Retro gaming through emulation has never been more accessible. Dedicated handhelds, single-board computers, and mini PCs now run everything from Atari 2600 through PS2 with minimal setup. Whether you want a pocketable device for bus rides or a living room box connected to a 4K TV, there is purpose-built hardware for the job. Here are the five best options in 2026.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Anbernic RG35XX H | Portable NES-PS1 emulation | 4.8/5 |
| Miyoo Mini Plus | Pocket handheld, SNES-focused | 4.7/5 |
| Raspberry Pi 5 + RetroPie | TV emulation up to PS2/GC | 4.8/5 |
| Steam Deck OLED | Full PC emulation powerhouse | 4.9/5 |
| Retroid Pocket 4 Pro | Mid-range PS2-PS3 portable | 4.7/5 |
Anbernic RG35XX H — Best Budget Handheld Emulator
The RG35XX H is a near-perfect entry point for anyone new to emulation hardware. The horizontal layout mimics a Game Boy Advance SP, the 3.5-inch IPS screen is sharp and bright, and the internal Linux-based OS comes with emulators for NES, SNES, GBA, GBC, Genesis, and PS1 pre-installed. Setup is as simple as copying ROM files to a microSD card. Performance through PS1 generation is smooth; N64 hits and misses depending on the title. At it is disposable enough not to worry about taking it anywhere.
Find Anbernic RG35XX H on Amazon
Miyoo Mini Plus — Best Pocket Handheld for Classic Systems
The Miyoo Mini Plus targets the NES, SNES, and GBA sweet spot with a form factor small enough to disappear in a shirt pocket. The 3.5-inch screen has accurate colors, and OnionOS (a community firmware) transforms it into a polished retro gaming device with Wi-Fi sync, RetroAchievements support, and a clean UI. Battery life reaches 8-12 hours on lighter 16-bit games. The D-pad is particularly well-regarded, which matters for precision platformers and fighting games. Limited PS1 performance keeps it below devices with more processing power.
Find Miyoo Mini Plus on Amazon
Raspberry Pi 5 with RetroPie — Best TV-Connected Emulation Setup
A Raspberry Pi 5 running RetroPie or Batocera connected to a TV via HDMI is the most flexible retro gaming setup available. The Pi 5 handles PS1 and most N64 games without issue, and select PS2 titles run acceptably well. The setup requires more technical effort than a plug-and-play device, but the payoff is a fully customizable frontend with scanline filters, wide screen support, and controller mapping for any USB or Bluetooth gamepad. Pairing it with a quality case and 8-button arcade controller creates a genuine living room retro station.
Steam Deck OLED — Best High-Performance Emulation Device
The Steam Deck OLED is the most capable portable emulation device money can buy in 2026. Its AMD APU handles PS2, GameCube, Wii, and even select PS3 and Nintendo Switch titles through emulators like PCSX2, Dolphin, and Yuzu successors. The OLED screen makes classic games look better than on their original hardware, and EmuDeck automates the emulator installation and configuration process. The trade-off is size and price. The Deck is notably heavier and thicker than dedicated handhelds. But for anyone who also wants to play modern PC games, it is the single best all-in-one device on this list.
Find Steam Deck OLED on Amazon
Retroid Pocket 4 Pro — Best Mid-Range Android Emulator
The Retroid Pocket 4 Pro runs Android, which means it has access to both the Play Store and standalone emulators like AetherSX2 for PS2 and Dolphin for GameCube and Wii. The 4.7-inch AMOLED screen is one of the best displays in the handheld emulation market, and the build quality feels closer to a Nintendo product than the budget Chinese handhelds. Performance sits comfortably in the PS2/GameCube tier with better PS3 compatibility than most devices in this price range. It fills the gap between budget handhelds and the Steam Deck.
Find Retroid Pocket 4 Pro on Amazon
How to Choose an Emulation Console
First, decide whether you want a portable device or a TV-connected setup, as they require different hardware. Then identify which generation of games matters most to you. Anything up to PS1 runs on budget hardware; PS2 and GameCube require more processing power; PS3 and above demand high-end devices. Consider the setup effort you are willing to invest: plug-and-play handhelds like the Anbernic require almost none, while a Raspberry Pi build rewards tinkerers. Finally, check the legality of ROM sourcing in your region before downloading files.
For more gaming platform coverage, read our articles/best-console-for-games guide, and if homebrew development interests you, see our articles/best-console-for-homebrew article. Our methodology explains evaluation criteria across all products.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best device for retro game emulation in 2026?+
The Anbernic RG35XX H stands out for handheld emulation thanks to its compact size, 3.5-inch IPS screen, and ability to run systems from NES through PS1 and even light N64 titles. For TV-connected emulation up to PS2 and GameCube, a Raspberry Pi 5 running RetroPie or a Batocera install on a mini PC delivers better performance and more flexibility.
Is emulating retro games legal?+
Emulation software itself is generally legal. Downloading ROM files for games you do not physically own is a legal gray area in most jurisdictions and is not advised. The safest approach is to use legally obtained ROMs from cartridges you own, purchase DRM-free retro titles from services like GOG, or buy dedicated retro consoles from Nintendo or Sega that come with built-in licensed game libraries.