The Best Retro Handhelds for 2026
We’ve picked 7 amazing retro handhelds for all types of needs
Retro handhelds have exploded in popularity. And in 2026 there are more of portable consoles to choose from than ever before. To help you chose a device that fit your needs we’ve outlined some of our top picks for best retro handheld in 2026.
Quick list of our top picks
Click here for a summary of our top picks
- Best overall retro handheld
Retroid Pocket 6 – $229 Buy here - Best budget friendly retro handheld
Mangmi Air X – $99 Buy here - Best performance retro handheld
AYN Odin 3 – $329 Buy here - Best classic retro handheld
AYANEO Pocket AIR Mini – $89.99 Buy here - Best dual screen retro handheld
AYN Thor – $249 Buy here - Best pocketable retro handheld
Anbernic RG35XXSP – $54.99 Buy here
Our picks: Best Retro Handhelds You can Buy in 2026
Best Overall Retro Handheld:
Retroid Pocket 6
$229 Buy here
Why we picked it: In 2026 the Retroid Pocket 6 is the undisputed champion of value for the money. For mid-range money you’re getting a true no frills high end retro handheld. Offering premium features such as a beautiful 120Hz AMOLED screen, 4k out, and Wi-Fi 7 for lag free game streaming.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Great performance with the 8 gen 2 chip | – Large order backlog as of February 2026 |
| + Amazing 1080p 120Hz screen | – Mediocre speakers |
| + Best bang for your buck |
Retroid Pocket 6 specs
| SoC | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| GPU | Adreno 740 |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB |
| Resolution | 1920×1080@120Hz |
| Screen type | AMOLED |
Runner Ups for best overall retro handheld: Retroid Pocket G2, Konkr Pocket Fit, AYN Odin 3
Best Budget Friendly Retro Handheld:
Mangmi Air X
$99 Buy here
Why we picked it: Late last year we saw the release of not one, but two, amazing all-purpose retro handhelds competing in $100 price range. And while the TRIMUI Smart Pro is an amazing device, the Mangmi Air X manages to slightly outcompete it in most regards. Which makes it our pick for best budget retro handheld in 2026.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + At just under $100 it’s a steal | – Won’t run PS2 and GameCube well |
| + Solid 1080p screen | – Noisy fan |
| + Has a modern version of android |
Mangmi Air X specs
| SoC | Snapdragon 662 |
| GPU | Adreno 610 |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Resolution | 1920×1080@60Hz |
| Screen type | IPS |
Runner up for best budget friendly retro handheld: TrimUI Smart Pro S
Best Performance Retro Handheld:
AYN Odin 3
$329 Buy here
Why we picked it: AYN has dominated the high-end segment of retro handhelds for a while now. And this tradition continues in 2026. This is definitely the most powerful retro handheld money can currently buy, and our handheld performance guide confirms it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + 8 Elite is the most powerful chip available | – So powerful it’s overkill for many uses |
| + Beautiful 1080p 120Hz screen | – Premium pricing |
| + Best PC emulation device you can get |
AYN Odin 3 specs
| SoC | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| GPU | Adreno 830 |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB/16GB/24GB |
| Resolution | 1920×1080@120Hz |
| Screen type | AMOLED |
Runner Ups for best performance handheld: Konkr Pocket Fit Elite
Best Classic Retro Handheld:
AYANEO Pocket AIR Mini
$89.99 Buy here
Why we picked it: There are many great handhelds for playing older systems like Dreamcast, SNES, and N64. We had to pick one though, and for us it’s the AYANEO Pocket AIR Mini. Especially when considering this is a device that sits comfortably below $100.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Fantastic 4:3 screen retro screen | – PSP games won’t look great on the 4:3 screen |
| + Excellent build quality | – Not powerful enough for most PS2 and GameCube |
| + Great performance for the price |
AYANEO Pocket AIR Mini specs
| SoC | MediaTek Helio 90T |
| GPU | Mali-G76 GPU |
| RAM | 2GB/3GB |
| Resolution | 1280×960@60Hz |
| Screen type | IPS |
Runner Ups for best classic retro handheld: Anbernic RG35XXSP, MagicX One 35, RG40XXV
Best dual screen retro handheld:
AYN Thor
$249 Buy here
Why we picked it: The AYN Thor is one of the most ambitious retro handhelds ever. And the part that surprises us the most is how well it lives up to those ambitions. While the dual screens may at first glance seem useful only for emulating DS style systems, it turns out they’re also fantastic for multitasking. For tips on dual screen apps check our guide.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Great performance with the 8 gen 2 chip | – Some users report poor ergonomics |
| + Not one, but two beautiful screens | – The lite model is underpowered |
| + Perfect for DS, 3DS, and WII U emulation |
AYN Thor specs
| SoC | Snapdragon 865/ Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| GPU | Adreno 650 |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB/16GB |
| Resolution | 1920×1080@120Hz, 1240×1080@60Hz |
| Screen type | AMOLED |
Runner Up for best dual screen retro handheld: AYANEO Pocket DS
Best pocketable retro handheld:
Anbernic RG35XXSP
$54.99 Buy here
Why we picked it: There certainly are more powerful retro handhelds than the Anbernic RG35XXSP. But very few can beat it in its nostalgia factor and pocketability. Even for compared to more powerful systems the portability, low cost and sheer fun-ness of it makes it a fan favourite in the retro handheld community.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + A truly pocketable device | – Thicker than the original GBA SP |
| + Beautiful 3:2 screen with GBA integer scaling | – Buttons could feel better |
| + Low cost makes it a no brainer |
Anbernic RG35XXSP specs
| SoC | Allwinner A700 |
| GPU | Mali-G31 |
| RAM | 1GB |
| Resolution | 640×480@60Hz |
| Screen type | IPS |
Runner Ups for best pocketable handheld: Retroid Pocket Flip 2