Best handheld on Reddit
561 reviews from r/SBCGaming, r/gaming, r/Handhelds and 23 more subreddits
561 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Steam Deck
4.4
(88)
"The OLED Steam Deck is the best handheld I own."
"The absolute best is, of course, the Steam Deck."
"That thing will run anything in HD"
"It runs everything up to switch from what I’ve heard."
"By far the most user friendly and can play a wider variety of games, including newer titles, compared to Android handhelds."
"Steam deck is great, definitely OLED version over LCD if budget isn’t a big issue."
"Honestly I’d recommend saving up for a while and getting a refurbished steam deck."
"The OLED steam deck is the best Hardware/software integration."
"If you mean a device then a steam deck."
"Steam desk is the best in the sense that it really has a solid easy interface."
#2
Miyoo
4.6
(56)
"You can play the original FF7 on it no problem."
"Miyoo mini +, Miyoo A30, RG35XXH all great as first time devices."
"Check out the Miyoo Mini+."
"Miyoo mini plus or retroid pocket 2 plus would be perfect for most up to GBA."
"Recently I got a miyoo a30 and I love it."
"Miyoo mini PLUS"
"Just get miyoo mini plus."
"MM+ is the only way."
"Miyoo Mini Plus or one of the many Anbernic "XX" series"
"Get a Miyoo Mini Plus, an Anbernic RG35XX SP or a Retroid Pocket 2S."
#3
Trimui
4.4
(36)
"Trimui brick would be an amazing gift."
"Trimui smart pro. Get him a grip too"
"Horizontal is hands down TrimUI Smart Pro."
"Trimui smart pro. Under 40 with sale"
"Trimui smart pro"
"Trimui smart pro. easily"
"I actually just received the Trimui Smart Pro for 51 euros total."
"Agreeing with the recommendations on the Trimui Smart Pro."
"I ended up recommending the TrimUI Smart Pro and the PowKiddy RGB10x."
"The TrimUI Smart Pro doesn't involve any setup if you buy it with an SD-card already."
#4
Powkiddy
4.3
(36)
"Love my Powkiddy X55. Fairly inexpensive (got mine for $68 but can possibly find cheaper now), plays up to N64, DC and PSP and love how it feels in my big hands."
"I got a Powkiddy RGB30 earlier this year and love it."
"This handheld has a vertical form factor, so it scratches the nostalgia itch, but also has a big 4 inch hd screen."
"The powkiddy x55 is a great device that’s affordable and has a large screen."
"The Powkiddy V10 was designed SPECIFICALLY for GBA games."
"Powkiddy x55. Only around $60, and plays gba at 100%."
"Powkiddy v10. pixel perfect for gba because of the 3:2 aspect ratio screen."
"Of the ones I've owned personally, I'd give my strongest recommendation to the Powkiddy RGB30."
"You've got a couple really good options at or under $40."
"Would definitely recommend the Powkiddy V10 for GBA games."
#5
Retroid
4.4
(35)
"Retroid Pocket Mini or 5 are the best handhelds around that price."
"A retroid pocket 5 sounds perfect for fornite, it's android."
"If he likes nice things the answer is probably the Retroid Pocket 5!"
"Yep retroid pocket 4 pro for that budget all the way."
"If your willing to go a bit higher retroid pocket 5, but the 4 pro will play all the same games."
"The retroid pocket 5 is the best out there, coming in at 220 dollars"
"Retroid Pocket 2S."
"The best screen is undoubtedly going to be the Retroid Pocket Mini."
"I'd highly recommend going with Retroid Pocket."
"$200-$300: Odin 2 Base."
#6
Nintendo
4.4
(25)
"Definitely an oled switch or steam deck."
"If you want to primarily play pokemon, a 3DS is the best way to go."
"Honestly, get a 3ds and mod it."
"If you want a quality device, go for the switch or steam deck as others have suggested."
"For a kid get a switch lite or a used Switch."
"I bought it on a work trip and have enjoyed it ever since."
"Just get a 3ds and put a cfw on It Bro."
"They are ridiculously easy to put custom firmware on nowadays."
"A modded 3DS is probably one of the best picks here."
"Modded Switch sounds like the best bet."
#7
Anbernic
4.4
(22)
"By far the most comfortable retro handheld for older games I've had."
"My vote is for the Anbernic RG40XXV. I had the exact same desire as your husband to relive the nostalgia of playing the retro Pokémon games."
"It's basically just a GBA SP (form factor is identical but the Anbernic slightly thicker)."
"I have too many of these devices... Anbernic RG35xxSP."
"I have an Anbernic 40XXV that I'd be happy to just give you."
"Everyone is probably going to tell you something different, but my preferred for old school games has been the Anbernic 35xxsp."
"That's my recommended starter handheld these days."
"Best handheld made by Anbernic: anything with the T820 chip (RG556, RG Cube, RG406V)"
"You've got a couple really good options at or under $40."
"It’s Dirt cheap has amazing battery life."
#8
ROG Ally
4.2
(19)
"I enjoy my ROG ally a lot."
"Rog Ally all the way."
"I went for a Rog Ally and have had 0 issues."
"The Rog Ally."
"Amazing piece of hardware it's like having a PS4 in your hands"
"Rog Alley OG is a good option."
"But purely handheld I think Rog is awesome."
"My only factor for picking the ROG ally over the Deck was console emulation on windows."
"I'm so much happier even if the ergonomics and battery life are pretty mediocre."
"I'm much happier with the ally."
#9
Steam
4.9
(16)
"Steam deck and it’s not really close for me."
"Steam deck by far my switch hasn’t been played in 2 months"
"Either the steam deck or the switch or the legion go or the portal or the PSP or the Vita or the ROG ally or a DS"
"I own pretty much every "console" handheld ever made, and I will say that what you need is a Steamdeck."
"A Top 5 gaming purchase."
"Steamdeck absolutely. I'm still amazed at this thing."
"I use my Steam Deck more."
"Steam Deck hands down."
"Gotta be the steamdeck currently."
"Steamdeck."
#10
Legion Go
4.2
(18)
"You are best off with the Legion Go because it has the biggest screen."
"Legion GO is a lot nicer in just about every aspect."
"I love my Legion Go, and sold my Steam Deck OLED to get it."
"No regrets and don't miss the deck at all really."
"I really love it."
"Very happy with the Go now."
"My legion go has almost replaced my desktop pc."
"Just got the legion go myself and definitely enjoy it."
"Simple reason is that I play a lot of non steam games."
"Legion go is better but I keep my steamdeck around."
#11
ROG Ally X
4.6
(16)
"Ally X is the best one of the bunch."
"Rog ally x is the best by far."
"I would say the Ally X takes the cake now."
"Rog ally X better."
"As of right now ally X has double the battery life of any of the handhelds."
"Ally X would be the best one"
"Rog ally x is the most powerful of them all"
"Haven't regretted it one bit."
"I went with the Rog Ally X, and I love it!"
"The best handheld right now, in terms of specs, performance and battery life, is the Ally X."
#12
Rog
4.5
(16)
"Rog ally x is the best you can get at the moment."
"Its the best atm but will set you back $900."
"Ally X is the best pc handheld."
"ROG Ally X is the current king."
"Rog ALLY X."
"The most polished and compatible—has been the ROG Ally X."
"Rog Ally X by far."
"Ally x is great from Rog."
"ROG Ally X is your best bet. Plays all of the above and has great battery life."
"The Ally/Ally X is a better choice since it's Windows based."
#13
R36S
4.2
(13)
"Cheapest, great performance, great screen, good CFW (ArkOS): R36S."
"The R36S is the ultimate when it comes to low price handhelds."
"R36S, end of debate."
"My girl just got me the r36s for Christmas."
"100% get the R36S."
"A translucent purple R36s is about $25 on Aliexpress right now."
"It's incredibly cheap 20-30 got a Gameboy vibe and a nice little 3.5" screen."
"I would go against a lot of suggestions and say R36S."
"We gave an R36S to a neighbor kid for Christmas."
"It's really cheap and has good performance for those systems."
#14
Ally X
4.8
(9)
"I’d recommend the Ally X as it’s the best battery performer when it comes to the PC handhelds."
"Sounds like the Ally X would be a good pick for you."
"Ally X."
"The Ally X is the best one you can buy right now."
"ALLY X ! o7"
"I'd recommend the ally x it has the best battery life."
"The Ally X is the best PC handheld on the market."
"For now is the ally X."
"Ally X is the CURRENT best."
#15
RG
4.7
(9)
"Probably the best. If you're chasing PSP I'd go for the Trim UI Smart Pro."
"It comes in clamshell design, ideal for trips and will protect the screen from some damage if dropped."
"Is so convenient"
"It is great for fighting games and arcade too"
"The king of GBA for me."
"It’s literally the perfect handheld for the games OP wants to play."
"Slightly larger with sticks, the RG 40XX H."
"I would recommend an RG CubeXX."
"RG35XX Plus is a solid choice."
#16
RG35XX
4.1
(10)
"RG35XX H is my go to starter handheld for pretty much everyone."
"Rg35xx+"
"The 35xx has arrived and it was easy to change the os and add games."
"RG35XX H. Solid handheld."
"The original RG35XX on sale for $25."
"RG35XX H under $40."
"RG35XX H is awesome, plays some n64, Dreamcast."
"Rg35xx or rg40xx."
"RG35XX as far as pure emulation device."
"RG35XX: great for 8 to 16-bit and even some PSX games."
#17
Jisulife
3.9
(10)
"[jisulife life 7] no doubt!"
"I will never stop talking about the Jisulife Life 7."
"I have 4 jisulife fans of different models."
"I can vouch for Jisulife."
"This jisulife fan pa rin talaga for me."
"Vouch for jisulife, since 2021 I've been using their products."
"Jisulife (hindi turbo fan) is good."
"Jisulife pang matagalan talaga pero quality."
"In my opinion, mas okay pa rin ang jisulife."
"Wag talaga yung jisulife na mukhang headset na sinasabit sa leeg. Not worth it."
#18
Steam Deck OLED
4.8
(8)
"The Steam Deck OLED seems to be the best mixture of price, performance, and usability among all the handhelds out there."
"Performance is honestly pretty good too."
"It’s fantastic so far."
"Steam Deck is the best purchase I have made for gaming."
"Steam Deck OLED is generally all around the best handheld."
"I would say yes, specifically the Steam Deck OLED is the best."
"Purely from a functional standpoint the Steamdeck is unreal."
"I love having it however I really don't play that many big name titles."
#19
Analogue
4.8
(6)
"The analog pocket is the best possible choice."
"100 percent analogue pocket"
"Maybe the Analog Pocket, it has a screen with the exact same screen aspect ratio as the Gameboy."
"I’m gonna say Analogue Pocket…"
"Everyone will trash it but I love my Analogue pocket."
"I was estactic playing on the analogue pocket."
#20
Goojodoq
4.3
(6)
"Sobrang worth the price, i'm planning on buying another one again 😩"
"Goojodoq! Lasts me the whole day with 60% left!"
"Goojodoq! Mas malakas kaysa Jisulife."
"[Goojodoq fan] gamit namin sa office."
"Goojodoq Fan! Malakas siya kahit 40% lang."
"Di maingayyyy pero di maingay"
#21
Legion
4.2
(6)
"I literally could not love it more and would not trade/swap it for any other option."
"I play on Legion go. I'm satisfied with it, it's really good to play on it."
"Legion go if you want to mod skyrim in handheld."
"Legion go, I used one. The tablet mode is really helpful."
"I would recommend the legion go due to value."
"Legion Go and ROG Ally/X can run CoD and Left 4 Dead."
#22
Mobapad
5.0
(5)
"Most comfortable and you can customize everything."
"Another Mobapad vote!"
"Mobopad m6 hd is an absolutely incredible handheld controller."
"The mobapad m6 hd is probably the best joycon alternative right now."
"I really love it, and that is what I'm recommending."
#23
Iwata
4.0
(6)
"Nabili ko itong iwata 1 week ago para magamit sa cemetery."
"Go Iwata Mini Fan."
"Iwata, malakas ang hangin, not so noisy."
"I got the iwata handheld fan and malakas sya."
"Iwata tapos may powerbank pa."
#24
Logitech
4.6
(5)
"Great device. Price is finally coming down."
"100% the Logitech gcloud. It’s thin, has a wicked battery."
"If u want to stream look no further than the Logitech g cloud."
"Logitech G Cloud pretty affordable compared to other options"
"Logitech G cloud. Excellent to emulate and run pc games."
#25
Trimui Smart Pro
4.2
(5)
"Also going to vouch for the Trimui Smart Pro both for the screen size."
"Trimui Smart Pro and Anbernic RG35XX H can both be found for around or a bit under $50."
"Get hit trimui smart pro which I believe is the best among emulator consoles."
"Trim UI Smart Pro, Anbernic RG35xxH or 40xxH, RP2S."
"TrimUI Smart Pro seems to be great for GBA."
#26
Asus
5.0
(4)
"Asus Rog ally x (bigger battery, more memory)."
"Hands down id go for the Asus ROG ally x."
"For me Asus Rog Ally X is the best handheld right now."
"Asus Rog Ally X."
#27
Ayn
4.8
(4)
"Odin 2. I can't recommend it enough, you will be able to play ps2 with HD textures at high resolutions."
"The absolute best has to be the Odin 2 and its Pro versions running on a snapdragon 8 gen 2 chip."
"Best handheld in general: Ayn Odin 2 or Steam Deck"
"The AYN Odin 2 is a pretty powerful handheld with a better battery life."
#28
RP
4.0
(4)
"RP mini certainly the best but definitely not cheapest."
"I’d say RP mini."
"I'd get the RP Mini."
"The rpmini methinks."
#29
ROG
3.5
(4)
"The Ally/Ally X is a better choice since it's Windows based."
"ROG Ally is a good alternative."
"The best thing about the device is Windows. The worst thing about the device is Windows."
"The ROG Ally has far better performance than the Steam Deck."
#30
Odin
4.7
(3)
"The Odin2 is great for streaming."
"Best price to get that chip."
"Right now an Odin 2 or Mini is probably your best bet."
#31
Gamesir
4.7
(3)
"Gamesir g8 + (with Bluetooth) and a foldable smartphone."
"I LOVE my gamesir g8+ with my y700 tablet."
"I'd say the Gamesir G8+ (Bluetooth version)."
#32
Miyoo Mini +
4.7
(3)
"Personally I’d just pickup a miyoo mini+ for like $45."
"Miyoo mini + has rtc for playing pokemon."
"Could be the Retroid pocket 5 Mini or it could be a Miyoo Mini + or even a 3DS"
#33
Trimui Smart
4.3
(3)
"Purchase TrimUI Smart (non-Pro) and micro SD card (16GB is plenty; more is fine, small SD cards can be hard to find these days)."
"TrimUI Smart (the small one not the Pro) with MinUI on it. It's small, simple and the build is a lot more solid than most handhelds."
"TrimUI Smart (the small one not the Pro) with MinUI on it."
#34
Razer
4.0
(3)
"I like the Razer Kishi."
"There’s a certified refurbished Razer Edge on EBay for $200."
"Razer edge while it stays 200, even the 6gb version can play up to PS2."
#35
Ally
5.0
(2)
"The Ally X, Ally Extreme, and Legion Go are all great systems."
"If you want high performance - Ally X."
#36
Yaesu
5.0
(2)
"I've had mine for 8 years. Used it a lot camping, shooting, hunting, kayaking."
"Rugged as hell, waterproof and you can run it off AA batteries if you need to."
#37
Miyoo A30
5.0
(2)
"My 8 year old loves his Miyoo A30. It's the perfect size for their hands and has a simple UI."
"My 8 year old loves his Miyoo A30."
#38
PSP
5.0
(2)
"Had so much fun with my PSP that I bought second-hand from my best friend."
"My favourite was the first psp in 2006"
#39
A30
4.5
(2)
"I can't recommend the A30 enough."
"I would recommend the A30!"
#40
RG556
4.5
(2)
"I have an RG556, buy it for the screen alone."
"I'd go RG556, it plays PS2 (EUR) iso's very well."
#41
RGB30
4.5
(2)
"The RGB30 is the best handheld for Pokemon bar none."
"Rgb30 or that cube thing."
#42
Nintendo Switch
4.5
(2)
"Switch is my fav."
"I’d honestly recommend a Nintendo Switch. It’ll have a decent battery life."
#43
RG40XX
4.0
(2)
"RG40XX or RG40XXV for a horizontal and vertical option respectively."
"RG40XX is probably the best imo. Bigger screen is nice and ergonomics look good."
#44
X55
4.0
(2)
"X55 - $48~ can do gba and gb perfect."
"X55 is a pretty killer deal under $100."
#45
RG405M
4.0
(2)
"I'm having a blast playing N64 on the RG405M."
"My first device was the RG405M, I liked how it was metal and had the analog on top."
#46
Retroid Pocket 5 Mini
4.0
(2)
"I would say the best go to well rounded emulator on the market is the retroid pocket."
"Depends on what you want out of a smaller handheld."
#47
Anbernic RG Cube
4.0
(2)
"RG Cube or RG556."
"I’m enjoying the rg cube for ps2."
#48
Anbernic RG351P
4.0
(2)
"I love my rg351p with a perfect ratio."
"Too bad anbernic doesn't lower the price on the 351p cuz I think that's the best handheld for gba."
#49
RG40XXH
4.0
(2)
"I recommend the RG40xxh which has a nice 4" screen."
"Rg40xx h, but buy it with the 128gb card."
#50
RP4P
3.5
(2)
"The RP4P was 139 USD last week before taxes."
"You said cheapest that would def be RP4P make sure it's the PRO."
#51
Baofeng
3.5
(2)
"I have tested them and they are able to make contacts on repeaters in my area."
"Low cost, could possibly be used in an emergency situation for multiple radio services."
#52
GPD Win 4
3.5
(2)
"Personally, I went with a GPD Win 4."
"GPD Win 4 is a bit fragile. But it's super small."
#53
Datafrog
3.0
(2)
"After software update that you have to do yourself and overclocking CPU you can play GBA smoothly."
#54
Data Frog
3.0
(2)
"Right now I think your only option is the Data Frog SF2000."
"Data frog sf2000. You can get 2 for that price."
#55
RG Cube
2.5
(2)
"The next smallest devices capable of GameCube are the RG Cube followed by the RG406V."
"RgCube and Rg556 is imho dogshit for emulating ps2 racing games."
#56
FunnyPlaying
4.0
(1)
"It's very like a gameboy and you can put in the actual pokemon carts."
#57
Rocky Talkie
4.0
(1)
"Easy for her to operate, wasn't too complex, and therefore not intimidating."
#58
G Cloud
4.0
(1)
"I have the g cloud and absolutely love it."
#59
OneXFly
4.0
(1)
"The most powerful of all (although battery life is AWFUL apparently, whereas Ally X's battery life is very impressive)"
#60
POWKIDDY
4.0
(1)
"Cheapest option is POWKIDDY v10."
#61
RG35XX-H
4.0
(1)
"I love my RG35XX-H for PS1 down."
#62
Radioddity
4.0
(1)
"Inexpensive, nicely made, gets excellent tech support from Radioddity."
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