The legal ways to play classic handheld games today: subscription retro libraries, compilations and remasters, licensed cartridge systems, FPGA hardware for original carts, and the copyright rules on ROMs.
Many classic handheld games are available legally on modern hardware, often with improvements such as save states, rewind and online play. Using official releases supports the people who own and preserve these games, avoids the copyright risks of downloading ROMs, and is often simpler than maintaining old hardware.
1. Subscription retro libraries
Nintendo Switch Online includes libraries of classic games, including Game Boy and Game Boy Colour titles, with Game Boy Advance and other systems available with the Expansion Pack tier. Games are added over time, and features usually include suspend points and rewind. The library changes, so check the current list before subscribing.
Other platform subscriptions periodically include classic games and collections too.
2. Compilations and collections
Publishers have released many collections of classic handheld games on modern consoles and PC, often with museum-style extras such as artwork and manuals. Examples have included collections of classic Castlevania Game Boy Advance titles and Mega Man Battle Network games. Good collections offer accurate emulation, display options and save features; read reviews, as quality varies.
3. Remakes and remasters
Some handheld classics have been rebuilt for modern hardware, for example The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (originally Game Boy, remade for Switch in 2019). Remakes can modernise controls and graphics, but purists sometimes prefer the original, so they complement rather than replace it.
4. Licensed cartridge systems
The Evercade system uses physical cartridges containing collections of officially licensed retro games, playable on its handhelds and home consoles. It appeals to people who like owning physical media and want a legal, curated library.
5. Hardware that plays original cartridges
FPGA-based devices, such as the Analogue Pocket, recreate original hardware in programmable chips and play original Game Boy, Game Boy Colour and Game Boy Advance cartridges, with adapters for some other handheld systems. Other modern handhelds designed for original Game Boy cartridges have also appeared. If you already own a cartridge collection, these are a legal and high-quality way to play.
6. Digital re-releases on modern stores
Some classic and indie-revival games are sold individually on console and PC stores. Newly made games for old systems, from independent developers, are also sold on new cartridges and digitally.
What about emulators and ROMs?
Emulators themselves are generally legal software. The problems are with the games and system files:
- Downloading or sharing ROMs of copyrighted games without permission infringes copyright in the UK.
- UK law does not have a general private-copying exception (one was introduced in 2014 but quashed in 2015), so even copying a game you own isn't clearly permitted.
- BIOS and firmware files are also copyrighted.
- Some games are released free by their rights holders, and homebrew games are often legally distributed by their creators.
This isn't legal advice; the UK Intellectual Property Office explains copyright exceptions.
Features that improve old games
Modern re-releases often add save states, rewind, button remapping, display filters that imitate old screens, and sometimes online multiplayer for games that once needed a link cable. These can make difficult games more approachable without changing the original design.
Choosing the right option
- Want variety cheaply? A subscription library.
- Love a specific series? Look for an official collection.
- Collect physical games? Licensed cartridges, or FPGA hardware for originals.
- Want modern polish? A remake.
Preservation matters
Many older games are no longer sold anywhere. Museums and archives, such as the National Videogame Museum in Sheffield, work to preserve gaming history. Supporting official releases signals demand for more classic games to be made available.
Frequently asked questions
Do I keep subscription games if I cancel?
No. Access usually ends when the subscription ends.
Are official collections better than emulation?
Not always technically, but they are legal, convenient and support rights holders.
Sources and further reading
Facts checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.