The portable retro console market is booming in 2025. With hundreds of models available on sites like AliExpress or Amazon, it's hard to tell genuine bargains apart from dubious-quality copies. We tested and compared the best models sold in Belgium — under real conditions, over several weeks of use — to help you choose without any bad surprises.
The R36S is our absolute favourite. Powered by a 64-bit RK3326 chip and running Linux, it supports NES, SNES, GBA, Genesis, PS1 and even N64 emulators. Its 3.5" IPS screen is remarkably good for the price.
If you'd rather play on the big screen, the GameStick 4K is unbeatable. It plugs directly into your TV via HDMI and comes with 2 wireless controllers. 40.000 games included, 4K output.
The Retro620 is perfect for children or as a gift. 620 built-in NES games, colour screen, rechargeable battery. Easy to use, no setup required. It's also available as the Retro620 Wireless (€29.99), with detachable 2.4G controllers — handy for playing together on the same screen.
If you already own a PC, a Mac or a Raspberry Pi, the Retro 520 Controller (€24.99) is the most affordable option. It has 520 games built in and connects via USB or Bluetooth to your existing device, with no need to buy an extra screen.
Depending on the model, you can play games from: NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Sega Genesis, Sega Game Gear, PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64, Neo Geo, Arcade (MAME).
On portable models (R36S, Retro620), battery life typically runs between 4 and 6 hours of continuous use depending on screen brightness and game type. The GameStick 4K, on the other hand, plugs directly into HDMI and doesn't depend on any battery — a gaming session is only limited by how much time you want to spend on it.
Retro consoles sold with pre-installed games sit in a legal grey area. In practice, buying and selling these devices is tolerated in Belgium for private, non-commercial use.
The Retro620 is the best fit: instantly easy to pick up, no complex menus, and a catalogue of simple, timeless games like NES classics.
The R36S doesn't have a native HDMI output. To play on TV, the GameStick 4K remains the best option, since it's specifically designed for that purpose.
The console menus are generally available in English. The games themselves keep their original language, which is often English or Japanese for the oldest titles.
R36S, GameStick 4K, Retro620 — Free delivery to Belgium from €24.99
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