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$100 or Less: Handhelds That Don’t Skimp on Fun

Video Game emoji 20 items
You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy incredible gaming on the go. The sub-$100 handheld market has exploded with options that deliver surprising performance, massive game libraries, and impressive build quality. Whether you’re a nostalgic gamer ...
Sections
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Clamshell

Clamshell design options

 
Rodolfo Leyva profile picture
I’ve been looking for a modern take on the classic clamshell design for years, and the RG-35XXSP absolutely delivers. The form factor is perfect—it fits in my pocket easily, and the screen is protected when I toss it in my bag. The buttons are clicky...
ANBERNIC RG-35XXSP
 
Rodolfo Leyva profile picture
I’ve been chasing the dragon of 2003’s Game Boy Advance SP for two decades, searching for a device that captures that magic while fixing the old hardware’s limitations. Anbernic finally did it. The RG-34XXSP isn’t just a clone; it’s a love letter to ...
ANBERNIC RG-34XXSP
 
Rodolfo Leyva profile picture
If you grew up loving the iconic clamshell design of the Game Boy Advance SP, the Miyoo Flip V2 is about to become your new best friend. This isn't just a simple imitation; it's a thoughtfully updated tribute that packs a serious punch for its pocket...
Miyoo Flip V2
 
Rodolfo Leyva profile picture
The Miyoo Mini Flip is everything I wanted in a clamshell retro handheld. It’s incredibly pocketable thanks to the flip design, which also protects the screen. The build quality feels solid, the buttons are snappy, and the screen is gorgeous. Setting...
Miyoo Mini Flip
 
Rodolfo Leyva profile picture
If you have been waiting for the perfect time to jump into the world of retro handhelds, the Powkiddy V90S might just be your ideal starting point. As an update to the classic V90 from 2020, this clamshell device takes everything that worked about th...
POWKIDDY V90S Handheld Game Console

Vertical

Vertical design options

 
Rodolfo Leyva profile picture
The first thing you'll notice is the incredible build quality. For its price point, it feels surprisingly solid and well-constructed, with a premium finish that rivals much more expensive devices. It's small, light, and genuinely pocketable, making i...
Trimui Brick
 
Rodolfo Leyva profile picture
I absolutely love my Miyoo Mini Plus. It’s the perfect size for slipping into a pocket, but it doesn’t feel fragile. The screen is incredibly sharp for a device this size, and the custom firmware (Onion OS) makes the experience feel like a premium Ni...
Miyoo Mini Plus
 
Rodolfo Leyva profile picture
The G350 is a beast. The processing power is incredibly smooth, handling multitasking with ease. I’ve been able to run demanding AAA titles on high settings without any stuttering or lag. The boot-up time is nearly instantaneous, and load screens are...
BATLEXP G350
 
Rodolfo Leyva profile picture
If you are looking for the perfect blend of classic nostalgia, modern features, and an unbeatable price, the Anbernic RG35XX Pro is the handheld you have been waiting for. Released in 2025, this device takes everything fans loved about the RG35XX ser...
ANBERNIC RG-35XX Pro
 
Rodolfo Leyva profile picture
Absolutely love my Miyoo Mini V4! The screen is stunningly sharp for its size, and the build quality feels surprisingly premium. It’s so small I can take it anywhere, and with Onion OS installed, it’s the perfect device for quick gaming sessions. If ...
Miyoo Mini V4
 
Rodolfo Leyva profile picture
The 4-inch screen is the real game-changer—it’s noticeably bigger than the 3.5-inch models, making text in RPGs readable and old arcade games feel immersive without being bulky. The vertical form factor feels just like the Game Boy I grew up with, bu... PS1 games at full speed without frame skipping.
ANBERNIC RG-40XXV
 
Rodolfo Leyva profile picture
For the price point, the build quality is fantastic—it feels solid in the hands, and the buttons are responsive. The screen is vibrant and crisp, making Game Boy Advance and PlayStation 1 games look amazing. Setting it up with ArkOS was a breeze, and...
R36S

Horizontal

Horizontal design options

 
Rodolfo Leyva profile picture
The build quality surprised me. It feels solid and premium in the hands, with a comfortable ergonomic grip that doesn’t cause cramping during long sessions. The face buttons and the excellent clicky shoulder buttons (L2/R2) feel durable and responsiv...
Trimui Smart Pro S
 
Rodolfo Leyva profile picture
Despite its compact size, the RG-35XX H is not a cheaply made device. Alongside a D-pad, ABXY face buttons, and two shallow (yet currently drift-free) analog sticks, the Anbernic RG-35XX H features four shoulder buttons that feel cramped but offer a ...
ANBERNIC RG-35XX H
 
Rodolfo Leyva profile picture
One type of handheld emulation device I find especially appealing is those built to replicate a single console. The ANBERNIC RG34XX, continues this trend. As you can see right away, it’s essentially a perfect copy of the original Game Boy Advance. Pl...
ANBERNIC RG-34XX
 
Rodolfo Leyva profile picture
I've been searching for the perfect handheld, and the RG-40XX H finally nails it. The 4-inch screen is the sweet spot—significantly bigger than the 3.5-inch models without feeling bulky. The stacked shoulder buttons make it surprisingly comfortable f...
ANBERNIC RG-40XX H
 
Rodolfo Leyva profile picture
The Anbernic RG Cube XX is an absolute winner. The unique square screen is a game-changer for Game Boy, SNES, and PICO-8 titles, making everything look crisp and perfectly scaled. It’s incredibly comfortable to hold for long sessions, and the build q...
ANBERNIC RG-CubeXX
 
Rodolfo Leyva profile picture
I absolutely love my Miyoo A30. It’s the ultimate on-the-go retro handheld. The build quality feels fantastic for the price, the screen is bright and clear, and the performance for PS1 and below is flawless. It slips into the tiny "coin pocket" of my...
Miyoo A30
 
Rodolfo Leyva profile picture
The Miniloong Pocket-1 enters the crowded market of retro gaming handhelds with a clear mission: to offer a fun, affordable, and highly personalized gaming experience. While it doesn't aim to compete with high-end PC gaming handhelds, it carves out a...
MINILOONG Pocket-1
 
Rodolfo Leyva profile picture
The Anbernic RG ARC-D is a fantastic device that fills a unique niche in the retro handheld market. It's a love letter to Sega fans and arcade enthusiasts, offering a level of ergonomic comfort and control precision that few other devices can match. ...
ANBERNIC RG-ARC-D/RG- ARC-S