Now in games, old small game machines mean a lot to players. They give a fun look back at the past. Look at our full guide to the top old small game machines of 2024. We give tips on how to find the best one for how you like to play
How To Pick The Perfect Retro Handheld Console
When it comes to selecting the perfect retro handheld console, there are several key factors to consider:
- Nostalgia: The charm of old-school games comes from making us feel like the old days. Look for game devices you can hold that nod to the old ones with looks and parts, like D-pads and keys, that remind us of well-known systems from before.
- Supported Games: Each game device you hold has its type of old games it can copy. Think about the mix of games you wish to play and pick one that can play the games you love. If you like old Game Boy games or newer PlayStation 1 games, get one that fits what you like to play.
- Battery Life: How long the battery lasts in a game device you hold is key. Choose one with a good battery life so you can play non-stop while out or chilling at home. A strong battery means you can play the games you love without charging all the time.
Exploring the Best Retro Handheld Consoles of 2024
Miyoo Mini Plus+: The Ultimate Retro Companion
The Miyoo Mini Plus+ has a small and easy-to-carry shape, so you can bring your top old games with you. It has a bright screen and easy-to-use buttons that make playing games a lot of fun. It’s strong inside so you can play smoothly with clear pictures.
What makes the Miyoo Mini Plus+ different is the large number of old games it holds. It comes with a lot of great old games from different game systems, like the NES, SNES, Game Boy, and others.
Specifications:
| Playing Time: Up to 8 hours |
| Chipset: Custom ARM-based processor |
| RAM: 1GB DDR3 |
| Storage: 16GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 128GB |
| Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 Display: 3.5-inch IPS LCD screen, 640×480 resolution |
| Dimensions: 14.5 x 7.8 x 2.3 cm |
Pros:
- Compact design for portability
- Wide range of supported retro games
- Intuitive controls for seamless gameplay
Cons:
- Limited availability may lead to supply issues
- Screen size may be small for some users
- Battery life could be improved for extended gaming sessions
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ANBERNIC RG35XX: Budget-Friendly Retro Gaming Delight
Are you addicted to old-school joysticks and buttons? Relish the feeling of getting your hands on those fun games from your childhood, does that come to mind? Look no more! The off-on, the Anbernic RG35XX is a terrific and affordable playback-turning machine that is a throwback to the old days of nostalgia mimicking. Once you use the ANBERNIC RG35XX, it will be much easier to immerse yourself in lots of games from many consoles – NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, Game Boy, and many others.
This small guy’s bright blue eyes exhibit a lot of fervor and determination. 5-inch display, simple buttons, and the best speaker to accompany the game letting you know there’s no excuse for losing. The best benefit so far I’ve had with the ANBERNIC RG35XX is that it is value-driven and of the same class as highly-priced alternatives. It is kind of pricey but does the job anyway allows you to have all the fun at a profitable price and lets you have a good time at the same time.
Specifications:
| Playing Time: Up to 6 hours |
| Chipset: RK3326 quad-core processor RAM: 1GB DDR3 |
| Dimensions: 14.7 x 7.5 x 1.5 cm |
| Storage: 32GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256GB |
| Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 Display: 3.5-inch IPS LCD screen, 640×480 resolution |
Pros:
- Budget-friendly pricing for affordability
- Decent emulation performance for retro gaming
- Durable build quality for long-term use
Cons:
- Limited support for certain retro game formats
- Display quality may not be the best
- Button layout could be more ergonomic
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Steam Deck: Elevating Retro Gaming to New Heights
Get set to feel the old fun of old-school games in a brand-new way with the cool Steam Deck. This gaming tool you can hold in your hand is here to make playing games better than ever, letting you enjoy old hits whenever and wherever you like.
The Steam Deck puts together the might of a big gaming computer with the easy handling of a small tool. With a special AMD chip, it makes pictures look amazing and play moves flow well, making old games seem fresh in your hands.
It’s got a shape that fits right in your hands and a screen that shows things very clearly, so the Steam Deck makes playing games feel real and comfy. It comes with all the things you need to play – sticks for your thumbs, push-buttons, and pull-triggers – giving you sharp control for all kinds of games. But the Steam Deck isn’t just about old games. It lets you into the huge world of games on Steam, too. You can pick from small cool games to the biggest games and take them with you.
Specifications:
| Playing Time: Up to 8 hours |
| Chipset: AMD APU with Zen 2 architecture |
| RAM: 16GB LPDDR5 Storage: Available in 64GB eMMC, 256GB NVMe SSD, or 512GB NVMe SSD |
| Dimensions: 298mm x 117mm x 49mm |
| Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0 Display: 7-inch touchscreen LCD, 1280×800 resolution |
Pros:
- Powerful hardware capable of running modern games
- Extensive library of retro titles through emulation
- Versatile gaming experience with access to multiple platforms
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other retro handhelds
- Larger sizes may not be as portable
- Limited availability and long waiting times for orders
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Nintendo Switch Lite: Your Gateway to Nintendo Classics
Ready to jump into a game trip like no other? Don’t look far—the Nintendo Switch Lite is here. It’s the top game box you can hold that makes all your best Nintendo games come alive. The Nintendo Switch Lite has a smooth and small shape, so it’s great for games when you’re out. On the bus, on a trip, or just sitting at home, you can jump right into a fun game world at any time.
Feel the fun of playing big Nintendo games like Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. With the Nintendo Switch Lite in your hands, you can hop into these loved games and find new fun to have.
Specifications:
| Playing Time: Up to 7 hours |
| Chipset: Custom NVIDIA Tegra processor |
| RAM: 4GB Storage: 32GB internal storage, expandable via microSD card slot Wireless |
| Dimensions: 91.1mm x 208mm x 13.9mm |
| Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1 Display: 5.5-inch touchscreen LCD, 1280×720 resolution |
Pros:
- Official support for Nintendo classics
- Compact and lightweight design for portability
- Access to a vast library of retro titles through Nintendo eShop
Cons:
- Limited to Nintendo-exclusive retro games
- Lack of TV connectivity for larger-screen gaming
- Joy-Con drift issues reported by some users
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Retroid Pocket 2S: Striking the Perfect Balance
Are you set to make your gameplay even better? Don’t look far—the Retroid Pocket 2S is here. This small game player hits the sweet spot of strong and easy to take with you, letting you enjoy old games you love anywhere. It comes with a strong four-core chip and lots of memory, so the Retroid Pocket 2S will run top games well. Love old NES games or miss the best Game Boy Advance ones? This tool is all set for you. Plus, its bright 3.5-inch screen means clear pictures and deep play fun. But it’s not all about the tech parts. The Retroid Pocket 2S also has lots of built-in old games, so you can jump into play right now. If you want more, just put in more storage and keep growing your game list.
Specifications:
| Playing Time: Up to 6 hours |
| Chipset: MediaTek MT8163 quad-core processor |
| RAM: 3GB Storage: 32GB internal storage, expandable via microSD card slot |
| Dimensions: 143mm x 76mm x 20mm |
| Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0 Display: 3.5-inch IPS touchscreen, 640×480 resolution |
Pros:
- Ergonomic design for comfortable gaming
- Vibrant display with crisp visuals
- Wide compatibility with retro game formats
Cons:
- Software optimization issues may impact performance
- Build quality may not be as premium
- Limited customer support and warranty coverage
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Asus ROG Ally: Unleashing Peak Performance
Are you set to make your play even better? Don’t look far – the Asus ROG Ally is here. It’s made to give top-notch play and big power. This device has cool tech and smart extras. The Asus ROG Ally can handle tough games and apps. It has the new Intel Core brain and quick DDR4 memory, so your games run smoothly and respond fast. The screen on the Asus ROG Ally makes your games look bright and clear.
If you’re in big worlds or fight lots of players, it shows every bit perfectly. But Asus ROG Ally isn’t just about how well it works. It’s also made so you can play with ease. You can set the keyboard lights as you like and play long without getting tired. The cooling inside keeps it cool, even if you play a lot. Plus, connecting is easy with Asus ROG Ally. It has many USB spots, HDMI, and internet wire hookups, for fast play with your best gear and no slow-down online.
Specifications:
| Playing Time: Approximately 5-7 hours |
| Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888+ SoC |
| RAM: 8GB LPDDR5 Storage: 128GB UFS 3.1 internal storage, expandable via microSD card slot |
| Dimensions: 172.2mm x 83.4mm x 13.9mm |
| Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 Display: 5.7-inch AMOLED touchscreen, 2340 x 1080 resolution |
Pros:
- Cutting-edge hardware for top-tier performance
- Premium build quality with durable construction
- Extensive features for customization and control
Cons:
- High price point may not be suitable for all budgets
- Larger sizes and weights may be less portable
- Limited availability and distribution channels may affect accessibility
In Conclusion
To sum it up, the 2024 scene of old-time small game machines is full of different picks that fit any taste or wallet. There are cheap ones and high-end ones with the newest cool things. They can make all kinds of players happy, no matter if you’re big into old games or just want to play old hits again. These best choices will make you happy and keep you playing for a long time. So, choose the old game machine you like best, jump into endless fun with old games, and let the old, good times come back to you.
