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

R36S setup guide beginners 2026 unbox power on EmulationStation save state fast forward iGameConsole

R36S Setup Guide for Beginners 2026: Unbox, Pow...

R36S setup guide for beginners 2026 — unbox, charge 2.1h, power on, navigate EmulationStation, find games, save states (Menu+R1), fast forward (Menu+R2). Play in 10 minutes.

R36S Setup Guide for Beginners 2026: Unbox, Pow...

R36S setup guide for beginners 2026 — unbox, charge 2.1h, power on, navigate EmulationStation, find games, save states (Menu+R1), fast forward (Menu+R2). Play in 10 minutes.

Best microSD card for R36S 2026 Samsung 128GB 64GB 256GB speed class compatibility iGameConsole

Best MicroSD Card for R36S 2026: 64GB vs 128GB ...

Best microSD card for R36S 2026 — Samsung 128GB recommended. 64GB vs 128GB vs 256GB compared. Class 10 / U3 / A1 minimum. How to add games to R36S. iGC...

Best MicroSD Card for R36S 2026: 64GB vs 128GB ...

Best microSD card for R36S 2026 — Samsung 128GB recommended. 64GB vs 128GB vs 256GB compared. Class 10 / U3 / A1 minimum. How to add games to R36S. iGC...

Best fighting games on R36S 2026 Street Fighter Tekken Mortal Kombat KOF top 20 iGameConsole

Best Fighting Games on the R36S 2026: Street Fi...

Best fighting games on R36S 2026 — Street Fighter II, Tekken 3, Mortal Kombat, KOF 98 all at 100%. Top 20 ranked across SNES, PS1, Arcade, Neo Geo. iGC complete...

Best Fighting Games on the R36S 2026: Street Fi...

Best fighting games on R36S 2026 — Street Fighter II, Tekken 3, Mortal Kombat, KOF 98 all at 100%. Top 20 ranked across SNES, PS1, Arcade, Neo Geo. iGC complete...

R36S vs TrimUI Smart Pro 2026 analog sticks N64 screen size WiFi comparison iGameConsole

R36S vs TrimUI Smart Pro 2026: Which Retro Hand...

R36S vs TrimUI Smart Pro 2026 — R36S: analog sticks, N64 97%, 6,000+ games, $79.99. TrimUI Smart Pro: larger 4.96" screen, WiFi, no analog sticks, ~$60. iGC honest verdict.

R36S vs TrimUI Smart Pro 2026: Which Retro Hand...

R36S vs TrimUI Smart Pro 2026 — R36S: analog sticks, N64 97%, 6,000+ games, $79.99. TrimUI Smart Pro: larger 4.96" screen, WiFi, no analog sticks, ~$60. iGC honest verdict.

R36S controls button guide 2026 save state fast forward shortcuts every button mapped iGameConsole

R36S Controls & Button Guide 2026: Every Button...

R36S controls guide 2026 — every button mapped. Save state: Menu+R1. Load state: Menu+L1. Fast forward: Menu+R2. Screenshot: Menu+B. Complete shortcut reference by iGC.

R36S Controls & Button Guide 2026: Every Button...

R36S controls guide 2026 — every button mapped. Save state: Menu+R1. Load state: Menu+L1. Fast forward: Menu+R2. Screenshot: Menu+B. Complete shortcut reference by iGC.

Best platformer games on R36S 2026 Super Mario 64 Sonic Crash Bandicoot Donkey Kong top 20 iGameConsole

Best Platformer Games on the R36S 2026: Top 20 ...

Best platformer games on R36S 2026 — Super Mario 64, Sonic 2, Crash Bandicoot, Donkey Kong Country all at 100%. Top 20 ranked across SNES, N64, PS1, GBA. iGC guide....

Best Platformer Games on the R36S 2026: Top 20 ...

Best platformer games on R36S 2026 — Super Mario 64, Sonic 2, Crash Bandicoot, Donkey Kong Country all at 100%. Top 20 ranked across SNES, N64, PS1, GBA. iGC 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.

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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.