Not all cheap retro consoles are created equal. There are three types with very different uses: portable (for carrying around), TV sticks (for connecting to the TV without complications), and classic AV consoles (for connecting via cable to an older television or monitor).

This guide explains which one is right for you, which real products work well, and which ones aren't worth your money.

Which type of retro console is right for you?

Before you buy, ask yourself this question: where and how are you going to play?

Type 1: Retro Handheld Consoles

Laptops are the most versatile option if you want to play seriously. The AliExpress market is dominated by chips like the RK3326 (low-end) and the H700/T618 (mid-range).

The best options in 2026

Miyoo Mini Plus (~€50–65)
A community favorite for its value. It features a 3.5" IPS screen, a 3,000 mAh battery (~5 hours), built-in Wi-Fi, and an active community with alternative firmware (OnionOS). It perfectly emulates Game Boy, SNES, Mega Drive, PS1, and GBA without any issues. Its main drawbacks are the lack of TV output and the fact that the advanced customization options might overwhelm beginners.

Anbernic RG35XX / RG35XX Plus (~€55–70)
Direct competitor to the Miyoo. More precise D-pad, more solid build, HDMI output on some models (RG35XX Plus), and better performance on PS1 and PSP. It has a slightly steeper learning curve, but the community (MinUI firmware, GarlicOS) is excellent.

Boyhom / R36S (~€25–35)
Anbernic RG35XX clone with Android/Linux. Dual analog sticks are its main advantage over previous models at this price point. The build quality is more basic, but for the budget, it offers a functional experience. Ideal for beginners without spending much.

Trimui Smart Pro (~€50–60)
4.96" IPS screen at 1280x720, side RGB lighting, solid build, and customizable Linux system. It stands out for its screen and "premium" look for the price. Robust emulation up to PS1 without problems; PS2 emulation pushes the hardware to its limits.

Laptop comparison (technical summary)

Type 2: 4K TV Game Sticks (HDMI Plug & Play)

TV sticks are the simplest option on the market: they connect to your TV's HDMI port, include 2.4G wireless controllers, and are used like any other home console. No installation is required.

The best options in 2026

X2 Pro / X2 Plus 4K Game Stick (~€20–35)
One of AliExpress's best-sellers. Includes 2 wireless controllers, 4K HDMI output (which is actually upscaling, not native 4K), a replaceable microSD card, and 40–45 emulators. Strengths: easy to use, good compatibility with NES/SNES/Mega Drive/PS1. Weaknesses: basic controllers, the "4K" is just marketing (upscaling), and PS2/PSP emulators perform poorly or don't work at all.

K8 Game Stick 4K 64G (~€25–45)
A more powerful version of the classic stick. It includes 40+ emulators, dual 2.4G controllers, and 64GB of storage with over 35,000–40,000 games according to the seller. Tekken 5 and PS1 games run at 60fps according to independent tests. Its usual problems: compatibility with some TV models, input lag in some configurations, and the "X thousand games" marketing is always exaggerated.

Kinshank X5 Pro (~€80–120)
The most powerful in this category. It runs Android 12, a RockChip RK3588S chip (up to 2.4GHz), 8GB RAM, 64GB ROM, and supports external hard drives up to 18TB. It features 8K output (upscaling), Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and a quiet cooling fan that maintains a temperature between 40–60°C. It emulates PS2, GameCube, and Dreamcast smoothly, something no other stick in this guide can do well. Important: the "8K" is just upscaling marketing, as independent reviewers have acknowledged; in practice, the real advantage is smooth PS2/GameCube performance.

TV Stick Comparison (Technical Summary)

Type 3: Classic AV consoles (8/16 bit, AV cable)

These are the cheapest and most basic. They connect to the TV via AV cable (red/white/yellow) or USB and don't require Wi-Fi or HDMI. Suitable for any older television.

The best options in 2026

Mini 2.8" 16-bit SEGA console (~€10–20)
Portable (has its own 2.8"), with 150+ Mega Drive/SEGA style games. Ideal as a gift, for a short trip, or for a quick dose of nostalgia. It does not emulate anything beyond 16-bit and does not have a TV output.

NES console with 620 games (~€15–25).
Classic NES-style design with wired controllers included. Connects via AV to any TV. The 620 games are clones or re-releases from the basic NES catalog, but the experience is functional for Tetris, Mario clones, Contra clones, etc.

GS5 TV 8-bit AV USB Plug & Play (~€10–20)
Similar to the NES, with AV and USB output. 8-bit chips, limited to NES/Famicom. The big advantage is the price; the big disadvantage is that the game library cannot be expanded.

What is the best value for money within my budget?

What marketing DOESN'T tell you (real warnings)

"4K/8K": In 99% of cheap sticks, it's upscaling. The chip doesn't have the power to render in true 4K. The image is slightly improved compared to 1080p, but it's not native 4K.

"X thousand games included": The quantity of games never equals quality. A stick with "50,000 games" has thousands of duplicates, regional versions of the same title, and low-quality ROMs. What matters is which systems it emulates well and how smoothly.

Input lag on TV sticks: Some models have noticeable latency in games that require precision (platformers, beat 'em ups). If your TV has a "game mode," always activate it.

2.4G vs Bluetooth Controllers: The controllers included with most sticks are 2.4G wireless (not Bluetooth), meaning they only work with that specific stick. They cannot be used with another console or PC.

Final verdict

• If you want portability and serious emulation: Anbernic RG35XX Plus or Miyoo Mini Plus.

• You want the easiest way to connect to your TV without complications: X2 Pro or K8 Game Stick.

• Want PS2 and GameCube on your TV and have the budget? The Kinshank X5 Pro is a no-brainer.

• Looking for an inexpensive gift or a quick dose of nostalgia? The NES with 620 games or the 2.8" 16-bit mini.