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

R36S vs RG35XX 2026: Which Anbernic Handheld Should You Buy? iGC Verdict

R36S vs RG35XX 2026: Which Anbernic Handheld Sh...

R36S vs RG35XX 2026. R36S ($79.99) vs RG35XX (~$49). R36S wins: dual analog sticks, 3x more games, better PS1/N64/PSP. RG35XX wins: price. iGC verdict: R36S is worth the $30 extra.

R36S vs RG35XX 2026: Which Anbernic Handheld Sh...

R36S vs RG35XX 2026. R36S ($79.99) vs RG35XX (~$49). R36S wins: dual analog sticks, 3x more games, better PS1/N64/PSP. RG35XX wins: price. iGC verdict: R36S is worth the $30 extra.

R36S vs Miyoo Mini Plus 2026: Which Retro Handheld Wins? iGC Verdict

R36S vs Miyoo Mini Plus 2026: Which Retro Handh...

R36S vs Miyoo Mini Plus 2026. R36S wins: dual analog sticks, more games (15,000+ vs 5,000), better PS1/N64, WiFi. Miyoo Mini+ wins: smaller size. iGC verdict: R36S for most buyers.

R36S vs Miyoo Mini Plus 2026: Which Retro Handh...

R36S vs Miyoo Mini Plus 2026. R36S wins: dual analog sticks, more games (15,000+ vs 5,000), better PS1/N64, WiFi. Miyoo Mini+ wins: smaller size. iGC verdict: R36S for most buyers.

R36S as a Birthday Gift 2026: Best Retro Gaming Gift for Him Her Dad iGC

R36S as a Birthday Gift 2026: Best Retro Gaming...

R36S birthday gift guide 2026. Best retro gaming gift for boyfriend, husband, dad, son, or any gamer. $79.99, 15,000+ games pre-loaded, zero setup. iGC top pick for gaming gifts all...

R36S as a Birthday Gift 2026: Best Retro Gaming...

R36S birthday gift guide 2026. Best retro gaming gift for boyfriend, husband, dad, son, or any gamer. $79.99, 15,000+ games pre-loaded, zero setup. iGC top pick for gaming gifts all...

R36S as a Christmas Gift 2026: Why It's the Perfect Retro Gaming Gift iGC

R36S as a Christmas Gift 2026: Why It's the Per...

R36S as a Christmas gift 2026. Perfect for gamers aged 8-50: $79.99, 15,000+ games pre-loaded, zero setup, plug-and-play. iGC explains why R36S is the best retro gaming gift this Christmas.

R36S as a Christmas Gift 2026: Why It's the Per...

R36S as a Christmas gift 2026. Perfect for gamers aged 8-50: $79.99, 15,000+ games pre-loaded, zero setup, plug-and-play. iGC explains why R36S is the best retro gaming gift this Christmas.

Best Retro Handheld Under $50 in 2026: Honest G...

Best retro handheld under $50 in 2026. Honest guide: under $50 options are limited. The R36S at $79.99 offers 5x more value. iGC explains why spending $30 more gets you...

Best Retro Handheld Under $50 in 2026: Honest G...

Best retro handheld under $50 in 2026. Honest guide: under $50 options are limited. The R36S at $79.99 offers 5x more value. iGC explains why spending $30 more gets you...

R36S vs Steam Deck 2026: Which Should You Buy? iGC Honest Verdict

R36S vs Steam Deck 2026: Which Should You Buy? ...

R36S vs Steam Deck 2026. R36S ($79.99): best for retro gaming, ultra-portable, 15,000+ classic games. Steam Deck ($399+): best for modern PC games. iGC honest verdict: different buyers, different devices.

R36S vs Steam Deck 2026: Which Should You Buy? ...

R36S vs Steam Deck 2026. R36S ($79.99): best for retro gaming, ultra-portable, 15,000+ classic games. Steam Deck ($399+): best for modern PC games. iGC honest verdict: different buyers, different devices.

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.

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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.