Are you in search of the best handheld PS2 emulator? Don’t worry, your search ends here. Being a gaming enthusiast I collect everything I can. Currently, I own 3 handheld devices. So based on my experience, I will share some terrific handheld consoles that will take the PS2 gaming experience to the next level. Stay with me to learn about them!
Quick Answer
Before getting one of the handheld consoles, you need to know about the basics, so you can set your priorities straight. Let’s first talk about the main characteristics that an ideal device should have:
- A strong processor with a dedicated GPU that can run both retro games and new ones.
- It should be light in weight so you can carry it anywhere you want.
- The battery life holds a lot of importance as it determines for how long you can enjoy your game
These are just the basics about the handhelds. Continue trading below as I will share the list of emulators with you that can fulfill your needs. Moreover, I will give you extra tips on how to step up the emulator on the latest handhelds without any hassle. Let’s dive deeper into the details!
Best Handheld PS2 Emulator: Comparison Chart of Top 5 Models
Listed below are the important highlights of all the products:
Product Name | Processor | Display resolution | RAM Storage | Weight | Amazon |
Valve Steam Deck | APU 7nm (Zen 2 4c / 8t + 8 RDNA 2) | 1280 x 800 pixels | 16 GB DDR5 64 GB | 669g | $444.99 |
ASUS ROG Ally | AMD RyzenTM Z1 Extreme (Zen 4) | 1920 x 1080 pixels | 16 GB DDR5 512 GB | 608g | $656.50 |
Logitech G Cloud | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G | 1920 x 1080 pixels | 4 GB 64 GB | 436g | $299.99 |
RG405M Retro | Unisoc Tiger T618 64-bit octa-core | 640 x 480 pixels | 4 GB 128 GB | 260g | $179.99 |
AYN Odin Pro | Qualcomm Snapdragon SD845 | 1080 x 1920 pixels | 4 GB DDR4 128 GB | 365g | $269.00 |
Now that we have gone through the basics of all products, let’s check them out one by one.
1. Best Overall Handheld For PS2: Valve Steam Deck
Listed below are the positives and negatives of this console:
Pros
- It supports both 2.4 GHz and 5GHz wifi bands so everyone can have a seamless gaming experience.
- It is equipped with a Zen2 and RDNA powerhouse that can run demanding games in the blink of an eye.
- You can also enjoy games on bigger media by just connecting Type C to the display port.
Cons
- The visual quality can be improved.
Steam Deck is all in one package and is capable of running AAA titles and classic PS2 games with the help of its strong CPU. Also, the 8 RDNA GPU allows you to play games at ultra settings without any lag.
Moreover, it is equipped with a 40 Whr battery that can last up to 8 hours. What I love about it is that you can set up the emulator easily and can also play the demanding titles. Hence, an all-in-one gaming device.
Features
Here are the features of this powerful handheld console:
- It features 2 trackpads of 32.5mm that come with the haptic feedback to reduce the latency.
- Stereo speakers with DSP technology are embedded in it for an enhanced audio experience.
- The device is equipped with ambient light sensors to optimize brightness and battery life.
Specs
The following are the specs of the Steam Deck:
Specification | Valve Steam Deck |
Resolution: | 1280 x 800 pixels |
Processor: | APU 7nm( Zen 2 4c / 8t + 8 RDNA 2) |
RAM: | 16 GB DDR5 |
ROM: | 64 GB |
Battery: | 40 Whr |
Weight: | 669g |
Dimensions: | 11.73 x 4.61 x 1.93 inches |
2. Best for High Performance: ASUS ROG Ally
Before getting into details, let’s first take a look at the perks and downsides of this device:
Pros
- It provides a great gaming experience with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 7ms response time.
- The zero gravity thermal system with 0.1mm thick dual fans keeps the device cool all the time without producing any noise.
- The customization features allow you to keymap based on your preferences.
Cons
- It is an expensive handheld device compared to the competition.
ASUS ROG Ally is powered by AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme which is an elite gaming processor. It features Zen 4 architecture that consists of 8 cores and 16 threads, designed on a 4nm chip. It is one of the most powerful handheld consoles which has enough power to smoothly run all the PS2 emulator and Dreamcast games titles like a breeze. Moreover, the plus point is that it is capable of running switch games.
Features
Let’s take a look at the features of one of the best handhelds:
- It features RGB lighting in the joysticks to enhance the design.
- The Corning Gorilla glass is installed on the touch panel to ensure the safety of the screen.
- The ergonomic design of the device provides you with an easy approach to buttons and improves functionality.
Specs
Here are the specs of Asus Rog:
Specification | ASUS ROG Ally |
Resolution: | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
Processor: | AMD RyzenTM Z1 Extreme (“Zen 4” with 4 nm processor) |
RAM: | 16 GB DDR5 |
ROM: | 512 GB |
Battery: | 40 Whr |
Weight: | 608g |
Dimensions: | 11.73 x 4.61 x 1.93 inches |
Recommendation: It is literally one of the most powerful devices when it comes to performance and I don’t say this thing about many handhelds. It features the most advanced technologies like FidelityFX Super Resolution and fluid dynamics bearing to enhance your emulating gaming experience. The only downside of this device is that it is a bit heavy on the pocket.
3. Best for Streaming Games: Logitech G Cloud
Let’s first go through the pros and cons of this console:
Pros
- With the cloud system, you can play games without any need to download them.
- It offers an extensive battery life of up to 12 hours.
- It comes equipped with a Gyro sensor that enhances camera movement during gaming.
Cons
- It comes with a restriction that you’d need a wifi connection all the time to play games.
Logitech G Cloud comes with a 6-axis IMU sensor and linear haptics that greatly enhance the gaming experience. After using this device for over a couple of weeks ago I would say that the display and battery life really amazed me. The internal storage is 64 GB but the good thing is there is a slot for an external memory card that can accumulate all of your favorite PS2 titles. The quality of buttons, triggers, and bumper is high and gives a smooth gaming experience.
Features
The following are the main highlights of this product:
- It features stereo speakers and a dual microphone with a noise-cancelation feature.
- This console comes with a multi-touch screen.
- This device features a d-pad, L&R bumpers, triggers, and an analog joystick for comprehensive gaming sessions.
Specs
Here are the specs of G Cloud:
Specification | Logitech G Cloud |
Resolution: | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
Processor: | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G |
RAM: | 4 GB |
ROM: | 64 GB |
Battery: | 23.1 Whr |
Weight: | 436g |
Dimensions: | 10.11 x 4.61 x 1.30 inches |
Recommendation: If you are seeking a handheld PS2 emulator that you can use at your home or at the workplace and play AAA titles without any lag, this ist. This console is the best combo of a 7-inch FHD display with a 60Hz refresh rate. It takes only 2.5 hours to completely charge the device and can last up to 12 hours. However, keep in mind that you will need a Wi-Fi connection for continuous gaming.
4. Best PS2 Portable Emulator: RG405M Retro Handheld
Listed below are the positive and negative aspects of this console:
Pros
- It is Built with aluminum alloy that makes it durable.
- The additional support of Android device apps is a big plus point.
- You can game on this device for up to 12 hours without any issues.
Cons
- I didn’t like low-quality resolution.
Retro 405 is one of the retro handhelds that is designed with aluminum alloy using CNC technology. It comes with the Android operating system 12 which allows you to use the Play Store, and run retro and all PS2 games. The 64-bit octa-core processor with the combination of Mali G52 ensures that you get a seamless gaming experience. Lastly, what I loved most about it is its weight which is only around 260 grams.
Features
Here are the main highlights of Retro 405:
- It comes with 3172 pre-loaded games.
- The screen is equipped with anti-scratch and anti-fall protection, ensuring its durability.
- For an enhanced gaming experience, it comes with Gyro and Gravity sensors.
Specs
The following are the specs of this gaming device:
Specification | RG405M Retro Handheld |
Resolution: | 640 x 480 pixels |
Processor: | Unisoc Tiger T618 64-bit octa-core |
RAM: | 4 GB |
ROM: | 128 GB |
Battery: | 4500 mAH |
Weight: | 260g |
Dimensions: | 6.42 x 2.99 x 0.63 inches |
Recommendation: For those who want to enjoy PS2 games for extended hours retro 430 is a good option for them. It allows you to download games in all formats. Moreover, it is highly portable compared to other handhelds. Just keep in mind that for someone like me with big hands, the 4-inch screen and small size can be uncomfortable.
5. Best For Extended Battery Life: AYN Odin Pro
Let’s first head toward the pros and cons of this model:
Pros
- The Antutu score of 374k+ provides seamless functionality.
- It is equipped with 6600 mAh that can run for 15 hours straight.
- The dual fan speed functionality is given for normal and high-end gaming to keep the device at optimal temperature all the time.
Cons
- It comes with the Android 10 operating system, which is a bit outdated.
Odin Pro is handheld processing with a highly efficient powerful processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 which provides smooth gaming sessions. Also, the 6-inch FHD display that comes with dragon trail protection makes it a good device. The thing I liked most about Odin is that it weighs less than the Pocket Air making it a highly portable device for PS2 gaming.
Features
Listed below are the features of Odin pro
- The quick charge feature 4.0 allows you to charge the device in no time.
- It also supports HDMI and allows you to play games on bigger media.
- For a better gaming experience, Analog trigger buttons are added which give a very punchy feel.
Specs
Here are the specs of this product:
Specification | AYN Odin Pro |
Resolution: | 1080×1920 pixels |
Processor: | Qualcomm Snapdragon SD845 |
RAM: | 4 GB DDR4 |
ROM: | 128 GB |
Battery: | 6600 mAH |
Weight: | 365g |
Dimensions: | 8.82 x 3.74 x 0.59 inches |
Recommendation: This device is designed for users looking for high performance in their gaming sessions. The Snapdragon 845 is powerful enough to run any PS2 game. What I liked most about it is the three performance modes given in this device. Moreover, the fan noise is below 52dB which is subpar with the Nintendo Switch. However, keep in mind that it comes with Android 10, and personally, I don’t like it.
How to Run Games On Handhelds Using Emulator
When I first got my handheld, I wasn’t too sure how to run PS2 games. So after intensive research, I found a way. Currently, I have used this method in all 3 of my devices and enjoy all the retro games at the max settings. Let me share with you too so you can also enjoy PS2 games.
- First thing first, go to the browser of your device and look for the Emudeck official website.
- Download the setup and install it on your device.
- While installing make sure to check the box that says PCSX2 and then let the prompt complete the installation.
- When you have installed the PCSX2, it is time to download the second file which is PS2BIOS.
- After downloading the file extract it into the EmuDeck BIOS folder.
Once you have installed the Bios file and the PCSX2, you can enjoy the PS2 games on your device. Have fun!
For more insights, check out this helpful video:
FAQs
What is the best handheld for solid PS2 emulation?
The Valve Steam deck and ASUS ROG Ally are one of solid devices for easy PS2 emulation.
Why Pick A Handheld Instead of Original PS2 Hardware?
Picking a handheld instead of PS2 original hardware gives the advantage of portability and you can enjoy the game anywhere. It lets you enjoy the games while traveling or during work breaks which is something that PS2 doesn’t offer.
What Is the Best Budget PS2 Emulator Console?
Anbernic RG405M is the best budget PS2 Emulator console. It comes with Unisoc Tiger 64-bit processor which can handle games easily. Also, if you are looking for a more pocket-friendly option can opt for its budget emulator Odin Lite.
Is there a working PlayStation 2 emulator?
Yes, there are multiple Playstation 2 emulators including PCSX2, Retroarch, and Dolphin. These emulators allow you to enjoy PS2 games. However, it is worth noting that the game performance might be affected in some of them.
What is the best PS2 emulator system?
PCSX2 is the best PS2 emulator system. It is open source and is available for Windows, Linux, and macOS. The good thing about PCX2 is that it supports a wide range of games and runs them at the highest setting without any jitters.
Are PlayStation 2 emulators legal?
Yes, PlayStation 2 emulators are legal to use. You don’t need to worry about it just be careful about sharing the ROMs illegally.
Is Ppsspp a PS2 emulator?
No Ppsspp is not a PS2 emulator. It can not run the PS2 games. Instead, it comes with its own games.
What are my options for portable PS2 emulation?
For portable PS2 emulation, you can opt for Steam Deck, Odin Pro, Asus Rog Ally, and Logitech G Cloud. These handheld devices can run all the PS2 games and most of the new games at high settings.
Recommended read:
Best Mini PC for Emulation: Top 7 Picks For Swift Gaming Experience
Best Retro Handheld: Top 10 Portable Options For Excellent Gaming Experience
Conclusion
Summing up, the Handheld PS2 emulator is a wonder that allows you to play your favorite retro games. Unlike the Gameboy Advance and PS Vista, these devices have the strong processing power and are subpar with the Nintendo Switch and Wii U. When looking for a handheld device that supports PS2 emulation, I would recommend you look for a powerful processor, less weight and prolonged battery life.
Among my favorite picks, Valve Steam Deck sits at the top. It comes equipped with a processor based on Zen2 tech that can handle all the PS2 titles easily. Also, the support of both Wi-Fi bands and 40 WHr battery are a big plus.