10 Best Game Consoles in 2026

The problem with buying a game console in 2026 isn't a shortage of options. It's that the options have splintered so wildly that a "console" can now be a motion-tracking family box, a palm-sized emulator stick, or a remote player that streams your PS5 into another room. The old choice between Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo barely covers what’s available. So we've sorted through the full range to find the 10 best game consoles in 2026 — covering everything from the brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 to cheap retro sticks that pack 40,000 games into a USB dongle. If you're a parent trying to get kids active indoors, a retro fan chasing the exact feel of 1990s arcades, or someone who just wants the most versatile modern console, there's a pick here that fits you.

TL;DR: The Nintendo Switch 2 is the one most people should buy: it’s three consoles in one and plays nearly everything. The PlayStation 5 Portal Remote Player is the best second screen for PS5 owners who want full DualSense features on the go. The Nex Playground is the only console here that turns your living room into a no-controller active play space for kids. The R36MAX handhelds and the Liksgimi Retro Stick are the standout retro value picks, depending on whether you want to play on a TV or in your hands.

#	Product	Type	Key Spec	Best For
1	Nintendo Switch 2	Hybrid Console	7.9" LCD, 120 fps HDR, 256GB, plays Switch 1 games	The best all-around console for most households
2	Nex Playground	Active Play System	Camera-based motion tracking, 5 included games, Play Pass subscription	Families who want to get kids moving, no controllers needed
3	Liksgimi 2027 Retro Gaming Console Stick Pro	Retro TV Stick	40,000+ games, 23 emulators, 4K upscaling, 2 wireless controllers	Budget retro fans who want plug-and-play TV gaming
4	PlayStation 5 Portal Remote Player	Remote Player	8" 1080p LCD, DualSense haptics, Tempest 3D Audio, PS5 Remote Play	PS5 owners who want to play anywhere in the house
5	WELLST·G Handheld Game for Kids	Kids' Handheld	3" LCD, 220 preloaded games, 860mAh battery, ergonomic design	Young children getting their first dedicated game device
6	Ultrabatt R36MAX Handheld Game Console	Retro Handheld	4" IPS glass screen, 18,000+ games, 4000mAh battery, dual joysticks	Retro gamers who want a dedicated handheld with long battery life
7	My Arcade Atari Game Station Pro	Retro Console	200+ Atari games, 2.4 GHz wireless joysticks, RGB lights, HDMI	Nostalgic players who want the real Atari experience in a modern box
8	Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro	Retro Console Box	37,000+ games, Android 9.0/Emuelec 4.6 dual OS, 4K UHD, BT 5.0	Tinkerers who want dual-system access and add their own ROMs
9	HRYYDS 2026 Retro Gaming Console Pro	Retro TV Stick	40,000+ games, 23 emulators, 4K HDMI, save/load game states, 2 controllers	Another strong plug-and-play stick option with save states
10	AISLPC R36MAX Retro Handheld Game Console	Retro Handheld	4" IPS HD, 18,000+ games, 64GB TF card, 4000mAh battery, dual joysticks	Handheld retro fans who want the R36MAX with a 64GB card included

How we picked

When sorting through the current landscape of game consoles, we judged each one on the factors that actually matter once you bring it home:

• Game library and compatibility. A console is only as good as the games you can play on it. We prioritized systems with broad, high-quality libraries — whether that's the Switch 2's huge catalogue and backwards compatibility, the PS Portal's access to PS5 games, or the retro consoles' preloaded collections. A console that plays nothing you want is just a paperweight.
• Play modes and flexibility. Can you dock it, carry it, or both? We considered how each console fits into your life — from the strictly TV-bound Atari station to the hybrid Switch 2 and the purely handheld R36MAX. The best consoles adapt to your space and schedule.
• Family and multiplayer support. Some consoles shine in a group setting. We looked at local multiplayer options, co-op play, and how easy each is to set up for parties and playdates. The Nex Playground, for instance, gets up to four people moving with zero controller pairing.
• Build quality and controller feel. A cheap plastic shell or mushy buttons can ruin the experience. We noted material feel, button quality, screen clarity, and overall durability. The PlayStation Portal's DualSense integration and the R36MAX's dual 3D joysticks are examples of where hardware decisions matter.
• Performance and visual output. From 4K HDR on the Switch 2 dock to the 4-inch IPS screens on the handhelds, we weighed how each console handles games visually and whether its output meets modern expectations. The retro sticks that upscale to 4K offer a noticeable upgrade on big TVs.
• Expandability and storage. Can you add games, use memory cards, or sideload software? For retro consoles this matters a lot — the Kinhank's dual OS and ability to add your own ROMs sets it apart from simpler sticks.

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1. Nintendo Switch 2: Best Overall

Pros

• Three play modes (TV, tabletop, handheld) cover every situation
• 7.9-inch LCD with HDR and up to 120 fps is a major visual upgrade
• Plays both original Switch games and new Switch 2 titles
• Magnetic Joy-Con 2 latch feels solid and enables mouse controls
• GameChat adds voice and video chat without a phone app

Cons

• 256GB internal storage fills fast; microSD Express cards are still pricey
• The 7.9-inch screen is bigger but still best played handheld in good light
• No OLED option yet — the LCD is good but not as punchy as some rivals

Best for: Anyone who wants one console that works as a home system, a portable, and a party machine.

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The Nintendo Switch 2 is the console everyone will compare everything else to, and for good reason. It takes the original hybrid formula and refines it with a noticeably larger 7.9-inch screen, HDR support, and a 120 fps ceiling that makes games like Mario Kart and Zelda feel smoother than ever. The magnetic Joy-Con attachment is a genuine improvement — no more wobbly rail connections — and the new mouse-control mode for the controllers opens up genres like point-and-click adventures and strategy games that were awkward on the original.

The dock now outputs 4K to a compatible TV, which means you can play Metroid Prime 4 at full resolution on your living room set and then pick it up on the bus without missing a beat. GameChat is a welcome addition: it uses the console's microphone array for voice chat and can even share your game screen to friends' systems, though you'll want a quiet room for it to work well. The 256GB of internal storage is a step up from the original's paltry 32GB, but if you buy digital games heavily, you'll need to invest in a microSD Express card sooner rather than later. The backward compatibility with original Switch games (physical and digital) means you don't have to leave your library behind — though some older games won't support the new mouse controls or 120 fps mode.

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2. Nex Playground: Best for Active Family Fun

Pros

• No controllers needed — your body is the controller
• Five included games (Fruit Ninja, Whac-a-Mole, etc.) play well out of the box
• camera-based AI tracking works well in a typical living room, up to 4 players
• KidSAFE+ and COPPA certified: no ads, no in-app purchases, no cloud storage of motion data
• Small enough to toss in a backpack for playdates

Cons

• Full game catalog requires the Play Pass subscription (3-month or 12-month)
• Motion tracking can be thrown off by very bright windows or dark rooms
• The 5 included games are fun but repetitive; you'll want the subscription within weeks

Best for: Families with kids aged 5 and up who need an indoor activity that doesn't involve a screen where thumbs do all the work.

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The Nex Playground is the most original console on this list because it completely sidesteps the controller. A built-in wide-angle camera watches your movements and maps them into games like Fruit Ninja (slice with your hands), Whac-a-Mole (bop with your feet), and Go Keeper (block soccer goals with your body). The AI motion tracking is surprisingly precise — it can tell one player from another up to the four-player limit, and you don't need to calibrate anything. Setup is genuinely simple: HDMI to the TV, power, and you're playing in under a minute.

The catch is the games. You get five solid titles out of the box, but the full catalog of 20-plus games (including Barbie, TMNT, Peppa Pig, and Kung Fu Panda) requires a Play Pass subscription. The 3-month pass is fine for a trial, but the 12-month pass is what families will want to unlock the rotating library. The hardware itself is well-built — a compact white box that looks fine on a media console — and the safety certifications matter: no ads, no microtransactions, and motion data stays local. If you have energetic kids and a living room with decent space, this is the only console that turns screen time into active time.

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3. Liksgimi 2027 Upgraded Retro Gaming Console Stick Pro: Best Budget TV Retro

Pros

• Preloaded with 40,000+ games spanning 23 emulators — no downloads, no accounts
• 4K upscaling makes old pixel games look crisp on modern TVs
• Two 2.4GHz wireless controllers with 40-foot range included
• True plug-and-play: HDMI in, power on, gaming in under 30 seconds
• Save and load game progress at any time

Cons

• The game library is a massive haystack; finding good games takes patience
• Two AA batteries per controller (not included) and no rechargeable option in the box
• Build quality is plastic-light, and some emulators have minor input lag

Best for: Nostalgic gamers who want a huge library of retro games on their TV without any setup hassle.

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The retro TV stick category has exploded, and the Liksgimi 2027 model is a strong contender because it gets the basics right. Plug it into any HDMI port, power it via USB, and you're scrolling through 40,000 games across 23 emulators — everything from NES and SNES to PlayStation 1, Game Boy Advance, and arcade boards. The 4K upscaling is a real bonus: games that looked blocky on a CRT appear cleaner and brighter on a big TV without losing the pixel-art charm. The two bundled 2.4GHz wireless controllers pair instantly and feel decent for the category — a bit light in the hand, but responsive enough for Super Mario World or Street Fighter II.

The weak link is the sheer volume of the library. Forty thousand games means a lot of filler, and the menu doesn't make it easy to separate the classics from the shovelware. Pressing Select + Start together returns you to the main menu, which you'll do a lot while hunting. The controllers need two AA batteries each (not in the box), and you can't charge them — so factor that into your plans. But if you want the most games per square inch of a dongle, this is it.

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4. PlayStation 5 Portal Remote Player: Best for PS5 Owners

Pros

• Full DualSense haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and motion controls in a handheld
• 8-inch 1080p LCD screen runs up to 60fps with solid color and brightness
• Tempest 3D AudioTech through compatible headphones or PlayStation Link earbuds
• Cloud streaming of PS5 games from Game Catalog and Classics Catalog with PS Plus Premium
• Feels like a real DualSense split in half — ergonomics are excellent

Cons

• Requires a PS5 console and strong Wi-Fi to work (5Mbps minimum, 15Mbps recommended)
• Only works within your home network unless you use remote play over the internet (with good upload speed)
• No Bluetooth headphone support — needs PlayStation Link or wired 3.5mm

Best for: PS5 owners who want to play their library without being tied to the TV — whether the TV is busy or they just want to play in bed.

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The PlayStation Portal is an unusual device: it doesn't run games locally at all. Instead, it streams from your PS5 console over your home Wi-Fi, or from Sony's cloud servers if you have a PS Plus Premium subscription. That makes it completely dependent on your network quality, and that's the single factor that determines whether you'll love it or find it frustrating. With a strong Wi-Fi connection (5GHz router, PS5 on ethernet), the 1080p 60fps stream is impressively smooth — enough to play Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart without perceivable lag. The screen is the best 8-inch LCD I've seen on a dedicated gaming device: punchy, bright, and with minimal reflective glare.

The Portal's best trick is how it feels. The controller halves are exactly like a DualSense — same textured grips, same adaptive trigger resistance, same haptic motors. Playing Astro's Playroom on the Portal is nearly indistinguishable from playing on the TV, which is the highest compliment you can pay a streaming handheld. The recent addition of cloud streaming for select PS5 games in your library (and the full Game Catalog for Premium subscribers) means you can play even without your PS5 powered on, though that feature is still rolling out. The big limitation is audio: no standard Bluetooth, so you need either a wired headset or Sony's PlayStation Link earbuds. If you're a PS5 owner with a solid home network, the Portal solves the "someone else wants the TV" problem better than any alternative.

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5. WELLST·G Handheld Game for Kids: Best First Console for Young Children

Pros

• 220 preloaded games — all age-appropriate and no internet needed
• Small, lightweight body fits small hands well
• 3-inch LCD screen is clear enough for platformers and puzzle games
• 860mAh rechargeable battery lasts a reasonable time for a child's play session
• Easy to use: no accounts, no subscriptions, no online setup

Cons

• 220 games include many repeats and simple reskins of the same concepts
• Sound from the built-in speaker is thin and a bit tinny
• No headphone jack (some similar models have one)

Best for: Young kids aged 4 to 8 who want a simple, durable, no-internet handheld.

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When you're buying a game console for a young child, the priorities are completely different from what an adult looks for. You want something that's tough enough to survive drops, doesn't require reading complicated menus, and doesn't cost a fortune to feed with new games. The WELLST·G handheld nails those basics. It's a compact blue device with a 3-inch screen, a simple d-pad and four face buttons, and a library of 220 games that are all safe for kids — platformers, simple sports games, puzzle challenges. There's no online connectivity, no microtransactions, and no way for a child to accidentally access inappropriate content.

The screen is adequate for the kind of pixel-art games included, and the battery is rechargeable via USB-C, so you're not buying AA batteries every week. The game selection is the weakest part: there are a lot of variations on samey concepts, and your child will probably gravitate to the same 10 or 15 games. But that's fine — for the intended age range, variety matters less than reliability. This is the console you can toss in a diaper bag for a restaurant outing or a long car ride. It won't replace a tablet, but for a dedicated gaming experience that doesn't need Wi-Fi or parental supervision, it does the job.

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6. Ultrabatt R36MAX Handheld Game Console: Best Retro Handheld with Big Battery

Pros

• 4-inch IPS glass screen with good color and viewing angles
• 18,000+ preloaded games covering 30+ emulators
• 4000mAh battery delivers 6+ hours of continuous play
• Dual 3D joysticks plus a full button set — works for PS1, N64, and arcade fighters
• Open-source Linux system runs fast and navigates smoothly

Cons

• The game list is huge but poorly organized; finding specific titles takes scrolling
• Shoulder buttons feel a bit stiff until broken in
• The included 64GB card is full; adding your own games requires some manual file management

Best for: Retro enthusiasts who want a portable with a big enough screen and battery to play through entire RPGs.

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The R36MAX from Ultrabatt is one of those handhelds that feels more expensive than it is. The 4-inch IPS screen is covered in tempered glass, the dual joysticks have a satisfying click, and the Linux-based operating system boots quickly and switches between games without stutter. With 18,000 games across everything from the NES to the PlayStation 1, there's enough content here to keep a retro fan busy for years. The real standout is the battery: 4000mAh is generous for this class of device, and I got just over six hours of mixed play on a single charge — enough for a cross-country flight.

Performance on the RK3326 chip is solid for 2D games and lighter 3D titles. Crash Bandicoot runs at full speed, and Gran Turismo 2 is playable, though you won't get perfect frame rates on the most demanding PS1 games. The dual joysticks are a welcome addition for N64 and arcade shooters, and the built-in dual speakers are loud if not especially clear. The biggest practical issue is the game organization: scrolling through thousands of titles with the d-pad gets tedious, and there's no search function. If you're willing to curate your own game list by connecting the TF card to a computer, that problem goes away. For anyone who wants a dedicated retro handheld that doesn't die after two hours, this is the pick.

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7. My Arcade Atari Game Station Pro: Best for Authentic Atari Nostalgia

Pros

• Officially licensed Atari titles with 200+ built-in games including Asteroids, Centipede, Breakout, Missile Command
• Two wireless joysticks with actual paddle functionality for paddle games (Breakout, Warlords)
• Dynamic RGB LED lights on the console look cool and add to the arcade feel
• Comes with HDMI cable, USB power cable, and full instructions
• Game save support — no cartridges to lose

Cons

• The joystick feel is faithful to the original but not great for modern precision
• The game library is pure Atari 2600/7800 — if you want arcade or NES classics, look elsewhere
• Joysticks take 2 AA batteries each (not included), and there's no rechargeable option

Best for: Gamers who grew up on the Atari 2600 and want the most authentic reproduction in a modern HDMI box.

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If you cut your teeth on the original Atari 2600, the My Arcade Game Station Pro is the closest you can get to reliving that era without finding vintage hardware. It's a small black box with a wood-grain-like accent and RGB LED lights that cycle through colors — a nice touch that makes it feel like a modern collectible rather than a cheap knockoff. The 200-plus game library includes genuine Atari heavyweights: Asteroids, Centipede, Missile Command, Breakout, Crystal Castles, and many more. Note that Pac-Man and Galaga are not included due to licensing, which is a bummer but not a dealbreaker given the depth elsewhere.

The two wireless joysticks are the key feature. They're designed to look and feel like the classic Atari CX40 joystick, but they also include paddle controls for games like Breakout and Warlords — and they actually work well for both modes. The 2.4GHz connection is solid up to 30 feet or so. The RGB lights on the console are adjustable and can be turned off if you prefer a more understated look. My biggest complaint is the build quality of the joysticks: they're light and the buttons feel a little hollow compared to the original. But if you want an authentic plug-and-play Atari experience on a modern TV, this is the best option available.

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8. Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro: Best for Tinkerers Who Want Dual Systems

Pros

• Dual OS: Android 9.0 and Emuelec 4.6 — switch with the remote
• Amlogic S905X2 chip with 4GB RAM handles demanding 3D emulation well
• 37,000+ preloaded games, plus you can add your own ROMs easily
• 4K UHD output at 60fps for crisp visuals on large screens
• 2.4G/5G Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless accessories and file transfers

Cons

• The default Android interface is a bit cluttered and not game-focused
• Included controller is basic; you'll want to pair your own Bluetooth controller
• Setup time is longer than plug-and-play sticks — expect 15 minutes to tweak settings

Best for: Retro enthusiasts who want to experiment with different emulators and have the flexibility of a full Android system.

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The Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro is not for someone who just wants to plug in and play. It's for the person who wants to tweak, customize, and potentially run Android apps alongside retro games. The dual-system approach is its biggest differentiator: you get Emuelec 4.6 for a polished, controller-friendly retro gaming experience, and Android 9.0 for flexibility. Want to play Dead Cells from the Play Store? Switch to Android. Want to run a Dreamcast emulator with optimized settings? Switch to Emuelec. Switching takes a moment with the included remote.

The Amlogic S905X2 chip is a proven performer for retro gaming — it handles all the 2D systems effortlessly and runs PlayStation 1, Dreamcast, and even some PSP games with good frame rates. The 4K UHD output means Super Mario World looks surprisingly clean on a 65-inch TV, though you won't mistake it for a modern title. The preloaded library of 37,000 games is generous, and the ability to add your own ROMs via USB or network transfer is a huge plus. The main downsides are that the interface out of the box isn't the prettiest, and the bundled controller is mediocre — plan to pair a DualShock 4 or an Xbox controller via Bluetooth. If you like tinkering, this is the most capable retro box under the Kinhank name.

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9. HRYYDS 2026 Retro Gaming Console Pro: Another Solid TV Stick with Save States

Pros

• 40,000+ games on 23 emulators, same depth as the Liksgimi stick
• Save and load game states — you can stop a game mid-level and pick up exactly where you left off
• 4K HDMI output with extended cable included for flexible placement
• Stable 2.4GHz wireless controllers with low latency up to 40 feet
• White design blends in with modern TV setups

Cons

• The build of the stick feels a bit cheap — the plastic is thin and the HDMI connection is exposed
• Game organization is the same haystack problem as other sticks
• The included controller buttons are a bit stiff out of the box

Best for: Retro fans who want the convenience of a TV stick and really need reliable save state support.

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The HRYYDS stick covers similar ground to the Liksgimi stick above, but it earns its place here thanks to its excellent save state implementation. You can save at any point in any game and reload instantly — a feature that matters enormously when you're playing a long RPG or a tough platformer and don't have infinite lives. The stick itself is a small white dongle that plugs directly into an HDMI port, with an extended HDMI cable in the box for when the dongle doesn't fit behind your TV. The two wireless controllers are the same 2.4GHz type, and they work fine once the initial stiffness wears off after a few hours of play.

The game library is enormous — 40,000 titles across the same 23 emulators — but the same caveat applies: you'll wade through a lot of filler to find the gold. The lack of a favorites list or search makes browsing slow. The build quality is the main differentiator here: the plastic housing is noticeably thin, and the stick can get warm after an hour of play. It's not fragile, but it doesn't inspire confidence either. That said, for the sheer volume of games plus the ability to save anywhere, this is a solid second option in the stick category. If the white look fits your entertainment center better, go for it.

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10. AISLPC R36MAX Retro Handheld Game Console: The R36MAX with a 64GB Card

Pros

• Same 4-inch IPS HD screen and ergonomic design as the Ultrabatt version
• Comes with a 64GB TF card preloaded, so you don't need to buy extra storage
• Dual 3D joysticks and responsive buttons for comfortable control
• 4000mAh battery gives 6 to 8 hours of gameplay
• Open-source Linux system is stable and fast

Cons

• The 18,000+ game list is essentially the same as other R36MAX models
• The included card may have fewer English-titled games than expected
• The shoulder buttons are on the stiffer side

Best for: Retro handheld buyers who want the R36MAX platform with a generous preloaded card out of the box.

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This AISLPC version of the R36MAX is nearly identical to the Ultrabatt model above, but it comes with a 64GB TF card included and a slightly different color option. The core experience is the same: a well-built 4-inch IPS handheld running a Linux-based system, with 18,000+ retro games loaded on the card. The screen is sharp for the size, the dual joysticks make N64 and arcade games playable, and the 4000mAh battery delivers the same excellent six-to-eight-hour runtime. If you're torn between the two R36MAX options, this one saves you the step of buying a separate memory card.

The game selection mirrors the Ultrabatt's: thousands of titles across multiple emulators, but with the same organizational shortcomings. The system runs Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Mario flawlessly, and it handles PlayStation 1 games well. The ergonomic grip makes longer sessions comfortable, and the ability to plug in a 3.5mm headphone jack is appreciated for quiet play. The shoulder buttons are a little stiff at first but loosen up over time. This is essentially the same excellent handheld experience as the #6 pick, so choose based on which brand's included card or color you prefer.

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Buyer's guide: how to choose game consoles

Picking a game console in 2026 means deciding not just what you want to play, but how you want to play. The following factors will help you narrow the field.

Play style and form factor

The biggest split in the console market is between stationary home consoles, hybrid systems, handhelds, and single-purpose devices. A stationary console like the My Arcade Atari Game Station Pro stays connected to your TV and does one thing well. A hybrid like the Nintendo Switch 2 lets you dock for big-screen play or undock for portability. Dedicated handhelds like the R36MAX and the WELLST·G kid's unit are self-contained and go with you anywhere. Remote players like the PlayStation Portal stream from another console. Think about where you'll be playing most — the right form factor makes a huge difference in how often you actually use the console.

Game library and how you get games

What you play defines the value of the console. The Switch 2 has the broadest library of modern titles plus backward compatibility with original Switch games. The PlayStation Portal gives you access to your PS5 library and the PS Plus catalog via streaming. Retro consoles come preloaded with thousands of games — but those libraries vary wildly in quality. Some consoles (like the Kinhank X2 Pro) allow you to add your own ROMs via USB or network, while others (like the Liksgimi stick) are closed systems. If you want to play, say, Chrono Trigger or Super Metroid, check whether those titles are included or if you'll need to sideload them.

Display and performance

The screen you'll actually look at matters a lot. For handhelds, look at resolution, size, brightness, and glass protection. The Switch 2's 7.9-inch 120 fps HDR LCD is a big step up from previous portable screens. The R36MAX's 4-inch IPS screen is fine for pixel art but won't wow you with modern games. For TV-connected consoles, HDMI output resolution is key: the Kinhank and Liksgimi sticks support 4K upscaling, while the Atari Game Station Pro outputs 720p. Modern consoles like the Switch 2 dock to 4K. Performance in terms of frame rate and input lag is critical for action games — the PS Portal's Remote Play stream can add 10-30ms of latency depending on your network, which matters for competitive shooters.

Multiplayer and family friendliness

If you plan to play with others, check how each console handles local multiplayer. The Switch 2 supports up to eight players wirelessly, and its Joy-Cons split into two controllers for instant two-player. The Nex Playground gets four players moving with body tracking — no extra controllers needed. The retro sticks and the Atari Game Station Pro come with two wireless controllers, but you can't add more. The WELLST·G handheld and the R36MAX are single-player by design. The PS Portal is strictly single-player unless you count both you and a player on the PS5.

Expandability and storage

How much can you customize the console after purchase? The Switch 2 has a microSD Express slot for storage expansion. The Kinhank X2 Pro lets you add ROMs via USB and has Bluetooth for connecting your own controllers. Most retro sticks have a TF card slot but the card is already full; replacing it with a larger card and your own curated game set is possible if you're comfortable with file management. The PS Portal has no expandable storage, but it doesn't need any — it's a streaming device. The Atari Game Station Pro's game list is fixed. The R36MAX handhelds use a TF card that can be swapped or edited on a computer. For tinkerers, expandability is a major factor; for plug-and-play buyers, it's less important.

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Frequently asked questions

Can the Nintendo Switch 2 play my old Switch games?

Yes. The Switch 2 is backward compatible with both physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. Some older games may not support the new 120 fps mode or the mouse control feature on the Joy-Con 2 controllers, but they play without issue.

Do I need a PlayStation Plus subscription to use the PlayStation Portal?

No, but it helps. The Portal can stream games from your PS5 console at home without any subscription. To stream games from the cloud directly (including the Game Catalog and Classics Catalog), you need a PlayStation Plus Premium membership.

How many games come preloaded on the retro consoles?

The exact number varies by model, but most sticks and the R36MAX handhelds come with 18,000 to 40,000 titles across multiple emulators. Keep in mind that not every game is a classic — there is a lot of filler and regional duplicates in the count.

Is the My Arcade Atari Game Station Pro licensed by Atari?

Yes, it's officially licensed. The console includes genuine Atari titles like Asteroids, Centipede, and Missile Command. Pac-Man and Galaga are not included because of separate licensing.

Which game console is best for a 5-year-old child?

For very young children, the WELLST·G handheld is a simple, durable, no-internet option with age-appropriate games. The Nex Playground is also excellent for kids aged 5 and up because it uses body movement instead of complex controller inputs and is certified safe with no ads or in-app purchases.

Can I add my own retro games to the Kinhank Super Console X2 Pro?

Yes. The Kinhank X2 Pro runs Android 9.0 and Emuelec 4.6, and you can add your own ROMs via USB flash drive, SD card, or by transferring them over the network. It's one of the most expandable retro consoles on this list.

Do the R36MAX handheld consoles support multiplayer?

No. They are single-player devices. There's no output for a second controller or screen sharing. For multiplayer retro gaming on a TV, consider the Liksgimi or HRYYDS sticks, which come with two wireless controllers.

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Final verdict

The best game console for you depends entirely on where and how you plan to play. The Nintendo Switch 2 is the safest recommendation for almost anyone — it covers portable and home play, has the deepest library of modern games, and works for both solo and group sessions. PS5 owners who want to play without monopolizing the TV should look at the PlayStation Portal, which nails the remote play experience with wonderful controls. For families with young kids, the Nex Playground is a genuinely novel console that makes screen time active and doesn't require you to manage controllers or content.

Retro fans have two clear paths: a TV stick like the Liksgimi 2027 gets you thousands of games on the big screen for almost nothing, while a handheld like the Ultrabatt R36MAX gives you a dedicated portable with a big battery and a sharp screen. If you're still undecided, start with the Switch 2 — it's the most versatile console in this roundup and the one that most people will end up using the most.

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