BEST RETRO HANDHELDS 2026
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We tested the three most popular budget retro handhelds side by side. Here's how they compare.
MIYOO MINI PLUS
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READ FULL REVIEWANBERNIC RG35XX
[Short verdict paragraph for each pick — 2-3 sentences explaining why it earned this position.]
READ FULL REVIEWR36S
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READ FULL REVIEWFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the best retro handheld in 2026?
The Miyoo Mini Plus is the best all-round retro handheld under £100 in 2026. It offers the strongest balance of build quality, screen, emulation performance and software support.
What is the cheapest good retro handheld?
The R36S at around £35 is the cheapest retro handheld we recommend. It runs everything up to PS1, has dual analogue sticks, and comes with a larger screen than the Miyoo Mini Plus.
Can retro handhelds play PlayStation 1 games?
Yes. All three handhelds in this guide — the Miyoo Mini Plus, RG35XX and R36S — run PlayStation 1 games at full speed. Dreamcast and PSP are beyond their reliable performance ceiling.
Are retro handhelds legal?
The handhelds themselves are legal to buy and own. Downloading ROMs for games you do not own is copyright infringement in the UK. You can legally dump ROMs from cartridges and discs you own for personal use.