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
-
Pokémon Game Requirements
-
Gift Buying Guide
-
PSP Buying Considerations
More Buying Guides
View all-
Boktai: Choose the Sunlight Experience Before a...
Choose original-cartridge sunlight interaction or software solar input before buying for Boktai. Understand documented mGBA support, the exact RG351P color offer and when to keep your current setup.
Boktai: Choose the Sunlight Experience Before a...
Choose original-cartridge sunlight interaction or software solar input before buying for Boktai. Understand documented mGBA support, the exact RG351P color offer and when to keep your current setup.
-
Shantae: Choose Your Version Before Buying a Ha...
Choose the original Shantae edition before buying hardware. Understand dance controls, enhanced mode, save convenience and when keeping your current system is the better decision.
Shantae: Choose Your Version Before Buying a Ha...
Choose the original Shantae edition before buying hardware. Understand dance controls, enhanced mode, save convenience and when keeping your current system is the better decision.
-
DuckTales: Choose Your Pogo Version Before Buyi...
Original DuckTales, Remastered and The Disney Afternoon Collection offer different buying decisions. Choose the release and pogo controls first; consider Pro 3 only for a wanted physical setup.
DuckTales: Choose Your Pogo Version Before Buyi...
Original DuckTales, Remastered and The Disney Afternoon Collection offer different buying decisions. Choose the release and pogo controls first; consider Pro 3 only for a wanted physical setup.
Browse Guides by Topic
-
Beginner Guides
-
Retro Gaming
-
Portable Gaming
-
Value Considerations
Buying Guides
Choosing a Retro Handheld for 2D Platformers: R...
For classic 2D platformers, choose around the exact game, its inputs and the screen you want to use. Compare R36S and R36MAX without turning a larger display into a performance...
Choosing a Retro Handheld for 2D Platformers: R...
For classic 2D platformers, choose around the exact game, its inputs and the screen you want to use. Compare R36S and R36MAX without turning a larger display into a performance...
One Retro Handheld or Two? A Family Buying Guid...
Sharing one handheld and playing together are different decisions. Work out who plays when, how progress will be kept separate and whether you need independent devices or a verified multiplayer...
One Retro Handheld or Two? A Family Buying Guid...
Sharing one handheld and playing together are different decisions. Work out who plays when, how progress will be kept separate and whether you need independent devices or a verified multiplayer...
R36S 128GB or R36MAX 64GB? Storage vs Screen on...
R36S 128GB gives you more listed storage at a lower base price; R36MAX 64GB gives you a larger physical display. This guide compares the two specific configurations, explains what each...
R36S 128GB or R36MAX 64GB? Storage vs Screen on...
R36S 128GB gives you more listed storage at a lower base price; R36MAX 64GB gives you a larger physical display. This guide compares the two specific configurations, explains what each...
Buying a Retro Handheld for One Favorite Game: ...
One favorite game can be a great reason to buy a retro handheld, but a familiar title or large game count is not enough. Identify the exact version and experience...
Buying a Retro Handheld for One Favorite Game: ...
One favorite game can be a great reason to buy a retro handheld, but a familiar title or large game count is not enough. Identify the exact version and experience...
Retro Handheld for Short Gaming Sessions: R36S ...
Only have a little time to play? Choose a handheld around games you can comfortably start and stop, not promises of instant resume. Compare R36S and R36MAX, choose storage for...
Retro Handheld for Short Gaming Sessions: R36S ...
Only have a little time to play? Choose a handheld around games you can comfortably start and stop, not promises of instant resume. Compare R36S and R36MAX, choose storage for...
R36S Gift for a Nontechnical Recipient: Setup &...
A retro handheld can be a thoughtful gift without becoming a technical project. Use this guide to match R36S or R36MAX to a nontechnical recipient, choose storage for the right...
R36S Gift for a Nontechnical Recipient: Setup &...
A retro handheld can be a thoughtful gift without becoming a technical project. Use this guide to match R36S or R36MAX to a nontechnical recipient, choose storage for the right...
Find Guides by Need
-
Getting Started
-
Classic Gaming
Vertical Handheld Consoles
Browse vertical handheld console options and compare the selected configurations.
Horizontal Handheld Consoles
Browse horizontal handheld console options and compare the selected configurations.
Explore Handheld Console Options
-
R36S — Explore the Offer
-
R36PRO — Compare Your Options
-
R36MAX — Compare Your Preferences
-
R36ULTRA — Evaluate Your Requirements
-
R36H — Consider Everyday Use
-
R36PLUS — Check the Exact Configuration
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.
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.