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Updated May 2026. You don’t need to spend £150 to get a great retro gaming handheld. These sub-£50 devices handle SNES, GBA, Mega Drive, and PS1 with zero fuss.
Best Budget Picks
- Best under £30: R36S — around £25–£28, 640×480 screen, runs SNES/GBA/PS1 well enough, excellent starter device
- Best under £40: Anbernic RG35XX — better build quality than most sub-£40 options, reliable Linux firmware
- Best under £50: Miyoo Mini Plus — arguably the best sub-£70 device on the market, excellent OnionOS support
What to Expect at This Price
Under £50 you’ll run everything up to PS1 and some N64 games with minor compromises. GameCube and PSP are generally not possible at this price point — for that, you need to spend more. The Miyoo Mini Plus and R36S both punch well above their price.
Full Reviews & Comparisons
- R36S Review — is it worth £30?
- 5 Best Retro Handhelds Under £50 UK (2026)
- Best Budget Game Boy Emulator Consoles