Which Retro Gaming Emulation Handheld is Right for You?

Choosing the right retro gaming handheld should be simple.

But with so many handheld emulator consoles now available, it is easy to get buried in screen sizes, processors, operating systems, storage options, form factors, supported systems and performance claims before you have even picked a console.

Some people just want the cheapest way into retro gaming.

Some want a more capable Linux handheld with better controls and better overall polish.

Some want a tiny pocket console.

Some want Android.

Some want a clamshell handheld.

Some want to know whether a handheld can actually run PSP, N64, Dreamcast, GameCube, PS2 or 3DS.

None of those customers need the same device.

This guide breaks down the main types of modern retro gaming handhelds we stock at Retrolize, so you can choose the right handheld for how you actually play.

In This Article

• Quick Recommendations
• Recommended Handhelds At A Glance
• Understanding The Performance Tiers
• Super Budget Tier: R36S
• Anbernic Linux Tier: RG28XX, RG35XX Pro, RG40XX H & RG34XX SP
• Dual-Screen Tier: Anbernic RGDS
• Android Tier: Mangmi Air X, Retroid Pocket Classic & Retroid Pocket Flip 2
• What Systems Can These Handhelds Actually Run?
• System Support At A Glance
• What About PSP, N64, Dreamcast, GameCube, PS2, Wii, 3DS & Switch?
• Screen Size: What Should You Pick?
• Vertical, Horizontal, Clamshell Or Dual-Screen?
• Ready To Play Or Configure Yourself?
• Model Comparison
• Best Choice By Requirement
• The Bottom Line

Quick Recommendations

If you want the lowest-cost way into retro gaming, choose the R36S.

If you want the smallest Anbernic handheld, choose the Anbernic RG28XX.

If you want a compact horizontal Linux handheld, choose the Anbernic RG35XX Pro.

If you want the best Anbernic Linux all-rounder for comfort and controls, choose the Anbernic RG40XX H.

If you want a folding Game Boy Advance SP-style handheld, choose the Anbernic RG34XX SP.

If you want a dual-screen handheld for Nintendo DS-style gaming, choose the Anbernic RGDS.

If you want the best-value Android handheld, choose the Mangmi Air X.

If you want a compact premium Android handheld, choose the Retroid Pocket Classic.

If you want the strongest handheld in this guide for demanding emulation, choose the Retroid Pocket Flip 2.

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Recommended Handhelds At A Glance

Not sure where to start? These are the main handhelds covered in this guide, with a quick reason to choose each one.

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Understanding The Performance Tiers

The easiest way to choose the right handheld is to stop treating every retro handheld as if it belongs in the same category.

They do not.

A super-budget handheld, a more capable Anbernic Linux handheld and a premium Android handheld are very different things.

The R36S is the super-budget entry point. It is there for customers who want the cheapest route into classic emulation.

The Anbernic RG handhelds are a step up. Models like the RG28XX, RG35XX Pro, RG40XX H and RG34XX SP offer better overall polish, a more capable Linux platform and more realistic support for some bonus systems.

The Android handhelds sit above those again. The Mangmi Air X, Retroid Pocket Classic and Retroid Pocket Flip 2 are for customers who want Android apps, streaming, touchscreen controls and better support for more demanding systems.

That is the most important distinction in this article.

The R36S is not in the same league as the Anbernic RG models, and the Anbernic RG models are not in the same league as the premium Android handhelds.

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Super Budget Tier: R36S

The R36S is the super-budget handheld in this guide.

That does not make it bad.

It just means it needs to be sold honestly.

The R36S is best for customers who want the lowest-cost entry point into classic retro gaming. It is a good fit for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, NES, SNES, Mega Drive, Master System, Game Gear, PC Engine, Neo Geo, PlayStation 1 and many older arcade games.

It is not the handheld to recommend if someone mainly wants PSP, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, GameCube, PS2 or 3DS.

Some harder systems may be technically possible on a game-by-game basis, but the R36S should be treated as a cheap classic retro handheld first, not a 3D emulation machine.

Choose the R36S if price matters most and you want simple classic gaming.

Move up to the Anbernic RG range if you want a more capable Linux handheld with better overall performance, controls and polish.

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Anbernic Linux Tier: RG28XX, RG35XX Pro, RG40XX H & RG34XX SP

The Anbernic RG models in this guide sit above the R36S.

They are still not premium Android handhelds, but they are a more capable and more polished Linux-based tier than the super-budget R36S.

The Anbernic RG28XX is the small pocket choice. It is best for classic systems and travel, not for analogue-heavy 3D systems.

The Anbernic RG35XX Pro is the compact horizontal all-rounder. It gives you a more useful layout and better controls than the smallest handhelds.

The Anbernic RG40XX H is the best Anbernic Linux model here for comfort. The larger screen, horizontal body and dual analogue sticks make it the safest choice if you want something that feels better for longer sessions.

The Anbernic RG34XX SP is the folding clamshell choice. It is best for customers who like the Game Boy Advance SP-style form factor and want a classic gaming handheld that folds shut.

These Anbernic RG models are great for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, NES, SNES, Mega Drive, Master System, Game Gear, PC Engine, Neo Geo, PlayStation 1 and older arcade games.

They are also more realistic than the R36S for some PSP, Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast testing, especially the RG40XX H, but those systems should still be described as mixed or game-by-game.

Do not buy this tier expecting flawless PSP, N64, Dreamcast, Saturn, GameCube or PS2 performance.

Buy this tier if you want a better classic retro handheld than the super-budget options.

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Dual-Screen Tier: Anbernic RGDS

The Anbernic RGDS is different from the other Anbernic handhelds in this guide.

Its main selling point is not just raw performance.

Its main selling point is the dual-screen layout.

If Nintendo DS-style gaming is the priority, the RGDS makes far more sense than trying to force DS games onto a single-screen handheld.

It is also suitable for classic retro systems such as Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, NES, SNES, Mega Drive, PlayStation 1 and Android apps.

However, the RGDS should not be treated as a guaranteed 3DS handheld.

Some 3DS games may be possible, but performance will vary heavily by game and settings.

Choose the RGDS if you want DS-style gaming, touch controls and a dual-screen layout.

Do not choose it expecting full 3DS, GameCube or PS2 support.

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Android Tier: Mangmi Air X, Retroid Pocket Classic & Retroid Pocket Flip 2

If you want Android apps, touchscreen controls, cloud streaming and more flexible emulation, look at the Android handhelds.

The Mangmi Air X is the value Android step-up. It is a good choice for classic systems, PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PSP, Android games and streaming. Some lighter PS2 and GameCube may be possible, but those should be treated as extras rather than the main reason to buy it.

The Retroid Pocket Classic is the compact premium Android choice. It is stronger than the budget Linux models and is a much better option if you want many PSP, Dreamcast, N64, GameCube and PS2 games in a smaller handheld.

The Retroid Pocket Flip 2 is the most capable handheld in this guide. It is the one to look at if you want higher-end emulation, a clamshell design and better performance for GameCube, PS2, Wii and some 3DS.

Even at this level, not every demanding game will be perfect.

Performance still depends on the emulator, game, settings and firmware.

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What Systems Can These Handhelds Actually Run?

This is one of the most important parts of choosing the right retro gaming handheld.

Almost every handheld listing will mention a long list of supported systems, but there is a big difference between a system being technically possible and a system running well enough to recommend.

For this guide, it is better to think in three levels:

• Runs Well: A good reason to buy the handheld for that system.
• Mixed / Game-By-Game: Some games run well, while others may need settings changes, frameskip or compromises.
• Not Recommended: Technically possible in some cases, but not what the handheld should be bought for.

That distinction matters because a super-budget handheld can be great for Game Boy Advance, SNES, Mega Drive and PlayStation 1, but still be the wrong choice for PSP, Dreamcast, GameCube or PS2.

R36S: Super-Budget Classic Gaming

The R36S is best treated as a super-budget classic retro handheld.

It is a good choice for systems such as Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, NES, SNES, Mega Drive, Master System, Game Gear, PC Engine, Neo Geo, PlayStation 1 and many older arcade games.

It can run some more demanding systems on a game-by-game basis, but Nintendo 64, PSP and Dreamcast should be treated as bonus systems rather than the main reason to buy it.

Choose the R36S if you want a low-cost handheld for classic retro gaming.

Do not choose it if your main focus is PSP, Dreamcast, GameCube, PS2 or 3DS.

Anbernic RG28XX: Pocket-Friendly Classics

The Anbernic RG28XX is best for small-screen classic gaming.

It is a great fit for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, NES, SNES, Mega Drive, Master System, Game Gear, PC Engine, Neo Geo, PlayStation 1 and older arcade games.

Although it is more capable than super-budget handhelds, the smaller screen and lack of analogue sticks make it less suitable for Nintendo 64, Dreamcast and PSP.

Choose the RG28XX if you want something small and pocketable for classic systems.

Anbernic RG35XX Pro: Compact Linux All-Rounder

The Anbernic RG35XX Pro is a better all-rounder than the smallest handhelds because it gives you a more practical horizontal layout and analogue sticks.

It is strongest with Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, NES, SNES, Mega Drive, Master System, Game Gear, PC Engine, Neo Geo, PlayStation 1 and older arcade games.

Nintendo 64, Dreamcast and PSP are more realistic here than on the smallest handhelds, but they are still mixed systems. Some games will run well, while others may need tweaks or may not be enjoyable enough to recommend.

Anbernic RG40XX H: Best Linux Choice For Comfort

The Anbernic RG40XX H is the best choice from the Linux-based Anbernic models if you care about comfort and want the most practical controls from this tier.

It is still strongest with Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, NES, SNES, Mega Drive, Master System, Game Gear, PC Engine, Neo Geo, PlayStation 1 and older arcade games.

The larger screen, horizontal layout and dual analogue sticks make it much better suited to 3D systems than the smaller handhelds.

That said, PSP, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast and Saturn should still be treated as mixed. They are not guaranteed full-library systems on this class of handheld.

Anbernic RG34XX SP: Folding Classic Handheld

The Anbernic RG34XX SP is best for customers who like the folding Game Boy Advance SP-style design.

It is a great fit for Game Boy Advance, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, NES, SNES, Mega Drive, Master System, Game Gear, PC Engine, Neo Geo, PlayStation 1 and older arcade games.

Like the other Anbernic Linux models, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PSP and Saturn should be treated as game-by-game extras rather than guaranteed headline systems.

Anbernic RGDS: DS-Style Gaming

The Anbernic RGDS is the best choice in this guide if Nintendo DS-style gaming is the priority.

The two screens and touch support make far more sense for DS-style play than trying to force DS games onto a single display.

It is also suitable for classic systems such as Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, NES, SNES, Mega Drive, PlayStation 1 and Android apps.

However, the RGDS should not be sold as a 3DS powerhouse. Some 3DS games may run, but performance will vary heavily and demanding titles should not be expected to run perfectly.

Mangmi Air X: Value Android Step-Up

The Mangmi Air X is the first real step up if you want Android, a larger screen, apps and streaming.

It is a good choice for classic systems, PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PSP, Android games and cloud streaming.

It can also handle some lighter PS2 and GameCube games with the right settings, but that should be treated as a bonus rather than the main selling point.

Retroid Pocket Classic: Compact Premium Android

The Retroid Pocket Classic is a strong compact Android handheld.

It is suitable for classic systems, PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PSP, Nintendo DS, Android games, streaming, and many GameCube and PS2 games.

Demanding PS2 and GameCube titles can still be game-by-game, so it should not be described as perfect for every title.

Retroid Pocket Flip 2: Best For More Demanding Emulation

The Retroid Pocket Flip 2 is the strongest handheld in this guide for demanding emulation.

It is the best fit for customers who want PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PSP, Nintendo DS, Android games, streaming, GameCube and PS2 in a folding clamshell design.

It is also the best option here for customers who want to experiment with Wii and some 3DS games.

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System Support At A Glance

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What About PSP, N64, Dreamcast, GameCube, PS2, Wii, 3DS & Switch?

This is where handheld buying gets confusing.

Older systems such as Game Boy Advance, SNES, Mega Drive and PlayStation 1 are realistic on almost every handheld in this guide.

Systems such as Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PSP and Saturn are more complicated.

On the R36S, those systems should be treated as experimental bonus systems at best.

On the Anbernic RG models, especially the RG40XX H, those systems become more realistic, but they are still game-by-game rather than guaranteed full-library support.

GameCube, PS2, Wii, 3DS and Switch are a different level again.

If those systems matter to you, skip the R36S and Anbernic Linux handhelds and look at Android handhelds instead.

The Mangmi Air X is a good value Android step-up for N64, Dreamcast, PSP, Android apps and streaming, with some lighter PS2 and GameCube possible.

The Retroid Pocket Classic is the better compact Android choice if you want many GameCube and PS2 games in a smaller premium handheld.

The Retroid Pocket Flip 2 is the strongest option in this guide for GameCube, PS2, Wii and more demanding Android emulation.

Even then, no handheld in this guide should be treated as a guaranteed full-library PS2, GameCube, Wii, 3DS or Switch machine. Performance depends on the game, emulator, settings and firmware.

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Screen Size: What Should You Pick?

Screen size changes the whole experience.

A smaller screen makes the handheld easier to carry.

A larger screen makes games easier to read and more comfortable for longer sessions.

The Anbernic RG28XX is best for maximum portability.

The Anbernic RG35XX Pro is the better compact middle ground.

The Anbernic RG40XX H is better if you want a larger classic handheld without moving into Android handheld size.

The Mangmi Air X, Retroid Pocket Classic and Retroid Pocket Flip 2 are better if you want a more modern screen, Android apps, streaming and touchscreen controls.

Small is not always worse.

Big is not always better.

It depends whether you care more about pocketability, comfort or performance.

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Vertical, Horizontal, Clamshell Or Dual-Screen?

The shape of the handheld matters almost as much as the spec sheet.

A vertical handheld feels closer to a classic Game Boy-style layout and is great for compact retro play.

A horizontal handheld is usually more comfortable for longer sessions, especially if you use analogue sticks.

A clamshell handheld folds shut, protects the screen and feels closer to a Game Boy Advance SP or Nintendo DS-style design.

A dual-screen handheld is best for DS-style games and touch-based layouts.

Choose the R36S if you want the cheapest vertical handheld.

Choose the Anbernic RG28XX, RG35XX Pro, RG40XX H, Mangmi Air X or Retroid Pocket Classic if you want a horizontal handheld.

Choose the Anbernic RG34XX SP or Retroid Pocket Flip 2 if you want a clamshell handheld.

Choose the Anbernic RGDS if you want a dual-screen handheld.

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Ready To Play Or Configure Yourself?

Some handhelds are designed to be simple and ready to use.

Others are more flexible, but need more setup before they feel finished.

This is one of the biggest differences between Linux-based handhelds and Android handhelds.

Linux handhelds such as the R36S, Anbernic RG28XX, Anbernic RG35XX Pro, Anbernic RG40XX H and Anbernic RG34XX SP are usually the easier choice if you want a more console-like experience.

You turn them on, choose a system, pick a game and play.

Android handhelds such as the Mangmi Air X, Retroid Pocket Classic and Retroid Pocket Flip 2 offer more flexibility.

They can run Android apps, game streaming services, touchscreen emulators, cloud gaming apps and more advanced emulator setups.

The trade-off is that Android handhelds can take more time to configure properly.

Emulators may need installing, controls may need mapping, frontends may need setting up, and performance can vary depending on the emulator, game and settings used.

That does not mean Android handhelds are difficult.

It just means they are more like a small gaming tablet than a basic pick-up-and-play console.

To make that easier, Retrolize offers a set configuration service for the Android handheld consoles we sell.

This service is designed to take care of the main setup work, giving customers a cleaner and more prepared Android handheld experience straight from the box.

If you want the extra flexibility of Android but do not want to handle the core setup yourself, choose one of our Android handhelds with the configuration service added.

That gives you the benefits of Android, apps, streaming and more advanced emulation without starting from a blank device.

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Model Comparison

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Best Choice By Requirement

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The Bottom Line

There is no single best retro gaming handheld for everyone.

That is the whole point.

The best handheld depends on what you want to play, how portable you need it to be, how much setup you want to do and whether you care more about budget, comfort, screen size or power.

For the cheapest possible entry point, choose the R36S.

For a better Linux handheld experience, move up to the Anbernic RG range.

For pocketability, choose the RG28XX.

For comfort, choose the RG40XX H.

For a folding Game Boy Advance SP-style handheld, choose the RG34XX SP.

For DS-style gaming, choose the RGDS.

For Android, streaming and more demanding emulation, choose the Mangmi Air X, Retroid Pocket Classic or Retroid Pocket Flip 2.

If you want Android without starting from a blank device, Retrolize offers a set configuration service for the Android handheld consoles we sell.

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