Quick answer
The best handheld for PS1 games for most UK buyers is the GameBro R36S (128GB), because it gives you a 3.5-inch 640x480 IPS screen, 128GB storage and PS1 emulation in a small portable device. LEGO PlayStation hype is great for the shelf, but if you want to actually play that era again, a PS1 retro handheld makes more sense.
- Best pick: GameBro R36S (128GB)
- Price: £49.99
- Screen: 3.5-inch IPS, 640x480
- Battery: 3500mAh, 6+ hrs
- Systems: 20+ including PS1
Why has LEGO PlayStation hype made PS1 handhelds interesting again?
LEGO PlayStation hype has reminded a lot of people that PS1 nostalgia is not just about owning a nice object, it is about the games, the sound effects and the slightly wobbly 3D worlds we grew up with.
GamesRadar reviewed the LEGO PlayStation on 8 October 2026 and called it an impressive, incredibly detailed tribute to Sony’s original console. TechRadar has also been tracking launch stock since 1 October 2026, which tells us the interest is not small. Collectibles create the spark, but we think the next question is obvious: what can you play on?
That is where a PS1 emulator handheld fits. It is not trying to replace the charm of the original console or the appeal of a display model. It is the practical route for anyone who wants portable PlayStation games on the sofa, on a train, or during a quiet half hour without digging cables out of a cupboard.
What is the best handheld for PS1 games right now?
The best handheld for PS1 games in our range is the GameBro R36S (128GB), because it balances screen size, storage, battery life and value cleanly for PS1-era play.
The R36S has a 3.5-inch IPS screen at 640x480, which suits PS1 games well. Many original PS1 titles were built for 4:3 displays, so they feel at home on this shape rather than being stretched awkwardly across a wide screen. The 128GB storage and 40,000+ games across 20+ systems also mean it is not only a PS1 machine, but PS1 is one of the headline reasons we keep coming back to it.
For R36S PS1 use, the appeal is simple: it arrives with games pre-loaded on a microSD card, ready to play, with no setup, no WiFi and no subscription needed. The battery is rated at 3500mAh for 6+ hours, so it works as a proper portable rather than something that lives near a plug.
If you want a wider buying overview before deciding, our retro handheld buying guide explains the basics in plain English.
How does a PS1 retro handheld compare with a display collectible?
A PS1 retro handheld is the better choice if your main goal is playing games, while a display collectible is better if your main goal is building and showing a tribute piece.
| Choice | Best for | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| LEGO PlayStation-style collectible | Display, building and nostalgia on a shelf | A detailed tribute to the original console, as GamesRadar described, but not a way to play PS1 games |
| GameBro R36S | Playing PS1-era games anywhere | 3.5-inch IPS screen, 128GB storage, 6+ hrs battery and support for PS1 among 20+ systems |
| Original PS1 hardware | Authentic living-room setup | Great if you already own the console, discs and cables, less convenient for portable play |
We like the collectible angle, and we understand why it has taken off. But it scratches a different itch. A model of a console reminds you of the era. A handheld lets you spend time inside it again.
That matters because the best PS1 memories are often tied to short sessions: a race, a mission, a pinball table, a few attempts at a boss. A handheld makes those sessions easier to revisit without turning the living room into a retro setup project.
Which PS1 games feel right on the R36S?
PS1 games that use clear 3D movement, arcade pacing or simple pick-up-and-play controls tend to feel especially good on the R36S.
From the pre-loaded game sample we can safely point to Grand Theft Auto 2, V-Rally Edition 99 and 3-D Ultra Pinball – Thrillride as examples of the kind of PS1-era variety people remember. You get the top-down city chaos, the rally handling, and the quick-score table chasing, all without needing a TV.
- Grand Theft Auto 2: good for short missions and quick bursts of open-ended play.
- V-Rally Edition 99: a strong fit for the 4:3 screen and physical buttons.
- 3-D Ultra Pinball – Thrillride: ideal when you want something simple, fast and score-focused.
If you want a bigger list of classics to try, we have already put together 25 best PS1 games to play on handheld emulators. This post is more about the buying decision: if the LEGO PlayStation buzz has made you want to play again, the R36S is the neat route into that habit.
What should UK buyers check before choosing a PS1 emulator handheld?
UK buyers should check the screen, battery, storage, included systems and whether the handheld is actually in stock before choosing a PS1 emulator handheld.
For PS1, screen quality matters more than gimmicks. The R36S uses a 3.5-inch IPS display at 640x480, which is a sensible match for many games from that period. Battery life matters too, because the whole point is being able to play away from a TV, and the R36S is rated for 6+ hours.
Storage is another reason we favour the R36S here. The 128GB model includes 40,000+ games across 20+ systems, including PS1, NES, SNES, N64, GB, GBC, GBA, NDS, PSP, Mega Drive, Dreamcast, Arcade and more. It is a wider retro gaming handheld UK option, not a single-system novelty.
It is also worth being honest about connectivity. The R36S has no WiFi, no Bluetooth and no HDMI. For this use case, we do not see that as a deal-breaker, because PS1 nostalgia is mostly about local, offline play. If you want our longer hands-on view, read the R36S review.
Is the R36S worth buying just for PlayStation nostalgia?
Yes, the R36S is worth buying for PlayStation nostalgia if you want a practical handheld at £49.99 rather than a shelf-only tribute.
We would not buy any retro handheld for one logo or one memory. The stronger reason is breadth. PS1 is the hook, but the R36S also covers handheld systems, 16-bit consoles, arcade games and more recent retro platforms. That makes it easier to keep using once the first wave of nostalgia has passed.
The R36S is also our most popular handheld and is rated 4.8/5 from 200 reviews. It comes in 9 colours, supports multi-buy savings on the same model, and ships from UK stock. Standard Delivery is free and takes 2–3 working days, while Next Day Delivery costs £4.99.
For us, that is the difference between looking back and actually playing again. The LEGO PlayStation trend makes sense because the original console deserves the attention. A handheld like the R36S turns that attention into something you can use every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the R36S play PS1 games?
Yes, the R36S supports PS1 as one of its emulated systems. It also supports many other retro systems, so it is not limited to PlayStation-era games.
Is a PS1 handheld better than buying a collectible console model?
It depends on what you want. A collectible model is better for display, while a handheld is better if your aim is to actually play retro games.
Do I need WiFi to play PS1 games on the R36S?
No, the R36S does not need WiFi for its pre-loaded games. It is designed for offline play with games stored on the included microSD card.
What screen size is good for PS1 games on a handheld?
A 3.5-inch 4:3-style screen is a good fit for many PS1 games. The R36S uses a 3.5-inch IPS screen with a 640x480 resolution.
Play PS1 nostalgia on the R36S
The GameBro R36S (128GB) is the simplest answer if the LEGO PlayStation buzz has made you want to play again. It gives you a sharp 3.5-inch IPS screen, PS1 support and thousands of pre-loaded games in a pocketable handheld.
The GameBro R36S (128GB) is £49.99 from UK stock, with Next Day Delivery for £4.99 or free Standard Delivery in 2–3 working days. Every console comes with a 12-month warranty and 30-day returns.
Buying for more than one person? Order 2 and every R36S drops 10%, rising to 25% off at 5 or more, any mix of colours.
Newsletter subscribers pay less with a code: get the code on the product page.
See the R36S →The verdict
The LEGO PlayStation buzz is a useful reminder of how strong PS1 nostalgia still is, but most players will get more from a handheld they can actually use. For us, the R36S is the cleanest answer: affordable, portable, PS1-capable and broad enough to keep earning its place after the nostalgia rush fades.
Read next: 25 Best PS1 Games to Play on Handheld Emulators, GameBro R36S Review: The Best Budget Retro Handheld in 2025, Retro Handheld Buying Guide 2026: What Actually Matters or Is the R36S Worth It in 2026? An Honest Answer.
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