10 Best Retro Handhelds Of 2022

[@craigsmart1986]

Still waiting for one that runs all PS2 games flawlessly

[@ca9inec0mic58]

Odin Pro, Razer Edge, Pimax Portal

[@fresurt13]

Steam deck, odin pro, ayn loki, pimax portal

[@orangorill]

Probably meant a non-huge handheld that plays PS2 games flawlessly. I am too; 5" is the largest I'd want to go. Has to be pocketable. RP4?

[@fresurt13]

@@orangorill we have too wait, but for the moment odin pro is my way to go

[@LogosGaming]

Mipad pro 5

[@Atrus999]

I'm not a huge portable gamer (I don't even play games on my phone) but my experience with the Miyoo Mini has been great. You can take it out of your pocket quickly and get into a game within seconds so I'm using it every chance I get. Like you said in the video, I didn't know I needed it until I got one. It's a device I'd recommend to everyone who is the least bit interested in portable gaming.

[@STR82DVD]

I can do the same thing with my Funkey S, easily taken anywhere and used literally anywhere. Enjoy your unit.

[@tynao2029]

already obsolete Anbernic is better

[@STR82DVD]

@@tynao2029 LMAO. Anbernic hasn't done a decent design in 12 months. WTF are you on about lad?!?

[@tynao2029]

@@STR82DVD pay attention

[@Aevilbeast]

@@tynao2029 Why are you being so unnecessarily aggressive? It's not a contest...and no one compared them or even mentioned Anbernic, for that matter. So why did you feel so compelled to make such a comment? I never understand why people get so crazy over things like this. It's like those people who constantly argue what console is "better", even though it's 100% completely subjective. There's simply no need to act like that, it comes off incredibly cringe-worthy and immature. If you really want to let your opinion known, there are far better ways of doing so without coming across so argumentative and aggressive.

[@strangeloveofnevada]

I'm so glad i discovered this channel earlier this year. It introduced me to a world of handheld retro gaming i never knew existed. Because i was never into emulation, i never knew how to do it.

[@pfroo40]

My Miyoo Mini also has logged the most playtime this year. The only real flaw I think it has is how fragile it is, but I keep mine in a leather case that is in my pocket whenever I'm not playing on it, and it has survived everything including my kids jumping on my lap with no issues. But it does need that case. The rest of the drawbacks, like ergonomics and back buttons, are only because of the small size, so I see them as an unavoidable aspect outweighed by the extreme portability.

[@jude_cambridge]

The Miyoo mini is the best purchase I ever made; everything higher than ps1 I can emulate on my phone!!! Thanks for a great video as always 😁

[@Zemtex47]

I recently found this channel after a friend of mine started talking about handheld gaming. It is incredible the preformance we have had in the last 5 years for processors. The tech dreams are starting to come true that we always wanted 20 years ago.

[@craigsmart1986]

Would be cool to see you do a top 10 games you've enjoyed playing on your retro handhelds this year. Or maybe ever.

[@RetroDodo]

Good idea.

[@Charsept]

I love seeing the Miyoo Mini topping all these yearly ranking lists. It's not the best handheld, but in its niche use-case, it's hard to beat. 😁

[@RetroDodo]

Totally agree

[@AJDOLDCHANNELARCHIVE]

@Vectpoli If you want something that can neatly fit in your coat or trouser pocket and you only want to play PS1 and below then absolutely if you can get it for its normal price of ~$60/£50/EUR. The screen is great and if you install Onion OS the quick restore function is so convenient if you just want to turn it off with auto-save and then get right back into the same part of the game just by pressing the power button again. Just a couple of seconds each end instead of turning it on then navigating menus each time etc...

[@tynao2029]

and already obsolete from the Anbernic 35xx

[@TheCoolDave]

If you want to play up to PS1 games with Onion installed, it really is un-beatable. Don't know of any other device like this with Onion installed...

[@zau64]

I love mine. Not a huge fan of the shoulder buttons, but it works for most games I want to play. Currently playing Lunar 2 on mine. It's a game that feels right at home on handhelds.

[@smallpaul2923]

Retro gaming is all about nostalgia for me. It is about taking me back in time when there were no worries in my life. I wouldn't class myself as a serious gamer. I have never played, let alone owned anything beyond ps2. I bought the miyoo mini and absolutely love it!!! Can you imagine saying to teenage me that 30 years in the future, you could play the entire mega drive collection on something the size of a pack of cards?? Oh and nes, snes, master system, arcade, gameboy....... etc. Just writing this makes me laugh out loud as it is literally crazy!!!!!! To just be able to play the entire collection of one system would make it an absolute bargain at £55! Thanks Brandon for your channel. Yours were the first KZbin videos I watched on these retro systems. All the best to you and your family mate!!!👍😀

[@acarajeh]

Thanks for all your handheld video reviews, Brandon. You are one of the main influencers in the community, and your honest reviews and impressions are greatly appreciated. Your book is a gem to be cherished for years to come. Merry Xmas to you and your team!

[@RetroDodo]

I appreciate that! Thanks so much. ❤️

[@AJDOLDCHANNELARCHIVE]

The Retroid Pocket 3+ would be my winner for the perfect combination of; price - performance - screen - and controls/ergonomics.

[@AJDOLDCHANNELARCHIVE]

The Miyoo Mini was a great tool when I was working as a "Courier Captain" for Just Eat UK last year up until September of this year. The perfect thing to whip out of your coat pocket when waiting around for an order with the sleep mode and quick restore functions (at least on Onion OS). Tekken 3 and Ridge Racer 4 looked amazing on that little IPS panel. Definitely the best device under $/£100 and the best mini handheld as someone who also has a 280v (now relegated to GBA/Pokemon games) - the only drawback being the apparent fragility of the screen if dropped, thankfully I'm not that clumsy :P Cheers and have a lovely Christmas mate!

[@salitz91]

I LOVE my Miyoo Mini for commuting, and my RP3+ for pretty much everything else. It really is incredible for even some PS2 with tweaks, Android gaming, and streaming from my PC while in bed. I understand the frustration about the rollout time, but you cannot deny the great price/performance and great experience. I dream of a Steam Deck - maybe someday.

[@yrvinclaveria4151]

Honest question: if you have the RP3+, why bother getting the miyoo as well?

[@Aaron-lr1di]

@@yrvinclaveria4151 I guess the Miyoo is more portable

[@salitz91]

@Yrvin Claveria it's so easy to keep in my pants pocket on the metro. I only use it for GB/GBA and 16 bit consoles really, on my commute. Plus with the Onion firmware, when you need to change trains or jump off, the power button auto saves so it's extremely pick-up-and-play. The RP3+ Does everything else I want it to! The Retroid is definitely portable for travel and things, but the Miyoo is just perfect for pocket gaming on the go, no hassle.

[@yrvinclaveria4151]

@@salitz91 thanks 🙏 already got the Mini and trying to justify purchasing the other

[@salitz91]

@Yrvin Claveria oh yeah man. That mini is so great for what it does. But for PS1 and above, RP3+ is perfect. You can play PS1, N64 and Dreamcast in widescreen and higher resolution, arcade games at high resolution, and the huge Android gaming library, which has some games from the Switch but at lower price. Last, the local wifi streaming from Steam or consoles is pretty solid. I was playing Destiny 2 and the Witcher in bed this week, from my PC in the basement. Gamecube and PS2 is just the bonus, with some tweaking.

[@technofou]

Thanks mate! Keep up the great video and merry Christmas to you too!

[@RetroDodo]

Thanks, you too!

[@SailorMercury6449]

Thanks for your hard work Brandon! Appreciate it. Your book sits on my coffee table and brings me joy.

[@RetroDodo]

My pleasure and thanks for buying a copy!

[@3lldot]

Merry Christmas! cheers! (Oh also that book is phenominal, amazing work).

[@RetroDodo]

Thank you!

[@jonatanrodriguez3508]

"as my girlfriend says..." ahaha. thought the rg280v would make an appearance. great video mate!

[@PlaydateCentral]

Playdate for the win 🙌

[@blackjesus476]

Thank you retro, this is a godsend. I was looking to order a handheld and I wasn’t sure which one since your other lists are a bit older.

[@RetroDodo]

No problem!

[@monkeyscience8527]

I have waited so long for this vid

[@RetroDodo]

Enjoy!

[@Tebsteroni]

Great list, Brandon! Your year end recaps are and best of lsts are literally my favorite part of your channel and the highlight of the season for me. I fell in love with the rg353m at first sight so I'm with you on that ranking. I would have switched the Miyoo mini and the Steam Deck personally, but overall agree with the rankings! Happy Holidays to you and yours!

[@RetroDodo]

Wow, thanks!

[@KingChristian7]

I’ve been waiting for this moment😮

[@JM7900]

Great year I'm glad I've been around to see it evolve over the last few years

[@aquagames5850]

I just ordered the Anbernic RG351P and it’ll be here tomorrow! My first higher end handheld since my other ones are just the cheap copy or knockoffs of the Switch and PSP. (Yes I know that handheld isn’t on this list so it’s kinda irrelevant but I wanted to share with the rest of the retro community)

[@Bitbatgaming]

Happy holidays Brandon and people commenting and viewing

[@alexquencholara33]

As always, great video and happy new year man !

[@alexandrypena14]

Fantastic video, very informative, and just overall a great content. Appreciate it so much buying your book! Keep up the great work!

[@MarcoKatENG]

is possible to install steam os or windows in one of these ?

[@SWPLGAMING]

Yep I would throw the Funkey into this year for sure. Say what you like about Steam D, that is an emulation BEAST . Awesome list bro, thanks for all the hard work you put into 2022, Lets see how 2023 plays out🔥

[@KrazzyKlown]

Where is the KTR1 full review?

[@stecable74]

Great comparison, thanks so much!

[@exaristotleexanthony]

This was rad. Appreciate you. 🤝

[@RetroDodo]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@erickgomez3993]

Happy holidays!! Love your channel! We’ll see what 2023 has in store for us

[@klxvdblxckhrt]

As a handheld collector player these are insane

[@SP-vl1jh]

Hopefully the next Retroid Pocket will be able to run mostly all ps2 games at full speed. And that is when I'll finally get one.

[@danielcapiz7006]

Any opinion on the RG35XX? could it dethrone the miyoo mini?

[@RetroDodo]

Ours is on the way, and very unlikely.

[@jonburgermanvideos]

Happy holidays!

[@RetroDodo]

Happy holidays!

[@Evercade_Effect]

Fantastic roundup! 🥳👍🔥

[@RetroDodo]

Thanks 👍

[@donaldrositano869]

I might be mistaken, but there's not a single model of the Ayn Odin that's $199. At minimum it's $229 before the $30 shipping.

[@imnotayoutuber8494]

Gonna have to wait till 2023 since we're closer than before to great PS2 emulation. Was close to getting RP3+

[@RealziesCuts]

GGS man. Wish I could afford even 1 🎄

[@army103]

I'd been getting by the last few years with emulators on my phone and a flash cart in my GBA, but I finally pulled the trigger and got a Retroid Pocket 3+! I couldn't be happier - it's got the size & style I wanted, and anything it can't run on its own I just stream through Steam Link or PSPlay.

[@SquirtleSteve]

Hey mate, think it'd run Xbox game pass pretty easily too?

[@army103]

@@SquirtleSteve I haven't used it for that myself, but with a decent internet connection, I don't think that would be a problem!

[@snowy3588]

hey, would LOVE to know what the menus are using in the Anbernic RG353M section in this video (timecode = 16:20), the menus , look soo slick when selecting the console type? What is this menu system firmware and how do I get it?

[@aaronwebb1548]

Maybe one of the ones on emuelec? Been a while since I set mine up, but this channel has a video on the best firmware for the anbernic, so you should find the info there.

[@denniskong7185]

Damn, that was a really good video Bro!

[@RetroDodo]

Thank you!

[@cjll3036]

Wich one you recommended for Ps1 games , sonic games , street fighter and MK trilogy. ?

[@wachuwannado9250]

Does it save your game progress? Or do you have to start from the beginning everytime you turn it off?

[@m.carballo84]

many thanks from a follower how loves the miyoo mini .. and just got one fro xmas from a friend ... thanks for all your work keep it that way !!! cheers !!!

[@RetroDodo]

Happy holidays!

[@Actio83]

How is that crank thing a retro game device?

[@NaraMakesGames]

Yo! that shell move at 16:34 was wild!

[@SCOTTHKR]

Where can we get a retroid pocket 3+?

[@Dopebenedict]

Can confirm I ordered an Odin pro last week and it’s already in my city at the distribution centre so not long of a wait atm

[@eelobrian6727]

My book is on it's way! I consider you the most trustworthy source on handheld information.

[@RetroDodo]

Thanks so much! 😅

[@peterd7009]

Happy Holidays Brandon !!! Another Great Video !!! Odin Pro, 353M, Miyoo Mini and soon to be Christmas gift the Steam Deck are 4 of my personal favorites. The Odin Pro is the one I currently use the most but that could possibly change after 12/25.

[@RetroDodo]

Happy holidays!

[@AruKadohoho]

Can't wait to see the future comparison between the Steam Deck and the GPD Win 4, though it's more handheld than retro (and way more pricey too) ;)

[@jayyqnilla]

Which one do you recommend for DS games?

[@jjwhy321y3]

Bought the miyoo mini onion OS. The hype is real, its fantastic. Cons: turbographx games run bad (everything else, its good). If you have big or long hands, wouldn't recommend games you have to spam bumper controls (the device is very small).

[@JoeDouglas]

Thanks Brandon. Decided I'm going to finally take the dive into one of these systems in 2023 and your videos really help in deciding which to get.

[@RetroDodo]

Glad I can help Joey!

[@glennshoemake4200]

Try playing PS2 version of Need For Speed Most Wanted , even the Steam Deck has problems with frame drops when multiple cars are racing on screen and drops to mid 40s fps.

[@deanfranz]

2023 has GOT to be the year for retro handhelds. Considering how emu's like DC, PS2, and PSP are ALMOST there on current handhelds (they work, yeah, but they require tweaking), the expectation I have is that the next few gens should be able to handle them way smore smoothly. Here's hoping!

[@johnsducks9816]

The RG353M definitely wouldn't make my list, only because of the chipset. I honestly disagree with the idea you need a bigger screen to enjoy ps2 and gamecube. I really hope at some point anbernic makes a new handheld in the same shell as the rg353m but with much better graphics, and maybe even making the l2 and r2 very shallow analog triggers, that for me would be the perfect handheld.

[@ryecatcher25]

I agree with you. My biggest problem is that the 353m doesnt play all dreamcast without frame skip. Doa2 definately uses frameskip. Of course it would be amazing to play mpst gamecube and most ps2 games at full speed on it. Maybe 1 more generation.

[@DobbyDuntz]

Does the RG353M include Ps2, Xbox, or gamecube?

[@Angryeddie14]

Oh yea this the one I been waiting for 🎉

[@RetroDodo]

Wohooo!

[@terrencehill7309]

These Emulators been a big hit recently I just got into the emulators it’s nice to have all your retro games in one system

[@Cyko..]

Great list. The Miyoo Mini is just the right size and the screen looks great.

[@Lkm3274]

When is the KT R1 available??

[@limaksokim]

Such a great video, thanks for perfect summary of 2022. Things were pretty easier back in 2020 when I had anbernic 350 and was happy with it. Now I am struggling which one I should buy and have a filling that whichever I would get, the next couple of week something better will come out and I will be frustrated :D

[@johnscienceexperiments2194]

Where can I buy Funkey S?

[@hustlesnipez70]

I don’t have a pc but I want to get into n64 handheld gaming. What console would you recommend for 99% mainly 64 gaming and not having the ability to use a pc to download roms?

[@camicasi4705]

Is the anbernic rg353v a good choice ? I really like vertical handhelds if this isn't the best choice is there a better recommendation (btw I already have a miyoo mini I'm just looking for a more powerful vertical handheld)

[@dorbei]

The RG351V. It is a bit bigger than the RG353V but also has much better ergonomics and is about 30 bucks cheaper.

[@camicasi4705]

@@dorbei ok il see into it

[@8bitsamurai6]

I just love where tech is going and especially the handheld market. Its like my childhood has jumped in to modern day. What was a shady space is starting to become legit af. Love the mod and custom scene for these too. Got to grab a few of these. I wont a retro 3+ to take to work and commute but also would love a Ayn and Steam deck. Just dont know when Ayn to get with the loki coming out also.

[@Autotrope]

What's the deal with the KT-R1 why did it randomly turn up on a video from 2022 when it still doesn't appear to be available for purchase

[@twotonepostmalone2239]

I just ordered the Funkey S! Had no idea i could have a keychain size emulator!!!

[@RetroDodo]

Awesome!

[@treavy1]

I wanna see a game boy size n64 that you can put your n64 cartrages in them

[@robertvalentine1049]

Which is the best to play all pokemon games pre switch

[@SegaSnatchers]

The day we get a handheld the size of the Retroid Pocket 3 that can play all PS2 games at full speed will be a great day.

[@jaewannjoseph]

That mini one is so cool

[@1kokkerrot]

Hi there, is there much difference between the Rg351m and the rg353m?thanks

[@ChryonCat]

The out of nowhere "But as my girlfriend says it's not about the size it's about how you use it" literally had me dying 💀🤣

[@GlorifiedGameplay]

I have quite big hands, and I must say the RG35XX is better suited for me, but since they are relatively similar devices I can safely say that I agree with your n°1 on the list. There is something special playing oldies on these devices.

[@bryman31]

what theme are you running on the Miyoo?

[@Aevilbeast]

Great video! I've been looking for a list like this, as I'm interested in picking one these handhelds up, and it's great to see the best of the best that are currently availabe in one video. Personally I would love to get my hands on the KT-R1 G99, but it seems like they are sold out and won't be readily available for the foreseeable future. But I'm thinking of either the Retroid Pocket 3+ or RG353m. I'd LOVE to get my hands on a Analogue Pocket but at the price, I can't bring myself to not just get a Steam Deck instead. And I know that's like comparing apples to oranges, as they are vastly different devices that cater to different demographics, and have different use cases. In the perfect world, I'd get both a Analogue Pocket and a Steam Deck, and enjoy the best of both worlds. IMO, as someone relatively new to this whole scene (although I've been watching it on and off for a while, waiting till the devices were as capable as they are now before deciding to finally pick one up), one of the biggest downside of these awesome retro handhelds, is the availability of them. It seems unless you religiously stay up-to-date on whats coming out or constantly checking when things are back in stock, and/or are willing to make pre-order (sometimes up to a year in advance!) or join a crowdfund campaign , there's a chance you might not ever get your hands on what you want (unless your willing to pay WAY over MSRP) and by the time they are readily available, there's much better or improved model for a similar price on the way. Alas, that's just the way things work in small niche/hobbyist markets like this. Although I do have to admit it seems to be getting much better as the industry grows bigger every day.

[@thefreshtowel9815]

Careful with your Miyoo Minis! They are super delicate and the screens especially are prone to breaking. Get your screen protector and cases on em, and if it does break you can replace the screen with a BlackBerry Bold 9900 screen or contact the official aliexpress shop for a replacement.

[@chrislo2007]

lol it's funny how he ends the video with "miyoo mini is reliable and has great build quality"

[@thefreshtowel9815]

@@chrislo2007 lmao, literally why I felt I should comment. The miyoo mini subreddit is full of broken screen posts regularly haha

[@valerananitro7780]

My best is retroid pocket 2+. It’s works about 10hours with PlayStation 1 games

[@ninjason57]

I remember watching your similar video last year 2021. It helped me make my decision to buy the Anbernic RG351MP. I was not disappointed. I got the steam deck this year which really outdid all the other handhelds that came out in 2022 (I was very disappointed by the Anbernic Win600. The Ayn Odin, retroid pocket, ect were just not necessary for me since having the steam deck)

[@LolaliciousSmiley]

Best thing about the Mini is the d-pad. I modded the shoulder buttons and I love it for fighting games.

[@Panamri]

Rg353M and ps Vita 2K henkaku, what will you choose? I still can't decide..

[@STR82DVD]

Brandon, I'm thinking I'm going to be starting the New Year waiting from packages from China thanks to your list. Huge thanks lad. BTW, Right?!? The Funkey S still brings the games on-the-go like a beast while being just so damn cute.

[@RetroDodo]

Enjoy!

[@STR82DVD]

@@RetroDodo Merry Christmas Brandon lad.

[@aaryscare214]

Great list man. I have loved most of the handhelds I got this year. My top 5 I bought this year... 1. Steam Deck 2. Retroid Pocket 3+ 3. Playdate (I love this little weird thing.) 4. Evercade EXP (Cartridges!!) 5. Rg353v (I play it on my bus to work in the morning. As much as I like my Miyoo mini, the size of the rg353v is a bit better for the duration) Can't wait to see what else is coming next year!!

[@reynangan8746]

how can i order your book?

[@MrArod001]

Should the Kt-R1 be on this list if it’s actually Launching in 23’?

[@wizzel22]

The Handheldbook is not even listed for the EU/UK. Looked many times for the last 3 weeks.

[@thatgdub]

I really wanted the Miyoo Mini but the horror stories about how fragile they are mixed with the availability issues drove me instead to the RG353V.

[@Mcmerry170]

Where can I get a miyoo mini?? Out of stock every where

[@brianhernandez5125]

It annoys me when people say just 399 like thats cheap lol.

[@josephellis4968]

Anything without analogue sticks would be a deal killer for me as I wouldn't want to be so limited

[@s.m.pravin9738]

Consider getting a 3ds. The library is solid and you can't really play a lot of 3ds gems anywhere else the same way they were intended to be played as it still seems like the only way to play 3d games without glasses. Some of these games like ocarina of time and super Mario 3d land are just pure magic with the 3d turned on

[@boijedi66th]

What a great list

[@originalshurik3n]

Would any of these be able to play Nintendo switch games? Like the new animal crossings?

[@Tentakelfutter]

What do you think is the best

[@seanong83]

What was the theme used in the RG353M? Is that from the stock firmware?

[@RetroDodo]

Yeah

[@shelliedenbrok8182]

Super Mario Bros 25th anniversary do you have one

[@shelliedenbrok8182]

I am looking for a Game Boy Advance SP in pink do you know where I can find one for cheap