Reloading a dusty cartridge or firing up a pixelated side-scroller still hits differently. Whether you grew up blowing into NES slots or you missed that era entirely and want in on the charm, classic video game consoles come in more flavors than ever. This roundup covers a brick-built display piece, a multi-platform figure pack, and two pocket-sized retro handhelds, so you can match the pick to the kind of nostalgia you want on your shelf.
Your Options, Compared
LEGO Super Mario Nintendo Entertainment System 71374 Building Set
Skylanders Imaginators Classic Triple Pack (Smolderdash, Dune Bug, Cynder)
Aivuidbs RG SP Flip Retro Handheld Game Console 3.4″ IPS
Anbernic RG35XX Pro Retro Handheld Game Console
A Breakdown Of The Leading Choices
This is less a toy and more a coffee-table tribute. The 71374 set recreates the original 1985 Nintendo Entertainment System in bricks, complete with a CRT-style TV, a controller, and a scrolling Super Mario Bros. level that really moves when you crank the handle. It targets adults who want a hands-on project that ends in something worth displaying, not a sealed box of plastic.
Unlike the handhelds further down the list, you do not boot up a game here. The payoff is the build itself, the retro-flat color scheme on the console, and the tiny details like the cartridge slot. Anyone who wants a working classic console should skip to the RG35XX Pro or the Aivuidbs clamshell. Anyone who wants a piece of gaming history on a shelf will find this set hard to beat.
The Good Stuff
- Highly detailed brick-built replica of the original NES and a CRT-era television
- Includes a working crank that animates the Mario level on the screen
- Designed for adult builders, so the piece count and complexity feel substantial
- Functions as a display piece once assembled, no power or screen required
Points To Note
- Ships without any actual gameplay, so it is not a substitute for a real console
- Smaller bricks and decals benefit from a clean, flat workspace to avoid lost pieces
- Worth confirming a sturdy shelf in advance, since the finished model is heavier than it looks
Who It Suits Best
Collectors and adult LEGO fans who want a nostalgic display piece and enjoy long, patient build sessions over several evenings.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Someone who actually wants to play classic titles on the go will find the Anbernic RG35XX Pro a much closer match.
Skylanders straddles two worlds, part toy, part game add-on, and this Classic Triple Pack leans into that crossover. You get three character figures: Smolderdash, Dune Bug, and Cynder, each designed to drop into a Skylanders Imaginators portal on consoles stretching from Wii U all the way up to PS4 and Xbox One. The range is genuinely wide, which makes this an easy grab if your household has more than one platform in rotation.
Keep in mind these are figures, not standalone hardware. Without the Imaginators base game and a portal, the toys sit on a shelf. The retro handheld picks on this list run actual games out of the box, while the LEGO set stays in display mode. This triple pack is the most platform-flexible option here, especially for families who already own Skylanders content across generations.
Positive Takeaways
- Compatible with a long list of consoles, from older Wii U and Xbox 360 systems to current-gen PS4 and Xbox One
- Three distinct characters give variety in one purchase rather than a single-figure buy
- Figures double as collectibles for kids who already play the Imaginators series
Trade Offs
- Requires the Imaginators game and a portal to function, which adds extra cost for newcomers
- No on-device play, so it does not satisfy anyone looking for a portable retro experience
Right Fit For
Families already invested in Skylanders who want a few extra character options across multiple consoles in the home.
Consider Something Else When
Anyone wanting genuine portable retro gameplay should look at the Aivuidbs RG SP Flip instead, which is self-contained and pocketable.
The Aivuidbs RG SP Flip takes a clear swing at nostalgia with a clamshell design that closes magnetically, much like older Game Boy SP units. Inside, a 3.4-inch IPS (in-plane switching) screen, which is a panel type known for wide viewing angles and solid color, handles 30-plus built-in emulators across 16GB of onboard storage. The 3300mAh battery, 5G WiFi, and Bluetooth round out the feature sheet, and HDMI output lets you push the picture to a TV when you want a bigger screen.
For a daily commuter or a frequent flyer, the form factor makes sense. The flip cover protects the screen in a backpack, and the hinge locks at preset angles. There is a real catch though: the listing specifies no preloaded games, so the 30-plus emulators need titles added separately. That extra step is a deal-breaker for casual users and a non-issue for hobbyists already comfortable with ROM setup.
A Few Highlights
- Clamshell lid with magnetic closure keeps the 3.4-inch screen safe in transit
- HDMI output turns the handheld into a living-room console when docked
- 5G WiFi and Bluetooth expand accessory and networking options beyond basic handhelds
A Few Limitations
- No preloaded games means buyers need to source and load their own ROM files
- Clamshell hinge hardware tends to need careful handling to avoid long-term wear
Who Will Love This
Tinkerers and emulator hobbyists who want a portable, TV-capable shell and do not mind curating their own game library.
Look Elsewhere When
First-timers who want a turnkey retro experience out of the box will find the Anbernic RG35XX Pro much friendlier, since it ships with games preinstalled.
The Anbernic RG35XX Pro is the most approachable handheld on this list. It arrives preloaded with 4353 games covering a wide spread of classic systems, so you can hand it to someone and they can be playing in minutes. The H700 quad-core processor (a 1.5GHz chip designed for low-power emulation) and 1GB of RAM keep loading times short, and the unit runs fully offline, with no mandatory account or update.
Compare that to the Aivuidbs clamshell, which asks you to bring your own files. The trade-off shows up in the screen size and the form factor: the RG35XX Pro is a solid slab rather than a flip, and it is best suited for couch sessions or short trips. For someone stepping into retro handhelds for the first time, that simplicity is a feature, not a compromise.
Useful Highlights
- Comes preinstalled with thousands of games for immediate play
- Runs entirely offline, so no account setup or daily updates are required
- Lightweight shell fits comfortably in one hand for long sessions
Worth Noting
- Preloaded game counts vary by firmware, so the exact number can shift between batches
- No flip cover, meaning the screen is exposed in a bag and a hard case is a wise add-on
Key Specs
Made For
First-time retro handheld shoppers who want a generous preloaded library and zero setup friction out of the box.
Swap It Out When
Travelers who need a flip cover and HDMI output should pick the Aivuidbs RG SP Flip, which trades simplicity for portability and TV connectivity.
What Matters When Picking A Retro Console
Form factor shapes the experience more than raw specs do. A clamshell like the Aivuidbs RG SP Flip protects its screen in a bag, while the Anbernic RG35XX Pro stays pocket-friendly but exposed. The LEGO NES, by contrast, is purely a display build, and the Skylanders figures are add-ons for an existing game. Match the format to how you actually want to spend time: building, collecting, or playing on the move.
Library access is the next fork. Handhelds that ship with thousands of preloaded titles remove the friction of sourcing your own files, but the exact count varies by firmware batch. Devices that arrive empty assume you are comfortable loading ROMs (digital game files used by emulators) yourself. The legal status of ROMs depends on the title and your region, so check the rules in your area before adding files to any handheld.
Compatibility and connectivity decide what hardware you can actually hook up. A wide multi-platform figure pack like the Skylanders triple covers everything from older Wii U units to current-generation consoles, while the Anbernic focuses on internal emulation. HDMI output on the Aivuidbs clamshell gives you a living-room option, which is a real bonus in tight spaces.
Build quality and after-purchase support are worth weighing for any handheld with moving parts. Flip hinges, shoulder buttons, and charging ports all take daily abuse. Sturdier shells and replacement part availability tend to matter more than peak processor specs once a device is in your bag for a year.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Where Shoppers Go Wrong
Many first-time retro buyers grab a handheld without checking the preloaded library. Empty storage and a blank file menu are a common frustration, especially with devices that look identical to better-stocked alternatives. Read the listing closely to confirm whether games are included or whether you are expected to supply your own.
Another slip is ignoring form factor. A rigid slab with no cover and a clamshell with a magnetic lid feel completely different in a backpack. For commuters and parents, that daily carry case often matters more than a few extra hertz of processor speed.
What The Higher Tier Buys
Spending more in this category usually nets you a better screen, stronger hinge hardware, and extras like HDMI output or wireless connectivity. The Aivuidbs clamshell, for instance, justifies its step up from basic slabs with TV-out and Bluetooth. For a collector, the higher tier also means a more convincing display build, like the LEGO set, where the build experience itself is the value.
The honest read is that the upgrade only pays off when those extras match your habits. A casual player who never docks to a TV will not feel the difference, while a hobbyist who tinkers with emulators will notice it every session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are retro handhelds legal to own?
The hardware itself is legal in most regions, but the legality of the games you load depends on the title and how you obtained the file. Preinstalled libraries, like the one on the Anbernic RG35XX Pro, sidestep that question for the casual user.
Do these handhelds need WiFi to work?
The Anbernic RG35XX Pro runs fully offline with no mandatory updates. The Aivuidbs RG SP Flip supports 5G WiFi and Bluetooth but does not require a connection for basic play. Either choice works for travel.
Can the Aivuidbs clamshell really output to a TV?
Yes, the unit supports HDMI output, so you can connect it to a television with a compatible cable. It turns the handheld into a small living-room console when you want a bigger screen.
Is the LEGO NES set actually playable?
The set is a display build, not a working console. The included Mario level scrolls when you turn the crank, but no actual game software runs on the model.
Does the Skylanders triple pack work without the base game?
You need a Skylanders Imaginators portal and the base game for the figures to function in play. The toys still work as display items without them.
The Takeaway
Classic video game consoles in 2026 cover more ground than ever, from brick-built display pieces to flip handhelds with TV output. The right pick depends on whether you want to build, collect, or actually play. Match the format to your habits, and the rest tends to fall into place.
