10 Best Retro Handheld Consoles for PS1 Games in 2026: Portable Picks for Every Player

Written by: Editor In Chief
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Playing PS1 favorites on the go is easier when the handheld suits the games you actually play. Screen size, controls, software, and storage can matter as much as a console’s advertised game count.

These 10 listings cover compact devices and larger-screen alternatives. Some listings appear to describe the same model, so check the exact configuration and seller before choosing.

Best 10 Retro Handheld Console for Ps1 Games Picks for 2026

Travel-Friendly Pick

RG351P Purple

RG351P Purple
  • 3.5-inch IPS screen and dual joysticks
  • 64GB card with 2,500+ advertised games
  • 3500mAh battery rated up to eight hours

Best For: Travelers who want a compact PS1-capable handheld

Larger-Screen Pick

R46H

R46H
  • PS1 support listed alongside other emulators
  • 4.2-inch 1024×768 IPS display
  • Includes a 128GB memory card

Best For: Players seeking a larger screen and included storage

Grip-Focused Pick

R36H

R36H
  • PS1 support listed among emulator options
  • 3.5-inch 640×480 IPS screen
  • 3500mAh battery rated up to eight hours

Best For: Players who prefer shaped grips and dual joysticks

Best Larger Screen

Anbernic RG40XX H

Anbernic RG40XX H
  • 4-inch 640×480 IPS display
  • HDMI output, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
  • Rated for 6–7 hours of use

Best For: Players wanting a larger display and TV output

Best Listed PS1 Support

R36H Portable Handheld

R36H Portable Handheld
  • PS1 is explicitly listed
  • 3.5-inch 640×480 IPS display
  • 128GB storage; up to eight hours claimed

Best For: Buyers who want explicitly listed PS1 support

Best Compact Option

Anbernic RG28XX

Anbernic RG28XX
  • 2.83-inch 640×480 IPS screen
  • TV output and controller support
  • Up to eight hours claimed

Best For: Travelers prioritizing a compact handheld

Best with Extra Features

RG35XX Pro with Dual Sticks

RG35XX Pro with Dual Sticks
  • 3.5-inch 640 × 480 IPS display
  • Dual joysticks and HDMI output
  • 64GB card; up to eight-hour battery rating

Best For: Pocketable gaming with flexible controls

Large-Screen Pick

RG52MINI 5.5-Inch Handheld

RG52MINI 5.5-Inch Handheld
  • 5.5-inch 720 × 1280 IPS screen
  • Dual systems, Wi-Fi, and HDMI output
  • 5000mAh battery; expandable TF storage

Best For: Larger-screen retro play

Balanced Screen Pick

Anbernic RG40XX H

Anbernic RG40XX H
  • 4-inch 640 × 480 IPS display
  • Wi-Fi and TV-output support
  • About 200g; up to eight-hour battery rating

Best For: Portable play on a 4-inch screen

Travel-Friendly Pick – RG351P Purple

If you want a retro handheld console for PS1 games that is easy to pack, the RG351P pairs a 3.5-inch IPS screen with dual joysticks and a 64GB microSD card. Its Linux-based system supports PS1 and several other emulators.

Best For: Travelers who prefer a smaller screen and want a supplied game card.

Pros:

  • Supports PS1, N64, NDS and other emulators.
  • Includes a 64GB card advertised with more than 2,500 games.
  • 3500mAh battery is rated for up to eight hours of play.

Cons:

  • 3.5-inch display may feel small if you prefer larger handheld screens.
  • PS1 support does not guarantee that every game will run equally well.

The RG351P makes sense if portability and battery rating matter more to you than screen size. Check the games you want to play rather than relying on the preloaded-game count alone.

TV-Ready Pick – RG43H Pro

The RG43H Pro is a retro handheld console for PS1 games shoppers who also want the option to play on a TV. It combines a 4.3-inch, 1024×768 IPS display with HDMI output, dual joysticks and two game-library systems.

Best For: Players who want a larger handheld display, on-device downloads and TV output.

Pros:

  • EmuELEC is advertised with 5,000 preloaded games; RGBOX offers on-device downloads over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi.
  • HDMI output adds a way to play on a TV.
  • Includes stereo speakers, a headphone jack and a 4000mAh battery.

Cons:

  • The supplied notes do not explicitly list PS1 emulator support or identify included PS1 titles.
  • Downloading additional games requires a Wi-Fi connection.

Its display and connection options stand out, but verify PS1 compatibility and the games available to you before choosing it specifically for that library.

Larger-Screen Pick – R46H

For a retro handheld console for PS1 games with more viewing room, the R46H lists PS1 among its supported emulators and uses a 4.2-inch, 1024×768 IPS screen. It also includes a 128GB memory card and dual joysticks.

Best For: Players who want a larger display and an included 128GB card.

Pros:

  • Lists PS1, PSP and N64 among its supported emulators.
  • 4.2-inch OCA-laminated IPS screen has a stated 1024×768 resolution.
  • Includes a 128GB card and advertises Wi-Fi multiplayer support.

Cons:

  • The notes do not specify a battery capacity or a measured playtime.
  • The 20,000-plus advertised game count does not identify how many are PS1 titles.

Choose the R46H for its screen-and-storage combination, while treating the game count as a starting point rather than a promise about the PS1 selection.

Grip-Focused Pick – R36H

The R36H is a retro handheld console for PS1 games that emphasizes handheld controls: it lists PS1 emulator support and pairs dual joysticks with contoured side grips. Its 3.5-inch IPS screen has a stated 640×480 resolution.

Best For: Players who value grip shape and a compact 3.5-inch handheld.

Pros:

  • Lists PS1, PSP, N64 and several other emulator formats.
  • Dual joysticks and shaped grips are designed for comfortable control.
  • 3500mAh battery is advertised for up to eight hours of gaming, with USB-C charging.

Cons:

  • 3.5-inch screen offers less viewing area than larger models in this roundup.
  • The 20,000-plus game claim does not specify the PS1 titles included.

The R36H is worth considering if its controls appeal to you. Confirm the games you care about and remember that the stated battery life is an upper-end estimate.

Best Larger Screen – Anbernic RG40XX H

If you want a retro handheld console for PS1 games with more screen space, the Anbernic RG40XX H offers a 4-inch, 640×480 IPS display. Its horizontal body, dual joysticks, and included 64GB TF card make it a practical option for portable retro gaming, though the listing does not specifically confirm PS1 performance.

Best For: Players who prioritize a larger handheld display and TV-output flexibility.

Pros:

  • 4-inch, 640×480 IPS screen with full lamination.
  • HDMI/TV output, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth are listed.
  • 3200mAh battery is rated for 6–7 hours of use.

Cons:

  • Supplied specifications do not explicitly verify PS1 compatibility or performance.
  • The 1GB RAM and included 64GB card may be limiting for users who want a larger library.

The RG40XX H is the screen-first pick here: consider it for its display and connectivity, but verify support for the specific PS1 games you want before buying.

Best Listed PS1 Support – R36H Portable Handheld

The R36H is a retro handheld console for PS1 games that explicitly lists PS1 among its supported emulators. It pairs a 3.5-inch, 640×480 IPS screen with dual joysticks and 128GB of listed storage, making it worth a look if broad system coverage matters more than a larger display.

Best For: Buyers seeking a compact horizontal handheld with PS1 support explicitly listed.

Pros:

  • PS1 appears in the listed emulator lineup alongside NES, GBA, PSP, and other systems.
  • Dual joysticks and shaped side grips are intended for comfortable handheld control.
  • 3500mAh battery is rated for up to eight hours; USB-C charging is supported.

Cons:

  • The 3.5-inch screen is smaller than the RG40XX H’s 4-inch display.
  • The claimed 20,000-plus games do not establish which specific titles are included or how well they run.

Choose the R36H if explicit PS1 emulator support is your deciding factor, while treating the game count and battery estimate as listing claims rather than guarantees for every title.

Best Compact Option – Anbernic RG28XX

The Anbernic RG28XX is a pocket-minded alternative for shoppers comparing a retro handheld console for PS1 games. Its 2.83-inch, 640×480 IPS screen, Linux system, and H700 quad-core processor are documented, but the supplied listing does not explicitly confirm PS1 support.

Best For: Buyers who favor a small handheld for travel and want TV-output capability.

Pros:

  • Compact 2.83-inch fully laminated IPS display.
  • 3100mAh battery is rated for up to eight hours, with USB-C charging.
  • TV output and support for wired or 2.4GHz wireless controllers are listed.

Cons:

  • PS1 compatibility and game-by-game performance are not specified in the supplied notes.
  • The small display may be less comfortable for extended play.

The RG28XX makes the most sense when portability comes first. If PS1 is your main priority, confirm compatibility with your intended games before choosing it over a model that names PS1 support.

Best with Extra Features – RG35XX Pro with Dual Sticks

If you want a compact retro handheld console for PS1 games, the RG35XX Pro offers dual joysticks and a 3.5-inch, 640 × 480 IPS screen. Its Linux system supports 30+ emulators, though the listing does not specify PS1 performance for individual games.

Best For: Players who prioritize pocketable controls and TV-output options.

Pros:

  • Dual joysticks provide more control options than a D-pad-only handheld.
  • Supports HDMI output, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wired or 2.4G controllers.
  • Includes a 64GB card; the 3200mAh battery is rated for up to eight hours.

Cons:

  • The 3.5-inch screen may feel small for text-heavy games.
  • Emulator support does not guarantee that every PS1 game runs well.

The RG35XX Pro is the space-saving choice here. Check the games and emulator setup you want before buying rather than relying on the advertised game count.

Large-Screen Pick – RG52MINI 5.5-Inch Handheld

For shoppers comparing a retro handheld console for PS1 games, the RG52MINI stands out for its larger 5.5-inch, 720 × 1280 IPS display and dual joysticks. The listing describes support for fifth-generation 3D games, but does not document performance for specific PS1 titles.

Best For: Players who value a larger screen and multiple connection options over a smaller handheld.

Pros:

  • Fully laminated, anti-glare 5.5-inch IPS screen offers more viewing area.
  • Dual-system setup, dual joysticks, Wi-Fi multiplayer, and HDMI output add flexibility.
  • 5000mAh battery is rated for up to eight hours; storage is expandable via TF card.

Cons:

  • The 5.5-inch display makes this a less compact option than the smaller-screen models.
  • The listing gives inconsistent built-in game counts, so verify the included library.

Choose the RG52MINI if screen size matters most, while treating the advertised library and broad emulator claims as features to verify before purchase.

Balanced Screen Pick – Anbernic RG40XX H

The Anbernic RG40XX H is a middle-ground retro handheld console for PS1 games if you want a 4-inch, 640 × 480 IPS screen without moving to a 5.5-inch device. Its supplied details list a Linux system, joysticks, and a 64GB TF card, but do not establish how individual PS1 games perform.

Best For: Players seeking a modest screen-size upgrade with portable dimensions.

Pros:

  • 4-inch IPS display offers more screen area than a 3.5-inch model.
  • Supports Wi-Fi, TV output, and wired or 2.4G controllers.
  • Weighs about 200g; the 3200mAh battery is rated for up to eight hours.

Cons:

  • Its 640 × 480 resolution is lower than the RG52MINI’s stated resolution.
  • The supplied notes do not confirm compatibility or performance for specific PS1 titles.

The RG40XX H is worth a look if the 4-inch display hits your preferred size. Verify your intended emulator and games before treating the preloaded-game count as a deciding factor.

How We Picked the Best Retro Handheld Console for Ps1 Games

We focused on the details that affect PS1 play: screen size, control layout, stated emulation support, storage, and portability. We also looked for meaningful differences among the listed models rather than treating a larger advertised game library as proof of a better experience. These picks include duplicate or near-duplicate R36H and Anbernic RG40XX H listings; those are not necessarily distinct consoles. Specifications, included cards, and installed software can vary by seller, so confirm the configuration on the product page.

Quick Comparison

For a small, pocket-friendly option, start with the 2.83-inch Anbernic RG28XX. The RG351P offers an established RK3326-based Linux design, while the RG35XX Pro and 4-inch RG40XX H sit between tiny handhelds and larger-screen devices. The RG43H Pro and 4.2-inch R46H are worth comparing if you want more display area; the 5.5-inch RG52MINI is the largest-screen listing here. R36H listings emphasize broad emulator support and large game counts, but verify their actual specifications before comparing them on price.

Key Buying Factors for a Retro Handheld Console for Ps1 Games

Controls and Comfort

PS1 games do not all use the same inputs. Many work well with a D-pad and shoulder buttons, but games designed around analog controls need a suitable stick setup. Check photos and specifications for the controls your favorites require. A tiny device is easier to carry, while a wider grip may be more comfortable for longer sessions.

Screen and Software

A larger screen can make menus and small text easier to read, but it makes the console less pocketable. Consider display quality and aspect ratio, not just diagonal size. Emulator availability does not guarantee flawless performance in every game: demanding titles, audio timing, and software settings can affect play. Look for reliable firmware support and clear setup instructions if you expect to adjust settings.

Storage and Included Games

Check whether the stated capacity refers to internal storage or a removable microSD card, and whether a game card is included. Advertised counts such as “20,000+ games” say little about PS1 selection, file quality, or licensing. Budget for a reputable replacement card if you plan to maintain your own library, and use game files you have the right to play.

Who Should Buy Which Retro Handheld Console for Ps1 Games?

Choose the RG28XX if minimum size matters most, or compare the RG35XX Pro and RG40XX H for a more balanced screen-to-portability trade-off. Consider the RG351P if you specifically want its familiar Linux handheld platform. Look at the R46H or RG52MINI if a larger display is your priority, and compare the RG43H Pro if its listed controls and software match your needs. For R36H and duplicate RG40XX H listings, choose by confirmed hardware, included accessories, return policy, and seller reputation—not the headline game count. The best Retro Handheld Console for Ps1 Games is the one that supports your preferred controls and screen size without making you pay for claims you cannot verify.