Retro handheld consoles: the 2026 comparison by budget
Updated on 21 July 2026
The angle of this comparison: thinking in budget brackets, from the cheapest to the very high end, so you know exactly what you get at each level before making up your mind.
The goal: find the device that covers as many retro and indie use cases as possible, without breaking the bank or sacrificing ergonomics.
Our all-rounder pick is still the Retroid Pocket 5, but 2026 has seen several machines land that shake up the hierarchy: the AYN Thor and the Retroid Pocket 6 at the high end, plus a whole wave of new Anbernic models. Let's take stock.
In a hurry? Filter all our consoles by budget, screen size and power in our comparison tool →
The four budget brackets, at a glance
- Under €100 — the essentials of 2D: entry-level pockets cover the 8- and 16-bit systems in a pocketable form factor. Perfect as a second machine or to try out retro gaming on the go.
- €100 to €200 — comfort and originality: bigger screens, better build quality, decent first-generation 3D. This is the bracket of unusual form factors, like the dual-screen Anbernic RG DS.
- €200 to €400 — the Android mid-range: the densest part of the market. Anbernic RG 477V, RG 477M, RG476H and TrimUI Smart Pro S: carefully chosen screens, Hall effect joysticks and emulation all the way up to PSP and PS2.
- Above €400 — premium with no compromise: AYN Thor and Retroid Pocket 6, with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, active cooling or a 120 Hz AMOLED panel, for the most demanding 3D emulation.
The sections below break down each tier, model by model.
Our all-rounder pick: the Retroid Pocket 5
After five years of iteration, Retroid delivers a machine that ticks almost every box: 5.5" 1080p AMOLED screen, Snapdragon 865 chip, 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB UFS 3.1, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, all in a compact, lightweight body. It is the best “daily driver” for emulation and mobile games when you are after the perfect balance of price, size and performance.
1) A screen that does retro justice
- 5.5" AMOLED (1920×1080, ~400 PPI): deep blacks, vivid colours, perfectly legible pixels in 2D as well as 3D.
- Accurate touchscreen for Android interfaces and games designed around a stylus or touch input.
2) Solid, consistent performance
- Android runs smoothly: mobile games play without a hitch.
- Emulation: flawless coverage of 8/16/32-bit systems, Dreamcast, N64, DS, PSP; PS2 and GameCube are very convincing too.
- Ultra-responsive navigation thanks to 8 GB of LPDDR4X + UFS 3.1 storage.
3) Controls and comfort
- Hall Effect sticks (durable, precise), L3/R3, analogue triggers, gyro, rumble.
- Built-in grips to limit fatigue during long sessions.
- Symmetrical stick layout: excellent for precision.
4) Connectivity & ecosystem
- Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C (data/charging, video output), headphone jack, microSD.
- Dock and hub compatible: play on a TV or an external screen, and enjoy cloud gaming (GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud) or local streaming (Moonlight/Steam Link).
5) Battery life
- 5000 mAh battery: several hours of real playtime, with heat kept under control in 2D as well as 3D for this category.
👉 Product page: Retroid Pocket 5
Above €400: the 2026 high end
AYN Thor — power in a full-size body
The big premium release of the year. The AYN Thor packs a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 8 GB of LPDDR5x RAM, a 6" Full HD IPS screen, a huge 8000 mAh battery and active cooling. Its anti-drift Hall effect joysticks and textured grip make it a machine built for long sessions. It swallows demanding 3D emulation (up to Switch and PS2), runs your Android games at maximum quality, and turns into a living-room station once hooked up to a screen through its dock. From €639, it is the choice for those who refuse any compromise on power.
👉 Product page: AYN Thor
Retroid Pocket 6 — power in a compact body
Same heart as the Thor — Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 — but in a far lighter shell (304 g) and with a superb 5.5" 1080p AMOLED screen at 120 Hz: perfect blacks and remarkable smoothness. Add 3D Hall effect joysticks, programmable back buttons, Wi-Fi 7 and a 6000 mAh battery, and you get the best power / compactness / screen compromise around right now. At €599, it is the Thor for those who put a portable form factor first.
👉 Product page: Retroid Pocket 6
From €100 to €400: the 2026 Anbernic releases
Anbernic has multiplied its releases this year, with a line-up that now covers every form factor and every budget. Here are the models that stood out to us.
Anbernic RG 477V — the premium 4:3 vertical
An old-school vertical form factor with a 4.7" HD LTPS in-cell screen in a 4:3 ratio, ideal for the original retro systems with no black bars. Under the hood, a Dimensity 8300 and Android 14 push emulation as far as PSP and PS2, with 3D Hall effect joysticks. The benchmark for anyone who wants serious performance in a nostalgic shape. From €379.
👉 Product page: Anbernic RG 477V
Anbernic RG 477M — the 4:3 metal chassis
The aluminium sister of the 477V. 4.7" 1280×960 screen in 4:3 format, premium metal chassis and Android 14. Excellent in the hand and beautifully finished for PlayStation, Sega and Nintendo emulation. The pick for those who love the weight and sturdiness of metal.
👉 Product page: Anbernic RG 477M
Anbernic RG476H — the affordable horizontal
The horizontal counterpart to the 477 series, designed for a gentler price while keeping a 4.7" screen and good all-round emulation on Android. A very good entry point for anyone who wants a taste of Anbernic's new generation without aiming for premium.
👉 Product page: Anbernic RG476H
Anbernic RG DS — the dual screen
The most original proposition in the range: a dual-screen form factor running Android 14, an obvious nod to the twin-panel handhelds. A niche choice, but a unique one in the catalogue, to rediscover the feel that only this format delivers. From €159.
👉 Product page: Anbernic RG DS
Anbernic RG VITA — the big-screen tribute
A wide form factor in the spirit of a living-room handheld, with a 5" screen designed for visual comfort and a look that evokes the classics of the genre. Running Android, it targets players who want a big screen without moving up to the premium models.
👉 Product page: Anbernic RG VITA
Small budget: the best compact value for money, TrimUI Smart Pro S
For those who want a big screen without blowing the budget, the TrimUI Smart Pro S banks on a 720p screen, Wi-Fi 6 and a generous form factor. Ideal for 2D and early 3D, it delivers a polished experience at a contained price. An excellent gateway into portable retro gaming.
👉 Product page: TrimUI Smart Pro S
Which player are you?
- The best all-rounder: Retroid Pocket 5.
- Maximum power, full-size body: AYN Thor.
- Maximum power, compact body: Retroid Pocket 6.
- The premium retro vertical: Anbernic RG 477V (screen) or RG 477M (metal).
- The oddball: Anbernic RG DS (dual screen).
- The best big-screen budget pick: TrimUI Smart Pro S.
And what about the games?
All our consoles ship as hardware: a microSD card, and you decide what goes on it. They work with the most widespread retro front ends (RetroArch, EmulationStation), which have become standards extensively documented by the community.
To play entirely legally, several official platforms exist: GOG and Steam for re-released PC classics, Antstream Arcade for licensed arcade game streaming, or Evercade for official physical compilations. Not forgetting the rich homebrew scene, free of rights. Our customer service is available for any question before or after your purchase.
Where to buy and what to read next
- 👉 All our handheld consoles: Handheld Consoles collection
- 👉 The Retroid world: Retroid Pocket collection
- 👉 The latest Anbernic releases: Anbernic collection
- 👉 Compare side by side: The Comparison Tool
Our other handheld console guides
This comparison ranks machines by budget bracket. If your starting question is a different one, our three other guides each tackle it from a specific angle:
- Mostly know which systems you want to play? Have a look at our guide to handheld consoles by use case and emulated system.
- Looking instead for a ranking by raw power? Check out our technical ranking of the most powerful handheld consoles.
- Is this your very first retro machine? Start with our beginner's guide and the questions to ask yourself before buying.
Verdict
In 2026, the choice has never been this wide. For a single purchase you cannot get wrong, the Retroid Pocket 5 remains the all-round benchmark. If you are aiming for the very high end, the AYN Thor and the Retroid Pocket 6 share the crown depending on whether you prefer a big screen or a compact body. And for those who love retro-flavoured form factors, the new Anbernic wave covers every taste. Whatever your budget, there is a machine made for you.