There’s something special about picking up a handheld you remember—or discovering one you missed the first time around. But which one should you choose?
Start with the games you want to play, then think about screen quality, comfort and whether you prefer an original console or a customised build.
Start with your favourite games
Before choosing a colour or screen upgrade, make a shortlist of the games you actually want to play. That will help narrow your options more than any specification sheet.
Already own some cartridges or discs? Check which handheld supports them before buying. Similar names don’t always mean the same compatibility.
Game Boy Color: for classic Nintendo nostalgia
The Game Boy Color is a good place to start if you love its upright design and colourful cartridge library.
An original console keeps the familiar experience, while a modified model can offer a different shell, buttons or an upgraded display. Check the listing carefully so you know which parts are original and which have been replaced.
Choose it if: the Game Boy Color library is what brings you back.
Game Boy Advance: a versatile cartridge handheld
The Game Boy Advance is worth considering if you want access to its own library alongside older Game Boy titles. Nintendo lists compatibility with virtually all original Game Boy and Game Boy Color games
The original wide-body model and folding SP offer different shapes, so think about which feels more comfortable for you.
Don’t assume every Advance-branded handheld has the same compatibility: the Game Boy Micro supports Game Boy Advance cartridges, but not original Game Boy or Game Boy Color cartridges.
Choose it if: you want a broad Nintendo cartridge library and plenty of customisation possibilities.
PSP: for a different generation of portable gaming
If your nostalgia leans towards PlayStation, a PSP might be a better fit.
Check the exact model and how you intend to play your games. In particular, the PSP Go cannot play UMD discs, so it won’t suit a physical UMD collection.
Choose it if: the PSP’s games are the ones you want to revisit.
Original or upgraded?
An original console may appeal if you value the hardware as you remember it. A customised console lets you prioritise features such as a different display or a fresh shell.
Neither is automatically the better choice. Look at the individual console’s condition, what has been changed and what is included.
Before buying, check:
- The exact model and game compatibility.
- Screen condition and any display upgrades.
- Button, sound and charging operation.
- Battery or charger requirements.
- Whether games and accessories are included.
Find the handheld you’ll actually play
The best choice is the one you’ll keep reaching for. Start with your favourite games, choose a shape you like and decide which upgrades matter to you.
Browse our retro consoles, or get in touch for help choosing your next handheld.