The 7 Best Retro Handhelds for 2026
From budget-friendly all-rounders to powerhouse performers. Our picks for different needs, use cases, and budgets.
Ranking every aspect of Retro Handhelds
There are a lot of retro handhelds out there now. We research, test and analyze to help you get the most out of whatever ends up in your hands.
Latest guides
- Where to Buy Retro Handhelds – Guide, Ranking, and Pros and Cons of common stores
You’ve just discovered the magic of modern retro handhelds, but when you actually go to buy one, you quickly realize something: this is a lot more confusing than buying … Read more - The Best Retro Handhelds Under $50 (2026)If you know where to look, the sub-$50 category is currently offering unprecedented value. You no longer need to spend a premium to get a device that’s actually enjoyable … Read more
- Retroid Pocket 6 vs. AYN Thor: the two Hottest Retro Handhelds Right NowThe high-end Android handheld market in 2026 has reached a point of technical maturity that seemed impossible just a few years ago. We are no longer talking about whether … Read more
- The Best Retro Handhelds for Emulating PS2 in 2026From budget choices to PS2 powerhouses The PlayStation 2 remains the best-selling console of all time. Naturally, playing its massive library on the go has long been the “end … Read more
- Best Retro Handhelds for DS – Every dual screen handheld listedSix devices, six very different purposes. From a $51 arcade slab to a $760 experiment, here’s who each one is actually for. The dual-screen handheld market went from nonexistent … Read more
Handheld News
- The AYN Thor gets a Price Hike and Storage Downgrade: Is it still worth it?Due to the ongoing “RAMpocalypse”, an AI driven supply chain crunch gripping the tech world in 2026, the AYN Thor gets its third price hike this year, as well … Read more
- Everything We Know About the Anbernic RG Rotate – Leaks and RumorsUpdate: This article was originally published before the official announcement of the RG Rotate. It has since been updated to reflect the latest information. After weeks of leaks, rumors, … Read more
- Retroid discontinues the Retroid Pocket G2The popular handheld becomes the latest victim of the RAMpocalypse The RAM shortage, brought on by the AI boom, is worsening and retro handheld manufacturers are starting to feel … Read more
- Up to 55% off on Retro Handhelds in ANBERNIC’s massive spring saleSpring has officially arrived, and Anbernic is celebrating with their Spring March Sale. If you have been holding out for a chance to pick up a new retro handheld … Read more
- Miyoo celebrates new storefront with big deals on all handhelds March 13-20thDon’t miss out on great deals when retro handheld manufacturer Miyoo is offering at least 10% off in discounts on all handhelds and accessories in their official store between … Read more
