Top Retro Handhelds - Classic Gaming in the Palm of Your Hand

Ever wish you could carry your favorite childhood games in your pocket and relive those epic gaming sessions anywhere, anytime? If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.

Retro handheld consoles like the Miyoo Flip are leading a new wave of portable gaming nostalgia, combining old-school charm with modern features. These devices don’t just play games; they bring back memories and allow you to discover timeless classics you may have missed.

Whether you’re stuck in traffic, chilling at home, or on a long flight, these handhelds offer endless entertainment on the go. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just discovering the magic of 8-bit and 16-bit adventures, there’s never been a better time to jump in.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the top retro handhelds that bring classic fun back to your hands—with style, power, and portability.

Overview of Retro Handhelds

Retro handheld consoles are portable gaming devices designed to play games from older systems such as the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Sega Genesis, and PlayStation 1. These devices come in two main types: original legacy consoles like the Game Boy Advance SP and modern emulation handhelds like the Miyoo Flip or Retroid Pocket.

While original devices rely on physical cartridges, most modern retro handhelds use software emulation to play ROMs, digitally preserved versions of old games.

Many of today’s devices support multiple systems in one unit, allowing players to switch between generations seamlessly. They’re loved not only for nostalgia but also for the freedom to carry an entire library of games in your pocket.

List of Top Retro Handhelds

1. Miyoo Flip

What It Is:

The Miyoo Flip is a compact, clamshell-style retro handheld that emulates a wide range of systems such as GBA, NES, SNES, PS1, Neo Geo, Sega Genesis, and more. Powered by Linux-based firmware, it offers a responsive user interface and deep customization potential.

Why It’s Great:

With its 3.5-inch IPS screen, excellent button layout, dual analog sticks, and a sleek folding design, the Miyoo Flip is perfect for portable retro gaming. It’s small enough to fit in a pocket but powerful enough to handle 32-bit titles smoothly.

Battery life ranges from 5–6 hours, and support for OnionOS and other custom firmware makes it a favorite among tinkerers.

If you're asking Miyoo Flip review: is this retro handheld worth it, the answer is a resounding yes, for portability, performance, and style.

Best For:

 Gamers who want a compact and stylish all-in-one device for serious emulation on the go.

2. Analogue Pocket

What It Is:

The Analogue Pocket is a high-end FPGA-based handheld console designed to play original cartridges from Game Boy, Game Boy Color, & Game Boy Advance. Optional adapters extend compatibility to Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket, and Atari Lynx.

Why It’s Great:

With its ultra-crisp 3.5-inch LCD (1600x1440), the screen is ten times sharper than the original Game Boy. It supports save states, advanced visual modes, link cable multiplayer, and even has built-in Nanoloop software for creating music. The build quality is premium, and the experience feels like using an Apple device made for retro gaming.

Best For:

Cartridge collectors, purists, and retro gamers who want the most authentic and premium retro experience possible.

3. Retroid Pocket 4 Pro

What It Is:

This Android-based handheld is powered by a Dimensity 930 chipset and is capable of emulating up to PSP, Dreamcast, GameCube, and even PS2 titles. It features a 4.7-inch touchscreen, dual analog sticks, HDMI out, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and microSD support.

Why It’s Great:

The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro supports native Android apps like YouTube and Xbox Game Pass, turning it into both a retro and modern cloud gaming hub. Its strong performance makes it one of the most versatile devices in the market today. Plus, the interface can be fully customized and supports game launchers and front-ends like Pegasus.

Best For:

Advanced users who want high-end emulation and the flexibility of Android for modern apps and cloud streaming.

4. Miyoo Mini Plus+

What It Is:

The Miyoo Mini Plus+ is a compact vertical-style handheld with a sharp 2.8-inch IPS screen and a simple four-button layout. It emulates up to PlayStation 1 games and supports systems like GB, GBC, GBA, NES, SNES, and more.

Why It’s Great:

Don’t let its size fool you, this device delivers crisp visuals, snappy performance, and customizable themes through OnionOS. It fits easily in your palm as well as in your pocket, making it perfect for minimalist gaming on the go. Battery life clocks in at around 4–5 hours.

Best For:

Casual gamers and retro lovers who want a tiny, travel-ready handheld that gets the job done beautifully.

5. Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP

What It Is:

A classic Nintendo console with a durable clamshell body, rechargeable battery, and backward compatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges.

Why It’s Great:

It introduced front and backlighting (in later models), making portable gaming far more enjoyable in all lighting conditions. With a massive library of legendary games like Pokémon Emerald, Metroid Fusion, and Advance Wars, it’s a must-have for retro enthusiasts.

Best For:

Collectors and gamers who want a genuine Nintendo experience with physical cartridges and authentic hardware.

6. RG35XX Plus by Anbernic

What It Is:
Anbernic’s RG35XX Plus is a horizontal retro handheld with a 3.5-inch IPS screen, quad-core CPU, and support for over 10 classic systems, including SNES, GBA, PS1, and even limited N64.

Why It’s Great:

This handheld features dual analog sticks, customizable OS options (like GarlicOS), and a micro-HDMI port for TV output. With solid controls, decent build quality, and performance that punches above its price tag, it's a strong all-rounder.

Best For:

Beginners or budget-conscious gamers are looking for a reliable, feature-rich handheld that supports multiple platforms.

7. Playdate by Panic

What It Is:
The Playdate is an experimental handheld with a 1-bit black-and-white screen and a unique crank that acts as an analog control input. Games are delivered weekly in "season drops" of quirky, creative titles.

Why It’s Great:

The Playdate isn't about traditional retro gaming—it's about innovation and charm. It offers a curated experience with inventive gameplay, appealing to gamers who want something refreshingly different from standard emulation.

Best For:

Gamers who enjoy unique indie experiences, artistic game design, and trying something totally new.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're diving deep into cartridge nostalgia with the Analogue Pocket, exploring a stylish Linux-based clamshell like the Miyoo Flip, or just craving something quirky like the Playdate, there’s a retro handheld out there for everyone.

These devices capture the spirit of gaming’s golden years while offering modern comforts and portability.

Now’s the perfect time to revisit your favorites, or discover new old classics. No matter which one you choose, the joy of retro gaming is just a button press away.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Caden Rodriguez, a game developer, tech enthusiast, and passionate game lover. I enjoy exploring all things related to gaming and technology, and I love sharing my views to help others discover new ideas and insights.

I hope you found this article helpful and interesting. Thanks for reading, and I’d love to hear your thoughts! Stay tuned for more exciting content coming your way.

Ref:

Aparicio (2023, February 21). Fun with Retro Handhelds. Mike Aparicio. https://www.mikeaparicio.com/posts/2023-02-21-fun-with-retro-handhelds/