Remember those old video games you used to love? The ones that took up entire rooms or came on chunky cartridges? Well, you can play them again, right in your hand. With all the new tech out there, it’s easy to forget the classics, but handheld emulators are bringing them back. These little gadgets let you play games from tons of old systems. We’re going to look at some of the best handheld emulators out there for 2025, so you can get your game on wherever you are.
Key Takeaways
- Many handheld emulators can play games from lots of different old game systems, like Game Boy and PlayStation.
- These devices are small and easy to carry, so you can play games when you’re traveling or just hanging out.
- Some emulators have better screens and sound than the original old consoles.
- You can find good handheld emulators that don’t cost too much money.
- When picking one, think about what games it plays, how good the screen looks, how it feels to hold, how long the battery lasts, and how much storage it has.
1. Anbernic RG35XX Gaming Handheld Console
Alright, let’s talk about the Anbernic RG35XX. This little guy is pretty neat if you’re looking to get into retro gaming without spending a ton of cash. It’s small, like, really small, so it fits in your pocket easily. It feels good in your hands, too, which is a big plus compared to some other tiny handhelds out there.
It’s got a decent screen for its size, good enough to make those old games look right. Plus, it can handle a good chunk of classic systems right out of the box, including PlayStation 1 games, which is pretty impressive for something this affordable. You get a 64GB card with it, which is plenty to start with, but if you’re a game hoarder, there’s a second slot for more storage.
Here’s a quick look at what makes it tick:
- Processor: Actions ATM7039S quad-core
- Display: 3.5-inch IPS, 640×480 resolution
- Storage: 64GB Micro SD card included, with a second slot for up to 512GB
- Battery: Around 5 hours of playtime, depending on what you’re playing
- Connectivity: Mini HDMI out for TV hookups
One cool thing is the HDMI output. So, if you want to play on a bigger screen, you can just plug it into your TV. The battery life is okay, usually giving you a few hours of fun before needing a charge. It’s not perfect, the user interface is pretty basic, but for the price, it’s hard to complain. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to jump into retro gaming without breaking the bank.
2. Anbernic RG353PS Gaming Handheld Console
Alright, let’s talk about the Anbernic RG353PS. This little guy is a pretty solid choice if you’re looking to jump into retro gaming without a lot of fuss. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel or anything, but it does what it’s supposed to do, and it does it well.
It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense handheld that gets the job done.
Under the hood, it’s running an RK3566 Quad-Core processor. That’s good enough to handle a lot of your favorite classic systems without stuttering. You know, the stuff from the NES, SNES, Game Boy Advance, and even some PlayStation 1 games. It comes with 16GB of internal storage, which is okay to start with, but you’ll probably want to grab a bigger microSD card pretty quickly if you plan on loading up a huge library.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you get:
- Processor: RK3566 Quad-Core 64-bit Cortex-A55
- Display: 3.5-inch IPS screen (640×480 resolution)
- Operating System: Linux
- Storage: 16GB internal (expandable via microSD)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Mini HDMI output
One of the nice things is the HDMI output. So if you feel like playing on the big screen for a bit, you can totally do that. It’s also got Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which are handy for downloading games or maybe even connecting a wireless controller if you prefer that over the built-in buttons. The buttons themselves are decent, though some folks say they feel a little less refined compared to other handhelds out there. Still, for the price, it’s a good deal. It’s a good option if you want a comfortable grip and excellent playability for your retro games. Anbernic RG353P is a good example of their design philosophy.
3. RG350
Alright, let’s talk about the RG350. This little guy has been around for a bit, but it still holds its own in the retro gaming scene. It’s got this solid build quality that just feels good in your hands, you know? It’s a really dependable choice for anyone serious about playing old-school games.
When it comes to playing, the RG350 is pretty straightforward. It runs on a Linux-based system, which is great because it’s usually pretty easy to get your games loaded up and running. You don’t have to mess around with a bunch of complicated settings most of the time.
Here’s a quick look at what makes it tick:
- Processor: It’s got an Actions 7039 quad-core chip. Not the newest thing out there, but it handles a lot of classic systems without breaking a sweat.
- Screen: You get a 3.5-inch IPS display. It’s got that classic 4:3 aspect ratio that’s perfect for most retro games, and the colors look pretty decent.
- Storage: It uses a microSD card for the operating system and your games. You can usually pop in a bigger card if you have a massive game library.
- Controls: The buttons and D-pad feel pretty good. They’re responsive enough for most games, from platformers to RPGs.
One of the cool things about the RG350 is how many different systems it can emulate. We’re talking NES, SNES, Game Boy, Genesis, and even some PlayStation 1 titles can run pretty well on this thing. It’s a real workhorse for playing those games you grew up with. If you’re looking for a no-frills, reliable handheld, the Anbernic RG350 console is definitely worth considering.
4. BittBoy PocketGo
Alright, let’s talk about the BittBoy PocketGo. This little guy is pretty neat if you’re looking for something super portable. It’s small enough to just toss in your pocket, seriously. It’s a solid choice for anyone who wants to play classic Game Boy and Game Boy Color games without spending a fortune.
It’s not going to blow you away with a massive screen or cutting-edge tech, but that’s not really the point with this one. It’s all about that retro feel.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you get:
- Display: A 2.4-inch screen. It’s small, but it gets the job done for those older games.
- Emulation: It handles Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and some other older systems pretty well. Don’t expect it to run PlayStation games, though.
- Portability: This is where it really shines. It’s tiny and lightweight, perfect for commutes or just playing on the couch.
- Price: Generally, it’s one of the more budget-friendly options out there, which is a big plus.
If you’re on a tight budget and just want to revisit some old favorites from your childhood, the BittBoy PocketGo is definitely worth a look. It’s simple, it’s cheap, and it does what it says on the tin.
5. Powkiddy Q90
Alright, let’s talk about the Powkiddy Q90. This little guy is a pretty neat option if you’re looking for something that feels a bit more old-school, almost like a classic Game Boy Advance SP but with more power under the hood. It’s got this nice, compact design that fits really well in your hands, especially if you’ve got smaller hands or just prefer not to lug around a huge device. The screen is a 3-inch IPS display, which is decent enough for most retro games. It’s not going to blow you away with super crisp graphics, but it gets the job done for titles from the NES, SNES, and even some PlayStation 1 games.
What’s cool about the Q90 is its versatility. It runs on a custom Linux system, which means it’s pretty good at handling a wide range of emulators. You can play a ton of different systems on this thing, from the really old arcade games all the way up to the PS1 era. It’s also got a pretty good battery life, usually giving you a few hours of playtime before you need to plug it in. Plus, it supports external storage, so you can load up your game library without worrying too much about space.
Here’s a quick rundown of what it’s good for:
- Playing classic 8-bit and 16-bit games: Think NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Sega Genesis. It handles these systems like a champ.
- Getting into some PS1 titles: While not every single PS1 game will run perfectly, a good chunk of them are playable, which is pretty impressive for a device this size and price point.
- Exploring adventure games: If you’re into point-and-click adventures, you might find yourself using software like ScummVM on this device, which is a nice bonus.
It’s not perfect, of course. The controls can feel a little cramped if you have larger hands, and the build quality, while decent, isn’t exactly premium. But for the price, it’s a solid little machine that offers a lot of retro gaming fun without breaking the bank. It’s a good entry point if you’re curious about handheld emulation but don’t want to spend a fortune.
Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it. We’ve looked at some pretty cool handheld emulators that can bring all those old-school games right back into your hands. It’s wild how these little devices can pack so much gaming history into something you can actually fit in your pocket. Whether you’re trying to relive your childhood or just want to check out some games you missed, there’s definitely an emulator out there for you. Picking the right one just means thinking about what you want most – maybe it’s a super sharp screen, or perhaps battery life is your main thing. Whatever it is, happy gaming, and enjoy diving back into those classics!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a handheld emulator?
A handheld emulator is like a mini-computer made just for playing old video games. It can run games from different classic game systems, like the Game Boy or Super Nintendo, right on its own screen. Think of it as a portable time machine for your favorite retro games!
Are these devices hard to set up?
Most of these handhelds are pretty easy to get started with. You usually just need to turn them on, and they’re ready to go. Some might need a little extra setup to add games, but there are lots of guides online to help you out.
Can I play games with my friends on these?
Some handheld emulators have special features that let you play with friends, either by connecting two devices together or sometimes even online. It’s a great way to share the fun of those classic multiplayer games.
How many games can I store on one of these?
That really depends on the device. Many of them use memory cards, like the ones for cameras, so you can add a lot of games. Some can hold thousands of games, giving you a huge library to choose from!
Are these handheld emulators expensive?
There are options for different budgets. Some are quite affordable, making them a great choice if you want to play retro games without spending a lot of money. Others might cost a bit more but offer better performance or features.
Where can I get the games to play?
It’s important to get games legally. Many people use game files, called ROMs, from games they already own. You can find information online about how to legally obtain ROMs for the games you love.
