Best retro handheld 2025: cool gaming emulators and more

The Super Pocket is a retro handheld that currently comes in two versions – the Taito Edition, in turquoise and black, and the Capcom edition, in yellow and blue. They’re small, compact, and stylish, and come with a collection of officially licensed games pre-installed based on the version you purchase.

The Taito version features 17 games, including Bubble Bobble, Puzzle Bobble, Space Invaders, and The New Zealand Story, while the Capcom version features 12 games including Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting, Final Fight, Mega Man, and Captain Commando. Beyond that, you can also expand its library through a wide range of Evercade cartridges, which slot neatly into the back.

The Super Pocket predominantly emulates arcade versions of games, and does a pretty good job at it – though, of course, with the resolution and such a small screen, some games fare better than others. The console offers a decent level of customization, such as an easy mode that tweaks the difficulty of built-in games, save slots, and the option to change the display and adjust the presence of scanlines.

The speakers on the Super Pocket are surprisingly good, and its build quality is pretty great. However, the size of the console does mean that longer play sessions can be a bit uncomfortable, especially if you have larger hands, and the D-pad and shoulder buttons leave a bit to be desired.

However, overall, the Super Pocket is a neat and affordable little console that’s easy to pick up and play, and with its officially licensed emulation and unique color patterns, it makes for a great collector’s item. If you want to know more, be sure to check out our Super Pocket review, in which we cover both versions.

If you’re a fan of the Game Boy and are looking for something to relive the glory days, then the Analogue Pocket is the retro game console for you. It’s capable of playing all the best GBA games with cartridge input and boasts a crystal-clear 3.5” LCD screen.

That screen does a great job of upping the brightness on our favorite GB games, with its 1600 x 1440 resolution rendering original Game Boy games perfectly in ten times the original resolution. The only real issue with its design is that original GBA titles have a different aspect ratio, meaning you have to choose between black letterbox bars around the screen or compromising on the visuals.

The shape and design of the console hit all the nostalgia buttons, feeling like a proper Game Boy console (albeit a bit heavier) for the modern day, and it hosts quite a few tricks such as options to adjust visuals with a variety of color palettes and display modes. Its performance is solid, and it even has the ability to connect to a TV if you’re willing to splash out a bit of extra cash.

However, while our Analogue Pocket review does state that “this is the best modern device to play Game Boy games by a wide distance”, it’s not without its flaws. The main issue is its lack of ROM or emulation capabilities, meaning your game library solely relies on how many GB game cartridges you own.

On top of that, it’s been very difficult to find stock of it, and, therefore, if you do manage to snap one up, you better expect to pay a pretty penny for the luxury. But if you’re a big Game Boy fan with an even bigger library of games and the cash to spare, we consider this little beauty a must.

If the name wasn’t a big enough giveaway, Retroid is a trustworthy brand for affordable retro handhelds, and the Pocket 4 Pro is a great place to start. With twice the amount of RAM as the Nintendo Switch and some impressive tech inside, it’s a nifty little thing, with plenty of space to save your games thanks to the 128GB of storage.

It’s also worth pointing out that as it’s an Android device with a touchscreen, you can also use it to play the best mobile games like PUBG Mobile and Candy Crush on the Pocket 4 Pro. Still, the big appeal of the device is for emulating games, but it’s nice and easy to install whatever software you need on the thing without having to worry about connecting it to a PC for neverending updates.

The only real drawback to the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is that it’s not quite powerful enough to emulate everything, and you might have to tinker with the settings to make some older games run as smoothly as possible. It might also be a touch small for some users, especially those with big hands, but it’s still playable.

If you long for the glory days of the Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP, this is the one for you. It’s a very similar form factor to the classic handheld console but with a better battery, stronger backlight, and no reliance on cartridges. If all that wasn’t impressive enough, this Anbernic option comes with over 5,000 games pre-installed, so you can get right on with playing.

At just $90, this might be one of the cheaper options on our list, but it still packs a punch. Its 3,300mAh battery is enough to get you through a few hours of gaming without reaching for the charger, and there’s the option to stream via your TV if you want to take things to the back screen.

The downside to the RG35XXSP is that its aspect ratio isn’t ideal for widescreen games. There’s also the form factor. Something I didn’t notice as a kid playing my SP was how uncomfortable it could get in your hands after a while, and this Anbernic copycat has the same problem, which can get irritating during prolonged gaming sessions.

Now, this one’s a bit wcky, and may not fully align with your idea of a ‘retro games console’ considering it primarily hosts modern indie games rather than older classics. However, if you ask us, it captures the spirit of retro gaming perfectly, all in a lovely little package. So, if you’re interested in old-school-style handheld gaming but are still open to a touch of inventive innovation, the Playdate should be right up your alley.

The Playdate is a truly unusual little handheld, as you can immediately see from its design in all its bright yellow glory. Compact yet somehow chunky, it hosts a small screen, a simple button scheme, and a hand crank on the side. That’s right, this little beauty has a working hand crank, which has led to many inventive gaming experiences.

Its main draw is its selection of truly unique games made by a wide range of indie devs, including the minds behind Cursed to Golf, Bennet Foddy (creator of Getting Over It), and Lucas Pope (creator of Return of the Obra Dinn). It really breaks the mold both in the world of retro handhelds and portable gaming consoles and certainly won our hearts in our Playdate review.

The real downside with this one, outside of its selection of games being limited to those made specifically for it, is that it’s an incredibly limited console. This means that not only is it extremely difficult to get hold of, but it also costs quite a bit if you do manage to find it in stock somewhere. But if you manage to get your hands on it, we’re sure you’ll have plenty of fun – plus, it looks adorable on display.

While it’s not an actual retro handheld itself, the Nintendo Switch is easily the best modern console for retro enthusiasts. Plus, we all know the Switch’s main draw – the flexibility to either use it as a handheld console or dock it and use it as a home console. It also has a pretty decent battery life, and the option to expand your storage is always welcome (though you’ll have to fork out a bit of cash to buy one of the best micro SD cards for Switch for the best results).

While its hardware is aging and struggles to keep up with current-gen games, it’s more than capable of emulating its wide selection of retro games, whether you’re using physical cartridges, CD keys, or Nintendo Switch Online. Of course, you can also use this console to play a lot of other Nintendo exclusives and some amazing indie games, whether you’re curled up at home or on a long trip.

Unfortunately, Switch emulation and homebrewing is pretty fiddly (though it is possible), and NSO is both a premium subscription service and lacking in a lot of retro classics. However, if you want an easy-to-use console that’s flexible and can play both modern and retro games, the Nintendo Switch OLED is a good shout.

Of course, the OLED model isn’t the only option – there’s also the original Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch Lite. If you’re wondering which one to get, we’ve got a comprehensive guide to the best Nintendo Switch console right now, as well as details on the fabled Nintendo Switch 2 for you to check out.

Like the Nintendo Switch, the Steam Deck is a more modern console, but with the ever-growing catalog of compatible games on Steam, you should never run short of brilliant retro titles to explore, as well as heavy-hitters like the fabulous Baldur’s Gate 3, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, and more. Plus, the Steam sales are well-known for great discounts, allowing you to snap up some brilliant games for as little as a few cents.

The Steam Deck is a powerful portable PC that can take on just about anything and offers a lot more flexibility in terms of its game library, modification, and more. However, it does also require a bit more fiddling than some of the other options on this list when you first get it out of the box, and it can be time-consuming to set up emulators or third-party launchers if you want to play games outside of your Steam library.

And, of course, there are always those aforementioned Steam sales along with a selection of Steam-approved third-party sites such as Humble Bundle and Green Man Gaming that sell Steam CD keys for a lower price, allowing you to expand your library without spending as much as you would on some of the pricier Switch games or Evercade cartridges.

On top of all of these features, the Steam Deck is also a pretty flexible console in terms of peripherals, supporting the use of headsets and controllers, and even allowing you to transform it into a home console with the help of one of these Steam Deck docks.

In our Steam Deck review, we describe it as “an incredible achievement”, highlighting that it’s hard to find a worthy competitor that offers this many features in such an affordable package. To find out more, be sure to check out our analysis of the Steam Deck’s specs or our in-depth look at the Nintendo Switch vs Steam Deck. Alternatively, we also have a Steam Deck OLED review where we dive into the performance of the updated model for all your display snobs.

If you’re looking for a powerful portable PC capable of both retro and modern gaming, the ASUS ROG Ally X is currently the best of the Steam Deck alternatives, and can certainly meet all of your needs. In fact, it’s easily the best Windows 11-based handheld out there.

It’s an incredible ergonomic console, with a thinner build than the Steam Deck and comfortable controls that make long play sessions a delight. And, while it relies on a humble LCD screen rather than an OLED, its display is crisp and vivid, with a brightness of 500 nits, a refresh rate of 120Hz, and the ability to run games in glorious 1080p.

The ASUS ROG Ally X is a beast in terms of performance, whether you’re playing your favorite retro titles or the latest triple AAA games. Plus, with its better battery life and cooling, it offers a wonderfully smooth experience that easily trumps any other handheld console that we’ve tried.

Unlike the Steam Deck, the ASUS ROG Ally X runs on Windows 11. While this can be a little fiddly, it’s actually a great boon in the world of retro gaming, as it makes it much easier to install and enjoy your favorite emulators.

The main downside of this portable powerhouse is that its price certainly matches its performance, with a whopping RRP of $799.99 / £799. It also doesn’t come with a case, which feels pretty cheeky considering the cost. However, if you’re willing to slap down the cash, this handheld PC won’t disappoint.

The Nintendo DS Lite was one of Nintendo’s most popular creations, and for good reason. Not only was it a big driver in touch-based gameplay becoming as popular as it is today (many of the best mobile games have a lot to owe it), but it also had tons of games built around its good old-fashioned button-pressing and also boasts compatibility with the Game Boy Advance’s huge back-catalog. With all the GBA and DS games to choose from, this is an excellent way to dive into the world of retro gaming.

So what games has it got? Well, practically everything, including some true Nintendo classics. One of its launch titles was Super Mario 64 DS and, allowing you to play the original N64 game with the addition of some new characters and levels. That on its own is a slice of history, but then there’s also Animal Crossing: Wild World (which put the series on the map), The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (I don’t care what people say, Link has a train, it’s great), WarioWare: Touched! (truly one of the most fun touch-based games), Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon (the game’s first official English release), Mario Kart DS (it has so many great tracks – also ROB), and many others.

You may wonder why I’m specifically recommending the Nintendo DS Lite rather than just the Nintendo DS. Well, as someone who bought the original, then saved up and got the DS Lite as soon as it came out, I think the Lite is the superior model. Aesthetically it’s much more pleasing, it fits more easily in your pocket, and feels more resistant to damage than the original DS (I say this as someone who damaged my original DS, but not my DS Lite).

Unfortunately, you may find that a few of the popular DS games are fairly expensive nowadays – especially if you’re after Mario or Pokemon games. Having said that, there’s still a sizable selection of the best DS games that are pretty darn cheap, and you can get a refurbished console for a pretty affordable price, too. Starting your collection shouldn’t be too hard, but be prepared to accept that some of your favorites won’t be easy to find.

One last thing to note is that the DS stylus is quite easy to lose. It slots into the console neatly, but it often starts to become loose over time. If you’re buying second-hand, make sure that you’re getting a version that has the stylus included, and keep in mind that replacing it might be bothersome.

The TrimUI Smart Pro is a compact retro handheld that excels at emulating games from the PS1 and earlier. It can also play widescreen versions and PC ports of certain games, and is a solid option as a cost-effective streaming handheld, too, making it a great option for those who want flexibility and value for money.

It runs on an A133Plus CPU, which is capable of emulating GBA, PS1, and older games with no issue, though it starts to struggle when you get to the Dreamcast, N64, and PSP. The display is surprisingly crisp and vivid, and the 5,000mAh battery allows for around four to six hours of mixed play, which is very respectable for its price point.

At only 240g, the TrimUI Smart Pro is a lightweight, pocket-sized device that’s great for playing on the go, and won’t give you wrist strain during long play sessions. It also has bluetooth connectivity, which means that you can even connect controllers and bluetooth audio depending on the software you’re using. However, unlike many of its competitors, it doesn’t have a video output, meaning you can’t connect it to an external monitor or TV.

The controls are also solid, with nice, firm face buttons and triggers that offer a tactile ‘clicky’ feel. However, the D-pad is quite stiff and doesn’t have much pivot, making it less than ideal for diagonals. The analog sticks are very similar to those on the PSP, but are recessed quite deep into the shell, which can be restrictive. They also don’t click for L3 or R3 inputs, which may be an issue for certain games and software.

Overall, the TrimUI Smart Pro is a solid and relatively budget-friendly retro handheld, especially if you get it on sale. Its compact size make it a great option for on-the-go gaming, allowing you to play your favorite PS1 and GBA games any time, anywhere.

If you’re looking to play retro games on the go while also having all your other needs taken care of, the Poco X7 Pro is a great choice. It’s one of the best budget gaming phones we’ve seen in a while, offering great value for the price tag.

The Poco X7 Pro is one of the first phones to utilize the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultra chipset, with its marketing making it clear that this device is aimed at gamers. We found its performance to be fantastic across the board, making day-to-day browsing, app usage, and gaming a breeze. Whether you’re emulating your favorite retro games, firing up more modern games like Genshin Impact, or simply scrolling through social media, this little beauty is up to the task.

The Poco X7 Pro’s 6.67-inch AMOLED display is beautiful and crisp – in fact, in our review we describe it as “better than the iPhone 16” – boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3,200 nits. This means that all of your favorite games will look as beautiful as possible, even if you’re playing outside on a sunny day. It also does a great job with heat dissipation, even staying cool during mammoth gaming sessions thanks to its LiquidCool 4.0 tech.

Outside of gaming, the Poco X7 Pro features a sleek design,  surprisingly impressive cameras, and a 6,000mAh battery that can easily last all day. It charges up incredibly fast, getting from 0-100% in just 45 minutes using the 90W charger in the box, so it’s also easy to grab some juice before you’re on the go.

The only downsides of the Poko X7 Pro are its lack of wireless charging and the unfortunate presence of too much bloatware. However, with a bit of patience, you can delete most of that bloat to make room for all your favorite retro games, so it’s not too bad.