Best retro handhelds for kids in 2025
Looking for a retro handheld for your child? We pick the safest, most durable, and easiest-to-use options — with honest advice on what to expect.
Retro handhelds are a great way to introduce kids to classic gaming — Game Boy, NES, SNES, and PS1 games are age-appropriate, affordable, and genuinely fun. But not every device is suitable for younger players.
Here’s what to look for and what to buy.
What makes a good handheld for kids?
Durability: Kids drop things. Plastic bodies are more forgiving than metal. Avoid glass screens without a protector.
Simple firmware: The easier the setup and daily use, the better. OnionOS on the Miyoo Mini Plus is the gold standard for simplicity.
Screen size: Younger children do better with larger screens. The 3.5” Miyoo Mini Plus is a good minimum.
Battery life: Longer is better. 6+ hours means fewer interruptions.
Price: If it gets dropped in a pool, you don’t want to have spent $200.
Top picks for kids
🥇 Miyoo Mini Plus — $59 (Best overall)
Editor Score: 9.0/10
The Miyoo Mini Plus is the best kids’ handheld for one reason: OnionOS makes it idiot-proof. Once set up, kids navigate it easily — clean menus, box art for every game, and instant sleep/resume so they never lose progress.
Why it works for kids:
- Simple interface — kids figure it out in minutes
- 6–8 hour battery life — survives a long car trip
- Compact enough for small hands (130×83mm, 145g)
- Wi-Fi for RetroAchievements — kids love earning achievements
- Durable plastic body — survives drops better than metal
What it plays: Game Boy, GBA, NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, PS1 — everything a kid needs.
Setup tip: Set it up yourself first. Add games, configure OnionOS, then hand it over. The initial setup takes 30 minutes but saves hours of troubleshooting later.
Full specs → | OnionOS install guide →
Miyoo Flip — $79 (Best for older kids / teens)
Editor Score: 8.3/10
The Miyoo Flip’s clamshell design is its biggest advantage for kids: the screen is always protected when closed. No scratched screens, no accidental button presses in a backpack.
Why it works for kids:
- Clamshell protects the screen automatically
- OnionOS compatible — same great firmware as the Mini Plus
- Compact when folded — fits in any pocket or bag
- GBA SP nostalgia factor — older kids love the form factor
Limitation: No analog sticks, so PSP games aren’t an option. For classic gaming (GB through PS1), it’s excellent.
Anbernic RG28XX — $45 (Best budget pick)
Editor Score: 7.8/10
At $45, the RG28XX is the cheapest device worth recommending. It’s tiny — genuinely pocket-sized — and runs Game Boy, GBA, and NES games perfectly.
Best for: Younger children who mainly want Game Boy/GBA games, or as a “starter” device before upgrading.
Limitation: The 2.83” screen is small. Fine for older kids, potentially frustrating for younger ones.
Anbernic RG35XX H — $49 (Best for PSP-age kids)
Editor Score: 8.2/10
If your child is older (10+) and wants to play PSP games or games requiring dual analog sticks, the RG35XX H is the budget pick. Same screen as the Miyoo Mini Plus, but with dual sticks and a PSP-style layout.
Age guide
| Age | Recommended Device | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 5–7 | Miyoo Mini Plus | Simple firmware, large enough screen, durable |
| 8–10 | Miyoo Mini Plus or Miyoo Flip | Flip protects screen, both run OnionOS |
| 11–13 | RG35XX H or Miyoo Mini Plus | Dual sticks open up more games |
| 14+ | Any device, including RP5 | Can handle more complex setup |
What games are appropriate?
All classic platforms are generally age-appropriate:
- Game Boy / GBA — Pokémon, Mario, Zelda, Kirby ✅
- NES / SNES — Mario, Donkey Kong, Mega Man ✅
- Sega Genesis — Sonic, Streets of Rage (mild violence) ✅
- PS1 — Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, Rayman ✅ | Some M-rated titles ⚠️
The devices don’t have parental controls, so you’ll want to curate the game library yourself.
Parent FAQ
Will my child be able to set it up themselves? Not initially. Plan to spend 30–60 minutes on setup yourself. After that, daily use is simple enough for most kids 8+.
Is it safe? No internet risks? The devices don’t have browsers or app stores. Wi-Fi is used only for RetroAchievements and artwork scraping — both optional. There’s no social component or in-app purchases.
What about screen time? Same as any gaming device — set limits as you see fit. The battery life indicator helps kids self-regulate (“I have 2 hours left, I’ll save now”).
Can they play multiplayer? Not easily. These devices don’t support local wireless multiplayer between units. Some emulators support netplay over Wi-Fi, but it’s complex to set up.
What if it breaks? At $45–$79, these are low-stakes purchases. The SD card holds all the games, so even if the device breaks, the games are safe.
The verdict
For most kids, the Miyoo Mini Plus at $59 is the right choice. It’s durable, simple, has the best firmware, and plays everything a child needs. If screen protection matters, the Miyoo Flip at $79 is worth the extra $20.
Browse all devices in our device database or use the Device Finder to get a personalized recommendation.
Screen Fit Analysis
See how devices mentioned in this article handle popular platforms: