Best Gaming Handhelds Under $100
The best gaming handhelds under $100 are all dedicated emulation devices. At this price, you’re not getting Steam Deck performance or a full PC gaming library — you’re getting a purpose-built machine for retro games, and several of them do that job very well.
These are the best options in 2026.
1. Anbernic RG35XX H — Best Overall Under $50
The RG35XX H is the best budget emulation handheld at $40–$50. A 3.5-inch IPS display, Allwinner H700 processor, and solid GarlicOS/MinUI support make it the top pick for classic gaming through PS1.
Best for: NES, SNES, GBA, Genesis, PS1
Battery: 5–7 hours
Price: ~$40–$50
2. Anbernic RG35XX Plus — Best Vertical Layout Under $50
Same processor and performance as the RG35XX H, but in a vertical layout like a classic Game Boy. Marginally more pocketable, and the portrait orientation feels natural for Game Boy and Game Boy Color games.
Best for: Same as RG35XX H — classic systems through PS1
Price: ~$40–$50
3. Miyoo Mini Plus — Best for PSP and N64
The Miyoo Mini Plus runs Onion OS, a polished custom firmware with wide emulator support. It handles PSP better than the RG35XX H variants and runs N64 more reliably. The 3.5-inch IPS display is bright and sharp. At around $55–$70, it’s slightly more expensive but worth it if PSP or N64 emulation matters to you.
Best for: NES through PSP, strong N64 support
Battery: 5–6 hours
Price: ~$55–$70
4. Anbernic RG405V — Best Performance Under $100
The RG405V runs Android and uses a Unisoc T618 chipset — a meaningful step up from the Allwinner chips used in the budget devices above. It handles PS2 and some GameCube emulation, and the vertical layout with a 4-inch IPS screen makes it comfortable for classic game sessions.
It’s near the $100 ceiling but delivers significantly more emulation capability than the sub-$60 alternatives.
Best for: Through PS2, some GameCube
Battery: 4–6 hours
Price: ~$80–$99
5. Powkiddy RGB30 — Best Display Under $60
The RGB30 stands out for its 4:4 aspect ratio — a 720×720 1:1 square display that works perfectly for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance titles without stretching. It’s not the most powerful device here but the display ratio is genuinely clever for the systems it targets. Runs Rockchip RK3566 which handles PSP and some N64.
Best for: Game Boy library, PSP, NES/SNES
Price: ~$50–$60
What to Expect at This Price Point
Every device under $100 is an Android or Linux handheld — there are no Windows gaming handhelds at this price. That means:
- You can play classic/retro game ROMs via emulators
- Android devices can access the Google Play Store for mobile games
- Steam games, PC games, and modern AAA titles are not accessible
- Cloud gaming (Xbox Game Pass, GeForce Now) works on Android devices with Wi-Fi
For most people at this budget, “gaming handheld under $100” means a retro game machine, and that’s exactly what these devices excel at.
Sub-$100 vs $149+ (Retroid Pocket 5 Range)
Spending $149–$179 on a Retroid Pocket 5 gets you Snapdragon 865 performance (PS2, GameCube), AMOLED display, and Android for app access. That’s a significant jump in capability.
If you’re on the fence between a $50 Anbernic and a $150 Retroid Pocket 5, ask yourself: do you need PS2 or GameCube? If yes, the extra $100 is worth it. If you’re happy with SNES, GBA, and PS1, save the money.
Quick Comparison
| Device | Price | Best Emulation | Display |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anbernic RG35XX H | ~$40 | Through PS1 | 3.5″ IPS |
| Miyoo Mini Plus | ~$55–70 | Through PSP/N64 | 3.5″ IPS |
| Powkiddy RGB30 | ~$50–60 | Through PSP | 4″ IPS (1:1) |
| Anbernic RG405V | ~$80–99 | Through PS2 | 4″ IPS |
Bottom Line
For pure budget value, the Anbernic RG35XX H at $40 is the top recommendation for classic gaming through PS1. For PSP and N64 support, the Miyoo Mini Plus at $60–70 is worth the premium. For the best performance under $100 with PS2 capability, the Anbernic RG405V stretches the budget but delivers a meaningful step up.
👉 Shop Anbernic RG35XX H on Amazon