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Images showing the performance tiers of HandheldRank

The Definitive Tier List of the most powerful Retro Handhelds

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From NES to PC and Switch emulation find the device that suits your needs

With so many retro handhelds available it’s hard to keep track of which device actually suits your needs. A key factor in that is performance, and most importantly having enough of it to play the games you’re looking to play. Many factors go into real word game performance, such as driver support, specific chipset quirks, and heat management. HandheldRank has attempted to create the first comprehensive performance index specifically targeted at the needs of retro handhelds.

DeviceHandheld Performance ScorePerformance tier
Anbernic RG DS77F
MANGMI AIR X107E
MagicX One 35133E
Anbernic RG505140E
Anbernic RG Rotate142E
Anbernic RG405M/RG405V145E
Anbernic RGCUBE253D
Anbernic RG556256D
Anbernic RG406V/RG406H256D
Anbernic RG Slide259D
Anbernic RG 476H262D
Retroid Pocket 4 Pro344C
Retroid Pocket Flip2 (D1100)348C
MANGMI Pocket Max355C
Retroid Pocket Flip 2361C
Retroid Pocket 5361C
Anbernic RG557441B
Anbernic RG 477V/RG477M444B
Retroid Pocket G2541A
AYANEO Pocket EVO550A
AYANEO Pocket DMG551A
AYANEO Pocket DS560A
AYANEO Pocket S564A
AYANEO Pocket ACE570A
AYN Thor584B
Retroid Pocket 6602B
AYN Odin 2 Portal610B
ONEXSUGAR SUGAR 1661A
AYANEO Pocket FIT686A
AYANEO Pocket S2 Pro687A
AYN Odin 3888S

F-tier handhelds:

Pointing out that the Anbernic RG DS is underpowered feels at this point to be like beating a dead horse. However we were still surprised just how underpowered it was compared to other current retro handheld offerings. Which is a shame, because we actually do want to like the RG DS. But unless you really want to specifically emulate the DS on dual screens we can’t recommend this device to anyone in good conscience.

29. Anbernic RG DS
Performance score: 77

10% off
F Tier
Anbernic

ANBERNIC RG DS

From $94.99 $99.99
● In Stock
Shop at Anbernic →

Chipsets in this tier: Rockchip RK3568

F-tier can play these systems:

●Yes, with enhancements
DS, SNES, GBA
●Probably, native resolution
PS1, N64
●Maybe, with tinkering
Dreamcast, PSP

Best deal of F-tier: None.

E-tier handhelds: Around $100

While their performance is nothing to write home about these devices do serve a very specific role. They're the entry level budget devices. With these you should expect to be able to emulate any classic retro system like the SNES or GBA with ease, as well as play early 3D games mostly well and with enhancements such as upscaling. Even some GameCube and PS2 titles should be playable, especially with hacks and downscaling, though this will only be true for a handful of games. Another use for devices such as these could be as a dedicated game streaming device for services like Moonlight, GeForce Now, XCloud, or PSLink.

28. MANGMI AIR X
Performance score: 107

27. MagicX One 35
Performance score: 133

26. Anbernic RG505
Performance score: 140

30% off
E Tier
Anbernic

ANBERNIC RG505

From $109.99 $157.99
● In Stock
Shop at Anbernic →

25. Anbernic RG Rotate
Performance score: 142

24. Anbernic RG405M
Performance score: 148

33% off
E Tier
Anbernic

ANBERNIC RG405M

From $119.99 $177.99
● In Stock
Shop at Anbernic →

24. Anbernic RG405V
Performance score: 148

20% off
E Tier
Anbernic

ANBERNIC RG405V

From $109.99 $137.99
● In Stock
Shop at Anbernic →

Chipsets in this tier: Snapdragon 662, Tiger T618

E-tier can play these systems:

●Yes, with enhancements
DS, N64, PS1, PSP
●Probably, native resolution
Dreamcast, 3DS
●Maybe, with tinkering
Saturn, PS2, GameCube

Best deal in E-tier: While not the most powerful in this tier, the whole package of the MANGMI AIR X, with it's 1080p screen, 5000mah battery, and good build quality makes it into one of the best value budget handhelds currently on offer.

D-tier handhelds: Entry level PS2 and GameCube around $150

This is the tier when PS2 and GameCube emulation actually starts becoming feasible. Most GameCube games should be upscalable to 2x resolution, and most PS2 and Wii games should be playable at full speed at at least native resolution. Which doesn't sound too impressive compared to higher ranked entries, but when you factor in the price of many of these devices it starts making sense. Some Switch and Wii U emulation might even be possible on these devices, though that will be limited to very lightweight, mostly 2D, titles.

23. Anbernic RG Cube
Performance score: 253

28% off
D Tier
Anbernic

ANBERNIC RG Cube

From $122.99 $169.99 🏷️ Lowest Ever
● In Stock
Shop at Anbernic →

22. Anbernic RG556
Performance score: 256

3% off
D Tier
Anbernic

ANBERNIC RG556

From $179.99 $184.99
● In Stock
Shop at Anbernic →

21. Anbernic RG 406H
Performance score: 257

11% off
Anbernic

ANBERNIC RG 406H

From $149.99 $167.99
◇ Coming Soon
Shop at Anbernic →

21. Anbernic RG 406V
Performance score: 257

4% off
D Tier
Anbernic

ANBERNIC RG 406V

From $155.69 $224.99
● In Stock
Shop at Anbernic →

20. Anbernic RG Slide
Performance score: 259

26% off
D Tier
Anbernic

ANBERNIC RG Slide

From $139.99 $189.99 🏷️ Lowest Ever
● In Stock
Shop at Anbernic →

19. Anbernic RG 476H
Performance score: 262

Chipsets in this tier: Tiger T820

D-tier can play these systems:

●Yes, with enhancements
N64, PS1, PSP, Dreamcast, DS, 3DS, GameCube
●Probably, native resolution
Saturn, PS2, Wii
●Maybe, with tinkering
Wii U, Switch

Best deal of D-tier: It's hard to pick as they're all powered by the same chipset and roughly priced the same. But in the end we feel like the ANBERNIC RG 476H will probably be the best option for most people. For the systems the T820 is able to play the 4:3 screen makes the most sense, and with the RG476H it's even 120Hz. Which is fantastic for older games as it allows for "black frame insertion".

C-tier handhelds: Around $200

For some this tier hits a real performance sweet spot. Almost any PS2 and GameCube game should be playable with ease, and likely upscaled too at that. Depending on driver support modern android gaming should be very doable, and as icing on the cake Switch and PC emulation starts looking pretty feasible. You won't necessarily be playing the heavy hitters, but a surprising amount of PC and Switch games will run smoothly. Especially on the SD865 devices with better driver support.

18. Retroid Pocket 4 Pro
Performance score: 344

17. Retroid Pocket Flip 2 (D1100)
Performance score: 348

16. MANGMI Pocket Max
Performance score: 355

15. Retroid Pocket Flip 2 (SD865)
Performance score: 361

14. Retroid Pocket 5
Performance score: 440

13. Anbernic RG 557
Performance score: 441

7% off
C Tier
Anbernic

ANBERNIC RG 557

From $274.99 $299.99
● In Stock
Shop at Anbernic →

12. Anbernic RG 477V
Performance score: 444

4% off
C Tier
Anbernic

ANBERNIC RG 477V

From $259.99 $269.99
● In Stock
Shop at Anbernic →

12. Anbernic RG 477M
Performance score: 444

5% off
C Tier
Anbernic

ANBERNIC RG 477M

From $264.99 $279.99
● In Stock
Shop at Anbernic →

Chipsets in this tier: Dimensity 1100, Snapdragon 865, Dimensity 8300

C-tier can play these systems:

●Yes, with enhancements
PS2, GameCube
●Probably, native resolution
Lightweight Switch and PC
●Maybe, with tinkering
Heavier Switch titles

Best deal of C-tier: The Retroid Pocket 5. While it's a difficult choice between the SD865 devices, as they largely serve different purposes. The Retroid Pocket 5 comes out as a winner due to simply being a great all arounder and lacking any glaring flaws.

B-tier handhelds: $200+

Bio: In early 2026 the B-tier should be the current baseline for flagship retro handheld performance. With devices performing above this baseline still feeling like premium devices for hardcore enthusiasts, and those below it like the underpowered yet (hopefully) budget friendly options. This tier should handle virtually any system with decently mature emulators available for android with ease. At most a few Switch titles could benefit from having more than 8GBs of RAM. This level of performance should also allow for some pretty extensive ventures into PC emulation through Gamehub or GameNative.

11. AYANEO Pocket EVO
Performance score: 550

10. AYANEO Pocket DMG
Performance score: 551

9. AYANEO Pocket DS
Performance score: 560

8. AYANEO Pocket S
Performance score: 564

7. AYN Thor
Performance score: 584

C-B Tier
Ayn

AYN Thor

From $259.00
● In Stock
Shop at Ayn →

6. Retroid Pocket 6
Performance score: 602

5. AYN Odin 2 Portal
Performance score: 610

21% off
A Tier
Ayn

Odin2 Portal

From $259.00 $329.00 🏷️ Lowest Ever
● In Stock
Shop at Ayn →

Chipsets in this tier: Snapdragon G3x Gen 2, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

B-tier can play these systems:

●Yes, with enhancements
Lighter Switch
●Probably, native resolution
Heavier Switch, lighter PC
●Maybe, with tinkering
Heavier PC, lighter PS3

Best deal of B-tier: While there is something to be said for almost all devices in this tier the Retroid Pocket 6 ends up being the best deal of them all. In fact we're willing to go as far as claiming it's currently the best deal on the market. For $229 you're getting a lot of device for your money. Want to know more about the Retroid Pocket 6?

A-tier handhelds:

This tier is where the devices enter real hobbyist territory. Most users won't need the extra power afforded by the top tier G3 Gen 3 chip that powers these devices. For now the emulators that really make use of all that extra power simply aren't mature enough to offer the same plug and play experience as emulators for say the GameCube or PS1. However if you're looking for something that could be a serious PC gaming device, or to explore emulation frontiers such as the PS3 then this tier is where you should start looking.

4. ONEXSUGAR SUGAR 1
Performance score: 661

3. AYANEO Pocket FIT
Performance score: 686

2. AYANEO Pocket S2 Pro
Performance score: 687

10% off
A Tier
Ayaneo

AYANEO Pocket S2 Pro G3 Gen3

From $559.00 $619.00
○ Out of Stock
Shop at Ayaneo →

Chipsets in this tier: Snapdragon G3 Gen 3

A-tier can play these systems:

●Yes, with enhancements
Switch
●Probably, native resolution
PC
●Maybe, with tinkering
Heavier PC, PS3

Best deal: When the KONKR Pocket FIT launched it briefly held the title as the most powerful retro handheld on the market. Which just becomes all the more impressive considering the sub-$300 price tag. In fact it's such a good deal that one of its main drawbacks is the high demand leading to limited availability.

S-tier handhelds:

Bio: As of right now the AYN Odin 3 is the most powerful retro handheld you can get, and by a pretty hefty margin too. While the chipset that powers it, the Snapdragon 8 Elite, has struggled with drivers in the past. Recent breakthroughs has started unlocking the massive power of the Odin 3. It's powerful to the point where the only current use of such performance seems to be to play modern AAA PC titles, or perhaps to future proof while waiting for exciting prospects such as mature PS3, Xbox 360 or perhaps one day even PS4 emulation on android (though please don't expect that anytime soon).

1. AYN Odin 3
Performance score: 888

S Tier
Ayn

AYN Odin 3

From $369.00
● In Stock
Shop at Ayn →

Chipsets in this tier: Snapdragon 8 Elite

S-tier can play these systems:

●Yes, with enhancements
Pretty much everything
●Probably, native resolution
PC
●Maybe, with tinkering
The absolute latest AAAs, PS3

Best deal of S-tier: As the sole occupant of this tier the AYN Odin 3 wins by default. However that should not detract from what an amazing piece of hardware this is, and that at $329 for the base model it's not even all that pricy considering it's the strongest retro handheld you can currently get.