I Spent Months Testing Retro Handhelds – These 5 Stand Out
If you’re anything like me, you love finding the perfect handheld for every classic portable system. Over the past few years, I’ve tested just about everything — from budget-friendly options to premium builds — and my list for 2025 has some big surprises.
Let’s kick things off with the Nintendo DS. I’ve tried modern emulation, but nothing beats the original hardware. The DSi XL is my go-to — big, beautiful screens, and that authentic stylus feel. Sure, you could play on a 3DS, but scaling issues make the DSi XL a cleaner, more natural choice.
Next up, the PlayStation Portable. My top pick is the Retroid Pocket 5 — it nails that PSP feel with a similar button layout and a gorgeous 1080p OLED display. PSP games upscale beautifully here. Runner-up? The Odin 2 Mini — powerful and sleek, though the LCD can’t quite match OLED pop.
For Game Boy Advance, I love the Ambernic RG34XX SP. It’s basically a modern SP with extras — clicky buttons, analog sticks, and perfect 3x integer scaling. My budget-friendly runner-up is the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 — great widescreen display and comfortable clamshell design.
Let’s rewind even further to the Game Boy & Game Boy Color era. The Ino Pocket DMG is pure overkill in the best way — stunning OLED screen, chunky D-pad, and premium build. It’s pricey, so the Retroid Pocket Classic is a solid alternative with the same screen at a fraction of the cost.
Finally, the PS Vita. Call me a purist, but nothing beats original hardware here. A jailbroken Vita opens up the entire library, and it still feels unmatched. Emulation is getting better, but in 2025, the Vita still reigns supreme for its own games.
That’s my 2025 list for handheld systems — but this is just Part 1. In Part 2, we’ll cover the best handhelds for console emulation — from NES and Genesis to PS2 and Dreamcast. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it. Make sure to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you catch the next upload. Game on!
Links to Handheld Consoles:
(Refurbished) Nintendo DS Lite Cobalt / Black - https://amzn.to/3UsmYle
(Refurbished) Sony PlayStation Vita with WiFi - https://amzn.to/45D6rQB
Anbernic Handheld Game Console RG34XX SP with Games - https://amzn.to/412gLQG
Retroid Pocket 5 Retro Handheld Game Console - https://amzn.to/4lt6Mer
#playstationportable #odin2 #odin2mini #retroidpocketflip2 #gameboy #gameboycolor #psvita #handheldconsole #emmulation