10 Best Handheld Emulator 2025 in the United States

The Retroid Pocket 5 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a versatile handheld emulator that can handle a wide range of retro and indie games smoothly. Its 5.5-inch 1080p touchscreen offers clear, vibrant visuals that make playing on the go enjoyable and immersive. Thanks to the Snapdragon 865 processor paired with an Adreno 650 GPU, games run smoothly without lag, which is great if you want reliable performance for various systems.

Battery life is strong with a 5000mAh capacity, letting you play for hours before needing a recharge. The device’s lightweight and ergonomic design also makes it comfortable to hold for long sessions, and its matte finish helps with grip. While it only includes 8GB of internal storage, there’s a microSD slot allowing you to add plenty more space for your games and apps. Connectivity is up to date with WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, providing fast downloads and support for wireless accessories.

A few points to consider include that no games come preloaded, so you'll need to add your own ROMs or apps, and the plastic build, while lightweight, might not feel as premium to some users. This handheld is well suited for gamers who enjoy customizing their game library and want a compact device that balances modern hardware with broad emulator support.

The Miyoo Mini Plus Handheld Game Console is a compact and portable device designed for gaming enthusiasts who enjoy retro titles. One of its standout features is the 3.5-inch, 640x480 IPS screen, which delivers vibrant visuals and sharp images, making gaming enjoyable on the go. The battery life of 4-6 hours is decent for a handheld device, allowing users to play for extended periods without frequent recharging. Additionally, it supports a variety of gaming systems, enhancing its versatility, which is a key requirement for handheld emulators.

Build quality is solid, with a lightweight design that makes it easy to carry. The included portable case is a thoughtful addition, providing protection and convenience for gamers who want to take it anywhere. The Wi-Fi feature for multiplayer battles offers a modern twist, making it more engaging for those who enjoy competing with friends.

There are some drawbacks to consider. The build material is primarily plastic, which may not feel as premium as some users would prefer. While the battery life is acceptable, heavy usage or demanding games might drain it faster than expected. Furthermore, although it supports multiple systems, the performance and emulation quality can vary, meaning not all games may run as smoothly as desired. This might disappoint users looking for flawless emulation.

The G350 Retro Handheld Game Console is a solid choice for anyone wanting a portable device to enjoy thousands of classic games. Its 3.5-inch IPS screen with 640x480 resolution offers clear visuals and good viewing angles, enhanced by a tough tempered glass for durability. The 3500mAh battery provides about 7 hours of continuous play, which is enough for extended gaming sessions away from power sources.

Powered by a capable RK3326 processor and Mali-G31MP GPU, the console handles emulation smoothly across 20+ systems, giving you access to over 4,300 pre-installed games. Storage is generous with 64GB built-in and the option to expand up to 256GB via TF cards, so you won't run out of space anytime soon.

Its compact size and lightweight design make it comfortable to hold and easy to carry, while built-in speakers and a headphone jack let you enjoy sound privately or out loud. Connectivity-wise, it supports external Wi-Fi modules for online multiplayer and wired controllers, adding flexibility for multiplayer or alternative control setups.

One downside is the reliance on an external Wi-Fi module rather than built-in Wi-Fi, which could be inconvenient for some users. Also, while the device offers good performance for retro games, it may not support the latest or more demanding titles. The system runs on Linux, which is stable but might limit software customization for casual users.

If you are looking for a versatile, portable retro gaming device with a huge game library and solid battery life, the G350 is a strong option. It is designed mainly for classic games and may require extra accessories for online play.