Buying Guides

Find the right handheld console faster with expert buying guides for retro gaming, portable play, and beginner-friendly picks.

Explore buying guides for handheld game consoles, retro handhelds, and portable gaming devices designed for different needs, budgets, and play styles.

Whether you're shopping for your first handheld console, comparing retro gaming devices, or looking for the best portable system for travel, our guides help you choose with confidence.

Buying Guides

Purple R36S with illustrated Pikachu and Charizard battle artwork

Retroid Pocket 5 vs RG556: What Should Your $50...

Compare the exact $499.99 Pocket 5 with RG556 at $429.99, $489.99 and $549.99. Choose the control relationship and confirmed setup before the largest media label, with complete selections, price crossings...

Retroid Pocket 5 vs RG556: What Should Your $50...

Compare the exact $499.99 Pocket 5 with RG556 at $429.99, $489.99 and $549.99. Choose the control relationship and confirmed setup before the largest media label, with complete selections, price crossings...

Purple R36S handheld with Pikachu and Charizard screen artwork

R36S vs RG DS for Pokémon: GBA Value or a DS Wo...

Choose a handheld around the Pokémon release you actually want. Compare R36S from $79.99 with RG DS from $369.99, understand all six whole-offer price gaps, and separate GBA-focused value from...

R36S vs RG DS for Pokémon: GBA Value or a DS Wo...

Choose a handheld around the Pokémon release you actually want. Compare R36S from $79.99 with RG DS from $369.99, understand all six whole-offer price gaps, and separate GBA-focused value from...

Purple R36S editorial illustration with a bright creature-battle scene on its display

RG DS vs Flip 2 Near $500: Two Screens or AMOLED?

RG DS at $489.99 or Flip 2 at $499.99? Compare the two-view task with the single AMOLED folding proposition, all 22 selected configurations, package-value questions and clear reasons to buy,...

RG DS vs Flip 2 Near $500: Two Screens or AMOLED?

RG DS at $489.99 or Flip 2 at $499.99? Compare the two-view task with the single AMOLED folding proposition, all 22 selected configurations, package-value questions and clear reasons to buy,...

Purple R36S editorial illustration with colorful creature-battle screen artwork

R36MAX vs RG556: When Is the Android AMOLED Jum...

Keep R36MAX near $100, or justify a $429.99 Android AMOLED route. Compare exact packages, software preparation, useful picture sizes and the games that make the choice worthwhile.

R36MAX vs RG556: When Is the Android AMOLED Jum...

Keep R36MAX near $100, or justify a $429.99 Android AMOLED route. Compare exact packages, software preparation, useful picture sizes and the games that make the choice worthwhile.

Purple R36S with colorful battle screen artwork, standard iGameConsole editorial cover

RG Cube vs RG556: Square Screen or Wide AMOLED?

Compare RG Cube and RG556 around the games you actually play: square versus wide active-picture sizes, shared Android and T820 source facts, all 24 package combinations and the selected $50,...

RG Cube vs RG556: Square Screen or Wide AMOLED?

Compare RG Cube and RG556 around the games you actually play: square versus wide active-picture sizes, shared Android and T820 source facts, all 24 package combinations and the selected $50,...

Purple R36S with colorful battle screen artwork, standard iGameConsole editorial cover

RG Cube vs RG406V at $459.99: Square or 4:3?

At selected $459.99 tiers, RG Cube and RG406V offer different screen shapes and input layouts, not an automatic processor upgrade. Compare active picture sizes, all 33 package combinations and the...

RG Cube vs RG406V at $459.99: Square or 4:3?

At selected $459.99 tiers, RG Cube and RG406V offer different screen shapes and input layouts, not an automatic processor upgrade. Compare active picture sizes, all 33 package combinations and the...

  • R36S — Explore the Offer


    R36S
    Check current prices, available configurations and suitability for your classic-game needs.

  • R36PRO — Compare Your Options


    R36PRO
    Compare the selected configuration, current price and game requirements before choosing.

  • R36MAX — Compare Your Preferences


    R36MAX
    Compare the exact configuration with your screen preferences, game needs and budget.

  • R36ULTRA — Evaluate Your Requirements


    R36ULTRA
    Check the specific offer against your game needs and budget rather than assuming a model name proves higher performance.

What to Do Next

Not sure which handheld console is right for you? Continue exploring our buying guides, compare popular models, or browse our handheld gaming collections.

Explore More Buying Guides

Compare Popular Models

Read Detailed Reviews

Browse Vertical Handheld Consoles

Buying Guides FAQ

What can I find in these buying guides?

Our buying guides cover handheld consoles, retro gaming devices, and portable gaming systems for different needs and budgets.

Are these guides suitable for beginners?

Yes, many guides are designed to help beginners choose their first handheld console.

Can I shop products from these guides?

Yes, our guides link directly to handheld console collections and product pages.