You do not need to spend $200 to get a great retro handheld. Under $100, you can get a bright IPS screen, a big battery and the classic systems most people actually want to play: NES, SNES, Game Boy, GBA, Genesis, arcade and PS1.
Below we compare every handheld we sell under $100, using the specs and prices listed on each product page. Where a spec is not listed, we say so instead of guessing.
⚡ Short on time? Our picks:
Best overall: R36 Ultra Handheld, from $64.99
Best battery: Old Arcade Retro Handheld XF40H / XF35H (4000mAh), from $62.99
Best under $50: R36S Retro Handheld, from $44.99
Comparison table: retro handhelds under $100
| Handheld | Screen | Storage (games listed) | Battery | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R36 Ultra | 4.0" IPS, 720x720 | 64GB (20,000+) or 128GB (30,000+) | 3000mAh | $64.99 / $69.99 |
| Retro Handheld XF40H | 4" IPS | 64GB (18,000) or 128GB (22,000) | 4000mAh | $66.99 / $74.99 |
| Retro Handheld XF35H | 3.5" IPS | 64GB (18,000) or 128GB (22,000) | 4000mAh | $62.99 / $66.99 |
| R36S | 3.5" IPS | 64GB or 128GB (15,000+) | 3800mAh | $44.99 / $49.99 |
| XU10 | 3.5" IPS, 640x480 | 64GB game card (10,000+) | 3000mAh, up to 6 hrs | $79.99 |
| Retro Handheld 4.3" (EmuELEC) | 4.3" IPS | 64GB (20,000+) | Not listed | $59.00 |
| M17 + Hard Case Bundle | 4.3" | 64GB | Not listed | $64.00 |
| 5" Handheld | 5" LED | 8GB + TF card up to 64GB (10,000+) | Not listed | $49.99 |
| M27 | "Large HD screen" | 64GB, 128GB or 256GB (20,000+) | Not listed | $48.46 / $52.59 / $90.72 |
Prices and specs as listed on oldarcade.store on October 6, 2026. Prices can change, so check the product page for the current price.
Our picks, explained
Best overall: R36 Ultra (from $64.99)
The R36 Ultra has the best spec sheet in this group: a 4" 720x720 IPS screen, an RK3326 1.5GHz CPU with a Mali-G31 GPU, and 1GB of RAM. The listing covers NES, SNES, GB, GBC, GBA, Genesis, N64, PS1, PSP, NeoGeo and Dreamcast.
It also has built-in WiFi for screen mirroring to your TV, a 3.5mm headphone jack and TF card support. Choose 64GB or 128GB in black, white, purple or blue.
Best battery and controls: Retro Handheld XF40H / XF35H (from $62.99)
This one is built for long sessions. It has the biggest battery in the lineup (4000mAh), dual analog sticks and shoulder buttons. The USB Type-C port doubles as an external controller interface.
Pick the 4" XF40H for a bigger screen or the 3.5" XF35H if pocket size matters. Both come in 64GB and 128GB, with plenty of colors.
Best under $50: R36S (from $44.99)
The R36S is the value pick. You get a 3.5" IPS screen, an RK3326 processor, a 3800mAh battery, built-in speakers, a headphone jack and a TF card slot. It runs a Linux system and handles 2D systems with ease, plus many PS1 and N64 titles.
Sharpest small screen: XU10 ($79.99)
The XU10 uses a fully laminated 3.5" IPS panel at 640x480, an RK3326S chip and 1GB of DDR4 RAM. Its 3000mAh battery is rated for up to 6 hours, with USB Type-C fast charging.
Best wide-screen pick: Retro Handheld 4.3" ($59.00)
A wide, horizontal handheld with a 4.3" IPS screen, 64GB of storage and the EmuELEC system. Want a case too? The M17 + Hard Carrying Case Bundle ($64.00) pairs a 64GB, 4.3" handheld with a rigid EVA case, and costs less than buying them separately.
Biggest screen with HDMI out: 5" Handheld ($49.99)
The 5" screen is the largest here, and the HDMI output lets you plug straight into a TV. It has 8GB of internal storage and takes TF cards up to 64GB.
Most storage options: M27 (from $48.46)
The M27 comes in 64GB, 128GB or 256GB in grey, green or black, and the listing says it can connect to your TV.
How to choose a retro handheld under $100
- Do not shop by game count alone. A big number does not tell you how smoothly games run or how good the controls feel. Screen, chip and battery matter more.
- Pick your screen size. 3.5" (R36S, XF35H, XU10) is the most pocketable. 4" to 4.3" (R36 Ultra, XF40H, Retro Handheld 4.3") is the sweet spot for most adults. 5" is best for couch and travel use.
- Know what you want to play. For NES, SNES, Game Boy, GBA and Genesis, any handheld here will do. For more PS1 and N64, look at the R36 Ultra or R36S, whose listings call out those systems.
- Think about battery. If you fly or commute, the XF40H/XF35H (4000mAh) and R36S (3800mAh) have the biggest listed batteries.
- Want TV play too? The R36 Ultra mirrors to a TV over WiFi, and the 5" Handheld has HDMI out. For a dedicated TV setup with two controllers, see our Classic Console or U36 Retro TV Console.
- Buying a gift? Simple wins. A bright screen, a comfortable layout and a case (like the M17 bundle) beat raw specs for most people.
FAQ: retro handhelds under $100
What is the best retro handheld under $100?
For most people, the R36 Ultra. It pairs a 4" 720x720 IPS screen with the strongest listed hardware in our lineup, starting at $64.99. If battery life matters most, choose the XF40H.
What is the best retro handheld under $50?
The R36S starts at $44.99 for 64GB and $49.99 for 128GB, with a 3.5" IPS screen and a 3800mAh battery. The 5" Handheld ($49.99) is the pick if you want a bigger screen and HDMI out.
Can cheap retro handhelds play PS1 and N64 games?
Some can. The R36 Ultra listing includes PS1, N64, PSP and Dreamcast. The R36S listing says it handles many PS1 and N64 titles. Older 2D systems run best on every device here.
Can I connect a retro handheld to my TV?
The R36 Ultra supports WiFi screen mirroring, the 5" Handheld has HDMI output, and the M27 listing says it connects to a TV. For TV-first play, a plug-and-play console like the Classic Console is simpler.
Can I add my own games?
The R36 Ultra, R36S and 5" Handheld support TF cards, and the XU10's Linux system lets you add games in various formats. Please only load games you have the rights to. Our guide Are retro gaming consoles legal to buy? explains the basics.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes, orders over $60 ship free, which covers most of the handhelds above.
