Which Retro Handheld suits you? 2025 guide
Intro
Looking for the right retro handheld: what I learned after six months of testing
When I first started looking for a retro handheld, the goal was simple: a device that would allow me to play a game quickly, fit in my pocket and be compatible with both Game Boy and SNES games. But despite what seemed like a simple search, I soon discovered that there was a huge range on offer, and I ended up deep in the world of emulation handhelds. I have now tested more than 20 differentdevices, and after six months of experimentation, I have gained a lot of valuable insights.
I know how overwhelming the range can be, so I want to share my knowledge with you. If you don’t want to put the same amount of time and effort into picking the perfect handheld, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I share my experiences and give you tips on how to make the right choice, without having to plough through the maze of specs and opinions.
The choice in device orientation
TL;DR
Horizontal: Comfortable for longer sessions, fine for games with lots of buttons.
Vertical: Nostalgic, compact, perfect for shorter sessions.
Clamshell: Protected and portable, but sometimes fragile in terms of hinge.
The first choice might be finding the right orientation handheld. I myself started my search with a bias towards vertical handhelds. Probably because I always played on Game Boys as a child, up to the Game Boy Color. Those are vertical handhelds, or ‘standing’ consoles.
I will tell you straight away that these are not necessarily the most ergonomic handhelds. Especially if you want to play systems that make heavy use of R and L buttons. For instance, I tried to play Street Fighter on my Miyoo Mini Plus, but I find it really unplayable.
Vertical handhelds
If you go for one of these retro handhelds, there are many pros and cons. What’s cooler than an oldskoolGame Boy? Nothing right? This type of device is perfect for carrying around, and if you play games on it that use a simple button layout, this orientation is ideal. Platformers from the Sega, NES and SNES, for example, play great on it. Even systems like the NeoGeo, provided you have an analogue stick, are great for these devices.
Besides, you can easily put them in your pocket. This is where my MM+ has spent much of its life. Meanwhile, I am up to my next portable: the TrimUI Brick. It lives mostly in the inside pocket of my jacket or in a pocket of my backpack. It’s a slightly more premium device, and as a result I feel I need to be a bit more frugal with it.
But gameboy look-a-likes definitely have drawbacks too. As I said: for some games, the buttons just don’t sit comfortably. I also think that a vertical handheld with two sticks often looks a bit “weird”. The placement of joysticks is sometimes just weird. And what I often read on forums: for people with larger hands, they are not necessarily comfortable.
Horizontal handhelds
I would say these systems are well suited to most styles of games. Like a good joystick for your PS5, these handhelds are (usually) perfectly set up to hold comfortably. So a popular choice in my shop is the TrimUI Smart Pro, but the Anbernic RG40XXH also does well.
Games with advanced camera controls become much more accessible with these devices. Think FPS or third-person games. On many horizontal handhelds, there is often not even a joystick, so then you are quickly limited.
So are these consoles perfect for games on the go? No. They tend to be a lot bigger and not necessarily convenient to carry in your pocket. Although, of course, that depends on your choice. For example, the RG34XX fits just fine, but then again it has no joysticks.
Clamshell
And, of course, there is also the third option: the clamshell. Although less popular than the other two, this form factor certainly offers advantages. By nature, the screen is protected because it folds shut. This makes them hugely convenient to carry - you just throw it in your bag, no problem.
I think it’s a nostalgic design. Devices like theMiyoo Mini Flip remind me of the consoles from the 2000s. Think of the Game Boy Advance SP or the Nintendo DS (those were iconic). They had a cool sci-fi vibe; that retro-futuristic aesthetic really appeals to me.
A major drawback is that they regularly have hinge problems. However, manufacturers often find solutions to this after a few iterations. For example at Anbernic: the RG35XXSP was plagued by teething problems, hinge problems, batteries getting too hot, charging problems, but with the latest versions of the RG35XXSP, these issues have been completely eliminated. In the segment of handhelds under 100 euros, this is perhaps the best clamshell.
Pocketability: which size handheld fits you?
After you have chosen a form factor, it is smart to consider the size of the device. The size determines not only whether it fits easily in your pocket, but also how comfortable the gaming itself is. In my search (and after testing 20+ handhelds), I came across a few categories. I’ll take you through them briefly:
Compact (Super Pocketable)
These are really the small ones. Think handhelds like the Miyoo Mini Plus or the TrimUI Smart. These devices are so small that they fit in your pocket without any problems, a bit like your phone.
When I took my Miyoo Mini Plus on holiday, I sometimes even forgot it was in my jacket pocket, that’s how compact it is. Ideal for a quick game of Mario in between. Despite the 3.5-inch screen, the MM+ still falls into the ‘compact’ category as far as I’m concerned; the screen-to-casing ratio is impressive. Thanks to the ultra-thin bezels, the screen almost extends to the edges.
Features:
- Super portable
- Ideal for short play sessions
- Less suitable for games that require a lot of buttons or sticks
- Screen sizes up to 3.5 inches
If you mainly play on the go and want to have your handheld with you at all times, this really is a top choice.
Medium (Pocketable)
This includes handhelds such as the Anbernic RG35XX. Slightly larger, slightly wider, but with a significantly better grip and more room for larger screens and more comfortable buttons.
Personally, I often use my Anbernic RG40XXV when I know I have to travel for a long time (on the train, for example). The device still just fits in the inside pocket of my jacket or a slightly looser trouser pocket, but it feels just a bit more ‘serious’ than the super small ones.
Features:
- Still reasonably portable
- More comfortable for longer playing sessions
- Mostly screen sizes between 3.5 and 4 inches
- Better for systems such as SNES, GBA and PS1
If you want comfortable gaming both on the go and at home, you’re in the perfect place.
Large (Non Pocketable)
Think of models like the Anbernic RG405M, Retroid Pocket 4 Pro or even the Nintendo Switch (Lite). These devices are really designed for serious gaming sessions. Not something you quickly slip into your pocket.
However, my Switch does regularly go with me on the train or car.
Features:
- Not suitable for trouser or jacket pockets
- Offers larger screens and much better ergonomics
- Mostly screen sizes of 4.5 inches and larger
Perfect for long play sessions and more modern emulation (PSP, Dreamcast)
My tip: Personally, I would always first consider how often you will really be gaming on the go. If you mainly play at home or take your handheld with you in a backpack, feel free to opt for a larger handheld. Do you really want an ‘always with you’ device? Then you will definitely enjoy an ultra-compact model like the Miyoo Mini Plus.
Operating systems: complicated? Not after this.
When I started testing retro handhelds, I thought the hardware was the most important choice. But I soon discovered that the software is at least as decisive for your gaming experience. The operating system (OS) determines how smoothly your games run, how clear your menus are and how much you can tweak. Below I share my experiences with different OSes I tested on handhelds available at RetroGear.co.uk.
OnionOS - For the Miyoo Mini and Miyoo Mini Plus
TL;DR: sleep and resume function… that’s it… Amazing!
When I discovered OnionOS, a world opened up for me, and this was actually my gateway into the world of customOSes for these kinds of devices. This software takes the user experience to the next level. Think fast load times, automatic save states and an intuitive interface. And the best feature… press the power button, the device sleeps for 5 min, and can immediately resume where you were. Or makes a save state of where you are after five minutes, and weeks later you turn it back on and you’re exactly where you left off in seconds.
What I also appreciate is the ability to fully customise your system to your liking. From changing themes to setting keyboard shortcuts, OnionOS makes it all possible. If you have a Miyoo Mini or Mini Plus, this OS is a no-brainer.
MinUI - Minimalist and fast
TL;DR: Simple, sleek, and fast.
While testing the Anbernic RG35XX, I came across MinUI. This launcher was designed with simplicity and speed in mind. No unnecessary fuss, just a clean interface that does what it is supposed to do.
What I like about MinUI is its instant access to your games and smooth navigation. It is ideal if you like a clean and functional design without distractions.
Also, it is a great option for many customers because it is so easy to use, you just throw your roms and bios files into a folder and MinUi takes care of the rest.
NextUI MinUI with a major upgrade
After working with MinUI for a while on my TrimUI Brick, I was still curious about what else was possible. Then I discovered NextUI, a real upgrade on top of MinUI.
It combines the familiar speed of MinUI with an expanded user interface, better theme options and additional features such as an advanced favourites list, better battery view and support for multiple skins.
What I personally really liked was how easily you can switch between lists and consoles, it feels just a bit more modern, without being unwieldy or complicated. If you already like MinUI but are looking for just a bit more in terms of ease of use and looks, NextUI comes highly recommended.
MuOS for the purists
TL;DR: Looks simple but can do a lot.
On the Anbernic RG35XX Plus, I decided to try MuOS. This firmware is based on RetroArch and targets users looking for a pure and uncomplicated experience.
MuOS offers a minimalist interface with no distractions, but hidden under the simple menus MuOs does have a lot of customisation options. From great skins to sleep-resume and the option to use different bios for different games.
What is the best choice?
Pfff… bit much info hehe, I thought too. In case you have lost your way a bit I have a few personal recommendations here.
Is your choice horizontal? Then the TrimUi Smart Pro is a good option in combination with CrossMix-os.
Need a Vertical handheld? Then go for a Miyoo Mini Plus with OnionOs, or the more Premium TrimUi Brick
Clapperdy Clamshell? The Rg35xxSP, definitely the best option until the Miyoo flip becomes more solid.
Did this guide help you? Be sure to share it on socials, it helps me immensely!!! If you have a question or comment let me know in the comments and I will respond to it soon, you can also always send me an email.
Thanks for reading!!!! And let’s make the community great together! Shout out to RetroReady.co.uk, if you’re looking for an honest review on just about any retro handheld you can find, be sure to check out his website.
And of course. If you’re looking for a new Emulation handheld, or just an original or modified console, check out my webshop.
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Jorne