Game Boy Advance is easy to emulate, but choosing the right handheld still matters. The GBA screen is wider than classic Game Boy and SNES, so a device that is perfect for 4:3 systems may show borders or scaling compromises.
Best simple GBA experience
Miyoo Mini Plus is excellent for a small, focused GBA library. It is easy to carry, the controls are simple, and the community software experience is one of its biggest strengths. The 4:3 screen means GBA will not fill the display perfectly, but it still looks good.
Best budget all-rounder for GBA
Anbernic RG35XX Plus is a strong pick when you want GBA plus many other retro systems. It has more overhead than older budget handhelds, a familiar vertical design, and a 3.5-inch screen that works well for mixed retro libraries.
Best comfort pick
Anbernic RG35XX H is worth considering if you mostly play longer GBA sessions. Horizontal handhelds often feel more relaxed in the hands, especially for action games, racing games, and longer RPG sessions.
What matters for GBA
- D-pad quality: GBA has many platformers and action games, so the d-pad matters more than analog sticks.
- Screen scaling: a perfect GBA screen is nice, but good software scaling is usually enough.
- Sleep and save states: these matter a lot for pick-up-and-play handheld use.
- Pocketability: GBA is often a short-session system, so a device you actually carry is a better device.
Simple recommendation
For GBA-first use, pick Miyoo Mini Plus if you want the most charming small device, RG35XX Plus if you want a stronger vertical all-rounder, and RG35XX H if you value hand comfort over the classic Game Boy shape.