A $60 retro handheld can look like a bargain until the buttons feel loose, the included microSD card fails, or half the games refuse to save. The best retro gaming consoles are not necessarily the ones with the longest game lists. They are the ones you will actually enjoy using, with reliable controls, a screen that fits the games you play, and software you can live with.
For most budget shoppers, an emulation handheld offers far better value than buying original hardware, cartridges, adapters, and a bulky old TV setup. But there is still a place for cartridge-based systems if owning physical games is the point. Here are the options worth considering, along with the catches that sellers often leave out.
The best retro gaming consoles for different buyers
1. Anbernic RG35XX H – best budget all-rounder
The Anbernic RG35XX H is one of the better low-cost choices for people who want to play games from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Genesis, PlayStation, and similar older systems. Its horizontal layout is comfortable for longer sessions, and it has enough buttons for games that need shoulder controls.
Its real advantage is value. You get a compact handheld with a capable-enough chip, a bright screen, HDMI output, and a large community around custom firmware. That community support matters because a good operating system can make browsing games, saving progress, and adjusting settings much less frustrating.
There are limits. It is not a dependable choice for demanding GameCube, PlayStation 2, or most PSP games. The stock microSD card and preloaded game library are also the weak points. Treat the included card as temporary, replace it with a name-brand card, and set up your own legally obtained game files if you want a system you can trust. For under-$100 retro gaming, this is usually worth your money.
2. Miyoo Mini Plus – best for Game Boy-style gaming
The Miyoo Mini Plus is a small vertical handheld that makes the most sense for 8-bit and 16-bit games, arcade titles, and Game Boy-era favorites. It has a 3.5-inch screen, built-in Wi-Fi, and a simple shape that fits easily in a jacket pocket or bag.
This is not the best pick if you have large hands or want long sessions with PlayStation games. Its shoulder buttons are tight, and the vertical form factor is less comfortable than a horizontal device for games with frequent trigger use. Still, for quick sessions of Pokemon, Tetris, Castlevania, Mario, or classic RPGs, it is hard to beat.
The reason to choose the Miyoo Mini Plus is its software potential. With a well-supported community firmware setup, it becomes easy to organize a curated collection and use features such as save states and box art. Do not buy it solely because a marketplace listing promises thousands of games. Buy it because it is a good little handheld, then set it up properly.
3. Retroid Pocket 5 – best for newer emulation
If your retro interests extend to Dreamcast, PSP, GameCube, PlayStation 2, and some Wii games, the Retroid Pocket 5 is a much better fit than the usual budget handheld. It costs more, but its stronger Android hardware, OLED display, and comfortable controls make the upgrade noticeable.
This is the device for someone who wants one portable system instead of several cheaper ones. It can also run Android games and game-streaming apps, which adds value if you already use services or own compatible games elsewhere. The screen is especially good for games with dark scenes and colorful pixel art.
The trade-off is setup. Android emulation is more flexible than a simpler Linux-based handheld, but it takes more work. You will need to install emulators, transfer your own files, map controls, and sometimes adjust settings per system. It is worth considering if you do not mind a little tinkering. If you want to turn something on and play within minutes, save money and choose an RG35XX H instead.
4. Analogue Pocket – best for original cartridges
The Analogue Pocket is for buyers who still own Game Boy, Game Boy Color, or Game Boy Advance cartridges and want a premium way to play them. Its sharp display makes old games look remarkably clean, and it plays original cartridges rather than relying only on emulation files.
That distinction matters to collectors. Original saves, labels, manuals, and cartridges are part of the experience, and the Pocket gives old games a better home than a dim, aging original Game Boy. Adapters also expand support to several other cartridge systems.
For a budget-focused buyer, though, this is a selective recommendation. The console costs far more than basic emulator handhelds, and collecting authentic cartridges can get expensive quickly. It is not the value pick for someone starting from scratch. It is the right purchase for a player who already has a cartridge collection and wants quality hardware to use it.
5. Atari 2600+ – best for classic console collectors
The Atari 2600+ is a modern recreation built for people who want to use original Atari 2600 and 7800 cartridges on a current TV. It uses HDMI, includes a cartridge slot, and offers a straightforward living-room experience without relying on an old console with worn-out ports.
This system is appealing because it keeps the ritual of choosing a cartridge and sitting down with a joystick. It is also far less intimidating than configuring an emulation box. If Atari games are part of your childhood or your collection, it is a sensible modern replacement for aging hardware.
It is much more specialized than the handhelds above. Atari games are simple by design, and the original-style controller is not ideal for every game. Do not buy it expecting a broad retro library in one box. Buy it if Atari is specifically what you want to play.
6. Nintendo Switch with Nintendo Switch Online – best legal convenience
A Nintendo Switch is not a retro console in the traditional sense, but it is one of the easiest ways to play a growing selection of classic Nintendo games legally. Depending on the membership tier, the library includes titles from systems such as NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64, Genesis, and Game Boy Color.
This route is best for families, casual players, and anyone who does not want to deal with ROM files, questionable preloaded libraries, or custom firmware. Wireless controllers, TV play, handheld play, rewind features, and online multiplayer make it extremely convenient.
The downside is obvious: you do not own most of the games individually, and Nintendo decides what gets added. It is also a poor choice if your favorites are from PlayStation, Sega Saturn, arcade boards, or other systems outside Nintendo’s service. But for easy access to major Nintendo classics, it is a safer and simpler option than cheap no-name retro boxes.
What to check before you buy
First, decide which systems you actually want to play. A small handheld made for Game Boy and SNES games can be excellent, even if it cannot run GameCube. Paying extra for power you will never use is not good value.
Second, look past the advertised game count. Many low-cost consoles ship with duplicate titles, poorly named files, foreign-language versions, broken saves, and low-quality microSD cards. A seller promising 20,000 games is often using that number to distract from weak hardware and poor quality control.
Third, think about comfort. Vertical handhelds are portable but can cramp larger hands. A 3.5-inch screen is great for Game Boy and NES games, while widescreen PSP titles look better on a larger display. If you want couch play, confirm that the device supports HDMI output and that a compatible controller is easy to connect.
Finally, factor in the real cost. A $50 handheld may need a $10 to $20 name-brand microSD card, a case, and time to configure. That can still be a good deal, but it is better to know upfront than to assume every accessory and preloaded game will work perfectly.
A quick note on ROMs and preloaded games
Emulation itself is a useful way to preserve and play old games, but game copyright still applies. The safest route is using games you have legally dumped from cartridges or discs you own, or games sold through official services. Be especially cautious with marketplace listings that advertise enormous libraries of Nintendo, Sega, Sony, and arcade games. Those listings can disappear, and the included files are often poorly organized or unreliable anyway.
The best choice is the one that matches your library and your patience for setup. A Miyoo Mini Plus can provide more fun per dollar than a high-end handheld if you mostly want Game Boy games. On the other hand, spending more on a Retroid Pocket 5 makes sense when PSP and GameCube are the reason you are shopping. Buy for the games you will play, not the largest number printed on the box.