What is the best retro gaming console?
Short answer: there's no single "best" all-purpose console—it all depends on how you use it. Fun-Esports primarily features multi-emulator handheld consoles (Anbernic, Powkiddy, Miyoo, TrimUI, Retroid, etc.): if you want to play anywhere with the best performance-to-game library ratio, choose a recent Android/Linux handheld (e.g., Powkiddy X55/Retroid Pocket); if you want an ultra-compact and simple "pocket" device, Miyoo/TrimUI are excellent; for the best price/compatibility compromise, the Anbernic range is a safe bet. See the Handheld Consoles collection on Fun-Esports
1) Dominant categories (on Fun-Esports)
- Android/Linux handhelds (multi-emulator) offer power, a larger screen, HDMI, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, and update capabilities: e.g., Powkiddy X55, Retroid Pocket (2025 guide). See the Retroid Pocket on Fun-Esports
- Compact "pocket" handhelds (Miyoo / TrimUI / Mini) — small, very good for 8/16-bit and PS1 systems, often very affordable and easy to use. TrimUI Brick — product sheet
- Premium/more powerful consoles — aimed at gamers who also want to emulate more demanding 3D consoles. (featured in the 2025 guide). Asus ROG Ally X — product sheet
2) Essential criteria for choosing (and how to read them on Fun-Esports)
- Catalog & Compatibility — checks emulated platforms (NES/SNES/MD/PS1/N64/PSP/PS2/…). Product pages indicate which emulators have been tested. Anbernic Collections
- CPU/GPU performance — necessary if you want to emulate N64/PSP/GC/PS2; the RK3566/H700 or Snapdragon models are more capable. Anbernic RG557 — product sheet
- Screen & ergonomics — size, resolution (IPS/AMOLED), D-pad and buttons (important for faithful retro experiences). Anbernic RG35XX H — product sheet
- Battery life & heat management — for long sessions on the go (the specifications give the estimated battery life). Anbernic RG-477M — product sheet
- Features — Wi-Fi (updates, cover art), Bluetooth (controllers), HDMI (TV), expandable storage (microSD). Anbernic RG Slide — product sheet
- Budget & After-Sales Service — Fun-Esports offers entry-level to high-end ranges; see prices, delivery times, and returns on the product page. Anbernic RG406H — product page
3) Advantages / disadvantages — representative models (extracts from Fun-Esports fact sheets)
Anbernic (RGxx family — RG35/ RG34 / RG353 / RG40XX…)
Advantages: excellent value for money, high-quality finish, large community (firmware/mods), numerous variants depending on screen size and power. E.g., RG353PS, RG34XX, RG40XXH. Anbernic Collection
Disadvantages: limitations on the most demanding emulation depending on the model; you must choose the correct version (H/M/S) according to your needs. Anbernic RG405M — product sheet
Powkiddy X55
Advantages: Large screen (5.5"), RK3566 processor, open-source Linux, HDMI, good versatility for retro gaming and homebrew projects. Good performance/price ratio. Powkiddy Collection · Powkiddy X55 — product sheet
Disadvantages: average battery life (~4 hours according to specifications); more "DIYable" system (sometimes requires adjustments for emulators).
Miyoo (mini / mini plus)
Advantages: Ultra-compact, excellent 2D rendering (NES/SNES/GBA/MD) and PS1; very portable, easy to use. Miyoo Mini Plus — product sheet
Disadvantages: Not suitable for demanding 3D emulations (N64/PSP/PS2). Miyoo A30 — product sheet
TrimUI (Brick / Smart Pro)
Advantages: choice between mini pocket format (Brick) and larger screen (Smart Pro); compatible with 8/16-bit and PS1; sold with warranties and optional accessory packs. TrimUI Brick — product sheet
Disadvantages: Advanced features (streaming, PS2 emulation) are limited depending on the model.
Retroid Pocket (mentioned in the 2025 guide)
Advantages: Recent versions (e.g., Retroid Pocket 5) with Android 13, AMOLED screen, and powerful SoC (useful for emulating PS2/DC depending on the game). Ideal for those who want modern portable power. Retroid Pocket 5 — product sheet
4) Accessibility & compatibility of retro games
Installation/Games: Most of the handhelds on Fun-Esports use microSD cards to store ROMs/games and support modern frontends (RetroArch, EmulationStation). The product descriptions specify capacity and compatibility. Retroid Pocket Flip 2 — product sheet
Controllers & Raspberry Pi: Several controllers sold are compatible with PC/Steam/Android and Raspberry Pi (useful if you prefer to set up RetroPie on the Pi). Fun-Esports offers multi-platform controllers. EasySMX X20 — multi-platform controller
5) Practical advice for purchasing (on Fun-Esports)
- Choose according to the emulation target: 8/16-bit & PS1 → Miyoo / TrimUI Brick; PSP/PS2 lightweight → Anbernic H / Powkiddy X55 / Retroid Pocket 5. Retroid Pocket 4 Pro — product sheet
- Check the product specifications: CPU/GPU, RAM, screen, connectivity (HDMI), microSD card slot, battery life, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity. AYN Odin 2 — product specifications
- Purchase from the official Fun-Esports website to benefit from secure payment, tracked shipping, and our return policy (purchase information is available on the product pages). Fun-Esports Homepage
- Useful accessories: fast microSD card, carrying case, HDMI cable (if the console has a TV output), Bluetooth controller, external battery for extended gaming sessions. See accessories on the product pages. SanDisk Collection / microSD Accessories
- Software maintenance: regular backups of your microSD, keep the firmware up to date (Wi-Fi/firmware when available).
6) Where to buy (on Fun-Esports) and guarantees
All the consoles mentioned have a product page on Fun-Esports (Anbernic / Miyoo / TrimUI console collections / handheld consoles). The product pages indicate prices, variants, delivery times, and options. Purchasing from these pages gives you access to the terms and conditions (secure payment, returns). See the Handheld Consoles collection on Fun-Esports
7) Quick recommendations (based on your profile)
- Budget & nostalgia 2D / PS1: Miyoo Mini / TrimUI Brick.
- Best versatility/price ratio: Anbernic (RG35XX H / RG34XX).
- Power & screen: Powkiddy X55 or Retroid Pocket 5.
- If you want to connect to TV / living room experience: prioritize models with HDMI (check Powkiddy / Anbernic product sheet).
In short — practical verdict
If you want a single purchase without any hassle: choose an Anbernic range that fits your budget (good balance).
If you want the best portable power for modern retrogaming: Powkiddy X55 / Retroid Pocket (depending on budget).
If you want the ultra-portable "pocket" size: Miyoo / TrimUI Brick