Top 10 Best Retro Handhelds Of 2021

We take a look at the best retro handhelds of 2021! What's worth it, what performs best, and which one is best for newcomers? We answer all of those questions in this end of year ultimate round up!
✍️ See Our Top 30 Handhelds Here: retrododo.com/best-retro-hand...
💰 WHERE TO BUY 💰
RG351V: droix.net/product/anbernic-rg...
Funkey S: www.funkey-project.com/
Powkiddy Max 2: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9imBeQ
Retroid Pocket 2+: droix.net/product/retroid-poc... or www.goretroid.com/
Analogue Pocket: www.analogue.co/pocket
RG351MP: droix.net/product/rg351mp-by-...
Powkiddy V90: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_A8eWhY
RG552: droix.net/product/rg552/?ref=...
RG280V: droix.net/product/anbernic-rg...
PocketGo S30: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AMSHwm
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#retrohandhelds #retrogaming #handhelds 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.

[@evilmarc]

Timestamps: x - 01:31 Powkiddy V90 9 - 02:30 Anbernic RG55 8 - 04:08 Anbernic RG280V 7 - 05:06 PocketGo S30 6 - 06:02 Anbernic RG351V 5 - 07:13 Funkey S 4 - 08:13 Powkiddy Max 2 3 - 09:40 Retroid Pocket 2/2+ 2 - 11:16 Analogue Pocket 1 - 13:00 Anbernic RG351MP

[@raphaelmarkd]

Thank you bro

[@HctudYT]

miyoo mini top 1

[@joey3296]

The AYN odin I own blows all of these out of the water 🤷‍♂️💯

[@funfromabove9728]

The 351v is seriously my favorite console ever. It can emulate all the consoles of my youth including dos. The fact that I can play donkey Kong country 2 and switch to commander keen 4 within 20 seconds and on the same device while out and about waiting in line somewhere makes me so happy. Suuuuuper awesome. Plus the semi clear black is such a slick look. Just holding it makes me happy. I am thinking about buying a second one for my wife and a third one for when ever one dies.

[@mastax1234]

I have the RG351V and I am absolutely in love with this thing, one of the best emulation handhelds ive used in years. Worth every penny I spent on it.

[@Tebsteroni]

Well done! Your "top of" videos are my favorite. They're perfect to send to friends and family who want to understand my obsession and/or are interested in retro gaming or emulation. I'm glad you added the RG552 because I agree that it has great potential. Thank you for another awesome video!

[@RetroDodo]

Thanks Kevin, that’s much appreciated.

[@STR82DVD]

Agreed!!

[@avery2220]

Love your dedication to handhelds! Your videos are very well made and informative! Keep em coming brother 💯

[@RetroDodo]

Much appreciated Avery!

[@Tsargate]

So true for the 351MP 👍 ! Thanks for this great review 👍. People tend to forget that a good enjoyable handheld needs to be easy to use and pocket friendly. Despite owning a good RP2, I still prefer my "old" RG350 and New Pocket Go because they are so user friendly. Can't wait now to get my hands on the new RP2+ that seems pretty awesome for it's price range.

[@ALIEN19740]

Awesome video, 👌 I'm loving the RG552... yes is was disappointing that ANBERNIC shipped it without a good optimized firmware, but once I spent time updating and setting things up, it has become my favorite.

[@RetroDodo]

Thanks Adrian.

[@12fishcake]

Back in my school days I had a psp my friends older bro hacked for me and having the ability to have tonnes of games on a single sd card that runs faster than those on disk was an absolute gamechanger for me. Weather I pay or not for those games doesn't bother me too much but having access so many games without disks/carts on one device is amazing! Been craving that recently, since there really isn't an official platform that can achieve this with all these old games I think it's time to make the dive - thanks for the detialed recommendations!

[@klezmorim1980]

Great run-through video of 2021. You're doing fantastic work covering these consoles and thanks for your hard work. I'm personally looking forward to the Retroid Pocket 2+... One thing that this console not many people have mentioned is that it will have decent Blueetooth audio, which as far as I can see sets it aside from competitors.

[@RetroDodo]

Bluetooth audio will be awesome

[@Kiobao]

oh does it? dang that may even put it above the RG351MP for me. I don't use wired earbuds anymore, so that would be great.

[@reagandow850]

Anyone looking for a handheld can take these suggestions to the bank!! This man takes his job very seriously and I trust his advice implicitly. Great job Brandon!!

[@AdtabRay]

Great list as always! Last year I picked up the Retroid Pocket 2, this year it was the RG280V for me. I picked it up after your review on it and fell in love with the shape and form factor!

[@miguelalexandre7499]

Lovely top 10, the production quality of your vids is amazing.

[@RetroDodo]

Thanks Miguel!

[@ov3rkill]

I can't wait for what's in store for retro handhelds in 2022. Looking forward to next years lineup.

[@RetroDodo]

It’s gonna be a big year.

[@Sleth0theoriginal0]

I know it only came in at #10, but the v90 is my favorite handheld by far. Fits in my pocket, cheap enough that I don't worry about taking it around places, and nostalgic form factor. I do have the benefit of smaller hands though, so the vertical grip doesn't cause me as much problem as others have mentioned!

[@NSS420]

I have small hands for a guy my size and still struggle with the shoulder buttons. I ended up buying a q90 simply to avoid cramping and now the v90 sits unused

[@blackishjustin]

Really great options. I still just wish someone will eventually develop a widescreen form factor handheld with two analog sticks, four shoulders buttons and six-buttons instead of the typical four. Always odd to me that no one goes for that considering how prominently Genesis emulation is featured on these handhelds.

[@GG-is1cq]

Get a retro flag gpi case

[@NarukamiBun]

Unrelated to the Video but I just wanted to say thank you for introducing me to the Retro handheld scene. I ordered an Anbernic RG351P for 75€, installed 351elec and now enjoy Pokemon and many PS1 classics like 20 or so years ago. Keep up the good work and best wishes for 2022! :)

[@RetroDodo]

You’re welcome and thanks for the kind comments :)

[@Rudgged]

I picked up the RP2 last week to get myself started into the retro handhelds. Will definitely be looking out for the RP3 or 3+ in the future

[@Myako]

A great video all around, and I'm take looking forward to buying a Retroid Pocket 2+. However, one clarification is in order: FPGA technology is also emulation. It's just that it's hardware-based. The cores have to be programmed in a language (VHDL), and are only as good as the developers who make them. Like all Analogue products and MiSTer, they have to be regularly updated to improve performance, solve bugs, etc. In fact, both software-based and hardware-based emulation have benefited from advances in each other's fields. There are some inherent advantages to FPGA (like no extra input lag, for example), but it's in no way a guarantee of anything.

[@zu_perler3011]

Excellent. I'm looking forward to the retroid pocket 2 and plus review. I get one handheld every year or so and it looks like a good candidate.

[@RetroDodo]

It’s gonna be a good one!

[@STR82DVD]

This is your absolutely best list yet young lad. I agree with most of the list and honestly, any differences come down to personal taste and not really functionality. I was quite happy to see my little Funkey S on the list as it's truly a design marvel. Huge thanks and Merry Christmas to you and yours during this, out global season of discontent. Cheers.

[@fg63-6]

Could the Retroid Pocket 2 plus be here? Can't wait to find out!

[@ioannescarlgar8925]

Brandon. Superb video. More music like that at the intro for these head to head top of tops. Regards from Spain 🇪🇦

[@nathanglynn7443]

My favourite is the rg351v simply for its vertical form factor. I also have the rg351p for travelling, love them both and still play my modded DMG too!

[@RetroDodo]

Awesome! Great choices!

[@BaoZakeruga]

bro why was that intro so epic lol. actually got me hyped for the main vid itself

[@HPRshredder]

Just started this vid but lmao at the movie trailer opening 😂 nice shots my dude

[@peterd7009]

Awesome video Brandon !!! I have 7 of the 10 devices and love them all. One from last years video I enjoy as well is the PiBoy DMG. I put Batocera on it and find it very powerful and user friendly, though expensive and dated. I also think the Powkiddy x18s has power and potential but the out of the box quality should be better. One should not have to mod a system to make it better . Thanks again for your great reviews and Happy Holidays !!

[@RetroDodo]

Thanks Peter! What a collection you have!

[@williamw2529]

Good review. I added a few to my list.

[@stewsretroreviews]

Some excellent handhelds and might get one at some point, but I still have a ton of games still to play on my RG351M. NIce video mate.

[@RetroDodo]

Thanks Stew!

[@SWPLGAMING]

🤣I lo e the epicness, kicking it up a notch again🔥this is an awesome. E an Well placed list. The quality of your contents is still mind blowing. Something about the V90 that has a warm place in my heart 😍. Looking forward to what the community do for the 552. FUNKEY S🔥🔥all day. 💯% the MP takes the win. This is my most played RK3326 device yet🔥👌🏾 Great video bro👌🏾🔥

[@ozcozfozc]

truly wise to make top 10 video right at christmas :))))))))

[@mateoheredia5919]

Ok ok, total noob here to retro handhelds and for the past couple days I’ve been watching all kinds of youtubes about ‘em, which has been a bit overwhelming!! However, I think your youtubes just convinced me to get the RG351MP 👍🏽

[@RetroMoments]

About to get the RG280V. Excited to try it out!

[@AdtabRay]

I love mine, great small size!

[@ninjason57]

Just ordered my RG351MP as my first retro handheld!

[@raphaelmarkd]

Thank you for this review! I really appreciate it!

[@RetroDodo]

No, thank you for watching.

[@hanktank45]

After a lot of review reading and watching I think I'm sold on rg351mp. I think the color of the metal shell really pushes it over for me, which I wish it didn't but I love that color and the previous model was already something I could see buying. Nice list!

[@RetroDodo]

You will love it!

[@illlsmith]

Thanks for the info !

[@thanasysdim]

Indeed the RG351MP is almost perfect from any aspect... Except when the monitor flickers seconds after booting the device. I tried everything but the flickering would not go away. I sent it back for a refund but I really liked it. If you get a well functioning unit, congratulations. You got one of the best portable systems there is. I was very disappointed. I was not lucky with it.

[@adnerayala3409]

Very well done , I like the position oh Rg552 that clearly sent a message to Anbernic to stop making the same again and again , they can make something a lot better for that price.

[@jfroco]

I know it is from last year but I have been using my PiBoy DMG a lot lately., after an unofficial Batocera port was released. Emulation works great and I really like the six button form factor, and the direct HDMI out.

[@maxnguyen4115]

You got me at "Holding Optimus Prime buttcheeks." LMAO! I love that impression.

[@DiacloneFx]

Great video as usual, Brandon! I own most of these handhelds as I watch all your reviews and they are always perfectly in line with my experience! Just a small correction, as I believe you got confused by the dozens of devices you deal with: the RG351V's screen doesn't have the perfect aspect ratio for GBA, because it's 4:3 while Nintendo's handheld is 3:2. I am sure you thought of the RG351P and M which have that aspect ratio. Thanks for the video!

[@RetroDodo]

Correct, thanks Riccardo!

[@yofiwood2592]

Which of the handheld games come with pre-loaded games?

[@nnnmmm1987]

great video thank you for taking the time to make such a great content

[@RetroDodo]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@goldiluckx]

just bought the rg351mp and im excited to play on it as soon as i receive it

[@Cyko..]

I think you'll enjoy it! Just be sure to get custom firmware installed on it, such as ArkOS or 351ELEC.

[@goldiluckx]

@@Cyko.. thanks! Will probably install elec.. wanting to play some pokemon

[@firebreather4192]

I've got an RG351MP for a week now and I really like the device. Bluetooth, Wifi and HDMI-out are missing, but besides that it's really close to perfect in combination with 351elec.

[@tomm2639]

I want a Funkey S but I'm waiting for an upgrade with a new charger port and more colors hopefully, otherwise it's exactly what I want in a tiny portable

[@ninjapwnsatlyfe]

Even though it wasn't made specifically for this purpose I have found the PSvita is by far the best handheld for retro gaming. I feel like as much as these are all designed with trying to be as good as possible, the vita has a shape that is second to none

[@jonathonearl482]

2 retro handhelds I highly favor that were not on the list are the Anbernic RG300X and the Original PocketGo. I also prefer the Wood Grain RG351V over the Metal Shell RG351MP.

[@skateecho]

I was wondering about those! I’m torn between an RG300 and 351v, but i think my 351p is good enough for now but i love the look of the vertical style without shelling out analogue money

[@chimrichalds81]

I like the look of the woodgrain (plastic) but prefer the feel of the metal unit. A metal woodgrain would be my choice 👌🏽

[@jonathonearl482]

@@chimrichalds81 Nice choice!

[@Mall-Nutrition]

I preordered my analogue last week. I can’t wait.

[@RetroDodo]

Awesome

[@barofsoap3795]

I bought the 351P a while back and I love it

[@The_Alien_Gamer_]

The intro is fire

[@telios13]

The intro was epic 😇

[@jonathanhernandez9181]

This is so cool!

[@vgm_central]

best part is 1:20 where the bird fliey over the consoles haha :D

[@camerong2558]

Great video! I’m so tempted to get a Funkey. Can you please review the new Miyoo Mini?

[@markb44z]

Great video Brandon, disappointed though not to have seen the X18s in the list, I know you personally didn’t like but I, along with many others, absolutely love it and think the performance on pretty much everything is fantastic (except for Gamecube obvs), I appreciate the build quality could and should have been better but for me it’s more about performance and less about build quality and the X18s performs great! Shame it was left out but was pleased to see the Funkey S so high in the list as I absolutely LOVE mine too, fantastic OS and amazing performance for something so small!

[@RetroDodo]

Thanks for watching and commenting Mark!

[@KrovaSteam]

It has such good performance but my god the X18S is a hideous design. I see the original phat DS look they were going for but they just didn't pull it off for me.

[@Vegan_Lifting]

The best handheld in 2021 is by far the Powkiddy X18S. Best performance and also the best price-performance ratio.

[@coyotex850]

in terms of performance the 18s is the best but other than that, it pretty much sucks rgb10max 2 with x18s specs on the other hand would have been THE handheld to get under 200usd

[@antonioroman8684]

Great top 10 :) I also love the rg351mp, but gosh, why Anbernic left it without wifi :( A retro handheld without retroachievements is half the fun for me.

[@calvdesign]

Tried to get an analogue pocket but unfortunately it doesn't ship to where I live. At first I was disappointed but I grabbed my RG351V again and I remembered I could not live without it ha ha ha. That machine is a beast, I'm enjoying the gameboy style fun factor and gb games looks amazing! I'm even playing stardew valley on that thing and can highly recommend that one to anyone looking for his first handheld device. You won't regret it.

[@piplup10203854]

I got to say this was such a great video, I really like the stylistic choices you made with the text intro and good music choice as well as the B-Roll shots of the devices. My personal favorite is the RG351V, I'm a huge fan of the wood grain and it fits my hands perfectly. I'm not huge on the horizontal form factor as I personally didn't own any of them but I'm hoping to find one I do :D I wish I could get the Analogue Pocket but there are a few things that stop me from doing so but I like the idea so will see how things go with that but for me all of my favorite games I can play on the 351V I do want the 280V just because I really want to put that Adam software on it and have a lighter more pocket friendly device. As someone who uses the Funkey S nearly every day I got to say I'm a huge fan of those short, small and stout vertical form factor devices lol

[@RetroDodo]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@piplup10203854]

@@RetroDodo You're welcome! :D I loved the video!

[@momsberettas9576]

I like the DS clam shell design, I hope they make one like that soon.

[@Captainsting]

Absolutely in love with my RG280V & RG351V!

[@Monkee3000]

And rightly so. thy both look beautiful. So very retro chic.

[@Captainsting]

@@Monkee3000 Indeed!

[@RetroDodo]

Great choices indeed!

[@eejaygan6996]

6:04 I have it. Where I’m from, it’s called the “SUP” game box. There are no joysticks however and the start and select buttons are a bit lower.

[@mancman-bu4kz]

love these vids

[@RetroDodo]

Thank you :)

[@Corporalfork]

I ordered the pocket 2 + about a week ago, I was watching some retro handheld videos and thought the retroid looked nice. Went to the website and saw the pocket 2 + and figured I'd just get that one cause it must be better lol. I didn't realize it must have just came out if you guys havent got yours yet

[@oliverpolden]

The Funkey is definitely a novelty item, but it’s a novelty item where the novelty hasn’t run out and I don’t expect it to any time soon. I’ve already completed a few games on it which goes to show it’s perfectly playable despite how small it is.

[@KrovaSteam]

It's important to me that my pocket handheld is smaller than my phone, so a lot of these are just too big for me. I worry that going forward, with such a focus on including PSP, Dreamcast, and other "analog stick" consoles in the future, we won't see anything like the RG280V again once it's out of production. It sounds strange, but I'm picturing the RG280V with updated internals and a nub-style analog stick in the center where the anbernic logo is. It wouldn't look symmetrical or familiar like the Vita layout of the RG351P, but if you pick up the RG280V and put your left thumb on the center logo, it's actually quite a comfortable position. I think something like that, capable of more advanced console emulation, would be the only handheld to make me upgrade from the RG280V.

[@GoatV8]

I also love the FunKey S. It's my go-to for GB/GBA

[@RetroDodo]

Awesome isn’t it!

[@alinepiroutek8932]

12:27 I would do the same too haha. This machine is a blessing

[@wastelander138]

The Max 2 looks brilliant but I'd rather have the same form factor but with a bit more power under the hood.

[@chkrox]

i started with v90 (after 3ds and psp) better for simple and portable gaming, now i have chosen rp2+ and i love its emulation and my rp2+ is coming.

[@asbasbasb9312]

I've got the pocket go 2 aluminium and a rg351m and I love them both , I think I'll get the retroid 2 plus when it comes out I've got a switch lite for newer games but I play pocket go 2 the most! I was excited for the new anbernic device but the 552 seems like a bit of a let down atm. Maybe cfw will help

[@Mauricio_Magus]

351V and the 351MP are still the best imo, the screen is just too good and the community has done such a fantastic job to make it as optimal as possible.

[@RetroDodo]

Agreed

[@CYBERMUSICompany]

Original idea !! keep up the good work brother. I will continue to watch your videos

[@RetroDodo]

Thanks!!

[@megalo647]

I got number six for my birthday and I love it

[@DarkHope25]

Handhelds have always been cool for me ❤

[@TommyGunsXL]

Just got the black Anbernic 351mp and installed 351ELEC. I didn't know about this handheld emulators a month ago and this is my first one. I absolutely love it, even if there are cheaper more powerful devices out there, without this stupid wifi adapter lol.

[@chimrichalds81]

My 4 and 6 year olds love their V90's they got for Christmas. My rg351M screen died after 1 month. Spent $55 on a replacement screen. Bummed about that

[@jengelenm]

Great video, but i believe the Odroid deserves a place in the top 10

[@steveg8029]

I really want that analog pocket so bad.I know I have to pre order it and wait till December. Just wish I could get it now.

[@akirastorm7313]

My the Force be with you Dodo

[@user-wx4bh9pf2t]

RG351MP ordered 😍

[@alinepiroutek8932]

One thing for sure: I want Analogue Pocket in Brazil and maybe the new Miyoo handheld(I have a modded Vita/Switch so I'm not desperate).

[@JSSmithy]

Would love to get one of these mainly for SNES, GBA and DS emulation. Which one would be best having this in mind?

[@Dalinar_KH]

Is there anywhere I can check the list of games in the Anbernic RG351P? I was interested in playing Final Fantasy VII and Ace attorney. Thanks.

[@Bigbigpoopi]

Honestly the switch 64 controller makes Mupen64fz and a smartphone more ideal. Especially if it has HDMI out

[@ypob2007]

Hey, anyone know how to reset the NDS emulator’s controls on the RG351V? *cause i somehow messed up so bad that it has most of the inputs set to non existing buttons*

[@docholiday9513]

Funkey s is the best choice as it plays everything and looks amazing. Anything else I could just put on my aya neo or if you have a steam deck.

[@MrScottyTay]

I wish the retroid pocket 2 had the left stick on the bottom and a better start/select location, otherwise I'd get that in a heartbeat

[@RetroDodo]

No handheld is ever perfect 😅

[@richidog5768]

My Favorite is the gpi case with the new pi zero 2 w

[@tweefurs]

Great video thanks for this! I'm looking for a device that emulates up to game cube but also allows me to use gamepass, so guessing it would need to be an Android device. I know the GPD XP is good for Xbox games but the aspect ratio seems to wide for emulation,plus the triggers aren't anologue, so my search continues.

[@VanquishSpeed]

Might be a bit different, but are Tablets & iPads are worth using for emulators for a lower price?

[@thenightmare92]

I remember when I was in middle school I had a jailbroken PSP with all the emulators & it was amazing! Sadly I sold it & have been craving to play a lot of those older games again (I have a Switch, but they’ve been adding trash ass games that no one played) after watching this, might need to do more research & get another handheld for the older games again.

[@nado_x]

For a newcomer, what would be the device you recommend right now? I'm thinking the 353P, since I don't see any handheld using a more powerful chipset anytime soon. Could you weigh in on this?

[@Samuel-qi7in]

Retroid pocket 2 and analouge are probably goona rank high.

[@calvee1100]

I just got my first handheld and its the RG351MP. It's really awesome but I can't seem to get my favorite games to stay in the favorite section. After I turn off the unit the favorites are empty! 😫

[@Adam-vu6ho]

I’ve got my original gameboy advance and I was wondering if I can buy an all in one game library on a single game cartridge? Or at least load emulated games onto it

[@OzymandiasWasRight]

The first time this channel did a top ten I owned one handheld. Now I have 8? Still need a V90 though...

[@krazykyle0]

I see a miyoo mini, will we get a dedicated video for it?

[@RetroDodo]

Yes,

[@chemicalspore]

I love that intro, its all fun and games until rage quit.

[@RealziesCuts]

That $10 retro portable though 🚀💫🏆

[@ChaosUnown]

Hi! A lot of these selections look great! Curiously, if anyone sees this, what would be the best recommendation for someone who wants to focus mainly on Gameboy/GBC and GBA?

[@sirlezard670]

Powkiddy q90/v90. The v90 is actually best having the form factor of a gba SP.