Best Plug & Play Video Games of 2026

"Setting up the Nex Playground was a breeze, and my kids are moving, jumping, and laughing right in the living room instead of sitting with a tablet. There’s a huge range of games for every age, and I love that the whole family—adults included—can join in. It truly makes screen time active and social!"

"I have young kids ranging from 18 months to 6 years old, and the Nex Playground keeps them on their feet and off YouTube. The subscription is totally worth it, with options like Gabby’s cookie games for the toddlers and kung fu for the older ones. Even I’m working out more than ever, thanks to dance and boxing games that get my heart pumping. The kids ask for other screens less now and play together more."

"As a 10-year-old, I find the Nex Playground incredibly fun and energetic, especially playing games like Quiz Dash and Copycat. It’s great for play dates, family time, and even when I just want to exercise or challenge my brain. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to have fun while staying active."

"I've been a fan of LeapFrog for years, and the LeapMove really impressed me. It was easy to set up, offered plenty of engaging, educational games, and my goddaughter couldn't get enough of seeing herself on the screen while playing. Her parents appreciated the learning aspect, and for the price, it's a fantastic value. I'm happy LeapFrog still makes such smart, kid-friendly toys."

"After hearing about LeapMove from my coworkers, I got one for my grandsons. They absolutely loved it—so did the adults! The variety of activities, games, and dances kept everyone active and entertained, and the low price made it an excellent buy. I was glad I bought a second one for the holidays, since these sell out quickly!"

"My granddaughter used to get glued to the Switch, but with this, she's up, moving, and learning while having so much fun. She gets good exercise, is learning to count and read, and even though she’s tired after playing, she always looks forward to her next LeapFrog session. I'm thrilled with how much more active and happy she is!"

"This is my go-to device for playing Atari games now, even over the Retron77 and 2600+. The controllers feel great and look fantastic, and the system comes with all the necessary accessories. However, the initial game lineup is a bit underwhelming and the user interface could use some work. Once I updated the firmware and added my own ROMs via micro SD, the system really came alive, supporting a wide variety of classic consoles. I’m excited for future updates and more system support down the line."

"I found the system very easy to set up and the build quality is impressive. The front-facing USB-C ports for controllers are a big improvement over older Atari models, and the micro SD slot makes it super convenient to expand the game library. The controller lights and paddle knob are nice touches, and I barely notice any input lag even when playing wirelessly. Just remember to buy a decent power adapter, and make sure your TV is in Game mode for the best experience."

"The controller design just does not work for me—buttons are awkwardly placed and the joystick travel is too shallow. While the emulation quality is fine, the lack of firmware update support for Mac or Linux is a big letdown. It's disappointing that updating the device requires a Windows PC in this day and age."

"I bought two of these consoles for my kids this Christmas, and I’m really happy with the decision. My children absolutely love the huge variety of games, and the fact that the device doesn’t use wireless makes me feel safer about them playing. I honestly wish I had picked up a few more!"

"If you’re a fan of retro gaming, this device is a must-have. The number of classic games packed in is mind-blowing, and I spotted so many versions of Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter—even some rare ones not released in the US! For anyone who grew up in the '80s, it’s an instant nostalgia trip, and at this price, it really can’t be beat."

"As a parent, I think this product is a great value—the screen is vibrant, the controls feel sturdy, and the game variety is fantastic. My only minor gripe is that younger kids might need help finding their favorite games since there are thousands to scroll through, but overall, I’m very happy with this purchase."

"This system takes me right back to my childhood. For the price, it's a fantastic value, and the wireless controls work well. I'm thrilled with how it performs and how easy it is to use."

"I bought this because modern consoles are overpriced and not for me. It's easy to set up, and my kids have a blast with it. The remote doesn't last forever, but for a few months of fun at this price, it's totally worth it."

"The graphics look great on my TV, and the controller works really well. The only downside is the USB cord is a bit short, but overall, I'd recommend it to anyone."

"The moment I set up this retro console, I felt a wave of nostalgia! With thousands of pre-loaded classics and no need to hunt for ROMs, it was ready to play instantly. The wireless controllers feel premium and lag-free, making co-op sessions with my kids a total blast. Setup was a breeze—just plug in and go. Honestly, this was the best impulse buy I’ve made all year."

"I was looking for an easy way to relive my childhood games, and this console delivers with a huge selection and simple setup. Wireless controllers work seamlessly, and everything runs smoothly on my TV. The 4K output looks sharp and I’ve had no issues playing my old favorites again."

"This retro game system is lightweight, practical, and packed with nostalgia. It’s super easy to plug in, making it perfect for small spaces or taking on trips. My kids and I love the endless selection of classic games—it’s a fun, stress-free way to unwind together."

"I got this for my 11-year-old autistic nephew, and he’s become absolutely obsessed with it! The colors are vivid, the screen is wide, and he can play thousands of preloaded games anywhere, even on car rides—no WiFi needed. It’s easy to operate with quick startup and plenty of gaming platforms like PSP and Nintendo. Great handheld for all ages—I’d recommend it to anyone!"

"This handheld console took me by surprise with its impressive range of supported platforms—GB, GBA, PSP, arcade, NES, and more. Most games run smoothly, and the battery lasts for hours. The build feels solid, controls are comfortable, and it’s a top pick for retro gaming fans. Highly recommended!"

"There are so many games to choose from, and the nostalgia factor is huge. The screen is clear and bright, and sound quality is solid. While some modern games can be a bit slow or glitchy, most play just fine. The D-pad could be more responsive, but overall, for the price, it’s well worth it."

"I love that this handheld comes packed with thousands of classic games. The battery lasts for hours, and the screen is bright and large. It's easy to take anywhere, and the controls feel sturdy and reliable. This device really brings back those arcade memories and makes travel or downtime much more fun."

"This is a fun little device with tons of entertainment value. I found most games run smoothly, though a few with heavier graphics lag a bit. The arcade versions look fantastic, and the sheer number of games makes it worth the price. My hands cramp up if I play too long, but I'm happy to pass it on to my grandson—he absolutely loves it!"

"I bought this as a gift for road trips and it was a hit. Thousands of games are preloaded, the design is easy for anyone to use, and the bright IPS screen is a real highlight. Battery life easily lasts through long trips, making it perfect for both kids and adults."

"I found the build quality to be solid, and the buttons and joysticks are very satisfying to use. It's compact enough to slip into a small bag or big pocket, and the screen looks great for retro pixel games. Battery life easily lasts a few hours, so it's great for gaming on the go."

"I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to use and navigate. The system came loaded with a ton of games, and adding more was straightforward with my PC. Battery life is strong enough to last several days of frequent playtime, which really impressed me."

"After some comparison shopping, I think the overall value and feature set are excellent, especially for the price. The screen is crisp, and it has WiFi, Bluetooth, and HDMI support. The size is comfortable and reminds me of a mini Game Boy. I do wish it came with a case, but it's worth the extra for the capabilities. Great choice for anyone wanting a versatile handheld."