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.

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Buying Guides

Best Mario Games on R36S 2026: Every Classic Tested — iGC

Best Mario Games on R36S 2026: Every Classic Te...

Best Mario games on R36S 2026. iGC tested every Mario classic. Super Mario Bros 100%, Mario 64 100%, Mario Kart 64 100%, Super Mario World 100%. Every Mario game on...

Best Mario Games on R36S 2026: Every Classic Te...

Best Mario games on R36S 2026. iGC tested every Mario classic. Super Mario Bros 100%, Mario 64 100%, Mario Kart 64 100%, Super Mario World 100%. Every Mario game on...

Best Pokemon Games on R36S 2026: Every Game Tested — iGC

Best Pokemon Games on R36S 2026: Every Game Tes...

Best Pokemon games on R36S 2026. iGC tested every Pokemon game. FireRed 100%, Emerald 100%, HeartGold 95%, Black 90%. Play every Pokemon generation on one device. Complete guide.

Best Pokemon Games on R36S 2026: Every Game Tes...

Best Pokemon games on R36S 2026. iGC tested every Pokemon game. FireRed 100%, Emerald 100%, HeartGold 95%, Black 90%. Play every Pokemon generation on one device. Complete guide.

R36S as a Gift 2026: Who Is It Perfect For? Complete Gift Guide — iGC

R36S as a Gift 2026: Who Is It Perfect For? Com...

R36S gift guide 2026. Perfect gift for retro gamers, kids 8+, dads, husbands, boyfriends. $79.99 with 15,000+ games pre-loaded. Zero setup. iGC's top gift pick for Christmas & birthdays.

R36S as a Gift 2026: Who Is It Perfect For? Com...

R36S gift guide 2026. Perfect gift for retro gamers, kids 8+, dads, husbands, boyfriends. $79.99 with 15,000+ games pre-loaded. Zero setup. iGC's top gift pick for Christmas & birthdays.

Is the R36S Good for Kids? Age Guide & Parent Review 2026 — iGC

Is the R36S Good for Kids? Age Guide & Parent R...

Is the R36S good for kids? iGC parent review 2026. Best age 8+. Zero setup, no internet, no in-app purchases, no ads. Safe retro gaming. Perfect gift for kids who...

Is the R36S Good for Kids? Age Guide & Parent R...

Is the R36S good for kids? iGC parent review 2026. Best age 8+. Zero setup, no internet, no in-app purchases, no ads. Safe retro gaming. Perfect gift for kids who...

R36S vs Nintendo Switch Lite 2026: $79 vs $199 — Which Should You Buy? — iGC

R36S vs Nintendo Switch Lite 2026: $79 vs $199 ...

R36S vs Nintendo Switch Lite 2026. R36S $79.99 with 15,000+ retro games vs Switch Lite $199 with modern Nintendo games. Different devices for different needs. iGC complete comparison.

R36S vs Nintendo Switch Lite 2026: $79 vs $199 ...

R36S vs Nintendo Switch Lite 2026. R36S $79.99 with 15,000+ retro games vs Switch Lite $199 with modern Nintendo games. Different devices for different needs. iGC complete comparison.

Best RPG Games on R36S 2026: Final Fantasy, Zelda & More — iGC

Best RPG Games on R36S 2026: Final Fantasy, Zel...

Best RPG games on R36S 2026. iGC tested every retro RPG classic. Final Fantasy VI 100%, Chrono Trigger 100%, Zelda LTTP 100%, FF7 (PS1) 95%. Complete RPG compatibility guide.

Best RPG Games on R36S 2026: Final Fantasy, Zel...

Best RPG games on R36S 2026. iGC tested every retro RPG classic. Final Fantasy VI 100%, Chrono Trigger 100%, Zelda LTTP 100%, FF7 (PS1) 95%. Complete RPG compatibility guide.

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Popular Handheld Consoles

Top-rated handheld consoles for beginners, everyday play, and all-around value.

Top Retro Handheld Consoles

Classic gaming handhelds selected for nostalgia, portability, and retro performance.

Top Consoles to Start With

Editor’s Picks

  • Best for Beginners


    R36S
    Easy to start with, affordable, and beginner-friendly.

  • Best for Performance


    R36PRO
    A stronger handheld for smoother gaming and better controls.

  • Best Overall


    R36MAX
    Balanced screen size, usability, and all-around gaming experience.

  • Best Premium Pick


    R36ULTRA
    A premium handheld console for enthusiasts and advanced users.

What to Do Next

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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.