Best Retro Handhelds Under $100 (Great Christmas Gifts)
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A few years ago, a good retro handheld cost a couple hundred bucks. Now you can get a solid one for the price of a nice dinner. That’s why these little things show up under so many Christmas trees: they’re cheap, they feel great, and they bring back a whole childhood of games in your pocket.
The catch is that the cheap end of the market is crowded with junk. Here are the ones actually worth buying.
What to Know Before You Buy
Every handheld in this price range plays NES, SNES, Genesis, Game Boy and GBA games perfectly. The differences show up with PlayStation 1, N64 and PSP games, plus build quality, screen and battery life.
One more thing: skip the listings bragging about “20,000 preloaded games.” Those are usually low-quality bundles of pirated games. The legal route is playing games you own. Many people also use these devices for official retro collections and homebrew games.
The Best Retro Handhelds Under $100
1. Miyoo Mini Plus
Best for: Best pocket handheld
Small enough for a jeans pocket and loved by the retro community, thanks largely to its excellent community-made software. The vertical, Game Boy-style shape feels great for 8-bit and 16-bit games. If you want one device to carry everywhere, this is my pick.
2. Anbernic RG35XX Plus
Best for: Best value
Usually around $50, and it does not feel like a $50 device. Solid build, sharp screen and great performance on classic consoles. It’s the one I’d recommend to most first-time buyers.
3. Anbernic RG35XX H
Best for: Best horizontal design
A wider, horizontal layout with dual analog sticks, HDMI out and Wi-Fi. Better for longer sessions and for games that need analog control.
4. TrimUI Smart Pro
Best for: Best for PSP and N64
A wide screen and more processing power than most devices at this price. If you care about PSP and N64 games, this is the one to look at.
5. Anbernic RG CubeXX
Best for: Best square screen
A square screen that’s perfect for Game Boy and GBA games, with a chunky, fun design. A great gift for someone who grew up on Nintendo handhelds.
6. R36S handheld
Best for: Cheapest that’s still decent
The bargain bin hero. It’s often under $50 and plays classic games well. Build quality and software vary between sellers, so buy from a seller with strong reviews.
My Pick
For most people, the Anbernic RG35XX Plus is the easy choice. It’s cheap, reliable and does everything a first-time buyer wants. If they’ll carry it in a pocket every day, get the Miyoo Mini Plus instead.
Want to see the bigger, pricier options too? Check our list of the best retro handhelds, and our handheld console timeline for the classics that inspired them.
FAQ
What’s the best retro handheld under $100?
The Anbernic RG35XX Plus is the best value for most people. The Miyoo Mini Plus is the best pocket-sized option.
Can a cheap retro handheld play PlayStation games?
Yes. Most handhelds in this range handle PS1 games well. N64 and PSP performance varies more between devices.
Are retro handhelds legal?
The devices are legal. Playing games you own or official releases is the safe route. Downloading copies of games you don’t own isn’t.
Are retro handhelds a good Christmas gift?
Yes. They’re affordable, easy to use and a big hit with anyone who grew up playing classic games.
What’s the cheapest decent retro handheld?
The R36S often sells for under $50 and plays classic games well. Buy from a seller with strong reviews.
