You do not need a Steam Deck just to play GBA ROM hacks. For Pokémon hacks, SNES classics and most retro fan projects, a cheap pocket handheld is usually more than enough.
This guide keeps it simple: what to buy, what to avoid, and which handheld makes sense if you mainly want GBA, SNES and classic ROM hacks.
Prices move constantly, especially on Amazon, AliExpress and official stores, so treat the ranges below as rough buying guidance rather than fixed prices.
Typical range: around £25–£40
The R36S is the “cheap but does the job” option. If your main plan is Pokémon GBA hacks, Fire Emblem hacks, SNES RPGs and general retro play, this is the kind of device that makes sense.
Typical range: around £40–£75
The Miyoo Mini Plus is a community favourite because it feels simple, cute and pocketable. It is especially nice when paired with OnionOS, which makes the menu and save-state experience much cleaner.
Typical range: around £40–£80
The RG35XX line is a strong “buy once, stop overthinking it” option. The Plus keeps the Game Boy-style shape, while the RG35XX H is more comfortable for some people because it is horizontal.
Typical range: around £55–£100+
The TrimUI Smart Pro is for people who want a bigger widescreen handheld but still do not want to jump up to a Steam Deck. It is nicer for longer sessions, though it is more than you need for just GBA.
Typical range: around £60–£100
If your heart says “I want a GBA-shaped thing for GBA ROM hacks”, this is the fun one. It is not the cheapest way to play ROM hacks, but the form factor makes sense for GBA fans.
Usually £250+ and up
Brilliant machines, wrong answer for most GBA ROM hack players. Buy these if you also want PC games, GameCube, PS2, 3DS, Switch-style emulation or a full mini-computer.
If you only care about ROM hacks, the best handheld is usually the one you will actually carry and use.
| Handheld | Best for | Why it works | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| R36S | Cheapest sensible option | Excellent value for GBA, SNES, Pokémon hacks and most 2D retro games. | Stock SD cards can be poor. Buy a decent branded card and back up files early. |
| Miyoo Mini Plus | Pocket-friendly simplicity | Great community, clean setup guides and OnionOS support. | Small device, no analogue sticks, not for harder 3D systems. |
| RG35XX Plus | Game Boy-style all-rounder | Good balance of price, build and power for classic systems. | Amazon listings can be more expensive than official or AliExpress options. |
| RG35XX H | Comfort over nostalgia | Horizontal shape can feel better for longer sessions. | Less “classic Game Boy” in the hand. |
| TrimUI Smart Pro | Bigger screen budget play | More comfortable screen size if you play a mix of systems. | Overkill if your entire library is GBA hacks. |
| RG34XX | GBA fans | GBA-inspired layout makes sense for GBA ROM hacks. | Not as cheap as an R36S and ergonomics are personal. |
The clean way to think about it is simple: RomHaven helps you discover what to play, and a handheld lets you play on the sofa, train, holiday or bed without sitting at a PC.
A lot of cheap handheld listings shout about “20,000 games included”. Do not make that the reason you buy one. The better buying angle is build quality, screen, buttons, battery, setup and whether it plays your systems well.
These are the types of games that make budget retro handhelds feel worth it straight away.
Pick the R36S if price is the main thing. Pick the Miyoo Mini Plus if you want the cutest, simplest pocket handheld with loads of community support. Pick the RG35XX Plus or RG35XX H if you want a safer middle ground from a better-known handheld brand.
Some product links on this page may be affiliate links. That means RomHaven may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Always check the current seller, delivery time, returns policy and whether the listing is the correct model before buying.