How we rate handhelds
Every device on CompareHandhelds is described with the same fields and judged on the same scales, so any two devices can be compared fairly. This page explains where each number comes from.
Emulation Performance levels
Each device gets one level per game platform (NES up to Switch and modern PC games):
- Native:
- Runs without emulation, such as PC games on an x86 Windows or SteamOS handheld.
- Great:
- Nearly every game runs at full speed.
- Good:
- Most games are playable.
- Fair:
- Some games are playable; many need tweaks or stutter.
- Poor:
- Few games are playable.
- Unsupported:
- Does not run.
A new device starts from a baseline for its chipset: devices with the same chip tend to play the same platforms. That baseline is then checked by hand before the device is published. Once a month an automated check reads recent reviews and proposes a different level when a review clearly says so, with a quote and a link to the source. No level changes until a person has reviewed that proposal.
Device score (0 to 100)
The score adds up editorial ratings on fixed dimensions, each with its own maximum, as a percentage of 100 points:
- Performance (max 15): How well it plays the games it is meant to play.
- Display (max 15): Resolution, brightness, color and size.
- Value (max 15): What you get for the price.
- Software (max 15): Ease of use, interface polish and how often it gets updates.
- Portability (max 10): Size and weight: how pocketable it is.
- Ergonomics (max 10): Comfort in hand and whether the controls fit what it emulates.
- Battery (max 10): Typical retro gaming hours on one charge.
- Perfect-fit points (max 10): 2 points for each niche it is a perfect match for, such as "pocketable" or "PS2 on a budget".
Click the score on any device to see its breakdown.
How top-pick lists are ranked
Most lists start from a written wish, such as “best handheld for PS2 under $200”. Such a list is filled by the same matching as the search bar: only devices that meet every part of the wish qualify (for budget lists, devices without a known price are left out) and the rest are ordered by device score, how far they exceed the requested Performance level and, for budget lists, how far under budget they are. Lists ranked this way show their wish and the date they were last checked.
Specs
Specs are extracted from the manufacturer's product page with the help of a language model, then reviewed by a person before a device is published. Uncertain or unconfirmed fields are flagged during that review. Devices that are announced but not yet released are marked as upcoming, and their specs can still change.
Prices
MSRP is the manufacturer's list price per country (US, UK, Canada, Germany and Spain). Store prices come from Amazon and AliExpress listings and can lag behind the store, so always check the price on the store page before you buy. Store links are affiliate links; see about for how the site makes money.
Corrections
Found a wrong spec, rating or price? Mail comparehandhelds@gmail.com with the device, what is wrong and a source if you have one.