The 4:3 aspect ratio is considered the standard for retro gaming consoles, with widescreen 16:9 formats becoming available during the PS3 and Wii era. This means that a vast array of gaming systems, from Atari through to Amiga, NES, SNES, Dreamcast, and many others, originally ran at 4:3 aspect ratio.
For those seeking a handheld console that best replicates the experience of these retro systems, a 4:3 screen is an excellent starting point.
If you’re not concerned about some image stretching or borders, you might choose a console based on other criteria. It’s worth noting that the concept of “pixel perfect” can be subjective and vary from person to person.
Additionally, opting for a 4:3 display can be beneficial for less powerful consoles, as the reduced screen real estate requires less processing power for image rendering, potentially helping with performance on more demanding titles.

4:3 Aspect Ratio

The 4:3 aspect ratio is considered the standard for retro gaming consoles, with widescreen 16:9 formats becoming available during the PS3 and Wii era. This means that a vast array of gaming systems, from Atari through to Amiga, NES, SNES, Dreamcast, and many others, originally ran at 4:3 aspect ratio.
For those seeking a handheld console that best replicates the experience of these retro systems, a 4:3 screen is an excellent starting point.
If you’re not concerned about some image stretching or borders, you might choose a console based on other criteria. It’s worth noting that the concept of “pixel perfect” can be subjective and vary from person to person.
Additionally, opting for a 4:3 display can be beneficial for less powerful consoles, as the reduced screen real estate requires less processing power for image rendering, potentially helping with performance on more demanding titles.