GameSwap.Shop offers the best high performance and budget retro handhelds, stocked in the UK and ready to ship. Our range of retro handheld gaming consoles is perfect if you’re looking to rediscover past titles or play them for the very first time, all within one pocketable device.
There are many reasons to buy your gaming consoles and accessories from a UK business, many of which are outlined in more detail here: Why buy your gaming goods from a UK business.
To keep it brief, there are a few key reasons why you should shop for UK stock with a UK based business, rather than buying from overseas sellers directly. They are:
No Customs Fees: The price you see is the price you pay. No nasty surprises from the courier.
Fast UK Delivery: Overseas shipping can be painfully slow. Like 3-4 weeks slow. With us, you can get your console as early as tomorrow.
Local Support: If you have an issue with your device, you are dealing with a UK team, not a chatbot on the other side of the world, and you are protected by UK consumer laws. GameSwap is an authorised seller of all the handheld consoles we sell too, so you can rest assured you are entitled to warranty support should you run into any unfortunate issues.
The retro handheld market is flooded with dropshippers. When you buy from GameSwap, you avoid the common headaches of importing electronics. It's just not worth saving 10% on cost when there are so many downsides.
There are three main form factors to consider when buying a new retro handheld gaming console. These are vertical, clamshell, and horizontal, and there are various reasons why you may choose one over another. Here's the rundown:
If you like the classic retro gaming experience provided by consoles like the GBC, vertical handhelds might be your best choice. These sleek devices feature the screen on top and controls below, and are often nicely pocketable, like the small and sturdy TrimUI Brick Hammer.
For those wanting a more modern gaming experience, or something similar to the PSP/PS Vita, horizontal handheld consoles are a top choice. These devices are normally more ergonomic and feature wider screens to suit newer game titles. They are often less pocketable, although pocket-friendly options do exist. The Ayaneo Pocket Air Mini is a top budget handheld featuring this form factor.
Lastly, we have the nostalgic clamshell form factor. But nostalgia isn't the only advantage - clamshell handheld consoles are designed to keep your screen protected, and are highly pocketable. You can throw it in your pocket and not have to worry about your screen getting damaged. Plus, there is something pretty satisfying about flipping it open to resume your game. Speaking of clamshell consoles, we couldn't recommend the Anbernic RG34XXSP enough - it's a clamshell enthusiast's dream.
Most retro handheld gaming consoles are based on either Linux or Android. Both are vastly different operating systems.
Most budget retro handheld consoles are based on Linux. These systems provide a simple and streamlined experience. You can turn on a Linux gaming console like the Anbernic RG40XXV and play games out of the box. These are ideal if you are:
A beginner who wants a "console-like" experience.
Focusing on older systems (Game Boy, SNES, Mega Drive, PS1).
Gifting to children or non-tech-savvy friends.
Android is typically found on more powerful retro handhelds. However, we are seeing it installed on increasingly lower cost devices, such as the Anbernic RG DS. Those who have an Android phone will be familiar with the layout. If you want a streamlined gaming experience on an Android device, there is some extra setup required. There are advantages to using Android though. Android consoles are ideal for:
Power users who want to emulate harder systems (N64, GameCube, PS2).
Streaming games via Xbox Game Pass or Moonlight.
Playing native Android games (like Genshin Impact or Minecraft).
Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly gift or a high-end portable emulator, we have the stock ready to go. Browse our full range of retro handheld gaming devices above!
