If you're on the hunt for the best handheld all-in-one retro gaming console, here’s a comprehensive, up-to-date breakdown of top contenders—including editor picks and what gamers are raving about:
Top Handheld All-in-One Retro Consoles
1. Retroid Pocket 4 (and Pro / 3+)
A favorite among reviewers and gamers for its robust performance:
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Media coverage: Stuff considers the Retroid Pocket 3+ the most powerful in its class—handling PSP, GameCube/PS2-level emulation, with a widescreen display and strong value . HowToGeek also highlights the Retroid Pocket 4 as the best "pocket emulator," supporting emulation from NES to PlayStation 2 and Dreamcast, running Android 13, with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 .
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Gamer feedback: On Reddit, one user praised the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro, saying it's “a solid balance between price, performance, and value” .
2. Analogue Pocket
If cartridge-based authenticity is important:
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Designed for Game Boy, Game Gear, Neo Geo Pocket, Atari Lynx, and more via adapters.
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Widely praised for its exceptional screen, audio, control feel, and FPGA accuracy .
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Glossed as “ultimate upgrade for your retro games collection” by Wired and trusted by Ars Technica .
3. Anbernic RG351MP / RG35XXSP
Strong choices for design and affordability:
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The RG351MP (“Metal Pro”) offers a solid build, 640×480 screen, and compatibility with systems up through 5th-gen consoles .
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The newer RG35XXSP is a clamshell-style device that mirrors the GBA SP form factor, has a 4:3 IPS display, excellent battery life, and a great price (around $65) .
4. AYN Odin / Odin 2
If high-end performance and futureproofing matter:
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AYN Odin: Android-based, capable of strong emulation of 6th-gen consoles, compact design, optional docking capabilities .
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AYN Odin 2: The powerhouse of retro handhelds—efficient emulation of PS2, GameCube, Dreamcast, and more with a 6″ 1080p screen, up to 16GB RAM, and Android 13 .
5. Super Pocket (Evercade-based)
A blend of nostalgia with modern convenience:
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Compact and stylish, it supports Evercade cartridges from Capcom and Taito, comes with built-in games, and features IPS display and save states .
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PocketTactics calls it "the best for emulation" thanks to its design and simplicity .
Comparison Table
| Console | Best For | Pros | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retroid Pocket 4+ | Overall emulation performance & value | Wide emulator support, Android, strong specs | Setup can be tricky; price higher |
| Analogue Pocket | Authentic cartridge experience | FP-accurate FPGA, build quality, screen | Only supports specific handheld carts |
| Anbernic RG35XXSP | Affordable GBA-style design | Clamshell, IPS screen, long battery life | No analog stick—limits certain games |
| AYN Odin 2 | High-end portable emulation | Powerful specs, great display, flexible use | Expensive; may be overkill for some users |
| Super Pocket | Easy, cartridge-based retro gameplay | Stylish, portable, affordable | Small screen; limited customization |
Community Voices
“My big three have been: Steam Deck (all-round powerhouse), Retroid Pocket 5, and Retroid Pocket 4 Pro… RP4 Pro strikes a really solid balance between price, performance, and value.”
Final Verdict: Best All-in-One Retro Handheld?
If you want versatility, powerful emulation for many systems, and good build quality, the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro (or 3+) emerges as the best all-around choice. It combines advanced hardware, Android flexibility, and broad compatibility at a reasonable price.
Looking for authentic cartridge-based experience? Go for the Analogue Pocket—it excels in quality, though at a higher price.
If you're on a budget and love the clamshell design, the Anbernic RG35XXSP offers great value.
Need raw power to tackle GameCube, PS2, and more? The AYN Odin 2 is unmatched—if you're willing to invest.
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Happy retro gaming!