Best handheld on Reddit

672 reviews from r/SBCGaming, r/gaming, r/Handhelds and 27 more subreddits

672 reviews from
and
By Brand
/
By Product
#1

Steam Deck

4.5
(103)
"Very ergonomic and balanced in terms of weight distribution."
·
"Look into a Steamdeck. The touchpad might come in handy for trackball and spinner games."
·
"The first time I saw how good Gameboy Advance games looked using emudeck on my steam deck my jaw dropped."
·
"I’m playing on steam deck and could not recommend it more."
·
"Get a Steam Deck and install DuckStation and PCSX2 on it."
·
"Steam Deck is best. For around $250, a Retroid Pocket 5 is nice."
·
"Steamdeck… it does so much… its also just my PC."
·
"Steam deck, retroid pocket 4 or 5, lenovo legion Y700 tablet."
·
"If you buy the lowest-capacity LCD Steam Deck, that'll run Open MW like a dream."
·
"There’s a reason that the standard advice is to get a Steam Deck - it’s a great machine."
·
#2

Miyoo

4.6
(63)
"I have mine on onioOS 4.4 and it’s amazing!"
·
"Has the most polished OS and has a sharper 560p screen."
·
"MM is a great device to play with one hand."
·
"Miyoo Mini Plus but you have to buy the pastel buttons from Sakura Retro Mods"
·
"I would actually recommend a miyoo a30."
·
"Miyoo Mini Plus is affordable and quality."
·
"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."
·
#3

Retroid

4.5
(52)
"All the power you need in a pocketable form."
·
"Best device? Pocket Mini."
·
"Get her a Retroid Pocket 2S, if you can find one still."
·
"Retroid Pocket 5, or the Retroid Pocket Mini if you want something smaller."
·
"Retroid Pocket 5 - 220$, The Best"
·
"Retroid Pocket 5 is a good bet!"
·
"Get the Retroid Pocket 5 or Retroid Pocket Mini. Both of those work very well for PS2 and PS1 games."
·
"Either go retroid pocket 5 or one of the Odin 2 handhelds."
·
"Retroid pocket 5."
·
"Retroid pocket 5 is 5.5 amoled screen, nice quality, android 13."
·
#4

Trimui

4.4
(36)
"TrimUI Smart Pro, for sure."
·
"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."
·
#5

Powkiddy

4.3
(37)
"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."
·
#6

Anbernic

4.5
(29)
"The square 4" screen allows for vertical arcade games to get extra screen space."
·
"Rg406h is on sale on AliExpress for $150 shipped."
·
"I chose the rg406v instead of the retroid pocket 5."
·
"He appreciates the bigger screen, loved the ergonomics."
·
"I’d get him something more ergonomic with a bigger screen."
·
"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 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."
·
#7

Nintendo

4.3
(29)
"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."
·
#8

Steam

4.8
(25)
"Get a Steam Deck. Lots of games you can play offline or with minimal online connection."
·
"If your budget allows get a Steamdeck it's an all in one plus the added benefit is designed really well."
·
"Just gifted my wife an oled steam deck and for emulation is really nice."
·
"I got a Steamdeck OLED and made the switch and didn’t look back."
·
"Honestly I think the steam deck is your best bet, super easy for even the most casual and non tech savvy to use."
·
"Steam deck, easy peasy"
·
"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."
·
#9

Legion Go

4.3
(21)
"Legion go all day"
·
"I'm new to PC gaming, did a lot of research before I ended up buying a Legion Go, it's my favorite device."
·
"A phenomenal handheld device way better then steam deck imo."
·
"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."
·
#10

ROG Ally

4.3
(21)
"It's very comfortable to hold and playing 120fps with ultra settings is amazing."
·
"When i say rog ally for streaming is the best ppl downvote me, but it is."
·
"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."
·
#11

Rog

4.5
(19)
"Go ally x."
·
"Rog ally x is the goat."
·
"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."
·
#12

ROG Ally X

4.6
(17)
"Rog ally x. Has the best performance and battery life."
·
"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!"
·
#13

R36S

4.3
(14)
"If you can find a genuine R36s they are the best bang for buck."
·
"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."
·
#14

Steam Deck OLED

4.7
(10)
"I would highly suggest the steam deck OLED."
·
"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."
·
"Steamdeck OLED. Csn out both screens side by side or hotkey the screen switcher to a bsck button."
·
"Purely from a functional standpoint the Steamdeck is unreal."
·
"I love having it however I really don't play that many big name titles."
#15

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."
#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

Retroid Pocket 5

4.6
(9)
"RP5 100%"
·
"RP5"
·
"If you want Gamecube or PS2 then take a look at RP5, just save a little bit more."
·
"RP5 goes for a smidge over $200, if that’s in your price range it’s probably the best bet."
·
"The retroid pocket 5 seems really nice, I'm thinking of buying one myself."
·
"The Retroid Pocket 5 will give you the best performance while still being within your budget."
·
"The Retroid Pocket 5 and Mini both have the dpad above the stick and both are capable of playing PS2."
·
"If not anbernic: Retroid Pocket 5"
·
"Either a retroid pocket 5 or steam deck."
#18

Legion

4.1
(10)
"I literally could not love it more and would not trade/swap it for any other option."
·
"I say get the Legion Go and have fun."
·
"Look into the Legion Go or Legion Go S."
·
"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."
·
"Legion go"
·
"I would recommend the legion go due to value."
·
"Legion Go and ROG Ally/X can run CoD and Left 4 Dead."
·
"Banyak saranin legion go. Gw sndiri pake dan ga saranin legion go kalo usernya ga tech savy."
#19

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."
#20

ROG

3.8
(9)
"Yes, the ally can easily emulate most systems."
·
"ROG ally is perfect for all of those things."
·
"Those would be the ROG Ally, Legion Go, MSI Claw 7 and 8 AI+, and the handhelds shown off at CES this year"
·
"You would be fine with a ROG Ally or Legion Go too."
·
"I use the Rog Ally. I like the Ally because I can do the remote play and play all my PC games."
·
"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."
#21

RG

4.9
(7)
"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."
·
"I would recommend an RG CubeXX."
#22

Odin

4.8
(6)
"You'll want an Odin 2."
·
"The Odin 2 is the best emulation handheld I’ve owned."
·
"Any Odin 2 (not portal) is THE absolute best!!"
·
"The Odin2 is great for streaming."
·
"Best price to get that chip."
·
"Right now an Odin 2 or Mini is probably your best bet."
#23

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."
#24

TSP

4.5
(6)
"In the couple weeks I have had my TSP I have pretty much only played GBA."
·
"I play GBA on my TSP and love it."
·
"Stick with the TSP."
·
"The TSP is a budget beast for the GBA."
·
"I love GBA on the TSP."
·
"Tsp."
#25

Logitech

4.5
(6)
"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 if just streaming, you can find them used pretty cheap"
·
"Logitech G Cloud pretty affordable compared to other options"
·
"Logitech G cloud. Excellent to emulate and run pc games."
#26

Trimui Smart Pro

4.3
(6)
"I love my Trimui Smart Pro."
·
"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."
#27

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"
#28

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."
#29

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."
·
#30

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."
#31

Anbernic RG34XX

4.8
(4)
"The smart pro is amazing for GBA."
·
"RG34XX looks like the GOATed option."
·
"Rg34xx, how is that even a question?"
·
"RG34XX is you want perfect pixel GBA without borders."
#32

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."
#33

RG Cube XX

4.8
(4)
"I love the 40xxh for its larger screen which my eyes appreciate!"
·
"MuOS works perfectly on my rgcubexx so I’d recommend that for sure."
·
"It’s bright, cute, and plays lots of classics."
·
"Good screen size. It's sharp so will help with clarity."
#34

Trimui Smart

4.3
(4)
"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)."
·
"I’d argue for something cheap with a physical power switch."
·
"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."
#35

Retroid Pocket 2S

4.3
(4)
"If you want a 100% Dreamcast emulation under 100$, go with the Retroid pocket 2S."
·
"Retroid Pocket 2s is my vote."
·
"Retroid Pocket 2S was the best affordable choice for a while."
·
"The Retroid Pocket 2S can also handle some ps2."
#36

Retroid Pocket 4 Pro

4.3
(4)
"Honestly. Retroid Pocket 4 Pro."
·
"It’s now outdated but my Retroid Pocket 4 Pro does a good job at that and wasn’t very expensive either."
·
"Would one of the retroid pocket (4 pro/5) devices work?"
·
"Second hand retroid pocket 4 pro."
#37

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."
#38

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"
#39

Miyoo A30

4.7
(3)
"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."
·
"Miyoo A30 has great squishy buttons."
#40

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)."
#41

RG556

4.7
(3)
"RG556, RG406V (amazing device). RP4P, RP5, RPMini, RGCube, RG406H."
·
"I have an RG556, buy it for the screen alone."
·
"I'd go RG556, it plays PS2 (EUR) iso's very well."
#42

Nintendo Switch

4.3
(3)
"Switch is my fav."
·
"My vote is always going to be a revision 1 Nintendo Switch, running Android with the recovery exploit."
·
"I’d honestly recommend a Nintendo Switch. It’ll have a decent battery life."
#43

Datafrog

3.7
(3)
"It's super cheap around $20 or less and plays all the retro stuff."
·
"After software update that you have to do yourself and overclocking CPU you can play GBA smoothly."
·
#44

Ally

5.0
(2)
"The Ally X, Ally Extreme, and Legion Go are all great systems."
·
"If you want high performance - Ally X."
#45

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"
#46

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."
#47

RG Arc

5.0
(2)
"I’d say the RG ARC series."
·
"RG Arc will handle all these beatifully."
#48

RG Cube

3.0
(3)
"I'm really enjoying my RG Cube at the moment."
·
"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."
#49

Anbernic RG406H

4.5
(2)
"An Anbernic RG406H (or V) would be the obvious choice to get a lot of PS2/GameCube without going over your budget."
·
"If anbernic: RG406H"
#50

Odin 2

4.5
(2)
"Perfect size. Similar size to the switch lite."
·
"Odin 2."
#51

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."
#52

RG40XXH

4.0
(2)
"I recommend the RG40xxh which has a nice 4" screen."
·
"Rg40xx h, but buy it with the 128gb card."
#53

Anbernic RG Cube

4.0
(2)
"RG Cube or RG556."
·
"I’m enjoying the rg cube for ps2."
#54

Powkiddy X55

4.0
(2)
"PowKiddy X55 plays Dreamcast decently."
·
"Have a look at the Powkiddy X55. Beautiful large screen and comfortable to hold."
#55

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."
#56

RG 40XX V

4.0
(2)
"I'd also consider the RG40xxV if he preferred a vertical style device."
·
"The RG-40XXV is probably what you are looking for."
#57

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."
#58

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."
#59

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."
#60

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."

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