10 Best Retro Handhelds of 2023

Here's our favourite retro handhelds of the year, from $50 pocket friendly consoles to $199 power hungry emulators.
💰 WHERE TO BUY 💰
10. Retroid Pocket Flip: www.goretroid.com/en-gb/colle...
9. Funkey S: www.funkey-project.com/
8. PlayDate: play.date/
7. AYN Odin: www.ayntec.com/collections/od...
6. Analogue Pocket: www.analogue.co/pocket
5a. Retroid Pocket 3 Plus: www.goretroid.com/en-gb/colle...
5b. Retroid Pocket 4 & 4 Pro: t.co/utLL8XK6cB
4. Miyoo Mini: t.co/u9QeFe9hn4 or
3. ANBERNIC RG35XX Plus: retrododo.com/wp-content/uplo...
2. ANBERNIC RG405M: anbernic.com/products/rg405m?...
1. Retroid Pocket S2: www.goretroid.com/en-gb/colle...
💻 CHAPTERS 💻
00:00 Introduction
00:58 10. Retroid Pocket Flip
02:22 9. Funkey S
03:37 8. PlayDate
05:16 7. AYN Odin
06:45 6. Analogue Pocket
08:24 5. Retroid Pocket 3+
09:55 4. Miyoo Mini
11:54 3. Anbernic RG35XX Plus
13:43 2. ANBERNIC RG405M
15:21 1. Retroid Pocket 2S
🔖 Read our written article: retrododo.com/best-retro-hand...
📚 Check out our book; 'A Handheld History' on Amazon 👉 geni.us/PhDTT
📣 FOLLOW/SUPPORT US 📣
Patreon: / retrododo
Facebook: / retrododo
Instagram: / retro_dodo
Twitter: / ​​​​​​
Website: retrododo.com
This video may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to purchase an item we may earn a commission. Thank you for your support.
#retrogaming #retrohandhelds #handhelds

[@RetroDodo]

If you enjoy our content and want to support an independent publication further, we now have an official Patreon page - www.patreon.com/retrododo - Each Patron will receive benefits including a welcome kit and an invite to our yearly meet up! ❤

[@CSHummer]

No Steam Deck OLED? Best device released this year imo

[@DanaKishimoto]

I honestly like how you include handhelds from previous years. It shows that they're still good (and possibly cheaper) options despite new stuff always coming out

[@Lucifronz]

I also like that it's not price-tiered, which is nice and all but doesn't give you a good idea of what is actually better overall for the cost. #1 on this list is cheaper than some other options which are arguably more powerful, which is fair, because it offers more in its price-point than those do in theirs.

[@Tebsteroni]

Great list - so nice to see you back at Handheld Console side for a bit. I know you're doing a lot of things; very glad to see you on the Handheld beat again. :D Well done, guys.

[@32_bit_gamer]

Pow Kiddy RGB30 is my Number 1. Perfect for Vertical Arcade Shooters

[@harleyn3089]

Very well considered list. I'm surprised the Powkiddy RGB30 wasn't on there though. I didn't buy any new handhelds this year, but the RGB30 was the one I found most interesting.

[@STR82DVD]

Brilliant lad. Generally, another fantastic year end Christmas list. Thanks lad.

[@fabiobezerra9569]

Your videos are great and I've been waiting for this one for a while.... Thanks a million! ✌🏼🤓🎮

[@Robodob0]

Ive only played with Miyoo Mini Plus and Retroid Pocket 3+ and i gotta say i really like the RP3+. The downsides are the start and select placement, and the downwards, backwards firing speakers which was an odd design choice. The Miyoo Mini was just perfect at what it was designed to be, but i find it a bit too small and i game a lot, which causes some minor hand cramps, mostly my right hand.

[@KING_B00]

Saw your book in a bookstore and was immediately drawn by the cover, so I bought it! Just found your KZbin channel, excited to dive into your videos!

[@requiett]

I think the Odin 2 would have placed higher had you reviewed it. It's an incredible improvement over the original.

[@iansteelmatheson]

yeah, being able to play pretty much everything up to switch games is just nuts.

[@abigailgonzales1545]

I got someone the Odin pro 2 as a gift and couldn’t get it to work:/ every time they try to plat a game the screen is just black, I’m not exactly sure why

[@sabitahmmed114]

This was a nice watch. I want to get the rg35xx plus to get myself into retro handheld gaming, and maybe I’ll upgrade later if I can. Keep up the great content!!

[@STR82DVD]

I hope you had a great holiday young lad. I was weak Brandon, damn you. 😉👍. I had to buy the new yellow colour variant of the Funkey S. It will have a prized position next to the 16 bit and GC colour Funkeys in my collection. Bloody hell, 2023 was an unbelievable year for handhelds lad.

[@cb4j]

Love the "This is the End" Danny McBride bfast spread fly over.... lol

[@2LoudTech]

Looking forward to this 🍿.

[@dhall5661]

Would love a video like top games i played on retro handhelds this year!

[@jbanne001]

I bought the retroid pocket 3+ a month ago and love it. I used KZbin tutorials to help me toggle the settings and it runs PS2, 3ds and GameCube well...which is what I wanted. I play it damn near everyday.

[@xdaisyfallsx1678]

Yea, I love the RP3+

[@xdaisyfallsx1678]

Yea, I love the RP3+

[@olizelda]

We all know the mcnugget is gonna be #1

[@RetroDodo]

😂

[@ramy8700]

Always... No one can recreate the magic

[@camojake1005]

Spoilers

[@Muneeb100]

ever heard of Soulja boy my friend p

[@mattrockets391]

@@Muneeb100 don’t you mean, scammer boy?

[@bradenmcintire6984]

I like that you included devices from previous years. I just want to know what's currently the best even if it came out in 2022 or even 2021.

[@piplup10203854]

I am so glad the Funkey S made this list because it is one of my favorites to throw in my pocket and you're absolutely right about it. I use it for Tetris, Pokemon Pinball and Yugioh Reshef of Destruction and it is absolutely perfect at what it does, which is let me play games for upwards of a half hour or longer depending on how I am feeling and just whenever I am out and about. I think the price is a little expensive but it's pretty dang good. I got the crystal blue version and I love it! I am waiting for a Playdate 2 with a backlight screen but I want one :) I am still looking for that Goldilocks Windows handheld device. I want the ROG ally kind of performance but in an Ayn format or even something smaller like the GPD Win/PSP size so I can dock it and play my favorites and then handheld enough to play Outlaws from the 90s at a price of like 500 bucks or less if possible lol so it's gonna be a while. I love the Analogue pocket outside of the price and shipping but it will get better I am sure. But if I had my PSP, my Funkey S, an Analogue Pocket, and a windows handheld device I'd be set lol I got a Steamdeck OLED though and that's been awesome :D

[@CharlesZaiyan]

Just curious but do any of these systems come with games or do you need to get your own?

[@PatrickSomazzi-420]

Just ordered the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro for PS2 emulation, looking forward to it

[@terryvitanza28]

A flip version of this one would be perfect! I just hope it emulates PS2 perfectly. We will see with the first reviews in january I guess.

[@RetroDodo]

They will likely make a flip version with the same specs eventually.

[@ExiledRetro]

Love that you had the Playdate. Also like the disclaimer on analogue and the way they do business. But the rgb30 in place of the rp3+ would have made the list perfect. Good job though. Odin remains king.

[@user-fo4mq3kv8t]

I am currently waiting on my RP2S I can't wait

[@rsorry]

Odin 2 is the first handheld that can run switch flawlessly only limited to the software of the emulator 😞

[@OzymandiasWasRight]

Do the newer Retroids have a fast start up? I was shocked how much that mattered to me, but I NEVER touch my Retroid Pocket 2 anymore. Anbernic just starts up faster and is more comfortable to hold, so I pick it every single time. I'm wanting a newer handheld though and deciding between the Retroid 2 Plus or spend a little more for Anbernic 405.

[@findinghumorthruitall]

from what i can tell and i just got into retro handhelds this year its the Odin 2 with the snapdragon 8 gen 2 chipset.

[@Saad_Drawings]

Well I’m sold. I ordered the anberbic RG353v but I’m gonna get the RP 2S because it felt like the middle ground between the low end vertical handheld and my steam deck Emulation rig.

[@haroldtorres2710]

I got the Anbernic RG405M and I love it! Take it everywhere I wanna go. And can't really say nothing bad about buying this product especially doing what it's set up to do.

[@markoquendo675]

Getting mine tomorrow. Can’t wait.

[@haroldtorres2710]

@@markoquendo675 get a case and a grip if you haven't already? And put it in Game Mode.

[@JerichoTheCity]

I personally don't have a use case for these kinds of handhelds but it's insane how fast the market is moving and improving. I feel like it's improved 3 generations in like 15 months.

[@VeerendraMcCoon]

Thanks for the awesome video

[@PerfectMessProductions]

I can't wait to get my retroid flip

[@Diggy22]

I’d have taken the Miyoo Mini off of the list and placed the Miyoo Mini Plus on the list in its place. Better availability, larger size, great experience when OnionOS is installed, great buttons and D-pad, and reliable Wi-Fi. Hard to recommend a handheld as a gift if it’s unavailable, and thankfully, the Miyoo Mini Plus is not only available, but reasonably priced.

[@StopToBreathe]

i still think the miyoo mini is the champion of "handheld" devices since none devices have competed against it in terms of size and portability.

[@KovanNova]

For the 2S you definitely can get PS2 running good as well. You might have to tinker tho. I got God of War 2 running pretty well for the 2S

[@sesa2984]

Hi, my brother and law and sister in law just had a baby, and Christmas gifts etc. seem all to be centered around the baby. I want to get them a retro handheld that will be quality enough and entertaining enough as a sort of frivolous fun gift just for them, to use during those moments of waiting up at night or at the dr's office , and just something that's fun and doesn't remind them at all about their newfound major responsibility. If they already have a nintendo switch, is there anything in this class that makes sense to offer them something they don't already have with the switch? Thanks.

[@liquidscorpion4217]

How to connect to a monitor and put 2 more controls? Miyoo mini plus?

[@oswaldocerdan]

I'm glad I ordered the XX+ last week, I believe it has a lot of potential even with the stock OS! Let's hope for an even better custom OS too :)

[@flaurehn]

4:21 Mom says is my turn to play the PlayDate

[@vidurprashanth1814]

Wonderfull List, surprised the Anbernic RG353VS or Rg353ps wasn't here though

[@a1gunworks392]

Wii U on Odin? How do I get that emulator? Or what’s it called?

[@Promikes]

What is your favorite rg35xx plus color? Black or Reto grey?

[@hjshoon5244]

I’ve got the black and it looks nice

[@Jona424than]

Which of these already come with the roms installed

[@robertpeacock894]

If these devices emulate DS well I’d love for a dual screen device. It can play other consoles on one screen, but would make DS games perfection!

[@davidnicholson6680]

I know the RG353m is a year old at this point, but the build quality, the out-of-the-box functionality, the controls and the form factor make it worth considering. If you're new to this hobby like I am and you just want something to take out of the box and start playing, look no further.

[@Not31337]

I'm getting the Trimui Smart Pro now, and the Rg35xx Plus very soon.

[@Not31337]

I'm getting the SF2000 for the kiddos to start out with.

[@RetroDodo]

Great choices!

[@lilstewy5091]

If I wanna play cod mobile which of these devices would be best to get?

[@WhatInTheActual]

What is the racing game at 14:19 ?? Thanks in advance

[@mateus69459]

Waiting for this

[@joemayne2265]

Have to agree on 405m. I really wish the metal trend would come back because honestly compared to the 405m, everything feels like a toy. But I’ve tried and really liked the Flip as well and won’t fault anyone for going that direction. 3.5” screens just don’t do it for me anymore. Just a bit too small for my eyes now. FML…

[@retroman--]

I will love my RG353ps when Batocera 39 releases for it which is under way. Anbernics stolen batoceras code and uses an old version which is also buggy but workable if you remember how to add favorite games for example. Next handheld will be a windows devices

[@NinjaSushi2]

How have you not reviewed the Odin 2 yet?

[@konkavsty]

Retroid Pocket 4 will likely run Dreamcast and Gamecube flawlessly? The 3+ can run more or less the entire library of Dreamcast games, most Gamecube games and a bunch of PS2, 3DS and even some Switch titles if one just put some time and effort in the setup. You don't even have to dwelve to far. Using the right version of Dolphin and changing three settings the 3+ can easily manage F-Zero GX, Metroid Prime 1 and Eternal Darkness. I wish that more Retro/Emulation channels would go into detail a bit more on how much of a potential some of these devices have if one would just dare to mess around and don't expect everything to be "plug and play". Half of the fun is to experiment, and most people who buy these devices don't even know that you should always use updated emulators. The Retroid Discord have already done benchmarks and the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro (double the RAM of the base 4 model), will be more than enough to run all of the Gamecube, PS2 and 3DS library upscaled. Also a whole lot of 2D/Indie Switch titles without any issues.

[@alexbunbury7618]

What handheld would be able to handle 1tb

[@seanms35]

The new Retroid Pocket 4 (non-Pro) will replace the original AYN Odin. Can preorder now.

[@dark2deeds]

my favourite handheld is the arc s iam loving playing sega games on that thing the dpad is so good

[@feepants4495]

i love how the tetris nugget is in the thumbnail

[@spencerheaton3332]

I just want to play Mario Kart from N64. Any handheld suggestions?

[@8bitnation419]

Surprised to not see the officially licensed HyperMegatech handheld, which supports Evercade carts. that Sega Saturn 6 button handheld looking thing..found the name RG Arc. But out all of the emulator specific stuff. A phone or the Odin makes the most sense, beyond that it’s the Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go. All of the other Wish/Temu emulator stuff is underpowered and can barely handle the PSP let alone the PS2. The Analogue Pocket with Open FPGA and the Playdate are awesome simply for them for being higher quality products and not being like the rest of these emulators. But my favourite is original hardware, nothing beats the original PSP, 3DS, GBA, Vita etc.

[@poozwonger]

Quite surprised to not see any Blaze Entertainment stuff on here...

[@curtissscraig]

Wii U on the Odin?

[@eazyste100]

The Odin is definitely the device to go for but I do feel at 199 this provides decent value for someone perhaps not totally committed to spending 300. I get the ergonomics of the 3 have never been great but I honestly loved my 3 while I had it. The Odin 2 just blows everything away however which prompted me to sell the 3+

[@marcwilliams9824]

Interesting you say "decent value at 199" and also "not totally committed to spending 300". I wonder how you would feel if you thought about 200 and 299?

[@ottosantiagolassus]

currently waiting for my Arc-D😊

[@abigailgonzales1545]

Do these handhelds with built in games have to be on WiFi to work? I’m trying to get someone who’s going on deployment soon

[@RetroDodo]

No, they don't require an internet connection once the games are on there. The only potential issue you might encounter is that not every device will come pre-loaded with games, so you might have to do a bit of manual setting up or do a bit of research into the particular device you're thinking of getting to see if it usually has them included.

[@abigailgonzales1545]

@@RetroDodo thank you! I'm having a hard time trying to choose between a handheld. I was thinking the Anbernic RG405M or the Anbernic RG35xx plus. I'm really not sure what he's looking for, I really don't know anything about this stuff. I originally got him the ODIN pro 2 because that's what he wanted, but every time he tried to play a game it only shows a black screen and he leaves next month and doesn't have the time to figure out what went wrong so he just wanted to return it, but I do want to him to have something with games already preloaded, reliable, and convenient. Which would you recommend?

[@MinisterGold]

I had the retroid pocket flip. I hated it. Loved the clam shell design, screen was nice, but the battery life was like 2 hrs. 3 hrs on standby. Anbernic in comparison... Like RG35XX Plus or RG353V lasts way longer. Plus' screen isn't the greatest but 353Vs is much better. Also, cheaper than the flip.

[@LuarMonae]

What about the R36s ?

[@jessragan6714]

What, no Data Frog SF2000? (gets kicked in the nads and is immediately dragged off stage)

[@Purple_VK18]

And coming in at no. 1, the mcnugget!

[@bm63]

Sent my 405M back after 2 days. Its chugging android system is a nightmare and that’s without even putting Daijisho on it. I’ll stick to my 353V, no I don’t use the android on this either, I’m running Jelos.

[@michaelmcclintick9541]

The link for rg35XX is broken

[@matti550]

Why is the the DS infamous?

[@arturkubiak5835]

The biggest disadvantage of the Anbernic RG405m is the poor quality of the L and R buttons and the peeling screen

[@mattvarney3452]

The West country's own Johnah Hill has a new cardigan...

[@mylifematter]

LOL RG ARC was in the thumbnail but doesn't make the list. It was the last handheld I've bought in 2023.

[@nathanhargenrader645]

Odin 2 is the true best one this year but what ya gonna do?

[@LovelyAlanna]

I really like the Retroid Flip, and I've seen i can even do a little bit of gamecube (namely Mario Party 6) I just haven't decided to pull the trigger yet, it's an important expense and I've been so into the switch lately that I haven't even touched the RG35xx in a long time either

[@Bubba12]

What's your favorite retro emulater of all time

[@LM-en4hz]

I think reviewing the miyoo mini without the Onion OS is a bit unfair, and I would say the specs are much better than most handhelds more expensive than it. Didnt even discuss the Mini Plus wifi capabilities.

[@foilhat]

And Anbernic 35XX H released. lol

[@xelemorf]

R36S was missed from the list

[@Nodm8]

I love how spoiled we are these days for retro handhelds. I do prefer my new 3ds tho for what I play.

[@clr1989]

R36S, of course

[@brendanarmstrong7802]

It's been years, and yet they still haven't added dual hall-effect joysticks to the funkey-s, despite everyone clamoring for them. For shame.

[@FantasyVisuals]

My Ayn Odin including import taxes cost 450 UK pounds. Dont know where you got your under 200 from

[@spizarelli]

No RGB30 love 😢

[@jakobymaster]

Game at 14:20?

[@pspsmallz]

Odin 2 would have probably been number 1 or 2 if you had checked it out. Huge improvement over the first odin and easilythe best emulation handheld out currently.

[@schorleschorschoise]

A bit late to the party, bur my highlight of the year def. is the GPD XD+ I grabbed for insane 10 bucks.

[@MrDiMaggio5]

I love listening to handheld reviews and reviewers say "it's heavy" or "it's hard to press". Add pushups to your 2024 to-do list....

[@armandogavilan1815]

Wide handhelds are best I hate to stick my hands together so much

[@dira5787]

RG405m > Retroid Pocket 2s, worth the extra. That 4" screen, premium AF feel and the size/form factor, SUPERB

[@SuperMarioEX]

The only correct answer for number 1 is Odin 2 making this entire list obsolete.

[@nickmorgs]

Strange top ten. No Odin 2. No RGB30. No MM+ (although including MM). No Ayaneo. Not exactly finger on the pulse.

[@NorthGameGod]

and no Deck Oled.

[@Golden_Deus]

For a top 10 list, it surely misses a lot of hidden gems and such on it, along with odd choices. Using the Mini over the Mini+, no mention of the RGB30 or Odin 2 like you said, adding the Analogue Pocket when other devices were more fitting for this list this year, and no mention of the R35, R36, Ayaneo Pocket Air, or anything along those lines at all

[@miravi5547]

Он бы тупо перечислил все консоли за год

[@blakestrother5122]

Felt the same way. So many handhelds name weren’t even late 2022 lol. I’d get rid of those. I’d also put the rg35xx over the plus version. The community support on it was crazy in 2023 and it came out one December 2022. I’d also add the ayn Odin 2 and the anbernjc arc-d to the list. One can play literally everything possible on Android regardless if one received a review unit and the other finally broke the mold away from Nintendo inspired handheld design. Steam OLED also innovated enough to be on here.

[@nickmorgs]

@@blakestrother5122 I can almost forgive not including the OLED Deck on this channel's list as it's not necessarily a retro focused handheld. You're spot on about the RG35XX and the Arc-D definitely deserves a mention

[@gusonian8637]

PSA: the AYN Odin is great, but the Retroid Pocket 4 and Pro are coming out soon, both should be about as powerful or decently more powerful than the first Odin (base model is $50 cheaper and the same performance, Pro model should be 20-40% faster than the Odin 1 Pro and the same price). It’s worth waiting around to see how it turns out. Also, the Analogue Pocket original has gone back into stock and has stayed available for several days so it seems pretty secure if you want it. Not the best bang for your buck but really good for specific functions

[@arvintrevino4622]

Idk. The Anbernic 405V has the Duel slots which is a plus, and I think it can use BT controllers. The Ambernic 351 has the best SNES look. I just wish it could play ALL systems to PS1 perfectly. As for modern AA light games I heard the AYN Odin 2 Geek is better for a higher resolution of screen that can play upto streaming games from Xbox or Steam. It can even play Skyrim. The SteamDeck is the "best" but the screen resolution is at a 720p. I feel that all the systems take something away for some thing else. It be great if their was a handheld that had duel screens, Gyro capability, Touch screen, Hal sensors, HDMI port, Duel SD slots and a better processor. AMD Ryzen 9 7950x3D would be good as a processor. Something with long battery life and custom modifications for case etc..

[@SamuHell782]

"Jazz Hands..."

[@superangrybrit]

I was surprised that the RGB30 wasn't on the list. 🤔

[@JediPacman]

This list kinda doodoo ngl. The Playdate and Funkey are interesting devices but I personally couldn't see myself ever actually buying one and having a good time with how small they are. Also the Analogue Pocket was really underwhelming and too expensive imo. So many handhelds came out this a year and I think others deserved spots on this list

[@naeemol]

RGB30? 😢

[@420xerro]

Ok this guy has a problem...

[@Dee_Lopez]

The fact that Odin 2 is not on here makes no sense at all. It’s by far the best for android emulation and over all hands down. Def not great list here, and very outdated

[@user-ec8zd8zp4x]

What!? No Powkiddy RGB30!? There's something wrong with this list! ;P