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.

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Buying Guides

Best retro handheld for Super Mario 64 2026 — SM64 120 stars N64 R36S by iGameConsole

Best Retro Handheld for Super Mario 64 in 2026:...

Best retro handheld for Super Mario 64 2026 — R36S. SM64 97% via N64. All 120 Power Stars collectible, all 15 worlds accessible, analog stick handles full 3D movement.

Best Retro Handheld for Super Mario 64 in 2026:...

Best retro handheld for Super Mario 64 2026 — R36S. SM64 97% via N64. All 120 Power Stars collectible, all 15 worlds accessible, analog stick handles full 3D movement.

Best retro handheld for Chrono Trigger 2026 — CT SNES all 13 endings R36S by iGameConsole

Best Retro Handheld for Chrono Trigger in 2026:...

Best retro handheld for Chrono Trigger 2026 — R36S. CT 100% via SNES. All 13 endings accessible, New Game+ works, all 7 characters recruitable including Magus.

Best Retro Handheld for Chrono Trigger in 2026:...

Best retro handheld for Chrono Trigger 2026 — R36S. CT 100% via SNES. All 13 endings accessible, New Game+ works, all 7 characters recruitable including Magus.

Best retro handheld for Sonic the Hedgehog 2026 — Sonic 1 2 3K Genesis R36S by iGameConsole

Best Retro Handheld for Sonic the Hedgehog in 2...

Best retro handheld for Sonic 2026 — R36S. Sonic 1/2/3&K all 100% via Genesis. Super Sonic in Sonic 2, Hyper Sonic in Sonic 3&K. All Chaos Emeralds collectible.

Best Retro Handheld for Sonic the Hedgehog in 2...

Best retro handheld for Sonic 2026 — R36S. Sonic 1/2/3&K all 100% via Genesis. Super Sonic in Sonic 2, Hyper Sonic in Sonic 3&K. All Chaos Emeralds collectible.

Best retro handheld for Legend of Zelda 2026 — ALTTP OoT Minish Cap R36S by iGameConsole

Best Retro Handheld for Legend of Zelda in 2026...

Best retro handheld for Legend of Zelda 2026 — R36S. ALTTP 100% SNES, Minish Cap 100% GBA, OoT 97% N64. All dungeons completable, both OoT timelines accessible.

Best Retro Handheld for Legend of Zelda in 2026...

Best retro handheld for Legend of Zelda 2026 — R36S. ALTTP 100% SNES, Minish Cap 100% GBA, OoT 97% N64. All dungeons completable, both OoT timelines accessible.

Best retro handheld for Pokemon 2026 — FireRed Emerald Ruby GBA R36S by iGameConsole

Best Retro Handheld for Pokemon in 2026: FireRe...

Best retro handheld for Pokemon 2026 — R36S. FireRed/Emerald/Ruby all 100% via GBA. All 386 Pokemon catchable. Save states for legendary encounters. Battle Frontier accessible.

Best Retro Handheld for Pokemon in 2026: FireRe...

Best retro handheld for Pokemon 2026 — R36S. FireRed/Emerald/Ruby all 100% via GBA. All 386 Pokemon catchable. Save states for legendary encounters. Battle Frontier accessible.

Best retro handheld for Super Mario World 2026 — SMW 96 exits Yoshi SNES R36S by iGameConsole

Best Retro Handheld for Super Mario World in 20...

Best retro handheld for Super Mario World 2026 — R36S. SMW 100% via SNES. All 96 exits accessible, all 4 Yoshi colors work, Star World and Special Zone fully accessible.

Best Retro Handheld for Super Mario World in 20...

Best retro handheld for Super Mario World 2026 — R36S. SMW 100% via SNES. All 96 exits accessible, all 4 Yoshi colors work, Star World and Special Zone fully accessible.

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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

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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.