Our TOP FIVE Favorite Handhelds of 2024

[@retrohandhelds]

What's *your* favorite handheld of 2024?

[@georgepierre3594]

XU Mini, great screen and best sticks on a mini handhold. 2nd would be the SP

[@retrohandhelds]

​@georgepierre3594 ah I love the Mini M! Nice choice

[@nweditor875]

So far its a tie betwen anbernic rg 35xxsp and TrimUI brick.

[@RMillerism]

I use my 35xxSP when I have to sit in the hospital getting my Crohn's treatment every few weeks.

[@toycoma98]

I bring mine to the post office when i'm standing in line. You should get a grip from litnxt, better than the etsy grips.

[@mkennedy150]

I use my SP during dialysis and doctor appointments.

[@Kev50027]

I really fell in love with the RG40XXV. I have a 35xxh, TrimuiSP, 35XXSP, MM+ and RP4Pro, but I find the 40XXV the right combination of comfort, retro style, and power. The bigger screen is great too!

[@Raphtor13]

This year I got the Trimui Brick and the RP 5 for myself and the 35XXSP and RP5 for my husband. Love all of them.

[@Guckkasten85]

My personal Handheld of the year is the Odin 2 Mini. It feels great and I love the power of the screen. I use it daily.

[@Pridetoons]

My 5 Favorite Handhelds (I Purchased) this year!!! 1) RG-CUBE 2) RG406H 3) RG35XX SP 4) RG40XXH 5) RGB10 Max 3 I REALLY enjoy these Handhelds. 😅

[@fawneyota]

@@Pridetoons No vertical in that list any reason? I have a RP3+ and am getting a Odin Portal. But wondering if I am missing anything for being sans vertical.

[@Pridetoons]

@fawneyota These are just based on Handhelds I already own. Personally I do want the RG406V too though. 😉

[@cirmothe9]

Starting from #1, Zu is so innovative. Truly ahead of the curb.

[@Moonwizard420]

Ahead of the what?

[@leo-ub6nb]

Isn’t it, “ahead of the _curve?_

[@ZuReviewsRH]

Remember to stick around for the post-credits scene

[@retrohandhelds]

@@ZuReviewsRH this tbh

[@Kevin-Schmevin]

My number one is the RG40xxV. It had everything I could want for under a hundred bucks. 4" screen, Linux, 4x3 ratio.

[@danfink8670]

I got one and it never even powered up sent it back - I got a lemon

[@Kevin-Schmevin]

@danfink8670 that sucks man

[@jyllianrainbow7371]

I didn't even get mine yet, but I already know the 34xx is going to be my favorite of the year, because the original GBA is my favorite retro handheld.

[@donavoncrites1010]

The retroid pocket mini is a great 4:3 system. Loving it with Rocknix too

[@MKap33]

I just couldn't get over how close it was in price to the RP5. Not that it's not worth $200 but for only $20 more you get a lot more handheld.

[@Pridetoons]

I clicked on this video so fast!!!

[@stewsaquarium1397]

ANBERNIC ARE YOU LISTENING TO USE? DO A 3:2 SCREEN VERSION OF THE SP!

[@malcolmbranch10]

Love the editing

[@KatDoomsong]

I'm glad the RG CubeXX at least got a mention. I just recently got one and I love it. It's super-comfortable and that 1:1 screen is great. GB/GBC and other more squarish systems look so much bigger and nicer as well as vertical arcade. 3:4 content out of the box is the same size as the 35XX devices, and if you use 8:7 or Russ's integer-scale/overscale trick, they're much bigger too. The SP is cool for portabllity and the clamshell, but I like having the sticks for certain games, including a lot of arcade, and frankly my eyes thank me for the four inch screen.

[@retrohandhelds]

The CubeXX is a very solid choice, glad to see you’re enjoying it!

[@KatDoomsong]

@@retrohandhelds I'm glad you guys are producing this content. RH, RGC and Techdweeb have been super-helpful in helping me choose things I'll like and avoid the E-waste. Happy Holidays.

[@MHDHITMAN]

​@@KatDoomsong could you please suggest if I can play GBA games comfortably in cubeXx? Because,this is so beautiful and comfortable ergonomics,but other KZbinrs are saying that it's not for GBA lovers! But I have fallen love with this console but to be played mostly Gba. Although I'll play PS1,snes,nes too... but GBA is my dream games,but also this 1:1 screen ration worries me rather buy it or not? Could you please help me,how you felt playing gba on it,by adjusting some scales or something whatever thanks

[@KatDoomsong]

@@MHDHITMAN The ergonomics are good and GBA will run well. The screen area for GBA games on this will be a little bigger than Anbernic's 35xx line. Anbernic also makes the 34XX with a screen scaled to the GBA's 3:2 aspect ratio, but the 4 inch screen on this is exactly the same size and resolution for GBA games as the 34XX. The only difference is you'll have some small black bars above and below, or a GBA overlay. So, unless you're super nostalgic for the GBA shape, I'd choose the CubeXX. Same size display area, same 3x upscale as the 34XX, better ergonomics and more useful for other stuff with the addition of the analog sticks. Hope that helps.

[@MHDHITMAN]

@@KatDoomsong Thank you so much,for helping to choose a good handheld in budget's For now I can buy with ease because of suggestions ❤️ Besides, I'm very fan of GBA console for it's RPG games Take love brother❤️

[@alastor8780]

The SP is sweeping most KZbinr Top 5s

[@TheScripflipNetwork]

Mine is the steam deck still. The anbernic h is my new thing though. Actually... The trlescopic g8+ from gamesir is my new thing. Its fantastic for switch or android gaming

[@thehankmiller]

Zu never lets us down. Excellent top 5 recap!

[@Lisa313shoe]

I love how you guys did this video great choices..😊

[@peterd7009]

Great video guys !!! Mine is the ROG Ally X hands down, Android is my Odin2, and I do enjoy my 35XXSP. Happy Holiday guys !!!

[@peterd7009]

I need to add an honorable mention. I also love mAY GPD Win mini 2024, however I is currently at a local repair shop having the USB A port replaced. I have to get the replacement part from GPD so I haven’t used it as much lately.

[@greenprotag]

Clean sweep. 35-SP FTW. I have a first gen blue. Don't mind the clicky. Would LOVE a green gen 2.

[@greenprotag]

My honorable mention? Well it's a jungle out there on the ultra budget market, but with coupons and shipping I have been seeing R36s handhelds for UNDER $30 shipped (I have heard reports of UNDER $25 usd). It's only a RK3326 but they are shipping with ArkOS preloaded and they run pretty well out of the box. I was able to grab a batch to toss in the good 'ol Christmas stockings ^_^ How can you go wrong with everything up to some N64/Dreamcast/PS1 for less than $30? That's crazy. A few years ago it was hard to find N64 emulation handhelds under $80.

[@conza1989]

So I have a RG35XX-H and a RG34XX on the way, I don’t think I’ll get an SP because as nice and pocketable as it is, if you carry a wallet and a phone in each pocket, then width is the most important real estate for commuters, so I can’t justify it :)

[@SanderSander88]

My Powkiddy v10 for 35 euros! its my favorite for now, because i'm rediscovering gameboy advance games and its really great! feels good, works good and a nice screen!

[@smmuny]

I want 22 minutes of my life back So I can watch this again

[@retrohandhelds]

They had us in the first half. NGL

[@jeremy__hopkins]

Steam Deck is a shelf queen... haha.. ah Zu. Preach Stubbs, I'm loving the EVO too. Not flawless for the price but those full size sticks and 7 inch AMOLED are beaU-ti-ful!

[@retrohandhelds]

😆🫡

[@jahahaha5]

For me! 1.RG35XX SP 2.Retroid Pocket 5 3.RG Cube 4.RG34XX 5.RG406H Anbernic is so cool this year.

[@Pridetoons]

NGL I just bought a used OG ROG Ally for $280. 😅

[@retrohandhelds]

Thats a great price!!

[@Pridetoons]

@retrohandhelds I know right! And it's in great condition too! 😉👌

[@alexdamonwrites]

I have my eye on that AYN Odin 2 Mini. It looks incredibly impressive and feature-packed.

[@asterginete3812]

I have it too and I’m loving it! Best purchase I have this Christmas!

[@markb44z]

For me my favourite two of the year would be the AyaNeo Pocket Micro, the most stunning and premium handheld I’ve ever used, I absolutely love it and the other, to agree with both of you would be the RG35XX SP, I’ve always been a sucker for a clamshell device and this thing is awesome and I agree about muOS as well, it’s a great fit for the system!

[@GilbertoPaulo1970]

My first handheld was the Anbernic RG353V, and IT STILL IS my best friend wherever I go. I have the Ally X and the Odin 2, but the RG353V it's my everyday buddy. And nobody seems to care about it, because after the hands on review nobody seems interested on talking about it again. And it´s a great buy... Well, this little fella runs everything up to PS1 and it fits on my jacket front pocket like it it was a cigarette pack. Goes everywhere with me...

[@Captainsting]

Mine are 1) my steam deck 2) xxSP 3) 28xx 4) modder switch lite

[@TiffanyNTurner]

I have a 35xx H, Plus, and SP model. SP is def my fav

[@NickPiper]

Love both my SP and A30. Bouncing back and forth between the two.

[@iCrowLink]

My personal favorites are the rg40xxh and rg40xxv, the 4" screen is so good. Ever since I got those I just can't go back to smaller screens. Now if they ever release one like those two but with a 4" oled screen? I'm getting it immediately. But until then I'm probably just fine with what I have.

[@hmisay4976]

I'm still brand new to the retro handheld hobby and decided to order the 40XXV as my first device, but the more videos I see the more I think I should have gone with the SP instead. The Cube XX was my first choice but the 40 was more readily available.

[@retrohandhelds]

Oh the 40XXV is fantastic, combine with muOS and it's incredible. Wish I could have included all my honorable mentions!

[@strongbad79]

RP5. Trimui brick, and 35XX SP are definitely my top favorites of the year. If I had to choose five the other two become a little harder for me.

[@retrohandhelds]

Great picks!!

[@JimmysGizmos]

My son was just born this morning. What handhelds did I bring? RG35xxSP (transparent green) and RP5 (white). Solid choices 👍🏼

[@retrohandhelds]

Congratulations!

[@JimmysGizmos]

@ thank you! Already made him listen to the Super Mario World intro music from my SP. Got him started literally Day 1 😂

[@CrowScareify]

Was waiting for the flip but seeing its issues I think I need a green sp…

[@pfroo40]

My favorites of the year are the ones I liked enough to buy, though by now buying anything new is pretty redundant. RG ARC for those Sega vibes, RG35XXSP, and RP Mini. Of those, I'd give the nod to the RP Mini. It punches hard for its size, is a pleasure to use, and is small enough to comfortably fit in my coat or hoodie pockets. I actually like playing the console-which-should-not-be-named on it a lot, so I do wish it already had A13, and an extra 2GB of RAM would have been nice...

[@cho-v4n]

Great list thanks guys. My favorite devices of 2024 are my rp5 for sure and I'm still rocking my 6800u win 4 with steamfork on it 🤠

[@clouphon3019]

RP5 my best handheld of the year. Though i would love an Ally x. But that RP5 screen 🤌

[@Griffnix]

Don't buy a lot but the Cube really surprised, especially it's size. That and the RP mini for me took a lot of my play time.

[@burnzy3210]

I got an RG35XX plus but I don't really play it, I hope changing the firmware will help usability. Maybe I'll get an Odin 2 Portal or RP5 next year :)

[@AndrewHelgeCox]

Did the original GBA also have a tradh dpad like this thing?

[@michaelchampion7714]

What’s the cheapest option to get into some PS2?

[@JordonVW]

Is it likely the Blue RG35XXSP's that are on Aliexpress are updated to V2 or are still V1 models?

[@retrohandhelds]

@@JordonVW they should all be V2 now if you order from Anbernic's official ali shops.

[@retrohandhelds]

@@JordonVW we have the correct links in description

[@jeniverre]

just my top 3: 1. retroid pocket 5 2. anbernic rg35xxSP 3. anbernic rgCube special mention to my: anbernic rg406h and miyoo mini+

[@PRuDislav]

My 5 Favorite Handhelds (I Purchased) this year 1) RP Mini 2) TrimUI Brick 3) Legion Go 4) RG 406v 5) GPD Win Mini 2024

[@Gen_X_Jay]

Zu out here clowning with the college football revamped b-roll....

[@darthmack1178]

Bruh! I swear my boy Zu blaze a lil before each video. Them eyes don’t lie chico! Lol 🤙🏾

[@retrohandhelds]

Nosir

[@MKap33]

I tried a few different cheap handhelds this year and I couldn't get over the mediocre screen on the 35xxSP. My favorite turned out to be $40 Xu Mini. Great screen, great sticks, solid dpad. Shoutout also to the Arc D; awesome but didnt like the speakers.

[@retrohandhelds]

Ah yeah, the XU Mini M is one we've really enjoyed also, one of the best minis!

[@KingPepper41]

I suppose the RP5, would be a buy for me, but couldn't afford one now, sadly made redundant yet again, but since i have the Ayn Odin 2 Pro, i am happy with that. - Also have a RP3+ (Blue version), also I have R36S (Purple edition), and Miyoo Mini + with the rainbow buttons, so all bases are covered, and don't need another one.

[@samlund4410]

You said fallout 3 on the retroid pocket 5 I'm now ordering one

[@CornyPuddle]

The 35xxsp is goated 🐐

[@mokisan]

Now if there was a clamshell version of pocket 5 i would buy it immediately

[@edisito9]

To each their own but stubbs picks just makes me feel like he just wanted to have different choices than other people, even though he knows there were better handhelds.

[@retrohandhelds]

Those are just the ones I liked using the most this year 🤷‍♂

[@digitalmagik]

Knulli is way better than MUOS for SP just my opinion. =D

[@ROBHOHHH]

Just got my first handheld couple weeks ago got the RG405m at first thought made a mistake getting it over the others but downloaded gamma os and been having a blast with it!!

[@What7YiYue]

Get es de too

[@joshuasavoy7443]

Trimui Brick, 35XX SP

[@JT.PlaysGames]

I really only have a top 2. 1. RG35XXSP 2. RG406V I have a ton of retro emulation gadgets, but those 2 are my go-to's now. The SP for its compact form factor and the 406V to play the slightly higher-end game systems and Android games.

[@Nextr0nWasTaken]

"I like the MSI Claw not because of the battery, not because of performance and not because of the speakers. But yeah!" So is there a reason to like the Claw or not? So far it's a really hard sell.

[@retrohandhelds]

I mean for me its a combination of all its factors combined. Its the one I reach for when I want to do windows gaming. Yet it doesn't excel in any one area objectively, except for its speakers (and i'd argue ergonomics as well). Objectively it is probably the worst x86 handheld of the year, and many have said as much, and yet I can't get enough of it. I cannot make this make sense, it just has that weird X factor. It is one I recommend trying if you get a chance.

[@markvillegas7846]

Wohooo 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@VaderVlogs125]

Rp5 and sp are also my favorite and go to. I've said this last year and it probably is a lie but I'm done buying retro systems. I have everything I need 🤡

[@VaderVlogs125]

Rp5 pro confirmed 2025 😅

[@Lisa313shoe]

GeForce now or Xbox pass ? Help which one anyone 😮

[@Stunnax757]

MSI is in your pockets

[@kevinmartinez996]

You spoiled it Stubbs I was able to see the SP in your hand before you named it 18:32 lol

[@retrohandhelds]

Dang it Stuuuubbbss 😂 - Stubbs

[@blackice1994]

The Odin 2 Android system they do not upgrade the OS. They told me this in a Gmail I got proof for me it's not worth getting because they supposed to tell us the consumers this before buy a new system. You can basically can sue them For this😮

[@ThecrazycakeEATAH]

Zu is in the pocket of Big Claw™️!!!!

[@retrohandhelds]

🤣

[@seethruhead7119]

My late year best Handheld for 2024 is the Ayaneo Air 1s (i have the 7840u) the Air 1s finally got fully sound and sleep support via steamform late November 2024. I wish it had the RP5 controls but despite that it's amazing.

[@tonimathias-grumley6631]

I have the new red RG35XXSP and the older gray retro color one. One with MuOS and one with Knulli. I am thinking I like Knulli better just for the pure fact you can screen scrape and it does it well. Also can connect seamlessley via Share to drag and drop Roms. But I got to give hands down my most favorite is going to go to the MiyooMini V4. This one is so pocketable, with a vibrant screen. That right there, the pocketable-ness gets me. I can take it anywhere and not even know its in my purse. Love love it!

[@retrohandhelds]

Fantastic choices!

[@gregorybolivar5712]

Excellent Point... Sir Zu... It's all about "PlatformS" 1) X86 WINDOWS Rog Ally X / Lenovo Legion Go / OneNextPlayer X1/ X1 mini / One X Fly F1 / AYA-NEO 2/2S or Linux Handhelds (Steam Deck) Or 2) Android Gaming Handheld or Remixed / ReconfigureD : All in One soliddevice: AYN 2 / PORTAL / AYA-NEO POCKET EVO / S / RETROID POCKET 4 /4 PRO / 5 / ANBERNIC 556 / 406H... OR Phablet + USB-C'S or Bluetooth Controller RaZeR Edge Tablet only 144hz 6.8" Amoled Screen G3x gen 1 IPlay60 Pro Turbo Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 IPlay60 Pro 3) ios Phablet ( iPhone or iPad mini + USB-C'S or Bluetooth Controller... Of course they too need enjoy some gaming... 4) + or Paired with Controller: By Bluetooth: GameSir X-4 Aileron / Galileo G8 + / BsP D8 / By USB-C'S: GameSir Galileo G8 / Asus 🫠🙃🤣🧐🤯

[@EliasPfaiffer]

3:48 yes...with 2.5 FPS are you serious?!?! what an incredibly disgusting slow motion massacre... you really can't be serious...

[@LuisPerez-5]

1:33 $50-60 is alot of money though

[@theodorun9965]

For us in other countries 😂 yes

[@theodorun9965]

But considering how expensive mainstream gaming right now, it's actually relatively cheap

[@LuisPerez-5]

@@theodorun9965 Cheaper not cheap

[@deluge6479]

True, especially for an emulator machine that can't even run GameCube. I'd rather get an older phone and use it that way

[@shayed_6668]

No

[@japyoo2248]

Shitty clicky buttons :(

[@Iwilltravelforfood]

the pocket evo is trash!

[@LuisPerez-5]

Too poor for any handheld

[@Pridetoons]

@@LuisPerez-5 🥺 I feel you.

[@JuhoSprite]

Bruh some are like 30 bucks are you serious?

[@LuisPerez-5]

@JuhoSprite What handheld is $30?

[@JuhoSprite]

@ u can get the r36s handheld super cheap, or like variations of the same brand. I would still save up a bit of money for one that is at least 50-80 dollazzz

[@EliasPfaiffer]

why does this "Zu" look like the worst horror figure? and above all...why does he pull such horror faces?

[@retrohandhelds]

The man is an enigma, wrapped in a pickle, wrapped in a blanket!

[@EliasPfaiffer]

@@retrohandhelds seems so!!! would be ideal for a david lynch film!