In the ever-evolving world of gaming, where cutting-edge graphics and immersive virtual reality experiences dominate the landscape, there’s a growing trend that harks back to the simpler times of pixelated graphics and chiptune music. Retro gaming has seen a resurgence in popularity, and with it, the demand for retro gaming handhelds has skyrocketed. These devices offer a portable way to relive the golden age of gaming, allowing players to enjoy classic titles from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s on the go.
As we look ahead to 2025, the retro gaming handheld market is more vibrant and diverse than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned retro gamer or a newcomer looking to explore the classics, there’s a handheld out there for you. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the best retro gaming handhelds for 2025, covering everything from their design and performance to their game libraries and unique features. So, grab your favorite gaming snack, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of retro gaming handhelds.
Table of Contents
1. Analogue Pocket
Design and Build Quality
The Analogue Pocket has been a standout in the retro gaming handheld market since its initial release, and it continues to be a top contender in 2025. Known for its sleek, minimalist design, the Analogue Pocket features a high-resolution display that brings retro games to life with stunning clarity. The device is crafted from premium materials, giving it a solid, durable feel that’s built to last.
Performance and Compatibility
One of the standout features of the Analogue Pocket is its FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) technology, which allows it to accurately replicate the hardware of classic gaming systems. This means that games run exactly as they did on their original hardware, providing an authentic retro gaming experience. The Analogue Pocket supports a wide range of classic systems, including the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance, with additional support for other systems via adapters.
Game Library
The Analogue Pocket’s compatibility with original cartridges means that you can play your entire collection of Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games on the go. Additionally, the device supports homebrew games and ROMs, giving you access to a vast library of classic titles.
Unique Features
The Analogue Pocket also boasts a unique feature called the “Analogue Dock,” which allows you to connect the handheld to your TV for a big-screen gaming experience. The dock supports wireless controllers, making it easy to play your favorite retro games with friends and family.
2. Evercade EXP
Design and Build Quality
The Evercade EXP is another excellent choice for retro gaming enthusiasts in 2025. This handheld features a modern design with a comfortable grip, making it easy to play for extended periods. The device is lightweight and portable, making it perfect for gaming on the go.
Performance and Compatibility
The Evercade EXP is powered by a custom ARM processor, which provides smooth performance for retro games. The device supports a wide range of classic systems, including the NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and Atari 2600, with additional support for other systems via cartridges.
Game Library
One of the standout features of the Evercade EXP is its cartridge-based system, which allows you to build a physical collection of retro games. Each cartridge contains a selection of games from a specific publisher or series, giving you a curated gaming experience. The Evercade EXP also supports homebrew games and ROMs, giving you access to a vast library of classic titles.
Unique Features
The Evercade EXP features a built-in HDMI output, allowing you to connect the handheld to your TV for a big-screen gaming experience. The device also supports multiplayer gaming, making it easy to play your favorite retro games with friends and family.
3. Miyoo Mini Plus
Design and Build Quality
The Miyoo Mini Plus is a compact and portable retro gaming handheld that’s perfect for gamers on the go. Despite its small size, the device features a high-quality display and a comfortable grip, making it easy to play for extended periods.
Performance and Compatibility
The Miyoo Mini Plus is powered by a custom ARM processor, which provides smooth performance for retro games. The device supports a wide range of classic systems, including the NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and PlayStation 1, with additional support for other systems via emulation.
Game Library
The Miyoo Mini Plus comes preloaded with a selection of classic games, and it also supports ROMs, giving you access to a vast library of retro titles. The device’s compact size makes it easy to carry around, so you can enjoy your favorite games wherever you go.
Unique Features
One of the standout features of the Miyoo Mini Plus is its compact size, which makes it one of the most portable retro gaming handhelds on the market. The device also features a built-in rechargeable battery, providing hours of gaming on a single charge.
4. Retroid Pocket 4
Design and Build Quality
The Retroid Pocket 4 is a powerful retro gaming handheld that combines modern design with classic gaming nostalgia. The device features a high-resolution display and a comfortable grip, making it easy to play for extended periods.
Performance and Compatibility
The Retroid Pocket 4 is powered by a custom ARM processor, which provides smooth performance for retro games. The device supports a wide range of classic systems, including the NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and PlayStation 1, with additional support for other systems via emulation.
Game Library
The Retroid Pocket 4 comes preloaded with a selection of classic games, and it also supports ROMs, giving you access to a vast library of retro titles. The device’s powerful hardware ensures that even the most demanding retro games run smoothly.
Unique Features
One of the standout features of the Retroid Pocket 4 is its support for Android games, giving you access to a wide range of modern titles in addition to retro games. The device also features a built-in HDMI output, allowing you to connect the handheld to your TV for a big-screen gaming experience.
5. Anbernic RG552
Design and Build Quality
The Anbernic RG552 is a premium retro gaming handheld that combines modern design with classic gaming nostalgia. The device features a high-resolution display and a comfortable grip, making it easy to play for extended periods.
Performance and Compatibility
The Anbernic RG552 is powered by a custom ARM processor, which provides smooth performance for retro games. The device supports a wide range of classic systems, including the NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and PlayStation 1, with additional support for other systems via emulation.
Game Library
The Anbernic RG552 comes preloaded with a selection of classic games, and it also supports ROMs, giving you access to a vast library of retro titles. The device’s powerful hardware ensures that even the most demanding retro games run smoothly.
Unique Features
One of the standout features of the Anbernic RG552 is its high-resolution display, which brings retro games to life with stunning clarity. The device also features a built-in HDMI output, allowing you to connect the handheld to your TV for a big-screen gaming experience.
6. PowKiddy RGB20S
Design and Build Quality
The PowKiddy RGB20S is a budget-friendly retro gaming handheld that offers great value for money. The device features a compact design and a comfortable grip, making it easy to play for extended periods.
Performance and Compatibility
The PowKiddy RGB20S is powered by a custom ARM processor, which provides smooth performance for retro games. The device supports a wide range of classic systems, including the NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and PlayStation 1, with additional support for other systems via emulation.
Game Library
The PowKiddy RGB20S comes preloaded with a selection of classic games, and it also supports ROMs, giving you access to a vast library of retro titles. The device’s compact size makes it easy to carry around, so you can enjoy your favorite games wherever you go.
Unique Features
One of the standout features of the PowKiddy RGB20S is its budget-friendly price, making it an excellent choice for gamers on a budget. The device also features a built-in rechargeable battery, providing hours of gaming on a single charge.
7. GPD XP Plus
Design and Build Quality
The GPD XP Plus is a high-end retro gaming handheld that combines modern design with classic gaming nostalgia. The device features a high-resolution display and a comfortable grip, making it easy to play for extended periods.
Performance and Compatibility
The GPD XP Plus is powered by a custom ARM processor, which provides smooth performance for retro games. The device supports a wide range of classic systems, including the NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and PlayStation 1, with additional support for other systems via emulation.
Game Library
The GPD XP Plus comes preloaded with a selection of classic games, and it also supports ROMs, giving you access to a vast library of retro titles. The device’s powerful hardware ensures that even the most demanding retro games run smoothly.
Unique Features
One of the standout features of the GPD XP Plus is its support for Android games, giving you access to a wide range of modern titles in addition to retro games. The device also features a built-in HDMI output, allowing you to connect the handheld to your TV for a big-screen gaming experience.
8. Odin Lite
Design and Build Quality
The Odin Lite is a premium retro gaming handheld that combines modern design with classic gaming nostalgia. The device features a high-resolution display and a comfortable grip, making it easy to play for extended periods.
Performance and Compatibility
The Odin Lite is powered by a custom ARM processor, which provides smooth performance for retro games. The device supports a wide range of classic systems, including the NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and PlayStation 1, with additional support for other systems via emulation.
Game Library
The Odin Lite comes preloaded with a selection of classic games, and it also supports ROMs, giving you access to a vast library of retro titles. The device’s powerful hardware ensures that even the most demanding retro games run smoothly.
Unique Features
One of the standout features of the Odin Lite is its support for Android games, giving you access to a wide range of modern titles in addition to retro games. The device also features a built-in HDMI output, allowing you to connect the handheld to your TV for a big-screen gaming experience.
9. Playdate
Design and Build Quality
The Playdate is a unique retro gaming handheld that stands out from the crowd with its quirky design and innovative features. The device features a compact design with a built-in crank, which is used as a control mechanism for certain games.
Performance and Compatibility
The Playdate is powered by a custom ARM processor, which provides smooth performance for retro games. The device supports a wide range of classic systems, including the NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and PlayStation 1, with additional support for other systems via emulation.
Game Library
The Playdate comes preloaded with a selection of classic games, and it also supports ROMs, giving you access to a vast library of retro titles. The device’s unique crank control mechanism adds a new dimension to gameplay, making it a fun and innovative way to experience retro games.
Unique Features
One of the standout features of the Playdate is its built-in crank, which is used as a control mechanism for certain games. The device also features a built-in rechargeable battery, providing hours of gaming on a single charge.
10. Steam Deck
Design and Build Quality
The Steam Deck is a powerful gaming handheld that combines modern design with classic gaming nostalgia. The device features a high-resolution display and a comfortable grip, making it easy to play for extended periods.
Performance and Compatibility
The Steam Deck is powered by a custom AMD processor, which provides smooth performance for retro games. The device supports a wide range of classic systems, including the NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and PlayStation 1, with additional support for other systems via emulation.
Game Library
The Steam Deck comes preloaded with a selection of classic games, and it also supports ROMs, giving you access to a vast library of retro titles. The device’s powerful hardware ensures that even the most demanding retro games run smoothly.
Unique Features
One of the standout features of the Steam Deck is its support for modern PC games, giving you access to a wide range of modern titles in addition to retro games. The device also features a built-in HDMI output, allowing you to connect the handheld to your TV for a big-screen gaming experience.
Conclusion
As we look ahead to 2025, the retro gaming handheld market is more vibrant and diverse than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned retro gamer or a newcomer looking to explore the classics, there’s a handheld out there for you. From the sleek and powerful Analogue Pocket to the quirky and innovative Playdate, each of these devices offers a unique way to experience the golden age of gaming.
No matter which handheld you choose, you’re sure to find hours of enjoyment reliving your favorite retro games or discovering new classics. So, whether you’re gaming on the go or enjoying a big-screen experience at home, these retro gaming handhelds are the perfect way to bring the past into the future. Happy gaming!