Best Budget Retro Handhelds, Compared
At the budget end, most retro handhelds play NES through PlayStation well. What really separates them is shape, screen and extras such as Wi-Fi. Here are six popular budget picks, what each is best at, and who should buy it.
How we chose
This is a spec-and-source comparison, not a lab test of every unit. Specifications come from Retrocatalog and the independent reviews linked below. This site focuses on the R36H, so we know that device best. We earn a commission if you buy through our Amazon links, at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure.
Quick Picks
| If you want… | Pick |
|---|---|
| A horizontal grip on the tightest budget | R36H |
| More power, Wi-Fi and TV output | Anbernic RG35XX H |
| The most pocketable device | Miyoo Mini Plus |
| The sharpest small screen and premium build | TrimUI Brick |
| Game Boy games on a big square screen | R36 Max |
| A classic vertical shape with two sticks | R36S |
Specs Side by Side
| Device | Layout | Screen | Chip | Battery | Sticks | Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R36H | Horizontal | 3.5" 640×480 | RK3326 | 3000mAh, removable | Two | Most units no |
| R36S | Vertical | 3.5" 640×480 | RK3326 | 3500mAh | Two | No |
| R36 Max | Vertical | 4.0" 720×720 (1:1) | RK3326 | 4000mAh | Two | No |
| RG35XX H | Horizontal | 3.5" 640×480 | Allwinner H700 | 3300mAh | Two | Yes, plus Bluetooth and video out |
| Miyoo Mini Plus | Vertical | 3.5" 640×480 | SigmaStar SSD202D | 3000mAh | None | Yes |
| TrimUI Brick | Vertical | 3.2" 1024×768 | Allwinner A133 Plus | 3000mAh | None | Yes, plus Bluetooth |
Sources: Retrocatalog pages for the R36H, R36S, R36 Max, RG35XX H, Miyoo Mini Plus and TrimUI Brick. R36H details are from Tech Tactician.
1. R36H
Best for: players who want a comfortable horizontal grip and two sticks for the lowest outlay.
The R36H puts the RK3326 chip, two analog sticks and a 3.5-inch 4:3 screen in a horizontal body, so your hands sit either side of the screen like a modern controller. It has two microSD slots and a removable 3000mAh battery. Most units lack Wi-Fi. It is our pick for most first-time buyers who play NES through PlayStation. Full R36H specs.
The R36H: horizontal, two sticks, removable battery.
Check Price on Amazon →2. Anbernic RG35XX H
Best for: buyers who want more power and extras in a similar horizontal shape.
Anbernic's RG35XX H uses a faster Allwinner H700 chip with 1GB of LPDDR4, and adds Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and video output. That makes it the stronger choice for demanding systems and for playing on a TV. It sits in a higher price tier than the R36H. R36H vs RG35XX H.
Several resellers list the RG35XX H; check the model and bundled card.
Check Price →3. Miyoo Mini Plus
Best for: a small device that slips into any pocket, mainly for classic 2D games.
The Miyoo Mini Plus is compact and vertical, with a 3.5-inch 640×480 screen and Wi-Fi. Its SigmaStar chip has only 128MB of RAM and there are no analog sticks, so it suits classic 2D systems best. Its community firmware, such as OnionOS, is widely praised. R36H vs Miyoo Mini Plus.
Listed on Amazon by the Miyoo brand with a carrying case.
Check Price →4. TrimUI Brick
Best for: anyone who values a sharp screen and premium feel over analog sticks.
The TrimUI Brick has a small 3.2-inch screen with a high 1024×768 resolution, an Allwinner A133 Plus chip, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Reviewers praise its build quality, while some note it can warm up during heavy play. There are no analog sticks. R36H vs TrimUI Brick.
Make sure the listing is the original 3.2-inch Brick, not the Pro or Hammer.
Check Price →5. R36 Max
Best for: Game Boy and Game Boy Color fans, and anyone who wants a bigger battery.
The R36 Max shares the R36H's RK3326 chip but has a vertical body, a square 4-inch 720×720 screen and a 4000mAh battery. Game Boy games fill much more of its screen, while 4:3 games appear at about the same size as on the R36H. R36H vs R36 Max.
Other devices share the R36 Max name; check for a 4.0-inch 720×720 screen.
Check Price →6. R36S
Best for: fans of the classic vertical shape who still want two analog sticks.
The R36S is the vertical sibling of the R36H, with the same RK3326 chip and 3.5-inch 640×480 screen, and a 3500mAh battery. It is widely documented, but look-alike clone boards exist, so check recent reviews on the exact listing. R36H vs R36S.
R36S listings are common; clone boards exist, so check reviews.
Check Price →How to Choose
- Pick a shape first. Horizontal devices (R36H, RG35XX H) are more comfortable for long sessions. Vertical ones (R36S, R36 Max, Miyoo, Brick) are easier to pocket.
- Decide whether you need sticks. For PlayStation games that use analog control, choose a device with two sticks. The Miyoo Mini Plus and TrimUI Brick have none.
- Decide whether you need wireless. Wi-Fi helps with box art, RetroAchievements and updates. Of these six, only the RG35XX H, Miyoo Mini Plus and TrimUI Brick include it as standard.
- Match the screen to your games. 4:3 screens suit home consoles. The R36 Max's square screen suits Game Boy titles.