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Best Handheld Gaming Consoles 2026: Tested Picks for Every Budget Looking for the best handheld gaming consoles in 2026? Our hands-on testing across PC handhelds, hybrids, and retro-first devices pinpoints the right pick for your library, budget, and play style. In broad strokes: Nintendo Switch 2 is the easy choice for Nintendo-first players and local co‑op, with multiple guides naming it best overall this year, including TechRadar’s best handheld consoles and Stuff’s best handheld gaming console—our results track with that consensus. For PC libraries, Steam Deck OLED remains the best value and most polished experience; Windows handhelds like the ROG/Xbox Ally family and Lenovo Legion Go trade battery life for higher refresh and broader compatibility. Retro/budget handhelds deliver superb emulation on the go without breaking $200. ...

Game Boy Advance remains one of the most iconic handheld systems of all time, with a rich library of classics and homebrew alike. But there’s more to this little purple powerhouse than just playing cartridges off a shelf. One of the most exciting aspects of modern retro gaming is the ability to flash your own ROMs onto cartridges and turn digital files into playable, physical games. Whether it’s a fan translation, an unreleased prototype, a homebrew project, or a personal favorite mod, flashing ROMs lets you bring the virtual to life. In this guide, I’m going to walk through exactly what you need to flash a GBA ROM and how to do it right. ...

Shipping retro games can be nerve-wracking, especially when you’re sending out valuable cartridges or rare titles from your collection. There’s always a risk when putting something so collectible in the hands of a postal service, and I’ve had my share of close calls. That’s why knowing how to safely ship retro game cartridges is essential, not just for sellers and traders, but for any collector who wants to share their passion without the stress of damage, delays, or lost packages. ...

Gaming has evolved so dramatically over the last few decades that it almost feels like two entirely different worlds. What kids enjoy today with instant downloads, cloud saves, and online multiplayer feels galaxies away from what we grew up with. I still remember the quirks, frustrations, and joys of old games vividly, because they were experiences you had to live through to truly appreciate. These weren’t just different systems; they were shaped by an entirely different philosophy of game design and technology. And that leads us into the world of things kids today won’t understand about old games. ...

Collecting retro games is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane, it’s become a serious hobby with real investment potential. Prices on certain titles have skyrocketed over the past decade, but some game series consistently stand out for holding their value, even in fluctuating markets. The truth is, not every game or franchise is worth collecting if you’re aiming to build a collection that retains or increases in value. After years of buying, selling, and watching the retro market evolve, I’ve learned that certain series almost never lose their shine. ...

The Sega Dreamcast might have bowed out of the console wars early, but it left behind a library of unforgettable games, innovative hardware, and a cult following that refuses to die. Setting up a Dreamcast today can feel like a gateway to another dimension of gaming , one filled with blue skies, arcade-perfect ports, and experiments that were way ahead of their time. When I pulled my Dreamcast out of storage to relive some classics like Jet Set Radio, Sonic Adventure, and Power Stone, I quickly realized that getting everything up and running in 2025 isn’t always plug-and-play. The cables, the video output formats, the controllers, and even the memory cards , each one needs a bit of attention. ...

Maintaining old gaming hardware often means rolling up your sleeves and getting inside the machine. Whether you’re repairing a blinking red light, cleaning out 30 years of dust, or installing a replacement part, knowing how to safely open a NES console is an essential skill for any retro gaming enthusiast. The NES, despite its rugged build and simple design, requires care when being taken apart. There are a few potential pitfalls that can lead to damage if you’re not careful, stripped screws, broken plastic clips, or even damage to the motherboard. With a calm approach, the right tools, and a bit of patience, you can open your NES without a hitch and ensure it’s ready for whatever upgrade or cleaning job you have in mind. ...

Before digital downloads, online reviews, and one-click preorders, buying a game in 1995 was a journey. A mission, even. It involved research, anticipation, physical effort, and often a fair bit of begging or bartering. It wasn’t just about getting the game, it was about the entire process surrounding it. What it was like to buy a game in 1995 is a memory engraved in the minds of retro gamers who lived through the golden age of cartridges, cardboard boxes, and scratched-up demo kiosks. ...

There’s nothing more frustrating than diving into a classic game, pressing jump at the perfect moment, and nothing happens. Sticky buttons can turn a great gaming session into an irritating mess, especially when the fault lies not with your reflexes, but with an unresponsive controller. Whether it’s your NES pad, Sega Genesis controller, or even something from the PlayStation era, fixing sticky buttons on retro controllers is one of the most rewarding maintenance tasks you can do. ...