The Nintendo Switch has dominated the world of handheld gaming consoles since its release. And for good reason: it is one of the best mainstream portable consoles in recent memory. But not everyone has $200 to purchase a Switch. So, the idea of a portable console that is still a ton of fun to play and is reasonably priced is a very intriguing concept. At this price point, most of these handheld consoles are not going to be able to handle modern-day games, but for fans of retro gaming, these are an excellent way to get into emulation.
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How To Find The Perfect Handheld Gaming Console under $75
To help shoppers choose the right console for handheld gaming, below are two important factors to note:
Supported Games: Many of these more affordable portable gaming consoles are made to emulate older games instead of newly released ones. Because technology has progressed quite a bit from when a lot of the games played on these consoles came out, these games aren't always limited to handheld emulations. Finding out what games or generation of games a gamer wants to play will make it easier to determine which handheld to pick up.
Take the Miyoo Mini +, for example. This handheld will easily run games from the Game Boy, but it can also handle games from the PS1 era and almost everything in between. So, for gamers who want to play games like Super Mario Bros. Or play through the original Silent Hill, the Miyoo Mini + will be a great option. On the other hand, for gamers who just want a simple portable console that can play games to waste some time, something like the Arduboy FX or Thumby keychain console might be a better fit.
Nostalgia: Nostalgia and supported games go hand in hand. When playing a 2D platforming game from the Game Boy era, gamers don't want to have to use a joystick when a D-pad feels much more nostalgic. At this point, many handhelds of the time are harder to find, especially in working conditions, and the price of some games is insane. That's why a lot of these handhelds are based on designs from the original portable consoles of the day.
The Powkiddy V9000 is meant to look and feel like a Game Boy Advance SP. When booting up Pokémon Emerald on the V9000, it just feels right. Not every gamer has the same nostalgic feeling for every console, though. So, to make sure the handheld is a perfect fit, they should take some time and think about their favorite handhelds growing up, and try to find a console that kind of resembles it.
The Best War Games's Pick for The Best Handheld Gaming Consoles Under $75
Miyoo Mini Plus+
- Playing Time
- Up To 7 Hours
- Chipset
- SigmaStar SSD202D Up to 1.2 Ghz
- RAM
- 128MB LPDDR3
- Storage
- 64GB via Included Micro SD Card
- Wireless Connectivity
- Wi-Fi
- Display
- 3.5 Inch 640x480
The Miyoo Mini Plus is the latest handheld console after the now impossible-to-get Miyoo Mini Plus 2. It comes in four colors: Gray, White, Transparent Black, and Transparent Purple. The efficient but powerful processor allows gamers to enjoy their favorite 8- and 16-bit games all day.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Dimensions
- 4.25 x 3.09 x 0.88 inches
- Excellent build quality
- Preloaded games
- Screen size is a little small
This powerful little portable gaming console is about the size of a deck of cards and can emulate a ton of retro games. Unlike the handheld console it is meant to emulate, the screen is incredibly bright, but this is a welcome improvement. There is no need for those Game Boy clip lights just to play a game. With a 4:3 aspect ratio, the screen stays true to the retro feel so that it won't have black bars on either side of the game.
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Regardless of what games are played with this handheld, the D-pad and the buttons will provide an excellent experience. The four action buttons are raised out of the shell, so it is easy to press them, and the high gloss finish gives the Miyoo Mini Plus+ a premium touch. Gamers who are not an expert in downloading and running emulated games, don't worry. The Miyoo Mini Plus+ comes preloaded with thousands of games. This is by no means the most powerful portable console, but it can handle games up to the PS1 era. It excels in Game Boy games, though, and the overall design of the console makes it feel much more natural.
Miyoo Mini Plus+ is the best overall portable console under $75 because it can run emulators like a champ with incredible build quality and an impressive battery life.
ANBERNIC RG35XX
- Dimensions
- 11.7x8.1x2 cm
- Playing Time
- 5 hours of gamplay (2600 mAH battery)
- Weight
- 165 grams
- Chipset
- quad-core ARM Cortex-A9
- RAM
- DDR3 256MB
The RG35XX is a powerful handheld emulator that can run most games up to the PS1. The built-in 64 GB TF storage will hold up to 5,000 games. The 2600 mAh battery will give gamers up to 5 hours of playtime without recharging. Gamers who want to play some emulated games without being limited to the D-pad and 4 buttons can connect any 2.4Ghz wireless-compatible controller and play games with a full-sized controller on the big screen.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Storage
- 64GB TF/MicroSD
- Wireless Connectivity
- 2.4 ghz for wireless gamepad connection
- Display
- 3.5-inch IPS full viewing angle, OCA full lamination
- Output resolution
- 640x480
- Can handle a lot of different emulation styles
- High-quality screen for retro gaming
- OS is not super well-designed
Following suit with the Miyoo Mini Plus+, the ABBERNIC RG35XX has a similar design but is slightly bigger and more affordable than the Miyoo Mini Plus+. However, the performance of the RG35XX reflects that. The RG35XX isn't able to handle PSP games, and sometimes higher intensity Game Boy games hitch up. However, for the price to performance, it is hard to get angry with a few moments of lag here and there.
Because its controls feel similar to a Game Boy, it is easy to get immersed in some retro Nintendo games of yore. It also comes preloaded with a bunch of games. The OS, while nothing special, is simple and easy to use for switching between games. ABBERNIC users have found a way to install Garlic OS using the SD card as a boot drive for gamers who want a better-looking OS.
Overall, the slightly larger screen and exceptional emulation performance make the ABBERNIC RG35XX an easy choice for a gamer who wants to get into emulation with portable consoles.
Capcom Super Pocket
- Number of Games Included
- 12
- Display
- IPS
- Dimensions
- 78mm x 125mm x 25mm
- Output resolution
- 320 x 280
- Ports
- Headphone jack, USB-C
From the makers of Evercade comes Hyper Mega Tech and the brand-new Capcom Super Pocket. A portable gaming device that can be taken anywhere and is pre-loaded with 12 excellent classic Capcom arcade games. Including Street Fighter II’: Hyper Fighting, Final Fight, 1943, Strider, Ghouls ‘n Ghosts, along with support for Evercade’s Cartridges
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Fantastic budget price
- Expansive library of arcade games
- Great build quality
- USB-C recharging
- D-pad takes some getting used to
The Capcom Super Pocket is an incredibly affordable, fully-fledged portable console with an expansive library of arcade game cartridges that are also pretty affordable. The Capcom Super Pocket is a perfect option for gamers who want a handheld console that has a huge library of classics, but doesn't want to fuss around trying to figure out emulators. Just plug in a cartridge and be ready to game, like the good old days.
The Super Pocket doesn't pretend to be anything it's not. This chunky hunk of plastic is not the fanciest console even in this budget category, but unlike some other options, it feels like the Super Pocket embraces this look. Both the Capcom and Taito versions come in bright and bold colorways that awaken a nostalgic feeling immediately. The usual array of face and shoulder buttons make playing these retro titles an absolute joy, although it's worth mentioning that the thin D-Pad does take some getting used to.
The Capcom version comes with 12 arcade classics from Capcom, Street Fighter II, and Final Fight but, as mentioned earlier, gamers can also pick up cartridges for the Super Pocket to play a massive library of classic arcade titles. And best yet, Evercade is even working with some Indie developers to release newer games on their cartridges for a modern game with a retro feel.
At this price point, it is hard to go wrong with the Super Pocket, especially for those who are picking it up for a retro game lover in their life.
Thumby Keychain Console
- Dimensions
- micro USB for programming & multiplayer using Thumby Link cable
- Number of Games Included
- 5+ Preloaded games
- Playing Time
- 2 hours of gameplay
- Brand
- Tiny Circuits
- Weight
- 5.312g
- Chipset
- Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040
Thumby is the smallest handheld console - it plays at the tips of the thumbs. It's a console that gamers can literally take everywhere with them and a great way to make code-learning fun. Start playing right away with 5+ preloaded games. After that, gamers can download more games made by the Thumby community and learn to program their own games with the in-browser code editor.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Storage
- 2MB total storage
- Display
- 72x40 Monochrome OLED
- Incredibly small
- Very affordable
- Screen is too tiny for long gaming sessions
The Thumby Keychain console is truly a take-anywhere handheld. Weighing in at just 5 grams and being the actual size of a thumb. Taking this through airport security will be an absolute breeze, unlike the comparatively absolute monster, the Steam Deck. The 72x40 monochrome display won't blow anybody's socks off, but it is incredibly sharp for its size. Do be warned that this console is not suited for long marathon gaming sessions unless gamers are willing to go cross-eyed for a bit. The Thumby comes preloaded with five games, which are great time-waster games, especially because they can live on a set of keys.
The Thumby Keychain can even play some of these games multiplayer using the Thumby link cable, which is essentially a micro-USB to micro-USB cable. Unfortunately, The Best War Games has not gotten a chance to see what the multiplayer would look like. Nonetheless, it is an excellent feature to include, mainly because gamers can pick up two Thumby consoles and a link cable for under $75.
Nintend Game and Watch: The Legend of Zelda
- Dimensions
- 1.06 x 6.14 x 3.5 inches
- Number of Games Included
- 3 Preloaded games
- Playing Time
- 2-3 hours of game time
- Brand
- Nintendo
- Display
- 2.36 inch LCD Display
With a retro look, legendary flourishes, and the power to save Hyrule, the Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda system is a jam-packed tribute to 35 years of the Legend of Zelda series. Adventure through three iconic classics and enjoy all-new old-school fun with this stylish handheld system.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Nostalgic design
- Colorful screen
- Feels well built
- Limited to just 4 games
The Nintendo Game and Watch was arguably one of the first portable gaming consoles to hit the market, and now Nintendo has brought them back. This new version of the Game and Watch featuring Legend of Zelda games stays very true to the original design but with an upgraded backlight color LCD.
It comes with three Zelda games: The Legend of Zelda, Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, and the classic Game and Watch game Vermin. These games feel a little dated, especially compared to Legend of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom. However , they are a fantastic retro throwback, and they feel more in place playing it on this handheld.
Speaking of which, the build quality of this console is phenomenal, but gamers wouldn't expect anything else from Nintendo. After playing these games and enjoying the console, this will make an excellent collector's piece for any Nintendo or Zelda fan.
HKYRD Powkiddy V90 Handheld Game Console
- Number of Games Included
- 6000
- Playing Time
- 4 hours of gameplay (1020mAh Lithium Ion Battery)
- Chipset
- ARM9
- Storage
- 16GB
- Display
- 3.0 inch IPS LCD 320x240
Debuting in China in 2020, this portable handheld is one of the few that comes ready to play with Pokémon, Zelda, numerous Mario games, and many others. The ultra-compact clamshell body design makes it very convenient to carry wherever gamers go. The 1020mAh battery gives players about 3-4 hours of game time, and when the battery isn't holding a charge anymore, it can be replaced with a new one, so gamers don't have to get a new console.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Portable clamshell design
- Preloaded with a ton of classic games
- Build quality is not the best
Gamers looking for a clamshell gaming console that can emulate a ton of games with little to no issues, look no further than the Powkiddy V90. This console is inspired by the Game Boy Advance SP. As someone who used to be an avid SP user, this console brings back a lot of nostalgia. Plus, it comes preloaded with a lot of classic Game Boy games like Pokémon.
The build quality leaves a little to be desired, but the V90 can't be expected to have Game Boy-level build quality at such an affordable price. That is not to say it feels bad, though. The plastics feel pleasant while the D-pad and buttons are responsive and well-placed. For gamers who are not fans of Game Boy games, the V90 can also handle Neo Geo and PS1 games. However, it is worth noting that it sometimes has issues with the frame rate in PS1 games.
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FAQ
Q: Which handheld device is best for gaming?
The answer depends on factors like platform and game type. For instance, the Nintendo Switch is the best option for playing Nintendo games, while the Steam Deck is best for PC gamers. It offers access to a vast library and can serve as a portable PC.
Q: What is the best-selling handheld game console?
With 154 million+ units sold since it became available, the Nintendo DS is currently the best-selling handheld gaming console.