As summer unfolds and holiday plans take shape, thereās one item retro gaming lovers shouldnāt forget to pack: a portable handheld console. Whether youāre heading to the beach, camping in the mountains, or just relaxing at home, the right handheld device lets you carry thousands of classic games in your pocketāno WiFi needed.
In this post, weāll explore four compact, affordable, and well-built retro consoles that are perfect for summer travel. All models meet the following three criteria:
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ā High portability ā pocket-friendly and lightweight
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ā Solid quality ā good materials, controls, and screen
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ā Affordable ā all priced under ā¬70 (after discount)
Letās dive into the lineup!
š¹ 1. Trimui Brick ā Small, Sharp, and Seriously Underrated
Despite flying under the radar, the Trimui Brick is a gem in the world of compact handhelds.
Why it stands out:
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Build quality: First-rate plastic shell, better than most pocket consoles
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Gorgeous screen: 3.2-inch display with a sharp 1024x768 resolution, offering vibrant colors and high contrast
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Performance: Powered by an Allwinner A133P chip, capable of running a wide range of systems
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Ultra-portable: Truly pocket-sized, with a minimalist footprint
If you're looking for a visually crisp, stylish handheld that doesnāt take up space in your bag, the Trimui Brick deserves your attention. There's also a metal edition available for those who prefer a premium finish.
š¶ Typical price: Around ā¬57 (plastic), ā¬75.95 (metal edition)
š¹ 2. Miyoo Flip V2 ā The Perfect Clamshell for Retro Fans
With its flip-top design and refined build, the Miyoo Flip V2 delivers both nostalgia and modern polish.
What makes it great:
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Premium design: High-quality materials and elegant clamshell form factor
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Solid display: 3.5-inch 640x480 resolution with rich color and contrast
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Highly portable: Easy to slip into any pocket, no bulk
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Custom firmware support: Compatible with Carl OS and Kirby (especially popular in Spanish-speaking communities)
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User-friendly options: Can be purchased preloaded with Surwish system for plug-and-play experience
From GBA to SNES classics, the Flip V2 handles it all with style and stability. Itās also one of the best-looking handhelds on the list.
š¶ Typical price: Around ā¬61.95
š¹ 3. ANBERNIC RG34X ā Retro Spirit with Modern Power
A personal favorite for 2024, the ANBERNIC RG34X blends nostalgic design with robust internal hardware.
Why it's worth a look:
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Aesthetic appeal: GBA-inspired colors and layout, beautifully executed
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Great build quality: Durable shell and precise button response
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High performance: Runs on the H700 chip, smooth across most 2D/early 3D systems
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Custom OS: Comes with the MuOS Boy Advanceāan eye-catching, highly functional image focused on GBA gaming
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Perfect size: Small enough to travel with, large enough for comfortable gameplay
If youāre a GBA enthusiast, this console delivers a near-perfect experience out of the box.
š¶ Typical price: Around ā¬64.95
š¹ 4. P-Kiddy RGB10X ā Hidden Gem for Budget Travelers
Last but not least is the P-Kiddy RGB10X, a lesser-known handheld that punches above its price tag.
Highlights:
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Excellent controls: D-pad and action buttons rival more expensive brands like ANBERNIC
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Respectable battery: 2800mAh capacity delivers 5 to 5.5 hours of playtime
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Simple but solid: Build quality is average, but nothing to complain about
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Super lightweight: Perfect for daily carry without even noticing it in your pocket
It's the most affordable device on this list, making it ideal for newcomers or casual gamers looking for an ultra-portable retro solution.
š¶ Typical price: Around ā¬39.95
š§³ Final Verdict: Which One Should You Pack?
What Youāre Looking For | Best Pick |
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Crisp screen & top visuals | Trimui Brick |
Flip design & all-around quality | Miyoo Flip V2 |
GBA nostalgia & power combo | ANBERNIC RG34X |
Extreme portability on a budget | P-Kiddy RGB10X |
Whichever model you choose, youāll be bringing a library of classics with youāready to play on the road, on the plane, or by the pool.
Game on, and have an amazing summer vacation! āļøš®