Retro Handhelds - news and discussion

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the clap

the clap

kiwifarms.net
Joined
Dec 17, 2019
What are Retro handhelds?
These are portable video game players of various sizes and power. Want to play Castlevania 3 on the toilet? You can. Want the entire GBA library on something that looks suspiciously like a GBA, but you don't need to swap carts? Easy.
rg34xx.webp
Essentially these are old phone, MP3 player or laptop/whatever parts assembled in china to allow you to play the games of yesteryear for the price of a new AAA game or less.


What can they play?
As new chips become available to the makers of these, the power is increasing. It's not uncommon for Dreamcast and below to be possible for even budget handhelds, and higher end ones can play PS2, GameCube, even Switch. Reliably most will play PS1 and below.
ayaneo-flip.webp


I want something big/small, what are my options?
This site lets you compare the sizes of handhelds against each other, or console controllers of the past, or credit cards.
steam deck.webp


I want something that plays X system well, what are my options?
This site gives a rough idea on how a handheld performs for which systems. Please note it's not scientific, just a general guide


Are there any good YouTubers that review these?
There are a few notable ones that review handhelds. They are admittedly degrees of professional, most being amateurs. They'll miss things, or gloss over problems, but you can watch them use the handhelds and see how they go, and they'll usually talk about different firmware options or have guides on how to upgrade them. These are the most popular:

Retro Handhelds - https://www.youtube.com/@retrohandhelds
Retro Game Corps - https://www.youtube.com/@RetroGameCorps
TechDweeb - https://www.youtube.com/@TechDweeb
Retro Dodo - https://www.youtube.com/@RetroDodo


I'm passionate about integer scaling
Here you go, this site will let you check the integer scaling on these handhelds.


Where do I buy these?
Depending on your country, there are a few different ways. The cheapest but riskiest is Aliexpress, there are official stores that are reliable (Anbernic, Ampown) but stay away from Shop13475327 selling handhelds at suspiciously good prices.
Amazon is the most expensive but reliable, you will get what you pay for. The middle ground is Ebay if you go with a trusted seller.


Can I just use my phone?
Sure, there are various telescopic controllers made by Gamesir or Ipega that fit phones and some of them connect by USB C or bluetooth. There are compromises either way to using dedicated handhelds vs your everyday phone, phones being more powerful but being a communication device, handhelds being less powerful but not receiving calls or messages, handhelds having better integer scaling, phones being more available etc.
Gamesir.webp


Where do I get roms?
Probably best not to cause trouble for Null by talking about that here, google Tiny Best Set and go from there, or DM me.
 
I've heard on Slickdeals that the cheap Chinese handhelds are starting to rise in price.

If I were to get into this, it'd be on a Steam Deck 2, or with a telescopic phone controller.

ETA Prime is sloppy among reviewers, but he has some insights and often gets hardware early (perks of being a 1.29m subscriber channel): https://www.youtube.com/user/Mretaprime/videos
 
I've got a retroid pocket 4 pro. Plays PS2/Gamecube just fine. The only knock against it is the screen has a fair bit of ghosting. I believe the 5 has an OLED screen? I may upgrade at some point, if the tariffs don't make it too cost prohibitive.

The retroid fits well in the hand, and after some configuration, is a fun little powerhouse that will cover pretty much everything released up until the mid-00s.
 
The Mass Shooter Ron Soye said:
I've heard on Slickdeals that the cheap Chinese handhelds are starting to rise in price.

If I were to get into this, it'd be on a Steam Deck 2, or with a telescopic phone controller.

ETA Prime is sloppy among reviewers, but he has some insights and often gets hardware early (perks of being a 1.29m subscriber channel): https://www.youtube.com/user/Mretaprime/videos
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The Deck is awesome in that it's basically a Linux computer, but its so bulky that I don't think its a proper "handheld".
 
I have an Anbernic RG35XX H (very memorable name, I know).

It's a good device in terms of how quickly you can boot it up and get a game in the favorites list running. It's also small enough to be pocket sized, which is more than can be said for many handhelds these days. It can run up to PS1, N64, Dreamcast and DS.

The more powerful (PS2/GC) systems usually run Android, while the lower-end (PS1/N64) ones run a Linux-based OS. To get the most out of a Linux-based system, you'll want to install custom firmware such as muOS.

Getting ROMs is kind of a pain. The best place to download full ROM packs currently seems to be the Internet Archive, who hopefully won't immediately capitulate when the suits from Nintendo come knocking.

Funnily enough, the Soulja Boy console was a rebadged Anbernic device. They've thankfully improved in quality since then...
 
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I love my Ayaneo Pocket S. It's basically like having a modern-day PSP/Vita, especially since its height and depth is nearly identical to the Vita but much wider due to having a larger screen. Also doesn't have the nasty input lag that the Odin 2 has, which people discussing these things seem to rarely bring up when discussing the best of the best ARM/Android based handhelds.

One thing that is worth noting is that the lower end Linux based devices, to the best of my knowledge, cannot get online, meaning that you need Android to get save syncs or retro achievements set up. Also, for both Windows and Android based devices, PdaNet will allow you to use your Android phone's data, but mask that you are using it as a hotspot, meaning that you get unrestricted access to the data on the device. Just keep in mind that you have to mark the "Hide tether" option in case your wireless provider is anal.
 
Merton J. Dingle said:
The lower end Linux based devices, to the best of my knowledge, cannot get online, meaning that you need Android to get save syncs or retro achievements set up.
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The functionality is there in terms of Wi-Fi support, but so far there's no firmware available for any of the Linux systems that takes advantage of online services. It'd be cool to have Wiimmfi support for Mario Kart DS.
 
Merton J. Dingle said:
One thing that is worth noting is that the lower end Linux based devices, to the best of my knowledge, cannot get online, meaning that you need Android to get save syncs or retro achievements set up.
Click to expand...
This hasn't been true for a while. For example, Anbernic's entire XX line (excluding the RG28XX, which has no onboard wifi), supports both Syncthing for saves and RetroAchievements. You can use either muOS or Knulli, both will work. You can even scrape art over wifi.
 
These things always seemed pointless to me. I already carry around a small device that fits in my pocket that runs the same operating system as these things that has higher specs and pairs with pretty much any controller and isn't janky as fuck Chinese garbage.
 
One thing that should also be mentioned is that PS1 games are significantly less demanding than most N64 games and of course much less than the Saturn. Star Fox and Star Fox 2 are also quite demanding. My New 2DS XL (which is roughly equivalent to a lower tier Linux based device when it comes to emulation) had more trouble with the two aforementioned games than a great majority of PS1 games that I tested, including FF7, Gex, and Croc.

Back me up! said:
I would highly suggest getting a Linux based device just so that you can use Portmaster. Has a ton of modern and retro games configured so almost anything 2d is ready to go and play with min fuss. Playing Axion Verge on my PowKitty RG10 Max was a much better experience then having it blown way out of on my monitor.
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Also worth mentioning that many Windows games have received unofficial Android ports. UFO 50, for instance, was apparently straightforward to port to Android.

TriWhy said:
This hasn't been true for a while. For example, Anbernic's entire XX line (excluding the RG28XX, which has no onboard wifi), supports both Syncthing for saves and RetroAchievements. You can use either muOS or Knulli, both will work. You can even scrape art over wifi.
Click to expand...
That's what I get for relying on the midwits on YouTube for information. I suppose though it is still true that someone needs to double check the specs on their Linux based devices to make sure it can do everything they need it to network wise, at least if they look at models that have been out for a little while.

Grub said:
These things always seemed pointless to me. I already carry around a small device that fits in my pocket that runs the same operating system as these things that has higher specs and pairs with pretty much any controller and isn't janky as fuck Chinese garbage.
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I thought the same thing for a while, but it still serves a purpose in the same way that a dedicated MP3 player does in that you don't have to worry about draining the battery on your phone. Plus, there are a couple of brands that have good build quality, like Retroid and Ayaneo; I have a device from both of them, and they don't feel cheap or janky at all.
 
Grub said:
These things always seemed pointless to me. I already carry around a small device that fits in my pocket that runs the same operating system as these things that has higher specs and pairs with pretty much any controller and isn't janky as fuck Chinese garbage.
Click to expand...
They have value for convenience and user experience. Small handhelds like the RG35XX H run specialized versions of Linux that makes it really easy to jump in and out of games without messing with your phone or a separate controller. Larger handhelds like the Odin 2 Portal are closer to a Steam Deck or ROG Ally than a phone. The convenience of unlocking into a pause menu, or booting to a save state in a few seconds, is a huge differentiator for a portable device.

There's a certain hobby element to them too. A phone with a controller strapped to it still feels like a phone, instead of a console. Your phone also needs to stay usable as a phone, so you're probably not going to swap out the launcher, or experiment with a Linux build like Rocknix. For some people, setting up new handhelds and curating ROM sets is as fun as actually playing games.
 
TriWhy said:
They have value for convenience and user experience. Small handhelds like the RG35XX H run specialized versions of Linux that makes it really easy to jump in and out of games without messing with your phone or a separate controller. Larger handhelds like the Odin 2 Portal are closer to a Steam Deck or ROG Ally than a phone. The convenience of unlocking into a pause menu, or booting to a save state in a few seconds, is a huge differentiator for a portable device.

There's a certain hobby element to them too. A phone with a controller strapped to it still feels like a phone, instead of a console. Your phone also needs to stay usable as a phone, so you're probably not going to swap out the launcher, or experiment with a Linux build like Rocknix. For some people, setting up new handhelds and curating ROM sets is as fun as actually playing games.
Click to expand...
For me, I enjoy the process of configuring a new device and loading it up with new games. It's an all in one unit specifically made for gaming, and I don't have to waste my phone battery on gaming. Phones are for communication and maybe taking pictures. Handhelds are for gayming.
 
TriWhy said:
They have value for convenience and user experience. Small handhelds like the RG35XX H run specialized versions of Linux that makes it really easy to jump in and out of games without messing with your phone or a separate controller. Larger handhelds like the Odin 2 Portal are closer to a Steam Deck or ROG Ally than a phone
Click to expand...
Rv35xx H:

  • Processor: ARM Cortex-A9 with 4 cores.
  • Graphic Chip: PowerVR SGX544MP 4 Core GPU.
  • Ram Memory: DDR3 256MB
  • Storage: 64GB TF/MicroSD
  • Operating System: Linux
Slightly better than a phone maybe.

Odin 2:
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8Gen2 CPU | Android 13 | 8000mAh Battery | Hall Sticks | 1080p 6" Touch Screen

Sure sounds like a phone to me.

Steamdeck:

APU
6 nm AMD APU
CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32)
GPU: 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.6GHz (1.6 TFlops FP32)
APU power: 4-15W

Those other devices aren't even close to a steamdeck.

TriWhy said:
There's a certain hobby element to them too. A phone with a controller strapped to it still feels like a phone, instead of a console.
Click to expand...
But I enjoy the hobby of finding and configuring emulators on my phone.
TriWhy said:
Your phone also needs to stay usable as a phone, so you're probably not going to swap out the launcher, or experiment with a Linux build like Rocknix.
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None of that is useful for playing games.
TriWhy said:
For some people, setting up new handhelds and
curating ROM sets is as fun as actually playing games.
Click to expand...
Don't those devices tend to come with a shitload of janky bootleg and misnamed roms?
 
Grub said:
These things always seemed pointless to me. I already carry around a small device that fits in my pocket that runs the same operating system as these things that has higher specs and pairs with pretty much any controller and isn't janky as fuck Chinese garbage.
Click to expand...
I really tried to get into phone gaming, even using a spare phone to bypass all notifications/messages stuff, but I haven't found a telescopic controller that doesn't make the end result feel like a cricket bat. Its just too wide.
I know some guy is making a slide out phone controller so hopefully that succeeds.
 
Finally, a discussion that I'm kind of knowledgeable on. I currently own 6 handhelds and I used to sell them for a while.

I'll make some recommendations and things to avoid:

Recommendations
First of all I don't think spending more than 100 on any handheld is worth it, once you hit 100 dollars you can buy a brand new or used 8-core phone that will just wipe the floor with any device you can get for that price and once you hit 200 you can just buy a 7 inch n100 x86-64 intel mini laptop from Aliexpress that can emulate up to basic ps3 games.

Under 100 none of the handheld devices that you can buy for that price will be able to run dreamcast or n64, let alone something like the gamecube or ps2, therefore any device you buy will more or less have the same capabilities.

Factor in the cost of an SD card, the SD that come with the devices die within a month on average, I used to sell them with adata SD cards that I bought in bulk and never got a single return for any unit.

Only pick a device with custom firmware available, the stock OS that comes with most devices is terrible.

Use your own roms, the collections that come with the devices suck and are usually damaged (They're usually cloned from a SD card with more storage capacity than the SD cards sold and the partitions are broken)

Best Cost/Performance

The R36S. As I said not a single device under 100 can emulate Dreamcast N64 or PSP properly (You can emulate some games but not all) so there is no point in buying a more expensive device, I have devices with an RK3566 and an A133plus which are the best devices you can get for the price point and neither can run the aforementioned consoles, The R36S has dual sticks and it's usually cheap if you know where to look for it. The most I've spent for one was 33 dollars and the cheapest 24 dollars which honestly defeats any device in performance at those price points except the RG28XX which lacks analogue sticks.

That said it's so popular and so easy to assemble because it's open source that there's bootlegs of it (Yes, really), so you have to know where to look for it.

Devices to avoid:

Anything by SJGAM and Game Kiddy/ GKD. The only device from SJGAM worth looking at is the M17 and for the prices it's sold you're usually better off with literally anything else, the rest of their devices are straight up scams and as such lack custom firmware and any kind of support, they claim to be RK3566 devices but they sand down RK3326 chips and print RK3566 on top of the chip. GKD is just too expensive for what their devices offer and honestly they're fucking assholes, if they find a flaw in a device they just stop producing it and cut all support for it rather than correct the issue, custom firmware support is also terrible for their devices.

I also don't recommend the FunKey S and clones (RG Nano and Q36), it's impressive that you can play PS1 on your keychain but they're uncomfortable and honestly unstable, they lack OTG ports for external controllers, top at GBA and aren't able to play all SNES and PS1 games. They do make for good gifts though.

Edit: Forgot this.

Get a device compatible with PortMaster:

Portmaster is a project that I feel gets overlooked, basically it's a manager for linux ports (Shocking, I know) you can grab files from games on Steam or gog and get them working on your device, not all games will work but there are some really good games that can run there, for instance there is a port available for Balatro and one for UFO50. I'd recommend you take a look at the PortMaster website, I think this is the best project for these devices.
 
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the clap said:
I really tried to get into phone gaming, even using a spare phone to bypass all notifications/messages stuff, but I haven't found a telescopic controller that doesn't make the end result feel like a cricket bat. Its just too wide.
I know some guy is making a slide out phone controller so hopefully that succeeds.
Click to expand...
I just put my phone on the table or on my lap and hold the controller in my hand. I don't know about other phones but Motorola has a game mode that automatically disables notifications and a bunch of other things.
 
Grub said:
I just put my phone on the table or on my lap and hold the controller in my hand. I don't know about other phones but Motorola has a game mode that automatically disables notifications and a bunch of other things.
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I think Airplane mode disables most notifications and background stuff. But I just didn't find gaming on the phone fun when out-and-about, I've got a micro controller on my keyring because I gave up on telescopic controllers but you have to rest the phone on something, whereas my RG40XX H has the screen built into the controller.
Here's the upcoming phone controller that might turn things around:
Not a fan of the wings but eh, what can you do
 
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