Best handheld emulator on Reddit
232 reviews from r/SBCGaming, r/retrogaming, r/Roms and 14 more subreddits
232 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Steam Deck
4.8
(27)
"I think the best option you got would be a steamdeck"
"As others have said the steam deck is perfect for it"
"It’s pricey but the steam deck is perfect!"
"SD is arguably the best emulation machine."
"If you want one device that can play the most games for the least money, there is quite simply nothing that beats the Steamdeck."
"For purely emulation I think right now its basically Steam deck > Odin 2"
"For the one device to rule them all, OLED Steam Deck."
"If you’re only buying one device the steamdeck is unbeatable."
"Steam Deck is the best."
"Steamdeck"
#2
Anbernic
4.1
(16)
"RG35xx +, RG35xx h, Miyoo Mini + probably the most common three in this category."
"Anbernic RG35XX is best bang for your buck."
"Agreeing with the recommendations on the Trimui Smart Pro (Got one myself) and the Anbernic RG40XX H."
"Both solid horizontal devices that can play up to ps1 games with ease."
"I would say the Powkiddy V10 or the RG35XX (original)."
"Anbernic sells devices with preloaded sd cards if thats what you are looking for."
"The anbernic devices"
"Anbernic's RG35XX is currently my favorite handheld."
"It is powerful enough for the classic systems, portable, easy to setup and cute for kids."
"Something with an RK3566 chip like an Anbernic RG353P (or M) or Powkiddy X55 seems like a good entry-level device."
#3
Retroid Pocket 3+
4.7
(10)
"Retroid pocket 3 + or 4."
"Retroid pocket 3+ or 4."
"Retroid pocket 3+, 4, 4pro all great."
"Rp3+ goes for 150 and can run everything under gc really well."
"Retroid Pocket 3+ or Retroid Pocket Flip would be my recommendation."
"The Retroid Pocket 3+ and Flip are good options depending on your budget."
"The retroroid pocket 3+ can play a good selection of GameCube and PS2 titles with everything under playing super smooth."
"RP3+ is like $100. It can also do Saturn, dreamcast, DS, and some ps2/gamecube."
"Depending on how picky you are and what games you play the 3+ has a bigger/wider screen."
"Retroid Pocket 3+ right now."
#4
Powkiddy
4.0
(11)
"PowKiddy V10 - Gameboy-like vertical form factor."
"I ended up recommending the TrimUI Smart Pro and the PowKiddy RGB10x."
"Former has better D-pad, removable battery cover, and a screen more suited for full-screen GBA."
"Latter has a more generic 4:3 display at a higher resolution."
"With a focus on GBA, the PowKiddy V10 would be an obvious choice."
"Powkiddy v10 is nice for GBA and you can find it on sale on aliexpress right now for around $32."
"I would say the Powkiddy V10 or the RG35XX (original)."
"Sounds like you need Powkiddy X55, but it's Linux operating system."
"I really like the Powkiddy x55. It can play n64 with a bit of tweaking."
"If just GBA and DS, I would recommend Powkiddy X55."
#5
Odin 2
4.3
(10)
"Odin 2 handles pretty much everything atm."
"But if you want purely emulation, without ps3 or xbox, then Odin 2 reigns alone, thats the best (for me the rg556 is a better compromise)"
"Odin 2."
"Plain and simple the best device, best operating system, best flexibility, best value, and best performance to battery life ratio available imo."
"Yes, I got an Odin 2, I got a Steam Deck, Steam Deck shits all over the Odin 2."
"I use an Odin 2 Pro for everything else, but I still play DS and 3DS games on my New 3DS XL."
"Probably Odin 2."
"Currently I would say the next best thing to a OG 3ds is probably the odin 2 like others have recommended"
"Probably an Odin 2."
"The Ayn Odin 2 isn't much cheaper, but it is smaller with better battery life, so it's an option."
#6
3DS
4.9
(8)
"Someone already said it, but the answer is 'A 3DS'."
"The 3DS by a mile."
"No doubt here, a NN3DS."
"A modded 3ds is by far the best choice, you can still get an old 2ds for a decent price."
"Modded 3DS is your best bet."
"Softmod a 3DS. Relatively cheap to pick one up from Japan."
"A real 3DS can play GBA games 100% accurately."
"I'd recommend the 3DS in one of its iterations."
#7
Retroid
4.1
(9)
"I just finished twilight princess on the retroid flip today."
"Something like a retroid pocket 3+ would probably be great."
"Retroid Pocket 3+, Powkiddy X55"
"Retroid pocket 3 or 3 plus might be a good option."
"Retroid Pocket 3+ is only $150 and can run almost every GameCube game."
"The retroid pocket 3 looks like it may be a good option for you."
"I would def go retroid over anbernic."
"RP2 for N64"
"Retroid Pocket 2."
#8
Ayn
4.3
(8)
"Right now the best handheld is the ayn Odin 2."
"Idk what he recommended, but for a switch type console the Ayn Odin is phenomenal."
"If you're NOT interested in PC gaming AT ALL I'd buy the Odin 2."
"Odin 2 handles pretty much everything atm."
"For purely emulation I think right now its basically Steam deck > Odin 2."
"The AYN Odin Lite (or Pro) would be great."
"Ayn Odin is a monster and can even play PS2 games, but it's also pricey and hard to get."
"In your budget range for what you want to play, get the Odin Lite."
#9
Sony
4.0
(7)
"Get PS Vita"
"PSP"
"PSP is great for emulating GBA and really easy to mod."
"My humble recommendation would be a PSP. Easaly moddable, very good feel of buttons and a nice bright screen"
"For less than $100 a hacked PSVita."
"Quite like the PSP for this job"
"I'd drop plans to get much from N64 emulation (even modern PCs struggle with some games), and just go with a modded PSP or Vita."
#10
Miyoo
4.5
(6)
"I personally like the OG miyoo mini cause I can bring it round easier and play one handed."
"My current favorite is the Miyoo Mini Plus with OnionOS installed on it!"
"MIYOO mini v2, geez I love this thing! It got me back into Roms after being away for years."
"I'd go for Miyoo Mini + or R36S."
"If you can live without it a Miyoo Mini, 35xx or really any device from 40 bucks or so will do what you want."
"I've heard good things about the Myoo Mini working right out of the box and it's cheap."
#11
Miyoo Mini Plus
4.2
(6)
"Miyoo Mini Plus."
"There are some stores that offer a set up console such as - https://www.litnxt.com/products/litnxt-miyoo-mini-plus-portable-game-console?variant=41196307611741 - but you're paying a premium."
"Miyoo mini+ and RG35XX H Are really good"
"I like my MM+ for these."
"I like the Miyoo Mini Plus for a cheaper handheld unit."
"Miyoo mini plus has WiFi built in and isn’t as difficult to buy as the original mini."
#12
Trimui
4.2
(6)
"I actually just received the Trimui Smart Pro for 51 euros total."
"Agreeing with the recommendations on the Trimui Smart Pro (Got one myself) and the Anbernic RG40XX H."
"TrimUI Smart Pro - This one is close to $50, and close to 5" display."
"I ended up recommending the TrimUI Smart Pro and the PowKiddy RGB10x."
"Both solid horizontal devices that can play up to ps1 games with ease."
"Up from there is the trimui smart or miyoo a30."
#13
RG35XX
4.0
(6)
"Probably either the RG35XX as far as pure emulation device."
"GBA and NDS probably the RG35xx plus or H. Only reason they win out over Miyoo is a little bit more power and RTC"
"RG35XX is overall the best performance to price ratio console."
"RG35XX."
"You're probably looking at the RG35XX."
"Your best options are the rg35xx or the miyoo mini plus."
#14
Retroid Pocket 2S
4.2
(5)
"Retroid Pocket 2S it is!! Amazing device."
"With that budget I got myself a retroid pocket 2s, so I'd recommend that."
"Retroid Pocket 2S or RGB30"
"I would say Retroid Pocket 2S, it's a bit older but you get a lot for your money."
"The Retroid Pocket 2S is the cheapest, at $100 plus shipping."
#15
PSP
4.0
(5)
"PSP with custom firmware is pretty simple and effective."
"PSP or PsVita with homebrew"
"Alternatively get two homebrewed PSPs, emulates all the 16 bit platforms and also perfectly ps1."
"You should be able to get a used PSP-1000 for about $70."
"You could buy a used PSP and put custom firmware on it."
#16
Nintendo
4.5
(4)
"Get a 3ds and one of those R4 cards."
"A modded 3ds might be your best bet"
"I’m team 3DS. Method for getting games is a tad complicated, but it’s really good."
"An old nintendo DS with a supercard DSTWO may be your best bet."
#17
RGB30
4.0
(4)
"Rgb30 arguable has the best screen for up to ds."
"RGB30 or MM+."
"Rgb30 has a phenomenal screen great for both GBC and GBA."
"RGB30 or a 2ds+R4."
#18
Retroid Pocket 4 Pro
4.7
(3)
"Retroid pocket 4 pro or 5 is da move"
"The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro is probably your best option for a pocketable device."
"Retroid Pocket 4 should be enough for 3DS emulation."
#19
Asus
4.7
(3)
"Its the best atm but will set you back $900."
"Probably the ROG Ally X."
"I would go for a higher-end PC handheld (e.g. ROG Ally X, Lenovo Legion Go, etc.)."
#20
PS Vita
4.3
(3)
"PS vita for sure, you will get a much wider library of games with a Vita."
"Psvita is definitely a great choice and easy to setup."
"I like the PS Vita with cfw."
#21
Miyoo Mini
4.0
(3)
"I'd have to agree with the Miyoo Mini recommendation."
"Miyoo Mini or a PSP"
"Miyoo mini if you can get around 60usd or below"
#22
GPD
4.0
(3)
"Get a GPD XD Plus. Great Android device with good screen and speakers."
"Might want to look into a GPD XD Plus."
"You want the GPD XD."
#23
Android
3.7
(3)
"I typically suggest that if you have an android phone to use that with a telescopic controller."
"I have a gba emulator on mine."
"Your best bet might be a cheap Android device."
#24
Smartphone
4.5
(2)
"The best handheld emulator is your own smartphone/tablet."
"Depending on what you're trying to emulate, just get a smart phone."
#25
R36S
4.5
(2)
"I went for the R36S and I absolutely love it."
"Up to ps1 I can’t complain with my r36s and miyoo mini."
#26
Odin Pro
4.0
(2)
"While Steam Deck will undoubtedly perform better, and give you the best bang for your buck, the Odin Pro is no slouch at GameCube, either."
"The Steam Deck is great, but the Odin is much more portable."
#27
Retroid Pocket 4
4.0
(2)
"I have to imagine a rp4p or 02mini is the best way to play while retaining pocketability."
"I would probably go for a Retroid Pocket 4 Pro."
#28
Odin
4.0
(2)
"Odin for a little more money."
"I'd say get an Ayn Odin."
#29
sf2000
4.0
(2)
"Definitely SF2000 for being the only console with built in table co-op, just like a Switch! And it's cheap af"
"The sf2000 is a good starter device, although it needs more tinkering to set it up."
#30
Odin Lite
4.0
(2)
"Odin Lite or RP3"
"If the Odin Lite was available, that would be the easy 'get this one'."
#31
RG353V
4.0
(2)
"I got a rg353v, 12cm , has touch screen and android"
"I use a Rg353v and it runs all the ds Pokémon games great."
#32
Sony Xperia Play
4.0
(2)
"A very affordable no fuss option."
"It's a phone, but it's got a proper gamepad."
#33
Retroid Pocket 5
5.0
(1)
"I’d suggest the Retroid Pocket 5 or Mini"
#34
Retroid 4 Pro
5.0
(1)
"Then retroid 4 pro."
#35
Analogue Pocket
5.0
(1)
"Analogue Pocket is the correct answer."
#36
Anbernic RG35XX Plus
5.0
(1)
"Anbernic RG35XX Plus."
#37
Miyoo Mini V2
5.0
(1)
"It appears to be one of the best hand helds while also being in that price range!"
#38
RG350
5.0
(1)
"The Rg350 is my fave though."
#39
Game Boy Advance AGS-101
5.0
(1)
"The best handheld for GBA games is the AGS-101 with an Easy Flash IV."
#40
GPD WIN
5.0
(1)
"It runs windows it has the best support for emulators."
#41
A30
5.0
(1)
"I would recommend the A30! With Spruce 3.0 it is really goood."
#42
Super Console X Pro
5.0
(1)
"Get the Super Console X Pro, I can attest that its awesome. 50,000 pre-installed roms from over 50 emulators"
#43
Retroid Pocket Mini
4.0
(1)
"Retroid pocket mini or anbernic rg406h probably"
#44
Anbernic RG 406v
4.0
(1)
"The RG 406v... it's not *TINY* but for gamecube, almost no devices are"
#45
Trimui Smart Pro
4.0
(1)
"I kinda like the Trimui smart pro and they are releasing what looks like a solid vertical handheld called the Trimui Brick soon."
#46
M17
4.0
(1)
"I would suggest the M17 handheld for kids."
#47
ROG Ally X
4.0
(1)
"The truest answer is 'No' because the ROG Ally X's extra power means that it can emulate Xbox, Xbox 360, and PS3."
#48
RG35XX Plus
4.0
(1)
"RG35XX Plus is good."
#49
AYN Odin 2
4.0
(1)
"A base AYN Odin 2 for an upscaled experience."
#50
Switch
4.0
(1)
"A hacked switch lite, runs GBA and DS very well."
#51
Retroid Pocket 2 Plus
4.0
(1)
"Retroid pocket 2 plus on sale for 90 on amazon."
#52
Anbernic RG35XX
4.0
(1)
"These are my two favorites. Be warned, FunKey is particularly tiny."
#53
Anbernic RG353VS
4.0
(1)
"Rg353vs, rg351p, rg351v, rgb10, rgb20s."
#54
Retroid Pocket
4.0
(1)
"Personally, I picked up a retroid pocket for like $50 and I like it for ps1 and n64 games :)"
#55
Retroid Pocket 2+
4.0
(1)
"I suggest getting a Retroid Pocket 2+,3, or 3+."
#56
Anbernic RG353V
4.0
(1)
"I love my anbernic 353v for classic gameboy and I have a retroid Pocket 3 for more advanced systems."
#57
Anbernic RG351V
4.0
(1)
"I would recommend Anbernic’s RG351V."
#58
Anbernic RG351P
4.0
(1)
"For now, the Anbernic RG351P or V and the Powkiddy RGB10 Max are good bets for around $100."
#59
Pocket Go
4.0
(1)
"I really like the pocket go (aka the first playgo, the smaller one without an analog stick)."
#60
Odroid Go
4.0
(1)
"I’m liking it a lot."
#61
PSP 2000
4.0
(1)
"A PSP 2000 has pretty much everything up to PS1 and N64."
#62
Nvidia Shield Portable
4.0
(1)
"The GPD XD is more portable, but less powerful."
#63
GPD Q9
4.0
(1)
"I haven't been disappointed with the GPD Q9."
#64
PSP Phat
4.0
(1)
"Best thin I ever did with it."
#65
Apple iPhone/iPod Touch
4.0
(1)
"The iPhone and iPod touch have some pretty great emulators."
#66
Cube
4.0
(1)
"Cube XX is my rec for a horizontal but it’s a bit more than $50."
#67
KToyoung
4.0
(1)
"My kid picked up this one for $40 and it works just fine."
#68
RP2+
4.0
(1)
"Get the RP2+. Best power vs price handheld emulator."
#69
rs-97
4.0
(1)
"Check out the rs-97 and rg300 devices."
#70
RG Cube
4.0
(1)
"If you’re wanting to do GameCube and below you’re probably better off with an RG Cube."
#71
Asus Rog Ally X1 Extreme
4.0
(1)
"Rog Ally X1 Extreme R15k (2TB version) is much cheaper than Steamdeck."
#72
GCloud
4.0
(1)
"GCloud for sure."
#73
Retroid Pocket Series
4.0
(1)
"I like the retroid pocket series."
#74
GameSir Controller
4.0
(1)
"If you want really good N64 and Dreamcast performance, try setting up an old Android phone with a GameSir controller."
#75
AYN
3.0
(1)
"I mean that AYN flip maybe but it is ghoulish overkill for 3ds."
#76
RG503
3.0
(1)
"I've got a RG503 - the one with the OLED screen."
#77
Pap Kii Plus
3.0
(1)
"The case is kinda cheap and it has a hard time with snes games featuring the super fx chip."
#78
GPD XD
3.0
(1)
"The least performant option, but a quality Android handheld capable of emulating *most* psp games."
#79
Game Boy Micro
3.0
(1)
"It's not the best device for emulators, but I love playing old games on my Game Boy Micro."
#80
Odroid
3.0
(1)
"If you need top of the line I would just go with something like an Odroid or Ayn Odin."
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