Retro Handheld Gaming Reviews, Guides & Comparisons
Premium reviews, uncompromised emulation guides, and detailed head-to-head comparisons. Everything you need, in one place.
Your home for retro handheld gaming
Retro handhelds are small, pocketable consoles built to play the games you grew up with. Some run simple firmware for 8-bit and 16-bit classics. Others pack Android and Snapdragon chips that handle GameCube, PSP, and even Switch era titles. The market moves fast, and a new device drops almost every month. Held Games exists to help you cut through the noise and buy the right one.
Every recommendation here starts with hands-on testing. We buy or borrow each device, live with it for at least two weeks, and play real games on it before we publish a word. That means our device reviews reflect how a handheld actually feels in your hands, not just what the spec sheet claims. When two devices are close, our head-to-head comparisons break down which one wins for your budget and your library.
New to the hobby? Our setup and emulation guides walk you through custom firmware, controller tuning, and getting the most out of every system. Want the full lineup? The device hub tracks specs, prices, and emulation power across the brands that matter, from Anbernic and Miyoo to Retroid, AYN, and the Steam Deck. We focus on playing the games you already own, and we keep everything beginner friendly.
Featured Content
Our latest deep-dives, guides, and expert comparisons.
AYANEO Pocket Micro 2 Review
A Snapdragon 865 in a 3.5-inch shell. The micro handheld finally grows up, and it sold out on launch day.
Anbernic RG35XX Review
The best budget vertical handheld under $60. We test it for 30 days.
AYN Odin 2 Portal Pro Review
The most consistent Switch emulation pick of 2026. A 7-inch 1080p OLED, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and 12 GB of RAM at $399.
Miyoo Mini Plus vs RG35XX
Two budget kings, head to head. Which one is the better buy in 2026?
Best AR Glasses for Retro Handhelds
Turn a compatible handheld into a giant private screen. The Viture and Xreal glasses worth buying.
Handheld Buyer's Guides
Find the perfect device for your budget and use case.
Master Your Handheld
Step-by-step setup guides from beginner to expert.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best retro handheld in 2026?
There is no single best handheld. It depends on which systems you want to play and your budget. The Anbernic RG35XX line is the go-to for cheap 16-bit play, while the AYN Odin 2 Portal and Retroid Pocket series handle heavier GameCube, PSP, and Switch era emulation. We rank current picks in our reviews and buyer guides.
Are emulators legal?
Yes. Emulators are legal software that recreate old hardware. The legal question is about the games themselves. We only cover playing titles you already own and the broader goal of game preservation. We never link to ROM download sites. Our ROMs and legality guide breaks down the details.
Which Anbernic should I buy first?
For most newcomers the Anbernic RG35XX Plus or RG40XXV hits the sweet spot of price, build quality, and battery life for 8-bit through PS1 games. If you want more power for PSP and Dreamcast, step up to the RG556 or a Retroid Pocket. Compare them in our comparisons.
Do I need to mod my handheld or install custom firmware?
Not always. Many devices ship ready to play out of the box. Custom firmware like muOS, KNULLI, or Onion OS unlocks better menus, box art, and performance, but it is optional. Our setup guides make the process safe and beginner friendly.