Why I Spent $1,200 Testing Every Major Retro Handheld (And What I Learned)
I’ll be honest with you – this started as a “buy one good retro handheld” mission and spiraled into a full-blown obsession. Three months later, my desk looks like a portable gaming museum, my credit card is crying, and I’ve played more PS1 games than I did when I was actually a kid in the 90s.
But here’s the thing: the retro handheld market in 2025 is simultaneously amazing and completely overwhelming. There are literally dozens of devices ranging from $40 to $500, all claiming to be the “perfect” best retro gaming handhelds solution. Some are incredible value. Others are overpriced garbage. And most reviewers seem to test devices for like two days before declaring a winner.
I decided to do something different. I bought seven of the most popular retro handhelds released or updated in 2024-2025, and I’ve been using them daily for the past three months. Real games, real battery tests, real long-term impressions. No sponsored units, no affiliate pressure to recommend specific devices.
Here’s what three months of testing taught me:
- Price doesn’t equal performance in this market
- Screen quality matters way more than specs suggest
- Build quality determines whether you’ll still love it in six months
- Software support is the difference between great and frustrating
My Testing Methodology: How I Actually Evaluated These Devices
The Games I Used for Testing
I didn’t just boot up the same three ROMs on each device and call it a day. I created a comprehensive testing suite covering different systems and demanding scenarios:
Testing Suite:
- NES/SNES: Super Metroid, Mega Man X (basic 2D performance)
- PlayStation 1: Final Fantasy VII, Crash Bandicoot (3D performance)
- N64: Goldeneye 007, Mario 64 (challenging emulation)
- Dreamcast: Sonic Adventure (demanding emulation)
- PSP: God of War, Monster Hunter (high-end portable emulation)
- Game Boy Advance: Pokémon Fire Red (battery life testing)
Real-World Usage Scenarios
Beyond benchmarks, I evaluated each device on practical factors:
- Daily commute usage (subway, bus, walking)
- Travel portability (airplane, hotel gaming)
- Couch gaming (casual evening play)
- Long sessions (3+ hour gaming marathons)
The Complete Rankings: From Budget to Premium
#1: Anbernic RG406H – The Sweet Spot Winner ($160)
After three months of testing everything, the RG406H kept ending up in my backpack more than any other device. It’s not the most powerful, it’s not the cheapest, but it hits that perfect balance of performance, portability, and price.
What makes it special:
- 4-inch IPS screen with excellent viewing angles
- Horizontal form factor that feels natural for most games
- H700 processor handles everything up to Dreamcast smoothly
- 6-hour real-world battery (not the claimed 8, but still solid)
- Build quality that survived three months of daily abuse
Performance testing results:
- SNES/Genesis: Flawless, never dropped a frame
- PlayStation 1: Perfect performance across all tested games
- N64: 85% of library runs well (some demanding games struggle)
- Dreamcast: Most games playable at 55-60fps
- PSP: About 60% compatibility with acceptable performance
Honest negatives:
- No built-in WiFi (need a dongle for online features)
- Speakers are mediocre (use headphones)
- Somewhat thick compared to sleeker options
- Not powerful enough for GameCube or PS2
Who should buy this: Anyone wanting the best all-around retro handheld that does PS1 and earlier perfectly without breaking the bank.
#2: Retroid Pocket 4 Pro – The Power User Choice ($220)
If you need to play GameCube and PS2 games portably, the RP4 Pro is really your only option in this price range. It’s more expensive than the Anbernic, and the Android-based OS has quirks, but when you’re playing Wind Waker on a device that fits in your pocket, those complaints fade away.
Standout features:
- Dimensity 1100 processor crushes higher-end emulation
- 4.7-inch AMOLED screen looks absolutely gorgeous
- Android 13 provides flexibility and modern features
- Active cooling keeps performance consistent
- Full button layout includes clickable sticks
Performance reality check:
- Everything up to PS1: Obviously perfect
- N64: Near-flawless compatibility
- Dreamcast: Runs better than dedicated Dreamcast consoles
- PSP: 95%+ compatibility with good settings
- GameCube: 70% of library playable (demanding games need tweaking)
- PS2: 40% of library playable (lowering expectations matters here)
Where it disappoints:
- Battery life is only 3-4 hours under load
- Android quirks can frustrate non-tech-savvy users
- Heat gets noticeable during intense gaming
- Price is creeping into Steam Deck territory
Who should buy this: Gamers who specifically need GameCube/PS2 emulation and don’t mind dealing with Android’s occasional weirdness.
#3: Miyoo Mini Plus – The Budget Champion ($60)
This little guy punches so far above its weight class it’s almost unfair. For sixty bucks, you’re getting excellent performance for everything up to PS1, a gorgeous display, and build quality that rivals devices three times the price.
What shocked me:
- 3.5-inch IPS screen has better color than some $150 devices
- Completely pocketable – fits in my jeans pocket comfortably
- Simple Linux OS just works without fiddling
- Community support is phenomenal with custom firmware
- Battery lasts 5-6 hours of actual gameplay
Performance limits:
- Perfect for: NES, SNES, Genesis, Game Boy systems
- Good for: PlayStation 1 (most games run well)
- Struggles with: N64 (only simple games playable)
- Can’t handle: Anything beyond PS1
Real talk about limitations:
- No WiFi means manual ROM transfers
- The single speaker is tinny (seriously, use headphones)
- Mono audio only on that single speaker
- A small screen isn’t ideal for text-heavy RPGs
Who should buy this: Budget-conscious gamers focused on the 16-bit era and PS1, or anyone wanting a genuinely pocketable option.
Also, Read this:
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#4: Anbernic RG35XX H – The Nostalgia Machine ($80)
This one’s basically a Game Boy Advance SP for playing anything that’s not GBA games. The clamshell design is adorable, the build quality is surprisingly solid, and it’s perfect for that classic handheld feel.
Nostalgia factors:
- Clamshell design protects the screen in your bag
- Comfortable d-pad perfect for 2D games
- GBA form factor feels natural for retro games
- Lightweight doesn’t strain your hands
- Screen protection built into the design
Performance profile:
- Excellent: Everything 16-bit and earlier
- Good: Game Boy Advance games (ironically)
- Playable: Simple PS1 games
- Forget about: N64 and beyond
Design quirks I noticed:
- Hinge feels fragile after months of use
- Button layout awkward for some games
- Screen is small at 3.5 inches
- No shoulder buttons limits game compatibility
Who should buy this: Anyone who loved the GBA SP form factor and wants that experience for classic retro games.
#5: AYN Odin 2 – The Overkill Option ($350)
Look, this thing is ridiculous. It can run Nintendo Switch games, high-end Android games, and basically everything retro gaming has to offer. It’s also $350, which means it’s competing against Steam Deck pricing.
The power fantasy:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor is obscene overkill for retro
- 6-inch 1080p display looks professional grade
- 8GB RAM handles anything you throw at it
- Full gaming controls including hall-effect sticks
- Active cooling keeps everything running smoothly
Where the value gets questionable:
- At $350, you’re close to Steam Deck OLED pricing
- Most retro games don’t benefit from this much power
- Android gaming is still limited compared to PC
- Battery life under load is only 3-4 hours
- Size and weight make it less portable than cheaper options
Gaming performance:
- PS2/GameCube: Basically flawless
- Wii: Most games playable
- 3DS: Good compatibility with decent settings
- Switch: Some games work (legally questionable territory)
Who should buy this: Enthusiasts who want everything, including modern Android gaming and Switch emulation, and don’t mind the premium price.
#6: Anbernic RG Cube – The Weird One ($120)
I really wanted to love the RG Cube. The square design is unique, the specs are decent, but after three months, it’s the device I reach for least often.
What works:
- Unique square design stands out visually
- Decent processor handles up to PS1 well
- Good build quality feels premium
- Unique controls with touchpad
What doesn’t work:
- Square format is awkward for most games
- The thick design doesn’t fit pockets well
- Touchpad gimmick is rarely useful in practice
- Battery life disappoints at 4 hours
Who should buy this: Collectors who want something different, but I can’t recommend it over the RG406H for most users.
#7: Trimui Smart Pro – The Disappointment ($90)
Everyone hyped this one up, but after three months, mine has been collecting dust. The concept is great, but the execution left me frustrated.
What promised:
- Ultra-portable design
- Affordable price point
- Linux-based OS
- Community support
What delivered:
- Terrible screen with poor viewing angles
- Awful battery life (2-3 hours)
- Build quality issues (buttons feel mushy)
- Software bugs that never got fixed
Who should avoid this: Pretty much everyone. Save your money for literally any other option on this list.
The Real-World Performance Matrix
What Actually Plays What
Here’s the honest compatibility breakdown after months of testing:
For Perfect NES/SNES/Genesis Emulation: ✅ All devices handle this flawlessly
For PlayStation 1 Gaming: ✅ Excellent: Anbernic RG406H, Retroid Pocket 4 Pro, AYN Odin 2
⚠️ Good: Miyoo Mini Plus, Anbernic RG35XX H, RG Cube
❌ Skip: Trimui Smart Pro
For N64 Emulation: ✅ Excellent: Retroid Pocket 4 Pro, AYN Odin 2
⚠️ Playable: Anbernic RG406H (most games)
❌ Forget it: Everything else
For Dreamcast: ✅ Excellent: Retroid Pocket 4 Pro, AYN Odin 2
⚠️ Playable: Anbernic RG406H (most games at 55fps)
❌ Not happening: Budget options
For PSP: ✅ Excellent: AYN Odin 2
⚠️ Good: Retroid Pocket 4 Pro
❌ Don’t bother: Everything else
For GameCube/PS2: ✅ Works: Retroid Pocket 4 Pro (with compromises), AYN Odin 2
❌ Nope: Everything else lacks the power
Battery Life: The Real Numbers
Forget the marketing claims. Here’s actual battery life from my testing:
Playing 16-bit games:
- Miyoo Mini Plus: 5.5 hours
- Anbernic RG406H: 6 hours
- Anbernic RG35XX H: 5 hours
- Retroid Pocket 4 Pro: 4.5 hours
- RG Cube: 4 hours
- AYN Odin 2: 4 hours
- Trimui Smart Pro: 2.5 hours
Playing PS1 games:
- Anbernic RG406H: 4.5 hours
- Miyoo Mini Plus: 4 hours
- Retroid Pocket 4 Pro: 3.5 hours
- AYN Odin 2: 3 hours
Playing demanding systems (GameCube/PS2):
- Retroid Pocket 4 Pro: 3 hours
- AYN Odin 2: 3.5 hours
Build Quality After 3 Months of Daily Use
Still Going Strong:
- Anbernic RG406H: Zero issues, feels like new
- Retroid Pocket 4 Pro: Minor scuffs, otherwise perfect
- Miyoo Mini Plus: Surprisingly durable
Showing Wear:
- Anbernic RG35XX H: Hinge getting loose
- RG Cube: Some button mushiness developing
- AYN Odin 2: Cosmetic scratches
Already Broken:
- Trimui Smart Pro: Screen developed dead pixel, shoulder button broke
The Final Recommendation Matrix
Best Overall Value: Anbernic RG406H
Perfect if you want: Solid performance up to PS1/Dreamcast, great battery life, excellent build quality, reasonable price
Best Budget Option: Miyoo Mini Plus
Perfect if you want: 16-bit perfection, true pocketability, incredible value, simple operation
Best for Power Users: Retroid Pocket 4 Pro
Perfect if you want: GameCube/PS2 capability, flexibility, don’t mind Android quirks, worth the premium
Best for Collectors: AYN Odin 2
Perfect if you want: Everything possible, maximum power, don’t care about price, want future-proofing
Skip These: RG Cube, Trimui Smart Pro
Why: Better options exist at every price point
Where to Buy and What to Watch For
Reliable Retailers:
- AliExpress: Cheapest but longest shipping (2-4 weeks)
- Amazon: Premium pricing but fast delivery and easy returns
- Official brand stores: Best customer service
- Retro handheld specialty sites: Good middle ground
Red Flags to Avoid:
- Too-good-to-be-true pricing (probably counterfeit)
- Sellers with no ratings (scam risk)
- Stock photos only (might not be genuine)
Bottom Line: My Personal Choice After All This
If I could only keep one device from this entire collection, it would be the Anbernic RG406H. It’s not the most powerful, it’s not the cheapest, but it’s the one that consistently delivers what I actually want from a retro handheld: playing classic games comfortably with good battery life and without frustration.
That said, your ideal choice depends entirely on what systems you actually want to play. If you’re primarily interested in 16-bit games, save money and get the Miyoo Mini Plus. If you absolutely need GameCube, bite the bullet on the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro.
Ready to dive into portable retro gaming? Start with the Anbernic RG406H and you won’t be disappointed. Your childhood games are waiting to be rediscovered.