Handheld gaming consoles offer the perfect mix of portability and entertainment, allowing gamers to enjoy their favorite titles on the go. In recent years, Aliexpress has become a hotspot for budget-friendly gaming consoles that pack a punch in terms of features. If you’re looking for handheld gaming consoles under $50, you’re in luck! There’s a wide range of affordable options that cater to different gaming preferences, from retro classics to more modern titles. In this article, we’ll explore the 5 best handheld gaming consoles you can find on Aliexpress for under $50, offering you both quality and value for your money.
What to Look for Before Buying Handheld Gaming Consoles
1. Display Quality
The display is one of the most critical factors to consider when purchasing a handheld gaming console. A clear, vibrant screen ensures that your gaming experience is enjoyable, especially for fast-paced games. Look for consoles with IPS (In-Plane Switching) displays for better color accuracy and wider viewing angles. Resolution matters too—look for a screen with at least 640×480 pixels for a crisp picture.
2. Storage Capacity
Storage plays a vital role in how many games your handheld console can store. Most budget handheld consoles come with expandable storage, meaning you can add a MicroSD card to increase the capacity. For a good gaming experience, 64GB is usually enough for most retro games, but higher storage options like 128GB or 256GB may be ideal if you plan to store a large library of games.
3. Battery Life
A long-lasting battery is essential, especially if you’re traveling or playing on the go. Look for handheld consoles that offer a battery life of at least 6-8 hours on a full charge. The size of the battery (measured in mAh) will determine the overall longevity, with larger batteries typically providing more gaming time.
4. Game Compatibility
Since most handheld consoles support a variety of classic games, check the list of supported game formats before making a purchase. Popular systems like PSP, PS1, GBA, NES, and SNES should be supported by most budget consoles. Be sure that the console can emulate games you enjoy, whether they are from older consoles or arcade games.
The List of Best Handheld Gaming Consoles on Aliexpress Below $50
1. Anbernic RG35XX H Handheld Gaming Console
Overview of the product:
The Anbernic RG35XX H is a powerful handheld console with an impressive 3.5-inch IPS display and a solid 64GB storage, expandable to 512GB. It supports a wide variety of game formats, making it perfect for retro gaming enthusiasts. You can play games from consoles like PSP, PS1, GBA, and more. The console runs on a Linux-based operating system and offers great performance with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU.
Specifications in List Format:
- Display: 3.5-inch IPS screen, 640×480 resolution
- Operating System: Linux-based
- Storage: 64GB TF/MicroSD expandable up to 512GB
- Games: Supports PSP, PS1, GBA, NES, DC, and more
- Controller: Dual joystick, vibration motor
- Battery: 3300mAh, up to 8 hours of playtime
- Connectivity: 2.4G wireless controller, Bluetooth, HD output TV, WIFI online pairing
- CPU: H700 Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53, 1.5GHz
- GPU: Dual-core G31 MP2
- RAM: 1GB LPDDR4
- WIFI/Bluetooth: 2.4/5G WIFI, Bluetooth 4.2
- Language Support: Multiple languages (English, Chinese, Spanish, etc.)
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2. M17 Handheld Video Game Console
Overview of the product:
The M17 Handheld Video Game Console stands out with its 4.3-inch HD IPS display, offering crisp visuals for retro gaming. With support for a variety of games, including PSP, PS1, GBA, NES, and more, it’s a versatile console that can handle all your favorite retro games. It runs on a quad-core Cortex-A7 processor and offers up to 128GB of storage for an excellent game library.
Specifications in List Format:
- Display: 4.3-inch HD IPS screen
- Operating System: LINUX/Emelec 4.3
- Storage: 64GB/128GB
- Games: Supports PSP, PS1, NES, GBA, MD, MAME, and more
- Battery: 2000mAh
- Processor: Quad-core Cortex-A7, up to 1.2GHz
- System Memory: 2GB
- USB Charging: 5V 2A or 5V 1A charger plug recommended
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3. X12 Plus Retro Handheld Video Game Console
Overview of the product:
The X12 Plus Retro Handheld takes retro gaming to the next level with its 7-inch IPS screen and over 10,000 games pre-loaded. It supports classic consoles like PS1, PSP, GBA, NES, and others, making it an all-in-one gaming powerhouse. This device is perfect for gamers who want to enjoy a vast library of retro games in one convenient device.
Specifications in List Format:
- Display: 7-inch IPS screen, 1280×800 resolution
- Storage: 16GB+32GB storage
- Games: 10,000+ classic games
- Screen Resolution: 1280×800
- Games Type: PS1, MAME, GBA, NES, SFC, MD, and more
- Languages Supported: Multiple languages (English, Japanese, Spanish, etc.)
- Additional Features: 4K HD game console, free shipping
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4. Ampown XU MINI M Handheld Game Console
Overview of the product:
The Ampown XU MINI M is a compact handheld console with a 2.8-inch IPS display. Despite its small size, it offers a large library of retro games, including PSP, GBA, and NES. With an operating system based on Linux, it supports over 6,000 games with easy portability.
Specifications in List Format:
- Display: 2.8-inch IPS screen
- Storage Options: 64GB (6K Games), 128GB (11K Games)
- Games: Retro games such as PSP, GBA, NES
- Operating System: Linux
- Other Features: Joystick, RGB lighting, compact design
- Age Recommendation: 6+
VIEW Ampown XU MINI M Handheld Game Console ON ALIEXPRESS
5. Trimui Smart Pro Handheld Game Console
Overview of the product:
The Trimui Smart Pro is designed for ultimate gaming enjoyment with its 4.96-inch IPS screen and over 10,000 games. It supports retro games from systems like PSP, GBA, NES, and more. The RGB lighting and ergonomic design make it comfortable and visually appealing for gamers of all ages.
Specifications in List Format:
- Display: 4.96-inch IPS screen
- Games: 10,000+ built-in games
- Memory: 128GB (also available in 64GB)
- Joystick: RGB lighting for enhanced experience
- Operating System: Linux
- USB Charging: Yes, for charging and data transfer
- Age Recommendation: 4+
VIEW Trimui Smart Pro Handheld Game Console ON ALIEXPRESS
Conclusion
Here’s a quick comparison of the top 5 handheld gaming consoles available on Aliexpress for under $50:
| Product | Display | Storage | Battery Life | Games Supported | Other Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anbernic RG35XX H | 3.5-inch IPS | 64GB, expandable | 8 hours | PSP, PS1, GBA, NES, etc. | Dual joystick, Wi-Fi |
| M17 Handheld Console | 4.3-inch IPS | 64GB/128GB | 6 hours | PSP, PS1, GBA, NES, etc. | USB charging, 2GB RAM |
| X12 Plus Retro Console | 7-inch IPS | 16GB+32GB | 6 hours | PS1, PSP, GBA, NES, etc. | 10,000+ games |
| Ampown XU MINI M | 2.8-inch IPS | 64GB/128GB | 5-6 hours | PSP, GBA, NES | RGB lighting |
| Trimui Smart Pro | 4.96-inch IPS | 64GB/128GB | 8 hours | PSP, GBA, NES, more | RGB lighting, USB |
Conclusion: All these handheld gaming consoles offer great value for their price. Whether you prefer portability or a larger screen, there’s something for everyone. The Anbernic RG35XX H offers the best balance between features and affordability, while the X12 Plus Retro Handheld provides the largest game library. Choose the one that fits your preferences and start enjoying your retro games today!
Frequently Asked Questions about Handheld Gaming Consoles
1. Are these handheld gaming consoles only for retro games?
Yes, most of these consoles support retro games from classic systems like PSP, PS1, and GBA, among others.
2. How do I charge these handheld consoles?
They usually come with a USB cable for charging, and some models support 5V USB charging.
3. Can I add more games to these consoles?
Yes, many of these consoles offer expandable storage via a MicroSD card, allowing you to add more games.
4. How long does the battery last?
The battery life typically lasts between 5-8 hours, depending on the console and usage.
5. Are these consoles suitable for kids?
Yes, most of these consoles are designed for ages 4+ or 6+, making them ideal for children and adults alike.
