The Best Handheld Gaming Devices of Mid-2025: A Comprehensive Review
- P'Nick
- Sep 8
- 8 min read
Hey fam! 👋
Today I'm sharing my hands-on experience with handheld gaming devices that I've personally purchased and tested throughout the first half of 2025. Whether you want to relive childhood memories from the 80s-90s era or introduce your loved ones to the classic games from your youth, this comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision.
Before we dive in, I want to be completely transparent: every single device mentioned in this review was purchased with my own money, 100% self-funded, with no sponsorships whatsoever. Each device has been thoroughly tested, reviewed on my YouTube channel, and documented on pnicks-handhelds.com. You're getting completely honest, unbiased opinions with no hidden agendas.
Today we'll break down 7 distinct categories, each with clear winners and detailed reasoning. Let's begin!
🎮 Best Foldable Handheld Gaming Device
For anyone who's experienced the charm of the Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP, you'll understand the appeal of foldable devices. Compact when closed, easy to pocket, and ready to play the moment you flip them open.
Top 3 Contenders:
🥉 Anbernic RG35XX SP
Strengths: Mini HDMI port for TV connectivity, includes tempered glass screen protector
Specifications: 3.5-inch IPS full viewing angle display with 640×480 resolution, powered by quad-core ARM Cortex-A9 CPU with Quad-core PowerVR SGX544MP GPU
Weaknesses: No analog stick, single USB-C port limits simultaneous charging and controller connectivity
You can purchase it from my affiliate link or a non-affiliate link; either way, the price is the same.
🥈 Powkiddy V90S
Strengths: Exceptionally quiet and soft button presses, 4:3 display works well with multiple game genres (not just GBA), nostalgic Powkiddy sticker on the lid creates great nostalgia factor
Weaknesses: No analog stick, offline-only operation (cannot download game artwork through the device)
You can purchase it from my affiliate link or a non-affiliate link; either way, the price is the same.
🥇 Anbernic RG34XX SP
Specifications: 3.4-inch IPS display with 720×480 resolution delivering perfect 3:2 aspect ratio, H700 quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 1.5GHz CPU, dual-core G31 MP2 GPU, 2GB LPDDR4 RAM, dual-band WiFi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2
Strengths: Built-in analog stick, 3.5mm headphone jack, integrated WiFi (no dongle required), perfect 3:2 aspect ratio screen that scales GBA visuals flawlessly
Weaknesses: Relatively loud button presses, single USB-C port
You can purchase it from my affiliate link or a non-affiliate link; either way, the price is the same.
🏆 Winner: Anbernic RG34XX SP
Why this device wins: Delivers top-tier experience for everything PS1 and earlier, with decent library support for N64, PSP, and Dreamcast systems. The inclusion of an analog stick, headphone jack, and built-in WiFi makes it the most complete GBA SP-style experience available. For those seeking the ultimate GBA gaming experience, this device delivers comprehensively.
📱 Best Vertical Handheld Gaming Device
The vertical form factor represents the classic style of Nintendo Game Boy and Game Boy Color that we all remember fondly. The familiar grip evokes instant nostalgia, especially for anyone who spent hours playing Tetris in their childhood.
Top 3 Contenders:
🥉 R36T Retro TV
Strengths: Incredible retro design that perfectly captures CRT TV nostalgia, unique rear grip (rare in vertical handhelds) prevents hand fatigue during extended play sessions
Weaknesses: Mono speaker firing downward, no mini HDMI connectivity
You can purchase it from my affiliate link or a non-affiliate link; either way, the price is the same.
🥈 XU 10
Strengths: Adorable design aesthetic, exceptional value at approximately $25 USD (~900 THB) on AliExpress
Weaknesses: Unusual button layout requires adjustment period, no built-in WiFi
You can purchase it from my affiliate link or a non-affiliate link; either way, the price is the same.
🥇 Anbernic RG35XX Pro
Strengths: Beloved by the community with extensive custom firmware support, works excellently out-of-box while remaining highly customizable, comprehensive connectivity including Bluetooth, mini HDMI, and WiFi
Weaknesses: Nearly double the price of XU 10 (~$65 USD/1,800 THB), mono speaker firing downward
You can purchase it from my affiliate link or a non-affiliate link; either way, the price is the same.
🏆 Winner: Anbernic RG35XX Pro
Why this device wins: Every button feels premium and responsive, connectivity options are comprehensive, and most importantly, the community support is exceptional. Whether you want plug-and-play functionality or deep customization, this device accommodates both perfectly.
📡 Best Handheld for Game Streaming
In today's connected world, streaming games from your PC or Steam library has become incredibly convenient, eliminating the need for constant file transfers.
Top 3 Contenders:
🥉 ASUS ROG Ally X
Strengths: Excellent control responsiveness, powerful Windows PC (personally converted to Steam OS), familiar interface for PC users
Weaknesses: Larger and heavier than competitors, Windows limitations persist (until Microsoft releases Windows for Handhelds)
You can purchase it from a non-affiliate link.
🥈 Anbernic RG 477M
Strengths: Modern 8300 SOC, premium metal construction with excellent tactile feel
Weaknesses: 4:3 display aspect ratio, mediocre WiFi performance (crucial for streaming)
You can purchase it from my affiliate link or a non-affiliate link; either way, the price is the same.
🥇 Abxylute One Pro
Strengths: Premium Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) 2T2R MU-MIMO module delivers exceptional streaming performance, excellent control precision
Weaknesses: No built-in PlayStation streaming support, processor struggles with PS2 emulation
You can purchase it from a non-affiliate link.
🏆 Winner: Abxylute One Pro
Why this device wins: Purpose-built for streaming with comfortable ergonomics, excellent display quality, and precise controls. If streaming games is your primary use case, this device offers the optimal experience.
👑 The Nostalgia King
This category celebrates devices that transport us back to childhood, evoking those precious memories of gaming's golden age.
Top 3 Contenders:
🥉 MagicX Zero 40
Strengths: Unique 3:5 aspect ratio display makes arcade-style shoot 'em up games look spectacular, exceptional Nintendo DS gaming experience with intelligent screen division creating dual "screens" of equal size, quiet and responsive buttons
Weaknesses: Inline shoulder buttons, non-DS games appear very small on screen
You can purchase it from my affiliate link or a non-affiliate link; either way, the price is the same.
🥈 Anbernic RG Slide
Strengths: Reminds me of the PSP Go and Sony’s PSP-inspired sliding phone—devices I admired from afar but never owned. It also features the best 4:3 screen I’ve used all year.
Weaknesses: heavy and has inline shoulder buttons.
You can purchase it from my affiliate link or a non-affiliate link; either way, the price is the same.
🥇 TrimUI Smart Pro
Strengths: PS Vita clone enhanced with R2 and L2 buttons, quiet and responsive button feedback, layered shoulder buttons provide excellent PlayStation-style experience
Weaknesses: 16:9 display optimized only for PSP (other games show black bars), cannot play games from the system it emulates, analog sticks lack clickability (no R3/L3)
You can purchase it from my affiliate link or a non-affiliate link; either way, the price is the same.
🏆 Winner: TrimUI Smart Pro
Why this device wins: Successfully captures the beloved PS Vita experience while adding essential R2/L2 buttons. The quiet buttons and sophisticated layered shoulder button design make it perfect for PlayStation enthusiasts seeking that authentic handheld gaming feel.
💰 Best Value Champion
Value means different things to different people, but I'm looking for devices that deliver significantly more than what you pay for.
Top Contenders:
🥉 R36T Retro TV
Strengths: Delivers the most authentic CRT TV feeling of any device tested, physical buttons and dials perfectly recreate childhood memories of old CRT television sets
Weaknesses: Single analog stick, compact 4:3 3.5-inch IPS display
You can purchase it from my affiliate link or a non-affiliate link; either way, the price is the same.
🥈 TrimUI Smart Pro
Strengths: PS Vita clone enhanced with R2 and L2 buttons, quiet and responsive button feedback, layered shoulder buttons provide excellent PlayStation-style experience
Weaknesses: 16:9 display optimized only for PSP (other games show black bars), cannot play games from the system it emulates, analog sticks lack clickability (no R3/L3)
You can purchase it from my affiliate link or a non-affiliate link; either way, the price is the same.
🥇 Helegaly Action π
Strengths: Gorgeous 4-inch IPS 4:3 display, layered shoulder buttons, includes carrying case, difficult to find significant flaws due to overall excellent execution
Weaknesses: New brand with developing community support
You can purchase it from a non-affiliate link or via their website, also via a non-affiliate link.
🏆 Winner: Helegaly Action π
Why this device wins: Currently available for approximately $85 USD on AliExpress (~3,000 THB), with official Helegaly website pricing starting at $65 USD (~2,300 THB) when in stock. For the overall quality delivered, this device absolutely deserves the value champion title.
😤 Most Disappointing Device of 2025
This special category features the one device that failed to meet even basic expectations...
🏆 "Winner": Portable Game Player 5
Why this device "wins": Attempts to mimic PS Portal appearance but fails spectacularly. Features weak hardware with a 7-inch TFT display that looks like it came from a 2005 budget TV with terrible viewing angles. Hardware is locked down preventing easy customization, and inexplicably includes photos of Britney Spears and attractive Chinese women (???).
The only "positive": it can run Doom! (But so can a scientific calculator.) This belongs in the trash and was the only device I actually threw away.
🌟 Best Overall Experience
This final category is the most exciting to judge, as it combines every aspect into one comprehensive evaluation.
Top 3 Contenders:
🥉 Anbernic RG 477M
Strengths: Premium metal construction feels cool and substantial, truly excellent button feedback
Weaknesses: Inline shoulder buttons, Mali driver support inferior to competitors
You can purchase it from my affiliate link or a non-affiliate link; either way, the price is the same.
🥈 ASUS ROG Ally X
Strengths: Familiar experience for PC users, controller-quality button feel, powerful hardware
Weaknesses: IPS display is good but not exceptional, weight may be excessive for some users
You can purchase it from a non-affiliate link.
🥇 AYN Odin 2 Portal
Specifications: 7-inch 1080p 120Hz OLED display with over 800 nits brightness, powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
Strengths: Stunning 7-inch 1920×1080p OLED screen delivers visual marvel with 120Hz refresh rate creating smooth, fluid, immersive gaming experience, excellent tactile feel
Weaknesses: Slightly loud button presses, Android has a learning curve
You can purchase it from a non-affiliate link.
🏆 Winner: AYN Odin 2 Portal
Why this device wins: The deep blacks of the OLED display and excellent driver support of the SD8G2 SOC make this device stand out significantly. For newcomers to handheld gaming, it's more approachable than Windows-based devices while delivering premium performance.
🔮 Summary and Future Outlook
This represents my definitive list as of early September 2025. I'll be updating this comprehensive review again in early 2026, and I'm confident that with upcoming releases like the AYN Thor, Odin 3, KONKR Pocket FIT, Ayaneo Pocket DS, Anbernic RG476, and many others launching in late 2025, plus additional devices in my review queue, this ranking will evolve significantly.
This week I'll be reviewing the TrimUI Brick Hammer on Friday, with another new device scheduled for next week. All of these will impact this ranking when we revisit it in January 2026.
💭 Your Thoughts Matter
I genuinely want to hear your perspectives! Do you agree or disagree with my selections based on the devices I've reviewed this year?
Share your thoughts:
Comment below this article
Join the discussion in my Handheld Hodgepodge forum at: https://www.pnicks-handhelds.com/forum/handheld-hodgepodge
Let's start meaningful, beneficial conversations! I want to hear everyone's experiences and opinions because sharing our experiences helps us all make better handheld gaming device choices.
For anyone wanting to relive childhood memories or introduce younger generations to classic gaming, these devices serve as excellent bridges between past and present.
Whatever device you choose, enjoy your gaming journey! Remember: the best game isn't always the one with the best graphics – it's the one that brings you joy.
Until next time! 👋
P'Nick ✨
All prices mentioned are approximate and subject to change. Device availability may vary by region. This review reflects personal experiences and testing as of September 2025.
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