How to choose a retro handheld: chipset, screen and controls

By Lewis Darby · Published 20 October 2026 · Updated 27 October 2026

What actually matters when buying a retro gaming handheld: which systems it can run, screen size and aspect ratio, controls, battery and software.

There are dozens of retro handhelds from makers such as Anbernic, Miyoo, Retroid and AYN, and the spec sheets can be confusing. Here is what to check, in order of importance.

1. Decide what you want to play

Almost every current handheld runs 8-bit and 16-bit consoles well. Original PlayStation and Game Boy Advance are comfortable on budget devices too. Dreamcast, PSP, Nintendo DS and especially PlayStation 2 or GameCube need much stronger chips. Buy for the most demanding system you actually care about, not the longest list on the box.

2. Screen size and aspect ratio

4:3 screens suit most classic home consoles with no black bars.
3:2 screens match the Game Boy Advance.
16:9 screens suit PSP and modern streaming but leave borders on older games.

Resolution matters less than you think for 240p-era games; a good integer scale often looks better than a bigger, blurrier image.

3. Form factor and controls

Vertical, Game Boy-style devices are pocketable and great for Nintendo handheld games. Horizontal devices with two analogue sticks and shoulder buttons suit PlayStation and later systems. Check whether the d-pad is a single piece and whether the shoulder buttons are stacked or side by side.

4. Operating system

Linux-based devices boot fast and are simple. Android devices can run more emulators and streaming apps but need more setting up. Community firmware can transform a cheap device, so check what is available for it.

5. Battery and build

Look for real-world battery reviews rather than the quoted capacity, and for USB-C charging. Build quality varies a lot even within one brand.

6. Play legally

Emulator software isn't illegal in itself, but downloading game files you don't own infringes copyright. UK law has no clear exception for personal backups of games you own (a 2014 private copying exception was quashed in 2015), so official re-releases are the safest route.

7. Chipsets in plain English

Spec sheets list a system-on-chip (SoC). You don't need to know the details, but rough tiers help:

Entry level: comfortable with 8-bit and 16-bit consoles, Game Boy Advance and original PlayStation.
Mid-range: adds most Nintendo DS, PSP and Dreamcast games, plus some Nintendo 64.
High-end, often Android-based: handles many PlayStation 2 and GameCube games, though not every title runs well.

Review sites and community compatibility lists show real performance far better than benchmark numbers.

8. Screen quality

Look for an IPS or OLED panel rather than an older TN screen, which washes out at angles. Check reviews for brightness, colour and whether the screen is laminated (bonded to the glass), which reduces reflections and makes images look sharper.

9. Connectivity

Wi-Fi: useful for updates, scraping artwork, cloud saves and streaming from a PC.
Video output: some devices connect to a TV over HDMI or USB-C.
Two microSD slots: handy for keeping the system and games separate.

10. Buying in the UK

Import charges: buying directly from overseas sellers can mean VAT and handling fees on delivery, and longer waits for returns.
Your rights: buying from a UK-based seller gives you Consumer Rights Act protections, and online purchases usually have a 14-day cancellation period.
Chargers: some devices come without a plug; use a reputable UK charger.
Bundled cards: some listings include cards pre-loaded with games. These are often pirated copies, and the cards themselves can be unreliable.

A quick decision guide

Pocketable and simple, for Game Boy to PlayStation: a budget vertical Linux device.
All-rounder, up to PSP and Dreamcast: a mid-range horizontal device with two sticks.
Maximum power and streaming: a high-end Android handheld.

Sources and further reading

Facts checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.