Handheld gaming has been a major part of gaming history, allowing players to enjoy their favorite titles anywhere, anytime. From the Nintendo Game Boy to the PlayStation Portable, classic handheld consoles defined entire generations of gaming. However, with the rise of modern handheld alternatives, emulation devices, and upgraded versions of classic systems, retro handheld gaming has never been more accessible.
Whether you prefer original hardware, modern recreations, or powerful emulation devices, there are plenty of options for enjoying retro games on the go. This guide will explore the best retro gaming handhelds, from classic devices to modern alternatives that let you play thousands of retro games on a single system.
The Best Original Retro Handhelds
Nintendo Game Boy (1989)
The Nintendo Game Boy is one of the most iconic gaming devices of all time. Released in 1989, it featured a monochrome screen, an 8-bit processor, and incredible battery life. Despite its simple hardware, it hosted legendary games like Tetris, Pokémon Red & Blue, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, and Super Mario Land 2.
🔹 Why it’s great: Durable, long battery life, massive game library
🔹 Downsides: No backlight, monochrome display
The Game Boy Color (1998) improved upon the original with a color screen, better hardware, and a more compact design, making it a great alternative for those wanting to experience classic Game Boy games with slight enhancements.
Sega Game Gear (1990)
Sega’s answer to the Game Boy, the Game Gear, was a full-color handheld with a backlit screen, making it far more advanced than Nintendo’s offering. It featured a library of Sonic the Hedgehog games, Shinobi, and Columns, and even had a TV tuner accessory.
🔹 Why it’s great: Color screen, better graphics than the Game Boy
🔹 Downsides: Extremely poor battery life (six AA batteries lasted only 3-5 hours)
Nintendo Game Boy Advance (2001)
The Game Boy Advance (GBA) took handheld gaming to the next level with 16-bit graphics, improved controls, and a massive game library. Titles like Metroid Fusion, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, and Advance Wars proved that handheld gaming could deliver console-quality experiences.
🔹 Why it’s great: Large game library, backwards compatibility with Game Boy and Game Boy Color
🔹 Downsides: No backlight on the original model
The Game Boy Advance SP (2003) later added a front-lit screen and rechargeable battery, making it one of the best ways to play GBA games.
Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) (2004)
Sony’s PSP was a game-changer, bringing console-level graphics, digital downloads, and multimedia capabilities to handheld gaming. With games like God of War: Chains of Olympus, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, and Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core, it offered an experience far beyond what Nintendo handhelds could at the time.
🔹 Why it’s great: Large screen, powerful hardware, strong game library
🔹 Downsides: UMD discs were fragile and had long loading times
The PSP also became a favorite for homebrew enthusiasts, as it could easily be modified to run emulators and retro games from older systems.
Nintendo DS (2004) and 3DS (2011)
The Nintendo DS introduced dual screens, a touchscreen, and online play, making it one of Nintendo’s most innovative handhelds. It featured classics like Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver, Mario Kart DS, and The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass.
The Nintendo 3DS later improved on the DS by adding stereoscopic 3D, an eShop for digital games, and better hardware. It was backwards compatible with DS games, making it one of the best handhelds for Nintendo fans.
🔹 Why they’re great: Huge libraries, innovative features, backwards compatibility
🔹 Downsides: DS resolution is low by today’s standards
The Best Modern Alternatives for Retro Handheld Gaming
Analogue Pocket
The Analogue Pocket is the ultimate way to play Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games on modern hardware. Unlike emulation-based devices, it uses FPGA technology, meaning it runs games exactly as they were on original hardware—just with a gorgeous high-resolution LCD screen.
🔹 Why it’s great: Plays original cartridges, best screen of any retro handheld
🔹 Downsides: Expensive, often out of stock
With cartridge adapters, the Analogue Pocket can also play Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket, and Atari Lynx games, making it one of the best modern handhelds for retro purists.
Miyoo Mini Plus
The Miyoo Mini Plus is a compact and budget-friendly handheld that can emulate Game Boy, NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and even some PlayStation games. It’s small, easy to carry, and features a great retro-style design.
🔹 Why it’s great: Affordable, great screen, easy to set up
🔹 Downsides: Not powerful enough for N64 or Dreamcast emulation
Retroid Pocket 3+
The Retroid Pocket 3+ is a powerful emulation handheld capable of running PlayStation 1, PlayStation 2, GameCube, and even some Wii games. It has a large touchscreen, customizable Android OS, and Wi-Fi for online multiplayer.
🔹 Why it’s great: Strong performance, large screen, can run modern apps
🔹 Downsides: More complex setup than other retro handhelds
For those wanting a portable console that can handle games from the 8-bit to early 3D era, the Retroid Pocket 3+ is a fantastic choice.
Anbernic RG405M
The Anbernic RG405M is a metal-built emulation handheld that supports a wide range of retro systems. With a high-quality D-pad, comfortable buttons, and excellent build quality, it’s a favorite among retro handheld enthusiasts.
🔹 Why it’s great: Sturdy design, good performance, high compatibility
🔹 Downsides: Shorter battery life compared to other options
Steam Deck
While the Steam Deck is primarily a PC gaming handheld, it can run emulators for nearly every retro console. With its powerful hardware, it can emulate PlayStation 2, GameCube, and even some PS3 and Wii U games.
🔹 Why it’s great: Plays modern and retro games, large screen, powerful hardware
🔹 Downsides: Expensive, large and heavy compared to traditional handhelds
Choosing the Best Retro Handheld for You
The right handheld depends on what you want from your retro gaming experience. If you prefer authentic cartridges, the Analogue Pocket is the best choice. Or If you want affordable emulation, the Miyoo Mini Plus or Anbernic RG405M are great options. If you want powerful emulation with modern features, the Retroid Pocket 3+ or Steam Deck are excellent.
Retro handheld gaming has never been better, with options ranging from classic original consoles to modern devices capable of emulating thousands of games. No matter what system you choose, handheld retro gaming ensures that classic titles remain accessible anytime, anywhere.
What’s your favorite handheld for retro gaming? Drop a comment below and share your experience!