Deal verdict: Are these budget retro gaming handhelds worth it?
Budget retro gaming handhelds are compact devices designed to play classic and homebrew games, offering nostalgic experiences at far lower prices than modern premium consoles and gaming PCs while still packing enough power for everyday portable play. For this deal, two affordable gaming devices stand out: MANGMI’s upcoming Air Y Android handhelds and Anbernic’s RG SP, a Game Boy Advance SP-style clone. Both aim to deliver throwback fun without a high-end price tag, and both undercut many mainstream handhelds that have grown more expensive recently. In short, the deals look worthwhile if you care more about retro charm than bleeding-edge performance. The MANGMI Air Y series is better suited to Android handheld gaming and emulation, while the Anbernic RG SP is the stronger pick for a pure nostalgia hit and pocketable simplicity.
MANGMI Air Y series: Vertical Android handheld gaming on a budget
MANGMI is expanding its Android handheld gaming lineup with the Air Y series, a pair of vertical devices styled in a Game Boy-like form factor and positioned firmly in the budget space. The standard Air Y gives you 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, built around a Snapdragon 662 chip, a single analog stick, a single speaker, and 15W wired charging. Both Air Y models share key hardware: a 4.2‑inch 4:3 LCD at 1,280 x 960 resolution, a 5,000mAh battery, a volume wheel, and a 3.5mm headphone port. According to Android Authority, “the Air Y handhelds share a few features, such as a 5,000mAh battery, a 4.2-inch 4:3 LCD screen (1,280 x 960)… and a 3.5mm headphone port.” In practical terms, the base model should handle systems up to PS1 and PSP smoothly, though it may struggle with most PS2 and GameCube titles. That makes it a solid entry-level option if you want Android-based retro gaming without paying premium-device prices.
Air Y Pro: More power, still an affordable gaming device
If you want stronger emulation and more flexibility, the MANGMI Air Y Pro steps things up while remaining a budget retro gaming handheld that won’t break the bank. You can choose between 4GB/64GB and 8GB/128GB configurations, both powered by a Snapdragon 865 processor. Compared to the standard Air Y, the Pro adds dual analog sticks, dual stereo speakers, and slightly faster 18W wired charging, while keeping the same 4.2‑inch 4:3 display, 5,000mAh battery, volume wheel, and 3.5mm headphone jack. With this hardware, the Pro model should be capable of running PS2, GameCube, and some Switch titles, expanding the range of systems you can enjoy on the go. For players who see Android handheld gaming as more than just retro emulation, the Air Y Pro offers a richer feature set and more performance without moving into premium-pricing territory, making it a tempting pick if you can stretch your budget slightly.
Anbernic RG SP: A GBA clone under 60 for pure nostalgia
On the other side of the aisle is the Anbernic RG SP, a GBA clone under 60 that leans harder into nostalgia than raw power. This clamshell handheld is a close visual match to the original Game Boy Advance SP, with a similar folding design, slightly larger display, and some extra face buttons to suit modern use. Under the shell, the specs are modest: 1GB of RAM and an Allwinner H700 chip that should be capable enough for homebrew games and classic systems. You can order it via the official Anbernic site, where the lowest-capacity version includes a 16GB SD card, with optional 64GB and 128GB models available if you need more room for ROMs and files. The RG SP comes in four metallic colors—Graphite, Platinum, Pearl Blue, and Pearl Pink—giving it plenty of shelf appeal as an affordable alternative to more expensive handheld gaming consoles that have gone up in price lately.
Buy if / Skip if
- Buy the MANGMI Air Y if you want budget retro gaming handhelds focused on Android handheld gaming and emulation up to PS1 and PSP without paying for premium hardware.
- Skip the MANGMI Air Y if you expect smooth performance for most PS2 and GameCube titles or need dual-stick controls.
- Buy the MANGMI Air Y Pro if you want an affordable gaming device that can handle PS2, GameCube, and some Switch games while still feeling portable and price-conscious.
- Skip the MANGMI Air Y Pro if your main goal is pocket-sized nostalgia and you do not care about Android or higher-end emulation.
- Buy the Anbernic RG SP if you want a GBA clone under 60 with a near-authentic clamshell design and lightweight specs suited to homebrew and classic handheld games.
- Skip the Anbernic RG SP if you need stronger performance, more flexible Android handheld gaming, or dislike ordering from the official Anbernic site with potential import fees.
