Retro Handhelds General Thread

[BinaryMessiah]

I honestly don't have any feelings towards these. My wife has a Miyoo Mini+ I got her for Xmas in 2023, and she likes it. I honestly prefer the real thing. I understand they can be high maintenance to get working or even to look nice since a lot of retro handhelds are in poor condition. I find joy in restoring these. I have quite a few handhelds that I've modded, and I always just prefer going back to the real thing.

I have a Steam Deck OLED that I have EmulationStation on, and I just never use it for emulation. However, this is also coming from someone who grew up mostly with handhelds, and I owned a good majority at some point. I can understand younger gamers having zero attachment to the original hardware and just wanting to play the games.

I get it. It's convenient and cheap.

 

[nimlouth]

My Retroid Pocket 4 Pro just got here. And it feels quite nice. I'll probably do setting up proper tomorrow though. Setting up an Android device is pretty annoying.

But I'm happy to have a PS2 and GCN capable device that's this small.

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Transparent red gang rise up!
I got myself an anbernic rg35xxSP and it's very good too, specially for GBA. I even already got it all stickered'up. I also considered a RP or a Trim Ui Smart Pro but ended up with this little guy. Cheap, good battery life and capable enough to run ps1, some psp and some dreamcast. It also has some very good custom firmware options. The RP devices running android reaaaally turn me off tbh, like you said it's very annoying to set them up.

 

[Adreankael]

Got this thing yesterday. So far I'm seriously impressed with it. PSP and Vita games run like a champ. Having trouble with finding a PS2 emulator for android but looking into it. Anyone have any Ideas?
And yes I know I need to clean the screen lol. Any ideas on what's safe to use to clean the screen with?

 

[elehayyme]

Seeing all the information about the RP5 really has me interested but may have to wait until there's room in the budget to pick one up.

I wonder what other retro handhelds will be coming up/out this year. I know the Odin Portal is coming out soon-ish but not aware of much else as of yet. Granted, the year just started so it's a matter of waiting and seeing.

 

[Darklink]

Having trouble with finding a PS2 emulator for android but looking into it. Anyone have any Ideas?

Search "NetherSX2 15210 V 1.5 4248" on the Internet Archive, that'll be about as good as you can get for PS2 emulation on Android.

 

[mandrakes]

Okay,

You need to get an Android Handheld or even a Steam Deck to emulate PSP and Dreamcast.

It's can help you in a long run

android devices didn't have build in controller except for retroid pocket series
and steamdeck is too heavy to carry

Seeing all the information about the RP5 really has me interested but may have to wait until there's room in the budget to pick one up.

I wonder what other retro handhelds will be coming up/out this year. I know the Odin Portal is coming out soon-ish but not aware of much else as of yet. Granted, the year just started so it's a matter of waiting and seeing.

as for the price and after sales they're not worth it since it can't emulate major AAA game on switch such as xenoblade, pokemon series, however it can emulate ps3 through a custom rom, although only puny ps3 games considered as mini games, do not get high expectation with this device it can't run GTA V

 

[Darklink]

android devices didn't have build in controller except for retroid pocket series

And the Ayn Odin handhelds, and the higher power Anbernic handhelds, and Aya Neo handhelds.

as for the price and after sales they're not worth it since it can't emulate major AAA game on switch such as xenoblade, pokemon series, however it can emulate ps3 through a custom rom, although only puny ps3 games considered as mini games, do not get high expectation with this device it can't run GTA V

Who is buying a $200ish device to emulate Switch my guy. At that price point just buy a hacked Switch and be done with it. These weird opinions you share about these handhelds in this thread really show you have no idea who the target audience for these things are.

Don't get a Retroid Pocket 5 if you want Switch and PS3 emulation? Completely fair suggestion. Thing is people are not getting the RP5 for Switch and PS3 emulation. They're generally getting it for Gamecube/Wii and PS2 emulation. What few Switch and PS3 games that can run are simply a bonus.

 

[pl1sk1n]

Have you seen those? It seems like every other day a Chinese Gameboy like device running RetroArch comes out. There's so many of them I don't know where to start.
Some time ago I followed a guy on YouTube that did comparison videos (I lost that channel somehow). Turns out some specific models had insanely good screens for retro gaming. Squared, Bright, no ghosting, perfect I would say. Those things could even run Dreamcast games so very powerful, compact, light and cold.

Which ones you tried if any?

I like ETAprime for this stuff kind of stuff, but your right, some of the devices are pot luck. I have been eyeing up one for a while, and if things go ok later in the year, i may take the plunge.

There is something about playing Panza dragoon saga and other saturn games on the go. Magical.

Post automatically merged: Jan 9, 2025

I've got three, all Powkiddy devices.

* A V10, which is my GBA/Lynx device

View attachment 276

* An RGB30, which is my GB, GBC, GG SNES, Amiga machine, amongst other things

View attachment 277

* Finally, an RGB10Max 3 Pro, which is my DC, Saturn, N64, PS1, PSP & Widescreen SNES + Mega Drive handheld.

View attachment 278

I've been selling off my physical collection over the years to save space and save power, since I live in the country in a Tiny House now. Having to rely on predominantly on solar, all three come in handy!

I also like tinkering with them; customizing them is fun. I got extra sets of the fantastic d-pad and buttons from the V10, and replaced the very average stock ones on the RGB30 and RGB10Max 3 Pro.

I'll be side-grading from my laptop to an ASUS ROG Ally X next month, and it'll likely become my Saturn, DC, GC, PS2 machine.

I have been considering the RGB10Max 3 pro, any advice you can offer?

 

[Spike]

I'm not familiar with it but always watch this guy video:

Beware all consoles have downsides unless you spend like 200++

 

[Bluetal]

i've got an r36s and i love it to bits. i have a little crochet sleeve-carrying-case-thing to keep it in. it doesn't run ps2, dreamcast or GC, which is a shame, but i can emulate those on my phone alongside a razer kishi controller (surprisingly cheap). it's insane what cellphones are capable of these days.

anyway i drew this a while ago. maybe the only r36s fanart in the world idk lmao.

 

[Potapota]

I've been thinking about getting one of these for years now (or I guess a decade or so since I've been wanting one since the old dingoo days) but there's been some things like possibly dodgy build quality, constant "2 devices a month" release cycle and trying to not throw my money at every little thing that I come across that's been really pushing me off. Finally did cave in and ordered a rg35xx sp. I doubt I will be sorely disappointed by it or anything but I'm still somewhat cautious about the whole thing.

Does anyone have any experience with the sp? Has it held up fine?

 

[Loops]

I've been thinking about getting one of these for years now (or I guess a decade or so since I've been wanting one since the old dingoo days) but there's been some things like possibly dodgy build quality, constant "2 devices a month" release cycle and trying to not throw my money at every little thing that I come across that's been really pushing me off. Finally did cave in and ordered a rg35xx sp. I doubt I will be sorely disappointed by it or anything but I'm still somewhat cautious about the whole thing.

Does anyone have any experience with the sp? Has it held up fine?

I've had the SP since it launched - really enjoyed it, finished a few games on it and everything has held up fine, the buttons were a little too clicky so I did a tape mod but the V2 model which I imagine yours will be at this point fixed that. Recommend RetroGameCorps on youtube, he reviews everything from build quality/ perf/ price/custom firmware guides. Even does follow up videos if a revision comes out.

Bottom line is it's a very fun device! Take a look at custom firmwares, I put Muos on mine, but the basic firmware it ships with has been refined enough that there's no real rush either

 

[Potapota]

I've had the SP since it launched - really enjoyed it, finished a few games on it and everything has held up fine, the buttons were a little too clicky so I did a tape mod but the V2 model which I imagine yours will be at this point fixed that. Recommend RetroGameCorps on youtube, he reviews everything from build quality/ perf/ price/custom firmware guides. Even does follow up videos if a revision comes out.

Bottom line is it's a very fun device! Take a look at custom firmwares, I put Muos on mine, but the basic firmware it ships with has been refined enough that there's no real rush either

I've watched the retrogamecorps video a couple times in anticipation. I'm sure he gets these for free from the manufacturer but his reviews still seem decently factual. I almost ordered the rg34xx simply because it looked sexy as hell but the sp model just seemed like the "wise" choice in terms of actual usability.
I haven't looked too much into the custom firmware options but I'm sure I'm going to stick something other than the stock on it. From a quick glance MuOS seems like the way to go.

 

[Harke]

I've had the SP since it launched - really enjoyed it, finished a few games on it and everything has held up fine, the buttons were a little too clicky so I did a tape mod but the V2 model which I imagine yours will be at this point fixed that. Recommend RetroGameCorps on youtube, he reviews everything from build quality/ perf/ price/custom firmware guides. Even does follow up videos if a revision comes out.

Bottom line is it's a very fun device! Take a look at custom firmwares, I put Muos on mine, but the basic firmware it ships with has been refined enough that there's no real rush either

Picked up an SP last month just to play GBA roms, since Amazon had them on a stupidly cheap sale. I really dig the build quality. Buttons didn't feel too clicky on mine, at least.

Appreciate you posting the tip for MuOS, hadn't dug into cfw for it yet.

 

[ThirdEidolon]

A hacked psp is great for retro titles. Or a vita. just saying.

 

[hazys]

I have a Retroid Pocket 4 Pro and it definitely runs everything it says on the tin, up to and including some PS2/GCN games, though that's where it starts running into problems.

My main issue with these handhelds is that they always feel kind of cheap compared to a 3DS or Vita, for example. The screen's not very nice, the buttons feel loose, the form factor is off, etc. I have used it to play some games and am satisfied with it, but I don't think I'd spring for a RP5.

 

[Harke]

I have a Retroid Pocket 4 Pro and it definitely runs everything it says on the tin, up to and including some PS2/GCN games, though that's where it starts running into problems.

My main issue with these handhelds is that they always feel kind of cheap compared to a 3DS or Vita, for example. The screen's not very nice, the buttons feel loose, the form factor is off, etc. I have used it to play some games and am satisfied with it, but I don't think I'd spring for a RP5.

So, I own a Retroid Pocket 4 Pro and the Retroid Pocket 5. I have to say the build quality jumped massively with the RP5. Particularly the triggers and body.

It feels like a more ergonomic version of my Vita.

 

[hazys]

Thank you! That's pretty encouraging. I might consider grabbing one.

 

[Bluetal]

Such a shame that the miyoo flip kinda sucks. I really was considering getting one because the form factor is so great and it has joysticks unlike the other clamshell on the market. That blows hahah

 

[Darklink]

Such a shame that the miyoo flip kinda sucks. I really was considering getting one because the form factor is so great and it has joysticks unlike the other clamshell on the market. That blows hahah

I'm not really surprised. Miyoo/Bittboy's only success was the Miyoo Mini(+). Which was functionally lightning in a bottle. Before they had mostly failures with some doing okay, and have almost completely flubbed the release of any of their handhelds after the MM+.

 

[Boo Man]

Transparent red gang rise up!
I got myself an anbernic rg35xxSP and it's very good too, specially for GBA. I even already got it all stickered'up. I also considered a RP or a Trim Ui Smart Pro but ended up with this little guy. Cheap, good battery life and capable enough to run ps1, some psp and some dreamcast. It also has some very good custom firmware options. The RP devices running android reaaaally turn me off tbh, like you said it's very annoying to set them up.

View attachment 8104View attachment 8105

just ordered one of these SP ones after watching really good reviews.
Red looks really cool! i should have got red as well!
also ordered an XX Cube from anbernic in black
cant wait XD

 

[mandrakes]

And the Ayn Odin handhelds, and the higher power Anbernic handhelds, and Aya Neo handhelds.


Who is buying a $200ish device to emulate Switch my guy. At that price point just buy a hacked Switch and be done with it. These weird opinions you share about these handhelds in this thread really show you have no idea who the target audience for these things are.

Don't get a Retroid Pocket 5 if you want Switch and PS3 emulation? Completely fair suggestion. Thing is people are not getting the RP5 for Switch and PS3 emulation. They're generally getting it for Gamecube/Wii and PS2 emulation. What few Switch and PS3 games that can run are simply a bonus.

I'm rpg fanatics the only switch game i install on RP5 is diablo 3, dragon quest echoes of elusive age, front mission remake series, persona 5 royal, super robot wars v, the legend of heroes series, tokyo xanadu ex+ and fire emblem engage
i used 0.5 resolution for smooth fps

 

[Xdqwerty]

I lost my sup m3 and I wanted to install miyoo cfw on it

 

[Retroviews]

I had a Dingoo A320 back when retro handhelds were way less powerful than they are today, and more recently, an SJGAM M17. But I didn’t spend much time with either—they seemed more exciting in theory than in practice. What bothered me the most about the M17 was the short battery life and the time it took to find a custom firmware that I actually liked and had the features I wanted.

These days, I just play on my phone. Using a Bluetooth controller isn’t ideal, but the convenience of having access to a wider range of emulators makes it hard to ignore.

I’ve also had a DS, and right now, I own a 3DS. I played a lot on the DS, and while I haven’t spent as much time on the 3DS yet, I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve played so far. I still hope to get a PS Vita someday since it has a lot of games that interest me.

As for Chinese handhelds, I don’t see myself getting one again unless prices drop drastically. Importing anything over $50 to Brazil has gotten way more expensive lately.

 

[Twapsel]

I started following these devices in the early 2010s when brands like Yinlips and JXD where the big players. Price, build quality and number of people involved in the community where on a conmpletely different scale. The first handheld I bought was a Big Ben GameTab One. Pretty bad device in comparison to today's standards.

Then I had the RS 97, which was my first small form factor handheld for playing mostly snes games.

I later upgraded for an Anbernic RG351MP. Unfortunately the USB-C plug broke and I couldn't connect my Wi-Fi dongle. Dealbreaker because I use retroachievements. Therefore I got an Anbernic RG 353M as my next upgrade.

Because it was really cheap I got myself a Miyoo Mini + last year. I love it. Because of the Onion OS firmware. Perfect small companion for retro games.

I don't aim to collect those devices and I generally prefer having less deviced. But I the MM+ will be a longtime device for me. I would like to be able to emulate PS2, Gamecube and Wii on a handheld as well. Therefore, I was already tempted to buy a RP5 or Odin 2 but in the future I will get a handheld PC anyways and therefore an Android device would become obsolete. Therefore, I won't get it.

But all in all I think a big handheld PC for emulating everything and playing PC games goes great in combination with something pocket friendly just for retro.