Retro handhelds range from budget emulation devices to premium multi-system consoles
The retro handheld market has exploded in the last few years, spanning everything from £25 budget emulation devices to premium multi-system consoles well over £200. Picking the right one depends far more on which era of games you want to play than on chasing the highest spec sheet.
Understanding What “Retro Handheld” Actually Means
Most modern retro handhelds are dedicated emulation devices, running Linux-based firmware that emulates classic console hardware rather than containing original hardware itself. This means their real limiting factor isn’t nostalgia value but raw processing power, since emulating a PlayStation or N64 accurately takes considerably more computing power than the original console itself required.
Choosing by Emulation Target
Budget Tier: NES to PS1 Era
Entry-level handhelds built around chips like the Rockchip RK3326 handle 8-bit and 16-bit consoles (NES, SNES, Genesis, Game Boy) flawlessly and PS1/GBA titles well, though anything more demanding tends to be inconsistent. These devices typically run £25-45 and are a sensible starting point if you’re new to the hobby.
Mid Tier: PS1 to PSP/Dreamcast Era
Devices with more powerful ARM chips handle PSP, Dreamcast, and N64 emulation more reliably, though even here compatibility varies by specific game rather than being a guarantee across the board. Expect to pay £80-150 for genuinely reliable performance at this tier.
Premium Tier: GameCube, Switch-Era Emulation
Devices like the Steam Deck or high-end Android-based handhelds can handle GameCube and even some Switch emulation, but at a significantly higher price point and with more setup complexity than dedicated retro-focused devices.
Comparison by Budget Tier
| Tier | Price Range | Reliable Emulation Up To | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | £25-45 | PS1, GBA | First-time buyers, casual use |
| Mid | £80-150 | PSP, Dreamcast, N64 (mostly) | Broader library, more reliable performance |
| Premium | £150-400+ | GameCube, some Switch titles | Enthusiasts wanting the widest range |
Key Specs Worth Understanding
Screen
A 4:3 aspect ratio screen matches the original proportions of most retro consoles, avoiding the stretching or letterboxing that happens on widescreen displays. IPS panels offer better colour and viewing angles than cheaper TN panels, which matters for handhelds you’ll often use at an angle.
Battery Life
Battery capacity varies significantly by device, but 4-7 hours of continuous play is a reasonable expectation at the budget tier, with better-optimised or larger-battery devices extending further. More demanding emulation (higher console generations) drains battery faster than simple 8-bit titles.
Storage and Game Libraries
Nearly all dedicated retro handhelds rely on microSD cards for game storage rather than fixed internal memory, and dual card slots (common on many devices) let you separate your operating system card from your game library card, useful if you want to reflash firmware without losing your collection.
Custom Firmware: Worth Knowing About
Many budget and mid-tier handhelds ship with basic stock firmware but support flashing community-built alternatives like ArkOS or MinUI, which generally offer a cleaner interface, better performance tuning, and more customisation than what ships out of the box. This is common enough across the hobby that it’s worth checking whether a device you’re considering has active community firmware support before buying.
For a look at a specific budget option, our BattleXP G350 review covers one of the more popular entry-level devices in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to own the original games to use a retro handheld?
This depends on the games’ current copyright status and your local laws around software backups and emulation, which vary by region. It’s worth understanding the legal position in your own country before loading a device with game files.
Is Wi-Fi important on a retro handheld?
Not for actual gameplay, since emulated retro games don’t need internet access, but Wi-Fi does make transferring files, artwork, and firmware updates considerably easier. Budget devices often omit it to keep costs down.
What’s the difference between a horizontal and vertical form factor?
Horizontal devices resemble a traditional console controller shape and suit console-style games like SNES or Genesis titles, while vertical devices echo the original Game Boy shape and can feel more natural for portrait-oriented or simpler titles.
Final Thoughts
Match the handheld to the console generation you actually want to play rather than buying the most powerful device available. A budget device that handles your target games flawlessly beats an expensive one that’s overkill for what you’ll actually use it for.
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