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.

Start Here: Selected Buying Guides

More Buying Guides

Ver todo
  • Black RGB30 editorial illustration with a composited DKC2 ship scene

    DKC2 on a Square Screen: Diddy, Dixie and the R...

    Diddy and Dixie turn a nostalgic platformer into a practical control-and-display question. Compare square-screen presentation, an existing official route and exact RGB30 offers without mistaking storage for performance.

    DKC2 on a Square Screen: Diddy, Dixie and the R...

    Diddy and Dixie turn a nostalgic platformer into a practical control-and-display question. Compare square-screen presentation, an existing official route and exact RGB30 offers without mistaking storage for performance.

  • White R36S editorial composite with a Super Mario Land 2 DX color game reference

    Super Mario Land 2: Six Zones, One Castle, Your...

    Choose the six-zone adventure first. Explore an official existing-device route, then weigh vertical R36S and horizontal RG351P offers only for a real ownership need.

    Super Mario Land 2: Six Zones, One Castle, Your...

    Choose the six-zone adventure first. Explore an official existing-device route, then weigh vertical R36S and horizontal RG351P offers only for a real ownership need.

  • White R36S editorial concept with Pikachu and Charmander card artwork on a wooden desk

    Pokémon Trading Card Game: Classic Adventure or...

    Choose the classic Game Boy Color Pokémon card adventure or modern TCG Live before buying hardware. Understand the solo adventure, reading and progress needs, existing-device routes and actual R36S configurations.

    Pokémon Trading Card Game: Classic Adventure or...

    Choose the classic Game Boy Color Pokémon card adventure or modern TCG Live before buying hardware. Understand the solo adventure, reading and progress needs, existing-device routes and actual R36S configurations.

1 3
Ver todo

Browse Guides by Topic

Buying Guides

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

Best Pokemon Games on R36S 2026: Every Generati...

Best Pokemon games on R36S 2026. iGC tested every Pokemon generation. FireRed 100%, Emerald 100%, HeartGold (DS) 100%, Black/White 100%. The ultimate Pokemon handheld guide.

Best Pokemon Games on R36S 2026: Every Generati...

Best Pokemon games on R36S 2026. iGC tested every Pokemon generation. FireRed 100%, Emerald 100%, HeartGold (DS) 100%, Black/White 100%. The ultimate Pokemon handheld guide.

Best Zelda Games on R36S 2026: Every Legend of Zelda Classic Tested

Best Zelda Games on R36S 2026: Every Legend of ...

Best Zelda games on R36S 2026. iGC tested every Legend of Zelda classic. Link to the Past (SNES) 100%, Ocarina of Time (N64) 88%, Minish Cap (GBA) 100%. Complete Zelda...

Best Zelda Games on R36S 2026: Every Legend of ...

Best Zelda games on R36S 2026. iGC tested every Legend of Zelda classic. Link to the Past (SNES) 100%, Ocarina of Time (N64) 88%, Minish Cap (GBA) 100%. Complete Zelda...

Best R36S Accessories 2026: Cases, Screen Protectors & Must-Have Add-Ons

Best R36S Accessories 2026: Cases, Screen Prote...

Best R36S accessories 2026. iGC recommends: protective case, tempered glass screen protector, 128GB MicroSD, USB-C cable, thumb grips. Complete R36S accessory guide.

Best R36S Accessories 2026: Cases, Screen Prote...

Best R36S accessories 2026. iGC recommends: protective case, tempered glass screen protector, 128GB MicroSD, USB-C cable, thumb grips. Complete R36S accessory guide.

R36S Complete Buying Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

R36S Complete Buying Guide 2026: Everything You...

R36S complete buying guide 2026. iGC answers every question: specs, 15,000+ games, 5.2h battery, 3.5" IPS screen, best emulators, accessories. The definitive guide before you buy.

R36S Complete Buying Guide 2026: Everything You...

R36S complete buying guide 2026. iGC answers every question: specs, 15,000+ games, 5.2h battery, 3.5" IPS screen, best emulators, accessories. The definitive guide before you buy.

Best RPG Games on R36S 2026: Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger & More Tested

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

Best RPG games on R36S 2026. iGC tested 15 classic RPGs. Chrono Trigger (SNES) 100%, Final Fantasy VI 100%, Final Fantasy VII (PS1) 96%. Complete RPG compatibility guide.

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

Best RPG games on R36S 2026. iGC tested 15 classic RPGs. Chrono Trigger (SNES) 100%, Final Fantasy VI 100%, Final Fantasy VII (PS1) 96%. Complete RPG compatibility guide.

Best Fighting Games on R36S 2026: Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat & More Tested

Best Fighting Games on R36S 2026: Street Fighte...

Best fighting games on R36S 2026. iGC tested 15 fighting classics. Street Fighter II 100%, Mortal Kombat II 100%, Tekken 3 (PS1) 95%. Complete fighting game compatibility guide.

Best Fighting Games on R36S 2026: Street Fighte...

Best fighting games on R36S 2026. iGC tested 15 fighting classics. Street Fighter II 100%, Mortal Kombat II 100%, Tekken 3 (PS1) 95%. Complete fighting game compatibility guide.

Find Guides by Need

Vertical Handheld Consoles

Browse vertical handheld console options and compare the selected configurations.

Ver todo

Horizontal Handheld Consoles

Browse horizontal handheld console options and compare the selected configurations.

Ver todo

Explore Handheld Console Options

Purchase Considerations

  • 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.