Bittboy V3

Bittboy V3 is a compact vertical retro handheld released in 2019, built for players who want to relive classic games wherever they go. At 99 x 68 x 13 mm and just 80 g, with a plastic body, it slips easily into a pocket or bag and is perfect for quick gaming sessions or for keeping a retro collection always within reach.

Inside is an Allwinner F1C100S, a single-core ARM926EJ-S chip running at 533 to 702 MHz, paired with 32 MB of SDRAM and a 2D accelerator. It handles 8-bit systems such as NES, Famicom Disk System, Game Boy, Game Boy Color and CHIP-8 comfortably, along with Sega Genesis / Mega Drive. Game Boy Advance mostly runs fine, while some non-FX SNES titles and 2D PlayStation games run acceptably but can be laggy.

The 2.4-inch IPS screen offers a 320 x 240 (QVGA) resolution in the classic 4:3 aspect ratio at 60 Hz, a natural fit for retro games. It is protected by a tempered glass lens and delivers around 167 PPI, although some users notice screen tearing.

Controls follow the familiar old-school handheld layout: a classic cross D-pad placed at the top, four face buttons, Start/Select and a dedicated Reset button. Rumble adds a bit of feedback, but there are no shoulder buttons and no analog stick, which limits comfort in some later-generation games. Volume and brightness are adjusted through button combinations, and power is handled by a physical switch.

The 700 mAh battery is good for several casual play sessions and charges via Micro USB, compatible with most standard chargers. Audio comes from a single front-facing mono speaker, with a 3.5 mm headphone jack for private listening, and an AV out port lets you connect the console to a TV.

Games load directly from a microSD card, with support for microSDHC and microSDXC cards, making it easy to organise large retro libraries. The console runs NxHope, modding is permitted, and the device benefits from a good variety of software and a large fanbase.

Ideal for: retro enthusiasts and collectors on a tight budget, players looking for a first retro handheld or a gift, and anyone who wants an ultra-portable device for 8-bit, 16-bit and Game Boy Advance classics.