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 Retroid Pocket Flip 2 2026 — budget vs flagship retro handheld comparison by iGameConsole

R36S vs Retroid Pocket Flip 2 2026: Budget vs F...

R36S ($79.99) vs Retroid Pocket Flip 2 ($299) — a $219 price gap. Is the flagship worth 3.7x more? iGC Lab breaks down exactly what you get for the extra...

R36S vs Retroid Pocket Flip 2 2026: Budget vs F...

R36S ($79.99) vs Retroid Pocket Flip 2 ($299) — a $219 price gap. Is the flagship worth 3.7x more? iGC Lab breaks down exactly what you get for the extra...

R36S 64GB vs 128GB comparison 2026 — which version should you buy? iGameConsole buying guide

R36S 64GB vs 128GB: Which Version Should You Bu...

R36S 64GB or 128GB — which version is right for you? The difference is $10. But what do you actually get for that extra $10? iGC breaks down exactly what's...

R36S 64GB vs 128GB: Which Version Should You Bu...

R36S 64GB or 128GB — which version is right for you? The difference is $10. But what do you actually get for that extra $10? iGC breaks down exactly what's...

Best retro handheld for PSP games 2026 — iGC Lab-Tested PSP emulation performance rankings

Best Retro Handheld for PSP Games in 2026: iGC ...

What's the best retro handheld for PSP games in 2026? We tested PSP emulation on every major device in our iGC Lab — God of War, Monster Hunter, Gran Turismo,...

Best Retro Handheld for PSP Games in 2026: iGC ...

What's the best retro handheld for PSP games in 2026? We tested PSP emulation on every major device in our iGC Lab — God of War, Monster Hunter, Gran Turismo,...

Best retro handheld under $100 in 2026 — iGC Lab-Tested rankings of top budget retro gaming consoles

Best Retro Handheld Under $100 in 2026: iGC Lab...

We tested 12 retro handhelds under $100 in our iGC Lab. One device wins for most buyers by a wide margin. Here are the definitive 2026 rankings — with honest...

Best Retro Handheld Under $100 in 2026: iGC Lab...

We tested 12 retro handhelds under $100 in our iGC Lab. One device wins for most buyers by a wide margin. Here are the definitive 2026 rankings — with honest...

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.

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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.