5 Best Handheld Emulator Consoles of 2025

Gaming has come a long way since the days of sitting in front of the TV, waiting for our favorite games to load. While nothing can match that feeling, handheld emulator consoles have quietly gained a lot of popularity simply because they allow us to relive classic games while providing a much-needed distraction from the hectic smartphone life.

And if you are also considering splurging money on such a console, you might be pretty confused due to the plethora of options. But don’t worry. In this guide, I will help you find the best handheld emulator consoles on the market and choose the one that’s right for you.

What to Look for in a Handheld Emulator Console?

Unlike deciding between the PS5 and Xbox, choosing the right emulator console is a bit difficult. First, you need to decide which console games you want to play. Are you looking to play NES, SNES, Game Boy games, or perhaps something more demanding like PS2 or Dreamcast? This is the primary metric that will define your console.

Performance is also key—nobody wants their favorite game to lag. While the performance requirements will differ for everyone, a good rule of thumb is to look for consoles with at least 4GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage if you plan to run PS2 titles. Also, some devices come with limited storage, so you may want one that supports SD cards.

Best Handheld Emulator Consoles

Now that you know what to look for, let’s look at the top handheld emulator consoles available in 2024:

1. Ayn Odin 2

• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• GPU: Adreno 740 GPU
• RAM: Up to 16GB
• Storage: Up to 512GB

The Ayn Odin 2 is the most capable console on the list, thanks to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. This means you can not only play games from older consoles but also run PS2 titles. It features a vibrant 6-inch IPS LCD screen with bright colors.

The Ayn Odin 2 lasts between 2 and 3 hours on a single charge, which is more than enough for a long gaming session or a short flight. Speaking of playing, the console includes Hall Effect sticks, which significantly improve gameplay, and the shape is comfortable to hold for long periods.

The only downside is the price. Starting at $299, the Ayn Odin 2 isn’t really a beginner’s console. It’s for power users who want to emulate almost all consoles and even play new-age titles like PUBGM and CODM.

Pros	Cons
Excellent performance	Bit on the pricier side
Hall-Effect sticks
Comfortable design

2. Analogue Pocket

• CPU: Altera Cyclone V, Altera Cyclone 10
• RAM: 32MB
• Storage: Expandable via MicroSD

If you love the GameBoy design, look no further than the Analogue Pocket. The console has the same beloved design and can emulate Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games while supporting physical cartridges. This means you can skip searching for game ROMs online and use your original game collection.

However, what truly sets the Analogue Pocket apart is the FPGA system. For the uninitiated, an FPGA, or Field Programmable Gate Array, is a type of integrated circuit that can be reprogrammed after manufacturing. This technology allows the Analogue Pocket to closely mimic the original consoles, creating a much more authentic gaming experience.

Speaking of gameplay, the Analogue Pocket works on Analogue OS and has 6-10 hours of battery life, depending on usage and game. The console retails for just under $220, which might seem a bit much. However, with its premium build quality, great OS, and FPGA system, the Pocket is well worth the money.

Pros	Cons
Excellent design	Pricey for beginners
Excellent battery life
FPGA emulation support

3. Evercade EXP

• CPU: 1.5 GHz Processor
• RAM: 4GB

Emulation has always been a gray area, considering using emulation software is legal, but downloading game ROMs from the internet is not. With most consoles relying on ROMs, there’s always a risk of legal issues from companies like Nintendo. If this issue is a consideration in your decision-making, then the Evercade EXP might just be the console for you.

Instead of using game ROMs, the console uses cartridges, allowing people to buy their games physically once again. Currently, around 300 licensed games are available, with new titles regularly added. Developers like Capcom are also backing this platform.

Speaking of the experience, the Evercade EXP is well-built and has a battery life of roughly 4-5 hours, depending on your specific usage. The console costs just $149 and is a great option if you are into collecting physical games.

Pros	Cons
Licensed physical games	Limited library of 300 games
Great performance	No Bluetooth headphone support
Backed by various game studios

4. Miyoo Mini+

• CPU: Cortex A7
• RAM: 128MB
• Storage: Expandable via MicroSD

The Miyoo Mini+ is a great choice if you want a budget-friendly console. As the name suggests, the console is tiny, and its design resembles the familiar GameBoy. Despite its low price, it has a capable processor, impressive display, Wi-Fi capability, and shoulder buttons.

On the performance front, the Miyoo Mini+ can handle games from nearly every console up to the PS1. It features a 3,000mAh removable battery that lasts around three hours on a single charge and charges via USB-C. However, it’s worth noting that Miyoo doesn’t yet offer replacement batteries.

Retailing at just under $85 (often lower during sales), the Miyoo Mini+ is a great console for newcomers who want an effective and affordable option.

Pros	Cons
Budget-friendly	No Bluetooth headphone compatibility
Solid performance
Ergonomic design

5. Anbernic RG35XXSP

• CPU: Allwinner H700 @ 1.5 GHz
• GPU: Mali-G31 MP2
• RAM: 1GB
• Storage: Expandable up to 512GB

If you are a fan of the GameBoy Advance aesthetic, then the Anbernic RG35XXSP would be right at home. Its clamshell design enhances durability and gives it a nostalgic, unique look.

The RG35XXSP claims it supports consoles from GameBoy to the PSP. However, while the performance of GameBoy games is pretty solid, most PSP games are capped at just 30FPS. The console includes a 3,300mAh battery, lasting up to 8 hours on a single charge; however, charging times are pretty slow.

Nonetheless, for just $70, you cannot go wrong with the Anbernic RG35XXSP. The console has a great design, decent performance, and solid battery life.

Pros	Cons
Amazing clamshell design	Slow charging times
Good performance
Costs just $70

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

And there you have it—the best handheld emulator consoles available today. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option to enjoy Game Boy classics or a powerful device for PS2 games, there’s something for everyone. Just remember to compare prices on different websites, as these consoles frequently go on sale.