Best Retro Handheld Consoles of 2025: Which One Is Right for You?
Intro
Finding the right retro handheld: what I learned after half a year of testing
When I first started looking for a retro handheld, the goal was simple: a device that would let me play games quickly, fit in my pocket, and play both Game Boy and SNES games. But despite the seemingly simple search, I quickly discovered that there was a huge variety out there, and I found myself delving deep into the world of emulation handhelds. I’ve now tested over 20 different devices, and after half a year of experimenting, I’ve gained a lot of valuable insights.
I know how overwhelming the selection 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 out the perfect handheld, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I’ll share my experiences and give you tips on how to make the right choice without having to wade through the maze of specs and opinions.
The choice in device orientation
TL;DR
Horizontal: Comfortable for longer sessions, great for games with lots of buttons.
Vertical: Nostalgic, compact, perfect for shorter sessions.
Clamshell: Protected and portable, but sometimes fragile at the hinge.
The first choice is probably finding the right orientation handheld. I myself started my search with a bias towards vertical handhelds. Probably because as a child I always played on Game Boys — until the Game Boy Color. Those are vertical handhelds, or 'upright' consoles.
I'll tell you right away that these aren't necessarily the most ergonomic handhelds. Especially if you want to play systems that heavily use the R and L buttons. For example, I tried playing Street Fighter on my Miyoo Mini Plus and found it completely unplayable.
Vertical handhelds
If you go for one of these retro handhelds, there are many pros and cons. What is cooler than an old-school Game Boy ? Nothing, right? This type of device is perfect to take with you, and if you play games on it that use a simple button layout, this orientation is ideal. Platformers from the likes of Sega, NES and SNES play great on it. Systems such as the NeoGeo are also very suitable for these devices — provided you have an analog stick.
In addition, you can easily put them in your trouser pocket. This is where my MM+ spent a large part of its life. In the meantime, I am ready for my next portable: the TrimUI Brick . It mainly lives in the inside pocket of my jacket or in a compartment of my backpack. It is a slightly more premium device, and because of that I feel like I have to be a bit more careful with it.
But the Gameboy look-a-likes certainly also have disadvantages. As I said: for some games the buttons are just not comfortable. I also find that a vertical handheld with two sticks often looks a bit "weird". The placement of joysticks is sometimes just strange. And what I often read on forums: for people with larger hands they are not necessarily comfortable.
Horizontal handhelds
I would say that these systems are very suitable for most styles of games. Just like a good joystick for your PS5, these handhelds are (mostly) perfectly designed to be held comfortably. A popular choice in my webshop is therefore the TrimUI Smart Pro, but the Anbernic RG40XXH also does well.
Games with advanced camera controls become much more accessible with these devices. Think of FPS or third-person games. Many horizontal handhelds often don't even have a joystick, so you're quickly limited.
Are these consoles perfect for gaming on the go? No. They are often a lot bigger and not necessarily handy to carry in your pocket. Although that of course depends on your choice. The RG34XX fits perfectly, but then again does not have joysticks.
Clamshell
And of course, there’s the third option: the clamshell. While less popular than the other two, this form factor certainly has its advantages. By nature, the screen is protected because it folds shut. This makes them extremely portable — you can just throw it in your bag, no problem.
I think it’s a nostalgic design. Devices like the Miyoo Mini Flip remind me of consoles from the 2000s. Think Game Boy Advance SP or Nintendo DS — those were iconic. They had a cool sci-fi vibe; that retrofuturistic aesthetic really appeals to me.
A big disadvantage is that they often have hinge problems. However, manufacturers often find solutions for this after a few iterations. For example at Anbernic: the RG35XXSP was plagued by teething problems — hinge problems, batteries that got too hot, charging problems — but with the latest versions of the RG35XXSP these issues have been completely solved. In the segment of handhelds under 100 euros, this is perhaps the best clamshell.
Pocketability: Which size handheld is right for you?
After you have chosen a form factor, it is smart to consider the size of the device. The size not only determines whether it fits easily in your pocket, but also how comfortable the gaming itself is. In my search (and after testing 20+ handhelds) I have come across a few categories. I will briefly take you through them:
Compact (Super Pocketable)
These are really the small ones. Think of 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 - it's that compact. Ideal for a quick game of Mario in between. Despite the 3.5 inch screen, the MM+ falls into the 'compact' category for me; the screen-to-body 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 many 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 is definitely a top choice.
Medium (Pocketable)
This includes handhelds like the Anbernic RG35XX. A bit bigger, a bit wider, but with a much better grip and more space for larger screens and more comfortable buttons.
I often use my Anbernic RG40XXV when I know I have to travel for a longer period of time (for example on the train). The device just fits in the inside pocket of my jacket or a looser trouser pocket, but feels a bit more 'serious' than the super small ones.
Features:
- Still quite wearable
- More comfortable for longer play sessions
- Usually screen sizes between 3.5 and 4 inches
- Better for systems like SNES, GBA and PS1
If you want to game comfortably on the go and at home, you've come to the right place.
Large (Not 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 can quickly put in your pocket.
I do regularly take my Switch with me on the train or in the car.
Features:
- Not suitable for trouser or jacket pockets
- Offers larger screens and much better ergonomics
- Usually screen sizes of 4.5 inches and larger
Perfect for long gaming sessions and more modern emulation (PSP, Dreamcast)
My tip: Personally, I would always consider first how often you are actually going to game on the go. If you mainly play at home or carry your handheld in a backpack, you can safely opt for a larger handheld. Do you really want an 'always with you' device? Then you are guaranteed to have the most fun with an ultra-compact model such as the Miyoo Mini Plus.
Operating systems: complicated? Not anymore.
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 OSs that I have tested on handhelds that are available at RetroGear.nl.
OnionOS – For the Miyoo Mini and Miyoo Mini Plus
TL;DR: sleep and resume function... that's it... Amazing!
When I discovered OnionOS a whole new world opened up for me, and this was actually my gateway to the world of customOS's for these types of devices. This software takes the user experience to the next level. Think fast loading 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 continue where you were. Or after five minutes makes a save state of where you are, and weeks later you turn it back on and you are exactly where you left off in a few seconds.
Another thing I appreciate is the ability to fully customize 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 – Minimalistic and fast
TL;DR: Simple, clean, and fast.
When I tested the Anbernic RG35XX, I came across MinUI. This launcher is designed with simplicity and speed in mind. No unnecessary frills, but a clean interface that does what it is supposed to do.
What I like about MinUI is the direct access to your games and the smooth navigation. It is ideal if you like a clean and functional design without distractions.
It is also 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 on my TrimUI Brick for a while, I was curious to see what else was possible. Then I discovered NextUI – a real upgrade on top of MinUI.
It combines the familiar speed of MinUI with an enhanced user interface, better theming capabilities and additional features such as an advanced favorites list, better battery display and support for multiple skins.
What I really liked was how easy it is to switch between lists and consoles – it feels a bit more modern, without being too clunky or complicated. If you already like MinUI but are looking for a bit more in terms of usability and looks, then NextUI is 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 is aimed at users who want a pure and uncomplicated experience.
MuOS offers a minimalist interface without distractions, but hidden beneath the simple menus MuOS does have a lot of customization options. From great skins to sleep-resume and the option to use a different bios for different games.
What is the best choice?
Pfff.. a bit too much info, I thought. If you've lost your way a bit, I have a few personal recommendations here.
Did you choose horizontal? Then the TrimUi Smart Pro is a good option in combination with CrossMix-os.
Prefer a Vertical handheld? Then go for a Miyoo Mini Plus with OnionOs, or for the more Premium TrimUi Brick
Clapperdy Clamshell? The Rg35xxSP, definitely the best option until the Miyoo flip gets a bit more solid.
Did this guide help you? Share it on socials, that helps me a lot!! If you have a question or comment let me know in the comments and I will respond soon, you can also always send me an email.
Thanks for reading!!!! And let's make the community awesome together! Shout out to RetroReady.nl , if you're looking for an honest review on almost all retro handhelds you can find, check out his website.
And of course.. If you are looking for a new Emulation handheld, or an original or modded console, check out my webshop.
-xxx-
Jorne