Best Universal Accessories for Retro and Modern Handheld Consoles
Handheld gaming is in such a wild spot right now. On one side, you’ve got the big three: Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Nintendo Switch 2. On the other, retro/niche handhelds have exploded thanks to Anbernic, Retroid, Powkiddy, Ayn, and more. So what are the best accessories for retro and modern handheld consoles that can be used across multiple platforms?
Different consoles. Different ecosystems.
But here’s the thing nobody talks about:
A huge amount of accessories work across ALL of them.
You don’t need console-specific gear to get better audio, more battery life, cleaner desk setups, or a smoother travel experience. Most of the best accessories today are universal — meaning one good purchase can upgrade everything you own.
This guide breaks down the best universal accessories for both modern and retro handhelds. Think of it as a clean, no-nonsense starting point if you want to build a setup that works for your entire collection.
1. USB-C GaN Chargers (30W–100W)
If you only buy one universal accessory for your handhelds, make it this.
GaN chargers are:
- smaller
- faster
- cooler
- more efficient
And they work across Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Switch 2, Anbernic, Retroid, and pretty much any USB-C device.
Recommended wattage:
- 30W–45W: retro handhelds + Switch 2
- 65W: Steam Deck / ROG Ally
- 100W: multi-device setups or travel
A single GaN charger easily replaces 2–4 proprietary chargers — and that alone makes it worth it.
2. USB-C Cables (Angled, Braided, or High-Speed)
Handheld gaming is always better with the right cable. Angled cables are especially good because they prevent port strain while you play.
Look for:
- 90-degree or L-shape connectors
- braided exterior
- USB-C PD support
- at least 60W charging
This is one of those $10–$15 upgrades that instantly improves comfort and longevity.
3. Portable Power Banks (USB-C PD)
If you play on the go, this is mandatory.
What to look for:
- 20,000mAh (ideal size / weight sweet spot)
- USB-C PD 30W+ output
- pass-through charging
Works flawlessly for:
- Steam Deck & Ally (longer sessions)
- Switch 2 (travel power)
- Retro handhelds (barely sip battery)
For long flights, trains, or daily commuting, this one accessory removes 90% of battery anxiety.
4. Universal Carry Cases & Sling Bags
Not every handheld comes with a good case… and even the ones that do usually don’t hold accessories.
A universal case or sling bag lets you carry:
- console
- charger
- cables
- IEMs/earbuds
- power bank
What’s great is that almost every modern and retro console fits inside the same few bag types.
You can go:
- compact EVA case
- multi-console sling
- shoulder tech bag
- padded organizer
This also doubles as a clean setup for weekend trips.
5. Foldable Stands & Console Mounts
A simple foldable stand makes a massive difference when:
- using a Bluetooth controller
- playing dock-style
- watching content
- switching between multiple handhelds
- doing desk setups
Works with every device from a Switch 2 to a tiny Anbernic 35XX.
It sounds boring, but once you have one on your desk, you never go back.
6. Portable Monitors (USB-C or HDMI)
If you’ve never connected your handheld to a portable monitor, you’re missing out.
A portable monitor basically turns your handheld into:
- a mini console
- a mini PC
- a retro station
- a travel desktop
Perfect for:
- Steam Deck
- ROG Ally
- Switch 2
- Retroid HDMI models
- Anbernic HDMI units
- Ayn Odin series
Look for:
- 1080p or 1440p
- USB-C power + display
- built-in speakers (optional)
- kickstand or folio case
For travel gamers, this is a game-changer.
7. Bluetooth Controllers
Some handhelds are perfect for direct controls, while others benefit hugely from an external controller — especially retro consoles or when playing docked.
Universal favorites:
- 8BitDo (great for retro + modern)
- GuliKit (hall effect sticks)
- PowerA
- Ipega (budget option)
Why universal controllers matter:
You can use one controller across every handheld you own. Saves money and space.
8. Thumbstick Caps & Thumb Grips
Small. Cheap. Underrated.
Thumb grips improve:
- comfort
- accuracy
- grip
- sweat resistance
And best of all — they fit pretty much everything:
- Switch sticks
- Steam Deck sticks
- Ally sticks
- Retroid
- Anbernic
- Powkiddy
- Ayn series
This is one of the easiest quality-of-life upgrades.
9. Universal Skins & Grip Tape
If you’re into aesthetics or better handheld comfort, this is a fun one.
Universal skins or grip tape come in:
- matte black
- carbon fiber
- camo
- transparent
- textured grip strips
Since a lot of these come as uncut sheets, they fit anything. You trim and apply.
Great way to add personality or boost traction.
10. Bluetooth Audio Adapters (AptX / LL)
Many handhelds still struggle with Bluetooth audio latency — especially retro handhelds.
A Bluetooth adapter fixes:
- audio delay
- poor sound
- codec limitations
Perfect for:
- Switch 2
- Retroid devices
- Steam Deck & Ally (for low-latency codecs)
- Anbernic HDMI units
- older handhelds without good BT support
This pairs well with your existing audio categories (IEMs, earbuds, hybrids, etc.).
11. Wired Earbuds / IEMs
You already have a full post on IEMs, so this section is a natural internal link.
IEMs are universal across:
- Steam Deck
- Ally
- Switch 2
- Anbernic
- Retroid
- Anything with a headphone jack
- Any device using USB-C dongles
For handheld gaming, wired audio still beats Bluetooth in clarity and latency.
12. Portable DAC/Amps
If you want a noticeable jump in audio quality, especially on retro handhelds, a dongle DAC is the easiest upgrade.
Many retro handhelds have surprisingly strong DAC chips internally — pairing them with a dedicated dongle can unlock even cleaner sound.
Works beautifully with:
- Anbernic (fantastic audio)
- Retroid
- Switch 2
- Steam Deck & Ally
- PC/laptops/phones
If you write an audiophile-focused post, this becomes a high-value internal link target.
13. USB-C Hubs & Mini Docks
A universal USB-C hub instantly adds:
- HDMI
- Ethernet
- USB ports
- SD card readers
- keyboard/mouse support
Perfect for turning a handheld into a mini desktop or console.
This is excellent for:
- Steam Deck
- Ally
- Switch 2
- Odin
- most Retroid units
- any HDMI-capable Anbernic device
You can also push this as a travel-friendly alternative to OEM docks.
14. MicroSD Cards (128GB–1TB)
Storage is the lifeblood of handheld gaming.
Retro handhelds rely on microSD cards for:
- ROMs
- OS installations
- BIOS files
Modern consoles use them for:
- game libraries
- media
- travel storage
This is one of the easiest “universal” products to feature because almost every handheld uses microSD in some capacity.
15. External SSDs
For PC handhelds, external SSDs serve as fast, portable storage — and they’re fully cross-compatible with phones, laptops, and every handheld with USB-C.
Great for:
- Steam Deck
- Ally
- Odin 2
- Retroid x86 models
- almost everything modern
Look for USB-C 10Gbps or 20Gbps for the best speeds.
16. Cleaning Kits (Universal)
Every handheld needs this:
- microfiber cloths
- screen-safe solution
- dust brushes
- wipe packs
Cheap, useful, and compatible with literally every console ever made.
Final Thoughts
If you collect handhelds — modern, retro, or both — universal accessories are the smartest purchases you can make. They save money, simplify your setup, and work across nearly every console released today.
This list gives you a clean starting point, and the good news is that most of these upgrades fall in the $10–$30 range. A few small changes can noticeably improve your comfort, audio, travel setup, and overall handheld gaming experience.