We tested 18 retro consoles to find the ones that deliver authentic nostalgia with modern convenience.
A premium handheld that plays original Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges with a stunning high-resolution screen. Its FPGA technology ensures zero-emulation accuracy.
Official mini console from Nintendo pre-loaded with 21 iconic SNES games like Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Includes two wired controllers and HDMI output.
Powerful Android handheld capable of emulating PS2, GameCube, and Dreamcast games smoothly. Features a 4.7-inch touchscreen and active cooling fan.
A handheld that plays physical cartridge collections of retro games from dozens of classic publishers. Its 4.3-inch IPS screen and 10-hour battery make it great for travel.
Sony's official mini console pre-loaded with 20 classic PS1 games including Final Fantasy VII and Tekken 3. Comes with two wired controllers and HDMI cable.
Updated mini console with 60 Sega Genesis/Mega Drive games including rare titles and six-button controllers. Features a compact design and HDMI output.
Ultra-portable retro handheld with a 3.5-inch screen that runs custom firmware like Onion OS for easy emulation of NES, SNES, PlayStation, and more. Its compact size fits in any pocket.
A vertical handheld reminiscent of the Game Boy Advance SP with dual OS support (Android and Linux). Plays up to PSP and Dreamcast games with ease.
Officially licensed wireless controllers for Nintendo Switch that replicate the feel of original NES and SNES pads. They pair seamlessly with the Switch for playing classic games from the online library.
A Game Boy-inspired case for Raspberry Pi CM4 that turns it into a fully functional retro gaming handheld. Includes a 3.5-inch IPS screen, stereo speakers, and a cartridge-style PCB.
Affiliate disclosure: Links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.