Contemporary gaming is impressive, yet retro gaming truly shines.
To be honest, I have a weakness for retro gaming devices and emulation. It becomes an obsession when these two elements merge, as seen with many of the latest retro gaming handhelds. With so many choices available and Prime Day 2025 underway, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to highlight five of my top picks.
The fantastic aspect of having numerous alternatives is the variety of designs at your disposal. Particularly since there has been a revival of clamshell handhelds since the introduction of the RG35XXSP last year. Currently, we have models like the RG34XXSP, which boasts dual joysticks, a superb hinge, and is available at a 15% discount on Prime Day.
However, this is not the sole choice, as we also have the iconic Miyoo Mini Plus, which has been around for a few years and is available for under $50. Additionally, there’s the TrimUI Brick, which outperforms the Miyoo Mini Plus and features one of the finest screens I’ve encountered on a retro handheld. Plus, it is on sale for 10% off over at Amazon.
If you simply search for “retro handhelds” on Amazon, you’ll uncover countless listings, many of which are also discounted. Nonetheless, there are several options that may seem appealing on paper but will definitely not provide a satisfactory experience upon arrival.
These include the V40 Max, which has a terrible D-pad and triggers, and its performance is significantly disappointing. Then there’s the X6 handheld, which appears attractive and is even priced lower than anything else mentioned here. Yet, you’ll find yourself with something that feels as though it belongs in a child’s Happy Meal, rather than a handheld device that you spent over $30 on.
