The retro handheld market has exploded in 2026. Between Miyoo, R36S, Retroid, and dozens of other brands, choosing the right device feels overwhelming. We've spent months testing the most popular options to help you make an informed decision.
This isn't a spec sheet comparison – we're focusing on real-world usage, build quality, and which device actually delivers the best gaming experience for your money.
The Contenders
Miyoo Mini Plus: Compact, affordable, focused on 8-bit and 16-bit systems
R36S: Balanced all-rounder with excellent PS1 performance
Retroid Pocket 3+: Premium option with Android and high-end emulation
Build Quality & Design
Miyoo Mini Plus
The Miyoo is tiny – genuinely pocket-sized. Build quality is surprisingly good for the price, with a solid plastic shell and decent buttons. The 3.5" IPS screen is sharp, though the small size means some games with tiny text become hard to read.
Battery life is excellent (6-8 hours), and the form factor makes it perfect for commuting. However, the lack of dual analogue sticks limits what you can play comfortably.
R36S
The R36S strikes a balance between portability and functionality. Dual analogue sticks, good button feel, and a 3.5" screen that's large enough for most games. The build feels robust without being heavy.
Battery life sits around 6-7 hours for most games. The vertical layout won't suit everyone, but it's comfortable for extended sessions once you adjust.
Retroid Pocket 3+
Premium build through and through. The screen is larger (4.7"), the buttons have excellent tactile feedback, and the overall feel is closer to a high-end device. Android OS means you're not locked into a single interface.
Battery life is shorter (4-5 hours) due to the more powerful hardware. It's also noticeably heavier and bulkier than the other two options.
Performance Comparison
| System | Miyoo Mini Plus | R36S | Retroid Pocket 3+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| NES/SNES | Perfect | Perfect | Perfect |
| Game Boy Advance | Perfect | Perfect | Perfect |
| PlayStation 1 | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Nintendo 64 | Limited | Good | Excellent |
| PSP | No | Limited | Excellent |
| Dreamcast | No | No | Good |
| GameCube | No | No | Limited |
User Experience
Miyoo Mini Plus
Simple, straightforward interface. No frills, but everything works as expected. Game library management is easy, and the device boots up quickly. However, the single analogue stick limits what you can play comfortably.
R36S
Pre-loaded with games and ready to go out of the box. The interface is clean, navigation is intuitive, and adding your own games is straightforward. Dual analogue sticks make 3D games actually playable.
Retroid Pocket 3+
Running Android gives you maximum flexibility – you can install streaming apps, use Bluetooth audio, and customize everything. The trade-off is complexity. You'll spend time tweaking settings and optimizing performance.
Price vs Value
Miyoo Mini Plus (~$65 AUD): Best value if you mainly want 8-bit and 16-bit classics. Compact size is a genuine advantage for portability.
R36S (~$79 AUD): Best all-around value. Handles everything up to PS1 brilliantly, with decent N64 performance. The dual analogue sticks make it more versatile than Miyoo.
Retroid Pocket 3+ (~$189 AUD): Premium experience with premium price. Only worth it if you specifically need PSP, Dreamcast, or GameCube emulation.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Miyoo Mini Plus if: You want the most portable option, primarily play 2D games, and budget is a major concern.
Buy R36S if: You want excellent PS1 performance, dual analogue sticks for 3D games, and the best balance of features vs price. This is our recommendation for most people.
Buy Retroid Pocket 3+ if: You're an enthusiast who wants maximum power, don't mind tinkering with settings, and specifically want PSP/Dreamcast games.
Real-World Usage Scenarios
Daily Commute (30-45 minutes): Miyoo Mini Plus wins for pure pocketability. R36S is a close second if you have a bag.
Home Gaming (1-2 hour sessions): R36S offers the best comfort-to-performance ratio. Retroid excels if you're playing demanding games.
Travel: Miyoo for ultra-light packing, R36S for balanced capability, Retroid if you want to play AAA-level retro games on the plane.
Gift for Non-Gamers: R36S. It's approachable, pre-loaded, and powerful enough for anything they might want to try.
Our Verdict
For most Australian gamers, the R36S hits the sweet spot. It's affordable, powerful enough for the vast majority of retro games, and ready to use straight out of the box. Free shipping within Australia and our 30-day guarantee mean there's minimal risk.
The Miyoo Mini Plus is fantastic if size is your priority, and the Retroid Pocket 3+ is worth considering if you're specifically chasing PSP or Dreamcast games. But for versatility, value, and user-friendliness? R36S takes it.
Browse our full collection and find the perfect retro handheld for your gaming style.