Best Retro Gaming Consoles and Accessories
There's something about playing the games you grew up with that just hits different. And right now is honestly the golden age for retro gaming hardware. You've got options ranging from $50 handhelds that fit in your pocket to premium FPGA consoles that play original cartridges with perfect accuracy. Look, you could emulate everything on your phone for free. But dedicated retro hardware feels right in a way that a touchscreen never will. We've compared the best handhelds, controllers, and accessories for people who want to replay the classics properly. And yeah, we went a little overboard on the 8BitDo stuff — they just keep nailing it.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analogue Pocket Handheld Retro Game Console White | Retro Gaming | Plays original cartridges natively | Buy on Amazon |
| Retroid Pocket 4 Pro Handheld Retro Gaming Console | Retro Gaming | Emulates up to PS2 and GameCube | Buy on Amazon |
| Miyoo Mini Plus Retro Handheld Game Console | Retro Gaming | Pocket-sized portability | Buy on Amazon |
| 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard Fami Edition | Keyboard | Nostalgic retro Famicom design | Buy on Amazon |
| 8BitDo Arcade Stick for Xbox and PC | Arcade Stick | Hot-swappable buttons and stick | Buy on Amazon |
| 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller | Controller | Hall effect sticks resist drift | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Look at Each Product
Analogue Pocket Handheld Retro Game Console White
Premium retro handheld that plays original Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance cartridges on a 3.5-inch LTPS LCD. FPGA-based hardware emulation for pixel-perfect accuracy.
- Plays original cartridges natively
- FPGA hardware, not software emulation
- Beautiful 3.5-inch display
- Dock for TV output available
- Expensive for a retro handheld
- Adapters for other systems cost extra
- Limited availability
Retroid Pocket 4 Pro Handheld Retro Gaming Console
Android-based retro gaming handheld that emulates systems from NES through GameCube and PS2. Features a 4.7-inch OLED touchscreen, Hall Effect joysticks, and a Dimensity 1100 processor.
- Emulates up to PS2 and GameCube
- 4.7-inch OLED display
- Hall Effect sticks prevent drift
- Android gives access to apps and streaming
- Emulation performance varies by game
- Build quality is plasticky
- No official game library
Miyoo Mini Plus Retro Handheld Game Console
Ultra-compact retro gaming handheld with a 3.5-inch IPS display that fits in a pocket. Runs RetroArch to emulate classic systems from NES through PS1 with a surprisingly good display and controls.
- Pocket-sized portability
- Excellent 3.5-inch IPS display
- Emulates NES through PS1 well
- Very affordable entry point
- Tiny buttons may cramp larger hands
- Wi-Fi is slow
- Build quality is basic plastic
8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard Fami Edition
Retro-styled mechanical keyboard inspired by classic Famicom controllers. Features Kailh Box White V2 switches, dual super buttons for macros, and Bluetooth, 2.4G, and USB-C connectivity.
- Nostalgic retro Famicom design
- Hot-swappable Kailh switches
- Programmable super buttons
- Tri-mode connectivity
- Loud clicky switches not for offices
- No RGB backlighting
8BitDo Arcade Stick for Xbox and PC
Modular arcade stick with Sanwa-compatible layout and hot-swappable buttons and joystick. Works wirelessly with Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and PC with Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity.
- Hot-swappable buttons and stick
- Sanwa-compatible for upgrades
- Wireless Xbox and PC support
- Profile switching for custom configs
- Included buttons are basic quality
- No PlayStation support
- Stick is lightweight, slides on lap
8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller
Versatile wireless controller with a charging dock that works with Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile via Bluetooth and 2.4GHz. Hall effect thumbsticks prevent drift, and two rear buttons add competitive flexibility.
- Hall effect sticks resist drift
- Included charging dock
- Works with Switch, PC, and mobile
- Two rear buttons
- No Xbox or PlayStation compatibility
- Bluetooth can have slight input lag
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best retro gaming handheld right now?
Depends on your budget. The Miyoo Mini Plus is the value king — it's tiny, plays everything up through PS1, and costs very little. The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro handles up to PS2 and GameCube games if you want more power. And the Analogue Pocket is the premium pick — it plays real Game Boy cartridges with a gorgeous screen.
Can these handhelds play N64 and PS1 games?
The Miyoo Mini Plus handles PS1 well but struggles with N64. The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro runs both no problem and even pushes into Dreamcast and PSP territory. For N64 specifically, you want something with decent processing power since those games are notoriously tricky to emulate.
Is the Analogue Pocket worth the premium price?
If you still have Game Boy cartridges sitting in a drawer somewhere, absolutely. It plays them natively through FPGA — no emulation, no input lag, no compatibility issues. The screen is stunning. But if you don't care about original carts and just want to play ROMs, you can get 90% of the experience with a Retroid for way less money.
What controller should I use for retro games on my TV?
The 8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller is the go-to. It works with Switch, PC, and most retro setups. The D-pad is fantastic for 2D games, which is where it matters most. If you're into fighting games, grab the 8BitDo Arcade Stick instead — it's modular, works great, and won't empty your wallet.