By portable PS2 machines, I meant retro gaming handhelds that can emulate PS2 games.
Gone are the days where we daydream of having a portable PS2 to relive our childhood. No more searching eBay for questionable portable PS2 prototypes that may cause more trouble than fun. We are now living in the timeline where portable consoles can run PS2, some PS3 and even powerful PC games.
Those of us who grew up in the PlayStation 1 and PlayStation 2 era are adults now with adult responsibilities. Getting chained in front of a CRT TV for hours is a lost luxury for most of us. We have the means but not the time nor the energy. Gaming with our handhelds before bedtime became the norm, because weekends are for errands and chores. Or maybe that's just me.
Why PSX/PS2 only, no N64/GC?
It's simple really, I grew up with PSX/PS2. I wasn't fortunate enough to experience Nintendo 64 or GameCube growing up. But I might emulate N64/GC games as well for the experience, since these games all have a 4:3 aspect ratio. In terms of power, GameCube is a direct competitor to PlayStation 2.
But GameCube has The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker!
Right!
My Portable PS2 Checklist
- 4:3 aspect ratio
- at least 720p resolution
- at least 4" screen size
- IPS LCD display (I'm sensitive to OLED/AMOLED's PWM)
- TMR joysticks above D-pad
- stacked shoulder buttons
- powerful Snapdragon processor
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Horizontal Handhelds for PS2
- Clamshell Handhelds for PS2
- Bonus! More Horizontal Handhelds for PS2
- Vertical Handhelds for PS2
Last update: July 9, 2026
New categories and more handhelds.
Edit: June 27, 2026
From the start, this was gonna be a list of 5 or more devices. But Retroid just teased their new Retroid Pocket Nova that seems to check almost all the boxes from my portable PS2 checklist. Because of such revelation, Retroid Pocket Nova will be my PS2 machine of choice. I'll update this post once more details emerge. But since I already had a temporary list of handhelds before Retroid's announcement, might as well post it here. The varying prices of these devices might help some folks who'll stumble this post.
The Search for Portable PS2s (PPS2) / PS2 Portables (PS2P)
Horizontal Handhelds for PS2
Retroid Pocket Nova
The GOAT for 4:3 emulation. Personally, an almost perfect PS2 portable. I know I'm in the minority when I say I prefer an IPS LCD screen and a stick on top. Regardless, for PS2 or 4:3 emulation, this is unbeatable.
(Nova Lite with an LCD screen and a stick on top, when? JK but not really)
Anbernic RG477M
CPU is strong enough for PS2 emulation. Those inline shoulder buttons though ugh. Stacked shoulder buttons mod exists, but you have to buy the buttons separately, open your device and install the mod yourself. It's not Anbernic if it's a perfect device on the get go. It's metal, though, and looks refined and powerful enough for 4:3 emulation.
Anbernic RG476H
This device is almost perfect. Portable enough. Big screen. Stacked shoulder buttons. But the CPU. T820 can emulate most PS2 titles. But it requires some tinkering and careful selection of games.
Anbernic RG406H
This is older and currently sold out on Anbernic's shop. But we can't deny that this is a comfortable, ergonomic handheld. Admittedly, choosing this over the RG76H is a dumb choice. Two things it has over the RG476H, though, are the joystick placement on top and better ergonomics.
Retroid Pocket 6
As brilliant of a handheld RP6 is, I can never put it on top for PS2 portables. Why? Because it's 16:9. Shallow as it may seem. Otherwise, it's an almost perfect handheld for PS2. CPU powerful enough for PS2, heck even for some Switch and PC games.
AYN Odin 3
Odin 3 is like RP6's older brother. Slightly bigger and more powerful, but cut from the same cloth.
KONKR Pocket Fit
KONKR is AYANEO's budget-oriented sub-brand. KONKR Pocket Fit being KONKR's first product is nothing short of impressive. Their Snapdragon 8 Elite version is much more expensive than Odin 3. While Snapdragon G3 Gen 3 is powerful enough for PS2, the reason I'm more than likely to get this over the other 16:9 variants is the IPS LCD screen. I'm sensitive to OLED/AMOLED'S PWM, but I digress.
(I'm disappointed how that beautiful B.DUCK colorway is locked to SD 8 Elite's 24GB + 1TB variant)
AYN Odin 2 Portal
Personally, I dislike how fun colorways are locked to more expensive and powerful versions. Odin 2 Portal's base version only has Black. AYN is notorious for locking away fun colors. Sad. Anyway, Odin 2 Portal's the only handheld with a 7" screen in this list.
Retroid Pocket 4 Pro
Once upon a time, with a little bit of tinkering, this was considered good enough for PS2. It's small, kinda pocketable and powerful enough. It will always be my fav Retroid handheld and deserves a spot here.
Clamshell Handhelds for PS2
AYN Thor
Double screen is overkill for PS2. Second screen can be used for guides while playing. Frankly, Thor shines best as a 3DS/DS device. All things considered, I believe this is an endgame handheld for retro and modern games. But having that much power in your hands could only lead to choice paralysis. A double-edged sword, indeed.
Retroid Pocket Flip 2
Retroid Pocket Flip 2 was involved in the hinge gate. Where Flip 2 users reported cracked and broken hinges after months of owning the device. This lead to Retroid offering replacements and returns to affected users. It pushed Retroid to redesign their Flip 2 hinge to address the cracking and breaking issues. In the midst of this fiasco, it was rumored that the Ice Blue version remained problem-free. And yes SD 865 or MediaTek D1100 can breeze thru PS2 titles.
Disclaimer:
Some handhelds below are considered obsolete and not really ideal for PS2 emulation knowing better alternatives exist. However, for the sake of preservation and inclusivity, I will include them. Sort of an archive.
Bonus! More Horizontal Handhelds for PS2
AYN Odin 2
When the Odin 2 came out, particularly the Odin 2 Pro, it became the gold standard for a long time. It was the first gaming handheld to use the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. This was way back in 2023. Fast forward to 2026, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 has become the norm. We're already aware this chipset is more than capable for PS2. And Odin 2 did it first.
AYN Odin 2 Mini
Discontinued. The PS Vita doppelgänger. Managed to fit an SD 8 Gen 2 chip while looking like a modern Vita.
AYN Odin
Discontinued. The first Odin. This warrants a special mention for being the very first Odin handheld.
AYN Odin Lite
Discontinued. Despite being less powerful than the base Odin, it can surprisingly handle PS2 games with the right tweaks and settings.
Anbernic RG557
I consider this the chunky, plastic, 16:9 version of the Anbernic RG477M.
Anbernic RG556
I consider this the more expensive 16:9 version of the Anbernic RG406H.
Vertical Handhelds for PS2
Retroid Pocket Classic
SoC strong enough for PS2. But vertical. No joysticks. Inline shoulder buttons. It's overkill for PSX below. But I'd pick overkill over underpowered any day. Plus PKM Yellow looks mad cute.
Anbernic RG477V
I don't understand vertical handhelds with strong chips. They're as expensive as horizontal handhelds with the same chip yet suck in proper ergonomics. However, just because I don't understand something doesn't mean I'd ridicule it. It might work for some but not for me. ʘ‿ʘ
Anbernic RG406V
Anbernic's the only handheld company that keeps pumping different types of handhelds hoping to satisfy different needs. I appreciate their existence and audacity. RG406V looks like it swallowed several Game Boys to make itself powerful like some sort of anime villain.
Image credit:
chilinik