Introduction
As the popularity of retro gaming has skyrocketed in recent years, so too has the market for handheld emulators that allow gamers to replay their favorite childhood titles on portable devices. With the ability to emulate classic consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo, Game Boy, Sega Genesis, PlayStation 1, and more, these gadgets cram loads of nostalgic fun into the palm of your hand.
In this expert guide, I‘ll be counting down the top 6 best handheld emulators available in 2024 based on performance, design, value, and other key factors. Whether you‘re looking for the overall best option, the most power, a budget buy, or a unique vertical layout, there‘s something here for every retro gaming fan. Let‘s dive in!
#1 Best Overall: Retroid Pocket 3 Plus
When it comes to the best overall balance of performance, design, community support, and more, the Retroid Pocket 3 Plus stands at the top in 2024.
Sporting an impressive Unisoc T618 processor along with 4GB of RAM, this Android-based device can handle emulators all the way up through Nintendo Wii without breaking a sweat. The 4.7” HD display looks fantastic whether you’re gaming on the go or connecting to a TV via micro HDMI.
While the Pocket 3 Plus doesn‘t ship with any built-in games, the included Google Play Store grants easy access every emulator imaginable. And with a beefy 4500mAh battery, you can expect 8+ hours of playtime from this retro beast.
Lastly, Retroid devices have a huge following which leads to tons of tweaks and optimizations for getting games to run their absolute best. If you want the overall package, the Pocket 3 Plus takes the crown.
Pros:
- Excellent performance up to Nintendo Wii
- Bright, nice-sized 4.7” display
- Huge community for support
Cons:
- No built-in games
- Only some PS2/GameCube titles fully supported
#2 Best Runner-Up: Anbernic 405M
If you want something close to the Retroid Pocket 3 Plus but with a more premium design, check out the metal-clad Anbernic 405M.
It shares the same powerful Unisoc T618 chip as the Retroid device but houses it within a gorgeous CNC-machined aluminum shell. This gives it a very solid, high-end feel in the hands. You also get a vibrant 4” touchscreen, making menu navigation a breeze.
While the display is a bit smaller than the Retroid, the 405M‘s pocket-friendly size is perfect for gaming on the go. It packs a sizable 4500mAh battery for up to 8 hours of emulation enjoyment. And with built-in WiFi and OTA update capability, you can download content and tweak settings wirelessly.
Much like Retroid gear, Anbernic devices also have a passionate community creating custom firmware and providing guides to get the best experience. For those seeking a more stylish package with similar power, the 405M delivers.
Pros:
- Aluminum design looks and feels fantastic
- Zippy T618 chip matches Retroid Pocket 3 Plus
- Small size great for portability
Cons:
- 4” screen smaller than some competitors
- Occasional firmware quirks
#3 Best Budget-Friendly: Anbernic RG35XX
You don’t need to spend a fortune to start enjoying retro handheld gaming. Case in point: the sub-$100 Anbernic RG35XX.
This vertical style emulator comes pre-loaded with a whopping 6900+ classic titles out of the box. The 3.5” 640×480 LCD paired with built-in screen mapping ensures pixel perfection for 8 and 16-bit consoles.
While the RG35XX isn’t the most powerful in raw specs, installation of the custom Garlic OS firmware dramatically improves performance beyond the modest baseline. And backing it up is an excellent community for troubleshooting help.
For under $100, retro fans get a compact emulator machine stuffed with games and harboring plenty of potential with the right tweaks. It‘s a budget-friendly way to dive into this fun hobby.
Pros:
- Very affordable price
- Pre-loaded with thousands of games
- Custom OS improves performance
Cons:
- Lower spec hardware than premium options
- Small screen/form factor taxes some hands
#4 Best Value: Powkiddy X55
A surprisingly strong option that flew under 2024’s radar is the Powkiddy X55. Despite costing under $200, it delivers features that compete with far pricier alternatives.
Centered around a nice 5.5” 1280×720 IPS panel with great viewing angles, the X55 can tackle systems like PlayStation 1, N64, SNES, Genesis, Game Boy Advance, and more without issue. It comes packed with a 256GB microSD card housing 30,000+ games too!
While not the most powerful chip on the market, the 1.8Ghz quad-core ARM processor punches above its weight class. The ergonomic design places controls perfectly for long gaming sessions as well. If you want big value without breaking the bank, the X55 is a hidden gem.
Pros:
- Large 5.5” screen with 30K games under $200!
- Surprisingly decent performance
- Very comfortable grip design
Cons:
- Mediocre battery life
- Won’t play higher-end systems well
#5 Best Vertical Design: Anbernic RG405V
Fans missing the vertical styling of classic portables like the Game Boy will adore the unique Anbernic RG405V.
Styled like an oversized Game Boy Pocket, the 405V‘s landscape design brings modern amenities like a crisp 4” touchscreen and WiFi connectivity while retaining a heavy nostalgia factor. The rear handle provides a relaxed grip, helpful during longer play sessions.
Internally, it shares much in common with the strong 405M including quality specs able to handle PlayStation 1 and below smoothly. Unique to the 405V is the incredibly sleek transparent purple colorway – though wood grain and gray are equally attractive.
In an emulator market flooded with landscape clones, the RG405V turns heads with charm and comfort its cubed companions lack. For retro fans wanting a familiar vertical form revived, this Anbernic charts new territory beautifully.
Pros:
- Nostalgic vertical layout
- Comfortable rear handle
- Gorgeous color/material options
Cons:
- Blockier than modern horizontal devices
- Small screen for some
#6 Best Performance: AYN Odin Pro
If raw power trumps all else in your search for a handheld emulator, look no further than the beastly AYN Odin Pro.
Built around Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 octa-core CPU paired with 8GB of RAM, this Windows-based portable laughs in the face of complex console emulators. Play everything from Saturn and Dreamcast to GameCube and Wii flawlessly on its gorgeous 6” 1080p touchscreen.
The Odin Pro’s ample size enables creature comforts like WiFi, Bluetooth, rumble motors, and active cooling to push marathon gaming sessions without performance dips. Speaking of marathon – a giant 6600mAh battery keeps this powerhouse lapping along for 8+ hours.
While expensive and overkill for solely 8 and 16-bit gaming, the Odin Pro brings an unrivaled level of power for running higher-end emulators smoothly as butter while still portable. If you want the best performance money can buy in a handheld, this AYN tops the charts.
Pros:
- Lightning-fast Snapdragon 845 crushes emulation
- Lovely 6” 1080p touchscreen display
- Epic 6600mAh battery life
Cons:
- Very expensive at $350+
- Large footprint less portable than others
What To Know Before Buying
With so many options on the market catering to different priorities, keep these key considerations in mind while choosing your ideal handheld emulator:
Game Systems
Determine the consoles you’re most interested in playing early on. This governs how powerful a device you require. If mainly playing 8 and 16-bit systems like NES, SNES, Genesis, GB, GBA etc., a midrange offering like the RG35XX provides perfect pixel scaling. Those wanting PSP, N64, and PlayStation aim higher at the Powkiddy X55 or Anbernic 405M level. And if PS2, GameCube, Saturn emulation are crucial, only top solutions like the AYN Odin deliver.
Built-In Games
Many devices ship with thousands of classics pre-installed out of the box – a major value-add. However some force you to manually supply your own ROMs. While providing games is very convenient, the quality/duplication varies between manufacturers. And legality remains questionable gray area… Do diligence picking an emulator fitting your comfort level here.
Community Support
Like any enthusiast niche, these retro handhelds have cultivated passionate user bases tweaking hardware and software for optimal enjoyment. When issues crop up, having an engaged community makes all the difference providing fixes. Research forums discussing your shortlist to confirm active user support exists.
Form Factor Preferences
Landscape “slab” designs rule the roost currently but vertical layout options echoing classic Game Boys still hold niche appeal. And some outsized models cater more towards home use versus pure portability. Decide between horizontal, vertical, pocketable, TV-out priorities before purchasing.
What It‘s Like Using A Handheld Emulator
After getting my hands on a few different retro handhelds over the past year, I can confidently say they deliver exactly as advertised – endless hours of nostalgic gaming fun in your pocket.
The ability to revisit childhood NES, SNES, and Genesis favorites like Super Mario, Zelda, Contra, Sonic, and so many more whenever and wherever I want makes commutes, flights, and idle time melt away happily. Thanks to save states, gratifying quick gaming bursts fit my busy lifestyle better than TV consoles.
Their novelty also enamors friends and family when visiting who inevitably end up glued to my device rediscovering their own classic gaming roots. Ultimately, whether you grew up on 8-bit or 128-bit consoles, handheld emulators grant a tangible conduit to gaming nostalgia and simple fun in a world where those notions fade farther from view by the year. I’d absolutely recommend any retro gamer grab one fitting their budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best handheld emulator overall for 2024?
The Retroid Pocket 3 Plus stands as the best balanced handheld emulator overall with great performance, solid build quality, and huge community support.
Do you need to illegally download ROMs to use a handheld emulator?
While many devices ship with thousands of games pre-installed, some require you to supply your own ROMs. Downloading copyright-protected ROMs without owning the original game is unfortunately illegal. Use diligence and caution here.
Which current-gen console games can a handheld emulator play?
Top options like the AYN Odin Pro pack enough power to smoothly emulate newer systems like GameCube, Wii, and PlayStation 2. However most max out at N64, PSP, Saturn, and PlayStation 1 capability.
How does the Steam Deck compare to these dedicated retro handhelds?
While pricier and focused mainly on modern PC games, the Steam Deck similarly enables retro console emulation very well. Its advantage lies in also granting access to 10,000+ modern titles. Dedicated retro handhelds cost less but focus solely on classic emulation.
I hope this guide has helped showcase the range of fantastic handheld emulators catering to all budgets and interests in 2024. Whether chasing pure performance, pretty pixels, or sweet nostalgia hit, there’s an ideal pocket retro machine ready to accompany you anywhere. Game on!
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