Best Retro Gaming Console Under $150
Finding the perfect retro gaming handheld on a budget used to mean settling for washed-out screens and laggy emulation. However, the market has shifted dramatically, offering incredible performance for under $150. Whether you are looking to relive the 16-bit era or dive into N64 and Dreamcast classics, you don’t need to spend hundreds. We’ve tested the latest hardware to find top picks that deliver premium controls and vibrant displays without breaking your bank account.
Our Top Budget Picks at a Glance
Best Retro Gaming Console Under $150: Detailed Reviews
Anbernic RG35XX H View on Amazon
The Anbernic RG35XX H has quickly become my go-to recommendation for anyone entering the hobby. In the world of budget handhelds, ergonomics often take a backseat, but the horizontal layout here feels natural even during long sessions of Chrono Trigger. Powered by the H700 chipset, it handles everything from NES to PlayStation 1 with ease, and even dips its toes into Dreamcast and PSP emulation. You’re getting a crisp 3.5-inch IPS display that punches way above its weight class in terms of color accuracy. While more expensive consoles like the Retroid Pocket series offer more raw power, the RG35XX H provides a “pick up and play” simplicity that is hard to beat. The main limitation is the stock software, which is functional but lacks the polish of custom firmware. However, for under $70, the build quality feels surprisingly premium compared to the hollow plastics found in cheaper rivals.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE →
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Miyoo Mini Plus View on Amazon
The Miyoo Mini Plus is a cult classic for a reason. Its features-per-dollar ratio is astronomical, largely thanks to the phenomenal community support. When you install “OnionOS” (a community-made operating system), this device transforms into one of the most sophisticated gaming experiences on the market, regardless of price. The vertical Game Boy-inspired aesthetic is nostalgic, and the screen is exceptionally vibrant, making SNES and Game Boy Advance titles pop. You’ll notice the buttons have a soft, tactile “membrane” feel that I personally find superior for platformers. While it struggles with anything beyond PS1, it masters the 8 and 16-bit eras perfectly. The inclusion of Wi-Fi for “RetroAchievements” and game scraping is a huge bonus at this price point. It’s smaller than the Anbernic, making it the ultimate “commuter” console, though users with larger hands might find the rear triggers a bit cramped during intense play.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE →
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
R36S Handheld View on Amazon
If you have less than $40 and want to play Nintendo 64, the R36S is essentially your only—and best—choice. It is a “clone” device that uses surprisingly decent ArkOS firmware. For the price of a new AAA game, you get a handheld capable of playing thousands of retro titles. I’m consistently impressed by the screen resolution (640×480), which is sharper than many devices costing twice as much. However, you have to accept some trade-offs. The plastics feel thin, the buttons are quite clicky (and loud), and the stock SD cards are notorious for failing within a week. I always recommend buyers immediately spend an extra $10 on a name-brand SanDisk card. It’s not the most refined experience, but for a casual user or a gift for a child, the value is undeniable. It delivers a “good enough” experience that will satisfy most casual retro fans without the financial commitment of premium brands.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE →
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Retroid Pocket 2S View on Amazon
Spending near the $150 limit is absolutely worthwhile if you want to play Dreamcast, Sega Saturn, or even some lighter PlayStation 2 games. The Retroid Pocket 2S is a massive step up in engineering. It features Hall Effect joysticks, which use magnets to detect movement, meaning they will never develop the “stick drift” that plagues the Nintendo Switch. Running on Android, it gives you access to a world of emulators and even native Android games. I find the front-facing speakers to be the best in this price bracket—they’re loud, clear, and actually have a bit of low-end. The setup is more complex than the Linux-based Anbernic devices, as you’ll need to navigate Android menus and play store settings, but the reward is a significantly more powerful and durable machine. It’s the “pro” choice for those who want a device that feels like a piece of high-end electronics rather than a toy.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE →
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Powkiddy RGB30 View on Amazon
The Powkiddy RGB30 is an overlooked gem because of its unique 1:1 aspect ratio screen (720×720). While a square screen sounds odd, it is arguably the best way to experience original Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Neo Geo Pocket Color titles. They look huge and fill the screen beautifully. It is also the “gold standard” for PICO-8, a modern “fantasy console” that has a massive library of free, creative indie games. I find the D-pad a bit stiff out of the box, but the screen quality is so stunningly bright and sharp that it’s easy to forgive. It’s a niche device, but for those who value integer scaling and want their retro games to look exactly as they did on original hardware (just bigger and better), this is a fantastic value. It’s an enthusiast’s choice that offers a viewing experience you can’t get even on consoles triple the price.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE →
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Budget Buying Guide: How to Choose Retro Gaming Console Under $150
Comparison Table
| Product | Street Price | Best For | Rating | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anbernic RG35XX H | $65 | All-around play | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Miyoo Mini Plus | $58 | Portability | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| R36S Handheld | $39 | Absolute lowest cost | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Retroid Pocket 2S | $115 | 3D Emulation | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Powkiddy RGB30 | $89 | Square aspect ratios | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth buying a retro console under $150?
Absolutely. We are currently in a “golden age” for budget handhelds. For under $150, you can get hardware that is more powerful and has better screens than the flagship consoles of just five years ago. At this price point, you can expect perfect emulation for everything up to the PlayStation 1, with many devices handling N64 and Dreamcast impressively well. The value proposition is incredible for nostalgic gamers.
What features should I expect at this price range?
You should realistically expect a high-quality 3.5 to 4-inch IPS screen, rechargeable batteries via USB-C, and dual analog sticks (on most models). You will also likely get Wi-Fi for multiplayer or game updates. Don’t expect to play PlayStation 2 or GameCube perfectly at this price; while some models like the Retroid Pocket 2S can handle “light” 3D titles, consistent 6th-generation console emulation usually requires a larger investment.
Should I buy new or used to save money?
For these specific devices, buying new is usually the better route. The secondary market for retro handhelds often sees prices stay close to MSRP due to shipping costs. Furthermore, new units come with the latest screen revisions and battery health. Since many of these consoles are already very affordable (starting at $40), the risks of a used unit with worn-out buttons or a scratched screen usually outweigh the $10-$20 savings.
When is the best time to buy for the best deals?
Major Chinese shopping holidays like 11.11 (Singles’ Day) and the Lunar New Year offer the deepest discounts, sometimes up to 30% off. However, Amazon frequently runs coupons for Anbernic and Miyoo products throughout the year. If you see a device you like within 10% of its “street price,” it’s usually a safe time to buy, as these manufacturers release new models frequently, causing older ones to go on sale.
Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of?
The most important hidden cost is a high-quality microSD card. Most budget consoles ship with “no-name” cards that are prone to data corruption. I strongly recommend budgeting an extra $10–$15 for a 128GB SanDisk or Samsung card. Additionally, you may want to buy a protective carrying case, as budget screens are not made of Gorilla Glass and can scratch or crack if tossed unprotected into a bag.
Final Verdict
Getting into retro gaming doesn’t have to break the bank. If you want the best all-around experience, the Anbernic RG35XX H is a masterpiece of budget engineering. For those who prioritize software and portability, the Miyoo Mini Plus is a delight, while power users should stretch for the Retroid Pocket 2S. Whichever you choose, you’re getting a portal to thousands of classics for less than the price of a few modern games.