Most Competitive Retro Handhelds
Tier 2 ($115-$200) - Most Competitive Retro Gaming Handhelds
If you want the newest and best performing Retroid Pocket on the market, here it is! From what I'm told the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro can handle the majority of PS2, PSP, Gamecube, and Wii games and have seen some channels play Nintendo Switch games on them! I find this screen size, button positions/quality, and overall shape of this device to be among the best designed against all competitors (especially for top D-pad models, which I believe is best for retro gaming!) So if you're looking for a device that mostly does it all, look no further! Only the most expensive gaming handhelds out-perform this mid-range powerhouse!
2) My Personal Favorite - Retroid Pocket 2s
While not quite as powerful as it's newer bigger brother, please hear me out. It wasn't until after the 2000's when media went widescreen (16:9). Prior to that TV screens were 4:3, which is what the Retroid Pocket 2s has! That means games from the N64, PS1, SNES, and Genesis era will fit natively on screen and perform/look amazing! True retro handhelds had a closer square aspect ratio (GB/GBC was 1:1, GBA 3:2) but this screen still displays them beautifully with minimal black bars (or with reasonable stretching!).
I've also seen channels run Gamecube, PS2, and Wii games but mileage with performance will vary with tweaking settings. This can also run PSP and play widescreen content through apps like Steamlink and Moonlight (with black bars on top/bottom), but most find the text uncomfortably small. This device is intentionally designed for retro games, not new games, but it's an added bonus that it can be done if desired!
If your intent is to play REAL retro games and only dabble in the newer consoles on occasion, this device gives the MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK! (Bought mine for $116 after shipping) However, the reasonable price-point is only half of it's appeal. Let me highlight a few features that also make this device stand above it's competitors.
The level of detail to build design and quality is what sets this handheld apart from it's competitors. Everything from it's hall effect thumbsticks that should never wear out or develop drift, to it's analogue shoulder buttons used for sensitive trigger games, to its AMAZING front facing stereo speakers that truly capture that 16-bit era sound is extremely well designed! They also have many different colors to choose from that feel nostalgic to your favorite consoles! (I chose Indigo as it reminds my of my GBA!)
Is it the most powerful handheld out there? No. But for the games/consoles it's intended/designed to play, it plays VERY well. All while including high-quality buttons/hardware and maintaining a small yet comfortable form factor that is still pocketable!
3) Most Retro - Anbernic RG353P
I admire the Anbernic RG353P for many of the reasons I listed on the Retroid Pocket 2s. It's 3.5" 4:3 screen is ideal for most of the retro game consoles I'd intend to play on this device. I don't think it will handle heavy PS2 games very well but some may function with tweaking settings. I have to compliment it's button design/layout. They've added thumbsticks and L2+R2 triggers on a classic Super Nintendo looking controller and placed volume, reset, and ports in ideal locations. The rounded shell might make it more comfortable for some players. Not too many other companies are keeping the aesthetics of their handhelds as retro looking as Anbernic so I hope they continue to push more powerful hardware/software into their nostalgic products! If the Super Nintendo is your primary/favorite console, this might be the perfect retro handheld for you!
5) Retroid Pocket Flip
The Retroid Pocket Flip is a clamshell gaming handheld with a 4.7" (750x1334) HD touchscreen making this more ideal for 16:9 games and streaming games via moonlight! They reinforced the hinges since it's first release so now there's no issue with that. It has slider thumbsticks with L3+R3 functionality that I've heard many people are enjoying. Settings may still need tweaked for the highest retro games/systems but overall this device nearly does it all as well! Prior to the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro this device (along with the Retroid Pocket 3+) were among the best performing retro handhelds on the market. The only other handhelds that could reliably handle all retro games (as well as modern games) are hundred(s) of dollars more expensive, such as the Odin/2, Steam Deck, and ROG Ally. I will discuss my thoughts on those devices in the next Tier 3 section - Elite Gaming Handhelds.
HONORABLE MENTION
Anbernic RG ARC-D
If SEGA Genesis is your jam, this retro handheld is designed after it! It's difficult for me to recommend a handheld that's over $100 without thumbsticks (for N64, Dreamcast, PS1 play), but this Anbernic RG ARC might be the best retro handheld for the Genesis system, while also being capable of playing SNES, NES, GB, GBC, and GBA on a beautiful 4" 4:3 screen! I love what Anbernic is going for here, but if there was a way to move the front facing speaking to the top and add thumbsticks on the bottom, I could sit more comfortably with the price. However, as of now I think this is the perfect niche device for Genesis lovers!
Check out Tier 3 - Elite-Level Gaming Handhelds!
Want something more entry level? Easier on the wallet?
Check out Tier 1 - Best Budget Retro Gaming Handhelds
Check out Tier 1 - Best Budget Retro Gaming Handhelds
