Top 5 Retro Handhelds for 2025: Reviews of All Models
The retro handheld gaming market has seen a significant surge in recent years, driven by the ease of emulation and the rising costs of vintage hardware. For enthusiasts looking to relive classic games on the go, selecting the right retro handheld can be daunting, given the numerous options available.
Top Picks for 2024
| Product | Brand | Name | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Retroid Pocket | Retroid Pocket 2S Retro Game Handheld Console | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Retroid Pocket | Retroid Pocket 4/4Pro Retro Game Handheld Console | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Voacle | RG353M Handheld Game Console | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Voacle | RG556 Retro Handheld Game Console | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Ecoffer | Miyoo Mini Plus Retro Game Console | Check Price on Amazon |
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1. Retroid Pocket 2S
The Retroid Pocket 2S stands out as a top choice for its balance of performance and affordability. Here are some key features:
- Price: $159.00
- CPU: ARM Cortex-A7
- Graphics: Mali-400 MP2
- RAM: 1GB (expandable to 4GB)
- Display: 3.5-inch IPS
- Operating System: Android 8.1
- Pros: Inexpensive, good specs, Hall Effect analog sticks, and decent battery life.
- Cons: Low screen resolution, struggles with demanding games.
2. Retroid Pocket 4 Pro
For those seeking more power, the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is a strong contender:
- Price: $249
- CPU: Mediatek Dimensity 1100
- RAM: 8GB
- Display: 4.7-inch IPS
- Operating System: Custom OS
- Pros: Great GameCube and PlayStation 2 emulation, comfortable design, and easy setup.
- Cons: Screen ratio adds borders to most games, and text can be small on newer consoles.
3. Anbernic RG353M
The Anbernic RG353M is praised for its build quality and performance:
- Price: $159.99
- CPU: Unspecified
- RAM: Unspecified
- Display: 3.5-inch 640×480
- Operating System: Unspecified
- Pros: Solid metal shell, excellent controls, and ideal for retro systems and modern mimics like Pico-8.
- Cons: No significant drawbacks mentioned, but it may not match the power of other high-end devices.
4. Anbernic RG556
The Anbernic RG556 boasts impressive specs and a high-quality display:
- Price: $254.99
- CPU: Unisoc T820
- Graphics: Quad Core Mali G57
- RAM: 8GB LPDDR4X
- Display: 5.4-inch AMOLED
- Operating System: Android 13
- Pros: Bright and vivid display, great build quality, and capable of emulating up to PlayStation 2 era games.
- Cons: Custom RG launcher is underbaked, and not as powerful as some other handhelds.
5. Miyoo Mini Plus
The Miyoo Mini Plus is known for its compact design and ease of use:
- Price: $79.99
- Battery: built-in 3000 mAh battery,
- Display: 3.5 inch HD screen
- Operating System: Unspecified
- Pros: Very pocket-friendly, great GBA/NES/SNES/Wonderswan emulation, cute and memorable design, and good build quality.
- Cons: Hard to get hold of, easy to lose, and stock firmware is poor.
| Product | Brand | Name | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retroid Pocket | Retroid Pocket 2S Retro Game Handheld Console | Check Price on Amazon |
| Retroid Pocket | Retroid Pocket 4/4Pro Retro Game Handheld Console | Check Price on Amazon |
| Voacle | RG353M Handheld Game Console | Check Price on Amazon |
| Voacle | RG556 Retro Handheld Game Console | Check Price on Amazon |
| Ecoffer | Miyoo Mini Plus Retro Game Console | Check Price on Amazon |
* If you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. For more details, please visit our Privacy policy page.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Retro Handheld
Screen Size and Aspect Ratio
Screen size is crucial for portability and gaming experience. Larger screens like the 5.4-inch AMOLED on the Anbernic RG556 offer better visuals but may not be as pocket-friendly. Smaller screens, such as the 3.5-inch IPS on the Retroid Pocket 2S, are more portable but may have lower resolutions. The aspect ratio also affects gameplay; for instance, the 16:9 ratio on the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro can result in black borders for older games.
Hardware Quality and Build
The build quality and hardware specifications significantly impact the gaming experience. Devices like the Anbernic RG353M with a solid metal shell and excellent controls provide a premium feel. The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro’s use of a Mediatek Dimensity 1100 chip and 8GB of RAM ensures smooth emulation of demanding games.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery life varies among devices. The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro offers 3-4 hours for intensive games and up to 8-9 hours for older titles. Connectivity options like micro HDMI ports for TV output are also important for those who want to play on larger screens.
User Interface and Setup
The user interface and ease of setup are vital for a seamless gaming experience. The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is praised for its easy setup thanks to its custom OS, while the Anbernic RG556’s custom launcher is noted as underbaked.
Accessibility and Hackability
For some users, the ability to customize and hack their handhelds is a significant factor. Devices that support alternative firmware options, like the Anbernic RG35XX, offer more flexibility but may require more technical expertise.
Conclusion
Choosing the best retro handheld in 2025 involves considering several factors, including screen size, hardware quality, battery life, user interface, and accessibility. Each of the top picks offers unique strengths that cater to different preferences and needs. Whether you prioritize power, portability, or ease of use, there is a retro handheld out there that can help you relive your favorite classic games on the go.