udget-priced retro handhelds are super popular right now, and they might seem like the way to go if you're trying to build a handheld retro gaming library. But what you might not realize is that under the hood, these handhelds pack specs similar to any old Android flagship. In fact, the real difference tends to be just the addition of controls and a nice-looking skin. Why buy an expensive retro handheld when an old phone packs similar specs under the hood?
If the goal is to save money with a cheap handheld, you might just be better off with an old Android flagship sitting in your drawer, paired with an inexpensive controller. Your old smartphone sitting in a drawer already has a display, battery, processor, and storage. That's an important distinction because Android phones are mature, and even something from a few years ago can have an ultra-sharp display and more than enough processing power for emulating 3D consoles. Older 2D titles and many PlayStation One, Nintendo 64, and Dreamcast titles are easy targets. But if your phone isn't too old, you might be able to pull off PS2 and PS3 emulation as well.
Turn your spare device into a gaming machine with a cheap controller
Using a phone also gives you more flexibility in your front-end choice. You could go with RetroArch, which remains a popular choice. The software combines multiple emulator cores behind a single interface, giving you a single spot to configure and run multiple gaming systems. There's no dearth of aesthetic frontends that you can tweak and tune till you find the one that's perfect for you. So, all that's left are the controls.
A controller is the purchase that turns your smartphone from a casual retro gaming setup into something that's a bit more purpose-built. There are plenty of options on the market, but you can easily land a controller for under $40. That's dramatically cheaper than even a basic retro gaming handheld that can run you hundreds of dollars. Even more so since your old phone already handles the processing. Depending on the controller, you might connect it to your phone over USB or Bluetooth.
A controller is the purchase that turns your smartphone from a casual retro gaming setup into something that's a bit more purpose-built.
When picking out a controller, the one thing you'll definitely want to keep in mind is the fit. Controllers come in all shapes and sizes, with some being more optimized for specific titles and aspect ratios. So while a bottom-mounted controller might be great for classic Game Boy titles, it won't be very comfortable for later generations of consoles. In my experience, telescopic controllers offer the best balance between fit and versatility. When closed down, they barely occupy any space in a jacket pocket or bag. Pulled open, they can comfortably fit around even the largest phones, giving you a widescreen gaming experience perfect for 3D titles from the PlayStation era.
The trade-offs you need to know before you start
Of course, as good as this setup is, there are some trade-offs that can't exactly be fixed. When combined with a controller, phones tend to be heavier than a dedicated handheld. Dedicated handhelds tend to be more ergonomic because they are designed from the ground up for a singular task. And battery life is another concern. Emulation can put a dent in battery life, and if you're out and about often, a phone that's low on battery because you got too engrossed in a game is a real con.
If you've been eyeing a gaming handheld, I'd recommend starting with a spare Android flagship and plugging in a cheap gaming controller, then see where that goes. You might be surprised to learn what your old device can do when given a second life with the right accessories.
How the picture shifted
A flagship kept in a desk drawer easily handles 3D titles from the PlayStation One and Dreamcast eras without forcing a purchase of weak budget hardware. Installing universal frontends like RetroArch turns the old handset into an emulation station through a standard USB or Bluetooth gamepad. Dedicated gaming portables maintain an edge in pocket ergonomics right until the receipt surpasses the cost of a simple clip-on gamepad.