Buying Guides

Find the right handheld console faster with expert buying guides for retro gaming, portable play, and beginner-friendly picks.

Explore buying guides for handheld game consoles, retro handhelds, and portable gaming devices designed for different needs, budgets, and play styles.

Whether you're shopping for your first handheld console, comparing retro gaming devices, or looking for the best portable system for travel, our guides help you choose with confidence.

Start Here: Popular Buying Guides

Top Buying Guides

View all
1 3
View all

Browse Guides by Topic

Buying Guides

Best Pokemon Games on R36S 2026: Every Generation Tested — iGC

Best Pokemon Games on R36S 2026: Every Generati...

Best Pokemon games on R36S 2026. iGC tested every Pokemon generation. FireRed 100%, Emerald 100%, HeartGold (DS) 100%, Black/White 100%. The ultimate Pokemon handheld guide.

Best Pokemon Games on R36S 2026: Every Generati...

Best Pokemon games on R36S 2026. iGC tested every Pokemon generation. FireRed 100%, Emerald 100%, HeartGold (DS) 100%, Black/White 100%. The ultimate Pokemon handheld guide.

Best Zelda Games on R36S 2026: Every Legend of Zelda Classic Tested

Best Zelda Games on R36S 2026: Every Legend of ...

Best Zelda games on R36S 2026. iGC tested every Legend of Zelda classic. Link to the Past (SNES) 100%, Ocarina of Time (N64) 88%, Minish Cap (GBA) 100%. Complete Zelda...

Best Zelda Games on R36S 2026: Every Legend of ...

Best Zelda games on R36S 2026. iGC tested every Legend of Zelda classic. Link to the Past (SNES) 100%, Ocarina of Time (N64) 88%, Minish Cap (GBA) 100%. Complete Zelda...

Best R36S Accessories 2026: Cases, Screen Protectors & Must-Have Add-Ons

Best R36S Accessories 2026: Cases, Screen Prote...

Best R36S accessories 2026. iGC recommends: protective case, tempered glass screen protector, 128GB MicroSD, USB-C cable, thumb grips. Complete R36S accessory guide.

Best R36S Accessories 2026: Cases, Screen Prote...

Best R36S accessories 2026. iGC recommends: protective case, tempered glass screen protector, 128GB MicroSD, USB-C cable, thumb grips. Complete R36S accessory guide.

R36S Complete Buying Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

R36S Complete Buying Guide 2026: Everything You...

R36S complete buying guide 2026. iGC answers every question: specs, 15,000+ games, 5.2h battery, 3.5" IPS screen, best emulators, accessories. The definitive guide before you buy.

R36S Complete Buying Guide 2026: Everything You...

R36S complete buying guide 2026. iGC answers every question: specs, 15,000+ games, 5.2h battery, 3.5" IPS screen, best emulators, accessories. The definitive guide before you buy.

Best RPG Games on R36S 2026: Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger & More Tested

Best RPG Games on R36S 2026: Final Fantasy, Chr...

Best RPG games on R36S 2026. iGC tested 15 classic RPGs. Chrono Trigger (SNES) 100%, Final Fantasy VI 100%, Final Fantasy VII (PS1) 96%. Complete RPG compatibility guide.

Best RPG Games on R36S 2026: Final Fantasy, Chr...

Best RPG games on R36S 2026. iGC tested 15 classic RPGs. Chrono Trigger (SNES) 100%, Final Fantasy VI 100%, Final Fantasy VII (PS1) 96%. Complete RPG compatibility guide.

Best Fighting Games on R36S 2026: Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat & More Tested

Best Fighting Games on R36S 2026: Street Fighte...

Best fighting games on R36S 2026. iGC tested 15 fighting classics. Street Fighter II 100%, Mortal Kombat II 100%, Tekken 3 (PS1) 95%. Complete fighting game compatibility guide.

Best Fighting Games on R36S 2026: Street Fighte...

Best fighting games on R36S 2026. iGC tested 15 fighting classics. Street Fighter II 100%, Mortal Kombat II 100%, Tekken 3 (PS1) 95%. Complete fighting game compatibility guide.

Shop by Need

Popular Handheld Consoles

Top-rated handheld consoles for beginners, everyday play, and all-around value.

Top Retro Handheld Consoles

Classic gaming handhelds selected for nostalgia, portability, and retro performance.

Top Consoles to Start With

Editor’s Picks

  • Best for Beginners


    R36S
    Easy to start with, affordable, and beginner-friendly.

  • Best for Performance


    R36PRO
    A stronger handheld for smoother gaming and better controls.

  • Best Overall


    R36MAX
    Balanced screen size, usability, and all-around gaming experience.

  • Best Premium Pick


    R36ULTRA
    A premium handheld console for enthusiasts and advanced users.

What to Do Next

Not sure which handheld console is right for you? Continue exploring our buying guides, compare popular models, or browse our handheld gaming collections.

Explore More Buying Guides

Compare Popular Models

Read Detailed Reviews

Shop Handheld Consoles

Buying Guides FAQ

What can I find in these buying guides?

Our buying guides cover handheld consoles, retro gaming devices, and portable gaming systems for different needs and budgets.

Are these guides suitable for beginners?

Yes, many guides are designed to help beginners choose their first handheld console.

Can I shop products from these guides?

Yes, our guides link directly to handheld console collections and product pages.