If you're shopping for a retro handheld console, three brands dominate the market: Anbernic, Retroid, and Miyoo.

Each brand focuses on different priorities—build quality, performance, portability, or price—so the “best” brand depends on what kind of gamer you are.

This guide breaks down their strengths, weaknesses, and which brand you should choose in 2026.

1. Anbernic – Best Build Quality & Variety

Anbernic is one of the largest retro handheld manufacturers, releasing many different models across price ranges. Their devices often feature solid materials like aluminum shells and reliable controls.

Pros

✔ Excellent build quality
✔ Huge range of devices (budget to mid-range)
✔ Supports both Linux and Android systems
✔ Large community and firmware support

Cons

✖ Software out of the box can be messy
✖ Releases new devices very frequently (models get outdated quickly)
✖ Often slightly overpriced compared to competitors

Example devices

• Anbernic RG35XX Plus

• Anbernic RG405M

• Anbernic RG552

💡 Many gamers consider Anbernic the “safe default choice” thanks to consistent hardware quality.

Best for:

• Beginners

• Players who want many device options

• Fans of classic Game Boy-style handhelds

2. Retroid – Best Performance for the Price

Retroid focuses on Android-powered handhelds with stronger processors, making them better for demanding emulation like PSP, GameCube, or PS2.

Pros

✔ Strong performance for the price
✔ Modern Android OS with Google Play
✔ Great PS1, PSP, and GameCube emulation
✔ Good ergonomics and controls

Cons

✖ Fewer models available
✖ Harder to buy (usually sold directly online)
✖ Updates sometimes release quickly after launch

Example devices

• Retroid Pocket 3+

• Retroid Pocket 2S

• Retroid Pocket Flip

Compared with some Anbernic devices, Retroid handhelds often deliver better emulation performance for the price.

Best for:

• Advanced emulation

• Android gaming

• PS2 / GameCube fans

3. Miyoo – Best Pocket Retro Console

Miyoo became famous after releasing the extremely popular Miyoo Mini Plus, which many players consider one of the best pocket-sized retro handhelds.

Pros

✔ Extremely portable devices
✔ Great custom firmware support
✔ Very affordable
✔ Perfect for classic retro gaming

Cons

✖ Very limited product lineup
✖ Hardware less powerful than competitors
✖ Often hard to find in stock

The Miyoo Mini Plus even won best vertical handheld in community voting among retro handheld fans.

Best for:

• Pocket gaming

• Game Boy / SNES nostalgia

• Budget gamers

Quick Brand Comparison

Which Brand Should You Choose?

✅ Choose Anbernic if:

• You want a reliable handheld

• You like classic retro console designs

• You want many model choices

✅ Choose Retroid if:

• You want stronger hardware

• You plan to emulate PS2 / GameCube

• You prefer Android handhelds

✅ Choose Miyoo if:

• You want the smallest handheld

• You mostly play 8-bit and 16-bit games

• You want a cheap but fun retro console

Final Verdict 🏆

There isn’t a single “best” brand:

• Best overall brand: Anbernic

• Best performance: Retroid

• Best pocket handheld: Miyoo

Most retro gaming fans actually own devices from multiple brands because each company excels in different areas.