16-bit games, you do not need an extremely powerful processor. However, if you want to emulate more demanding systems, such as the PlayStation 2, GameCube, or Nintendo 3DS, you will need more processing power.
Lastly, you should also consider the battery life and storage. If you mainly play simple 2D games, you may get much longer battery life than someone playing more demanding games. Think about how and where you play, then choose a battery that can keep up.
You should also make a list of games you actually want to play. Some handhelds focus on older consoles such as Game Boy, NES, SNES and Sega Genesis. Others are powerful enough to handle more demanding systems like the PS2. If you plan to just play some classic Game Boy titles, then a small handheld designed around older systems can be a better choice than a more expensive device. In fact, GBA, NES and SNES are the top 3 most popular retro gaming platforms.
The Retroid Pocket 6 is the strongest all-around choice if you want a combination of performance, display quality and value. It uses a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and has a 5.5-inch 1920×1080 display running at 120Hz. It also has 8GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, microSD expansion and a 6,000mAh battery.
That combination gives you plenty of headroom for retro gaming beyond the basics. It is capable of handling systems ranging from older consoles through demanding platforms such as GameCube and PlayStation 2, although compatibility and performance can vary by game and emulator. However, older 4:3 games will not naturally fill the entire 16:9 screen. Still, if you want one device that covers a broad range of retro gaming without immediately moving into the highest price bracket, the Retroid Pocket 6 is a great overall pick.
For a beginner who wants a small, inexpensive way into retro gaming, the Miyoo Mini Plus remains an easy recommendation. Instead of trying to be a powerful all-purpose gaming machine, it focuses on being small, simple and affordable. Its 3.5-inch IPS display and compact vertical design make it great for classic handheld and 2D gaming. It also features a D-pad and face buttons that are well-suited to classic games, while the four shoulder buttons make PlayStation-era games possible as well.
Its battery life depends on what you are playing and how you configure the device. You can possibly get a couple of hours of gameplay with GBA games at moderate brightness. However, the biggest limitation is performance. The Mini Plus is designed for older games rather than more demanding emulation. That is not really a weakness if your game library consists of Game Boy, SNES and Genesis era games.
Nintendo DS and 3DS-style gaming is really popular, with just the NDS alone having more than 154 million sales worldwide. As such, the AYN Thor might be worth considering. Its clamshell design has two AMOLED displays, a 6-inch 1920×1080 main screen and a 3.92-inch secondary display. The main display runs at 120Hz, while the lower screen runs at 60Hz.
Instead of trying to squeeze dual-screen games onto one display, the hardware is built around that specific format. The Thor also uses a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in its higher configurations, has active cooling and includes a 6,000mAh battery. However, the Thor is not a simple plug-and-play console. It runs Android 13, and you will need to handle your own software and game setup.
At the high end, the AYN Odin 3 is aimed at players who want considerably more performance than traditional retro handhelds require. It uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8, a 6-inch 120Hz AMOLED display and an 8,000mAh battery. The device also has active cooling and runs Android 15.
That power gives you room to explore demanding emulation and other forms of handheld gaming. It can emulate GameCube, PlayStation 2, Wii, Wii U, Switch and PlayStation 3, as well as some PC games. But more power does not automatically make the Odin 3 the best choice for everyone. If your goal is simply to play SNES or Game Boy games, you do not need a Snapdragon 8 Elite. The Odin 3 makes more sense when you want maximum performance and the flexibility to experiment with demanding games, emulation, PC gaming and other uses.
The Steam Deck is the most expensive item on this list, and strictly speaking, it’s not really a retro console. However, it is still among the most flexible options available for retro handheld gaming. Unlike the others on this list, it is essentially a portable gaming PC. Its larger design gives you a bigger screen, comfortable controls, analog sticks, trackpads and powerful hardware. It is also very customizable with a wide range of accessories to choose from.
You can use compatible emulation software to enjoy games from older consoles, while Steam gives you access to a wide range of modern PC games. The Steam Deck is heavier and less portable than smaller retro handhelds. It may also require more setup for emulation and customization. Choose it if you want one powerful device for both classic gaming and modern PC titles.
Choosing the best retro handheld should not be complicated. You can start with games you want to play, then think about the comfort, screen quality, battery life and performance you need to have a good time. The right handheld is the one that fits your gaming habits and makes you excited to play. Take your time, compare your options and choose the device that feels right for you.
