Gaming handhelds have long been a staple of the industry, but since the release of the Steam Deck a few years ago, we’ve seen a rise in handhelds targeted at emulation fans. While high-end gaming PCs like the Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally frequently steal the show, Android-based gaming handhelds also hold a lot of appeal for those who enjoy playing classic games.
Here’s why they’re unique:
- This includes classic game ports and Android emulators, which provide a wealth of nostalgia.
- Android-based handhelds are more small and portable than their beefier cousins.
- Longer gaming sessions are possible thanks to enhanced battery life and a variety of networking choices.
- Android handhelds, as opposed to Windows-based handhelds, deliver a more touch-friendly and intuitive experience.
- They are a far more affordable alternative to gaming phones, without sacrificing the classic gaming appeal.
With all of these benefits in mind, let’s take a look at the finest Android retro gaming handhelds that will transport you back in time and fulfill your nostalgic gaming desire.
Below are the 5 best Android retro gaming handhelds
- Ayn Odin Pro
- Retro Pocket 3+
- Logitech G Cloud
- Razer Edge
- GPD XP Plus
Ayn Odin Pro
Even though AYN may be a newcomer to the portable gaming market, the majority of fans of classic gaming favor their Odin Pro gadget. It is an appealing choice due to its ergonomic design, strong performance, and affordable price.
The AYN Odin Pro provides the ideal handheld gaming experience and is almost the same size and form as the Nintendo Switch Lite. Its curved handles make it more comfortable to use during extended gaming sessions, and its brilliant 6-inch 1080P LCD screen gives old games a fresh look.
The contemporary triggers, face buttons, and tactile D-Pad all contribute to the attraction. It is powered by Android 10, which is sufficiently new to enable the most modern emulators. Longer gaming sessions are guaranteed thanks to the performance settings and the 6,600mAh battery.
The Snapdragon 845, which powers the AYN Odin Pro, supports old games like PS2 and Gamecube emulators with ease right out of the box despite its advancing age.
Retro Pocket 3+
The Retro Pocket 3+ is a great alternative if you’re looking for something more reasonably priced. It can emulate games up to the PS2 and Gamecube period, with a few minor exclusions, and is more cheap than a basic Android phone.
Except for certain demanding PS2 games, the vintage Pocket 3+’s Unisoc Tiger T618 CPU, which is uncommon among Android phones, proved to be more than adequate for vintage gaming. It offers a smooth return to classic gaming because of its Switch-like design and small 4.7-inch touchscreen.
At $150, it is incredibly affordable, comes pre-installed with Android 11, and provides access to the Google Play Store so that other emulators may be installed.
Logitech G Cloud
The Logitech G Cloud shines as a classic Android gaming powerhouse, despite the fact that it was primarily created for cloud gaming services. It’s a formidable challenger because of its 1080p display, great buttons, and Snapdragon 720G.
The Logitech G Cloud’s mid-range Snapdragon 720G runs classic games up to the PS2 and Gamecube period with elegance while running an almost stock Android 11 experience.
It has an exceptional battery life that may last up to 12 hours. When compared to other Android vintage gaming handhelds, its $350 MSRP puts it on the expensive side.
Razer Edge
With an attachable controller, the Razer Kishi V2, the Razer Edge has a distinctive look that is similar to an Android tablet and offers a flexible gaming environment. With its 6.8-inch OLED display, Snapdragon G3X Gen 1 SoC, and efficient cooling, it provides excellent gaming performance.
The Razer Edge runs on an almost stock version of Android 12, making it simple to download emulators from the Google Play Store. There are two variants available, a non-5G device priced at $400 and a 5G model priced at $600. The non-5G model works well for vintage gaming.
GPD XP Plus
The GPD XP Plus is a potent but more expensive alternative. It easily handles games up to the PS2 era because of its modular architecture and MediaTek Dimensity 1200 processor. The device includes a 7,000mAh battery in addition to a large 6.81-inch display.
It gives you access to the Google Play Store as an Android-based handheld, enabling you to play a variety of games. For games like PUBG Mobile, the device’s back button mapping capability may be useful. Although its build quality isn’t the best, the GPD XP Plus offers outstanding performance for vintage gaming.
These portable Android vintage gaming devices provide a wide range of solutions to meet your gaming nostalgia cravings. There is an Android handheld available that meets your needs, whether you’re looking for cost, high-end features, or raw power. Cheers to the past!