So she sends me this clip for something called Retro Snap, I do a little reading up on it and discover that it’s overpriced, cheap hardware, made by a “business” that ghosts you when you need support, takes down negative reviews and even tries to bribe mods to take down critical posts. For starters. So fuck them.
Looking for alternatives, I learn about Anbernic, and as I’m reading up on them I very quickly feel overwhelmed by the huge variety of consoles on the market and vague info on what games you’ll get or how to get the ones you might want (yes I understand why but still).
So you, smart people, can you help a brother out?
Miyo Mini Plus with Onion OS way to go.
I like the “Anbernic RG35XX SP” because it feels like an upgraded GBA SP. It has a foldable screen so the screen doesn’t get scratched while carrying it in my purse. And it has 2 micro SD card slots. One for the OS and one for games. Meaning you can customize it any way you want to.
I installed muOS on mine which even supports some “ports” of PC games. I love playing Stardew Valley on it for example. Though it does take some tech knowledge and research to figure out how to setup.
The buttons are nice and clicky. And granted, the 35XX SP doesn’t have analog sticks… But IMO, analog sticks always end up in weird spots on smaller clamshell handhelds. And I have other devices where I can play those kinds of games. So it works for me.
Its also nice and light. Larger handhelds like the steam deck are too heavy in my opinion. Heck I even have trobule with the switch sometimes and the 3DS XL haha. Maybe it’s just cause I’m getting old but those kinds of handhelds hurt my hands and wrists when I play them for more than an hour or so. But I can play on my RG35XX SP all day without any issues.
It does come with default software and a bunch of games. Which could be nice if you’re less tech savvy. But I personally like to remove all that stuff because I want MY games loaded on to the device and not a bunch of extra stuff I might not play.
Anbernic makes a lot of good devices so I guess it’s more of your personal preference. Maybe checkout some comparison videos on YouTube and see what you like ;-)
The Steam Deck works really well for retro gaming, with the added benefit that your friend can also play modern games easily enough as well.
I love my steam deck for old games. Especially ps1 games
I really like the Miyoo Mini Plus. I have two of them. There’s an alternative OS called OnionOS for it that’s awesome. It adds a bunch of great features. I also have the Miyoo Mini, and I think it’s just too small to game comfortably. The Plus is way more comfortable.
My friend has a Retroid Pocket 5, and he loves it. It’s way more powerful (and also more expensive) than the Miyoo, but holy cow, it is really amazing. It can play a lot more systems than the Miyoo can. It runs Android, so it can run a bunch of applications to help, like file browsers and transfer apps and such. It can also run Android games like PUBG.
Then there’s the Steam Deck. It can do anything. It’s the GOAT. Buuuuuuut, it’s really big compared to the others. There’s no putting one of those in your pocket.
You might also consider checking https://retrocatalog.com/ if you don’t have the time or desire to watch YouTube videos (Although Russ from retro games corp is cool.)
Check out the Youtuber Retro Game Corps. Excellent in-depth videos on these devices with a focus on price relative to quality.
This is his most recent overview video of the best handhelds in each price/performance category.
You can feel good about buying any of these, and not feel the need to go any deeper, but the video is 3 months out of date, so if you really want to determine what the absolute best is for you, you may want to watch some of the corresponding more recent vids for the price class you’re interested in.
Edit: My ideal was ultimately to buy a controller to attach around my phone (RGC makes these vids as well, and add-on controllers’ quality is surprisingly high nowadays) instead of buying a dedicated handheld, so you may also want to consider whether you can get the experience you want with the hardware you already have as well.
+1 for this channel, it’s great. Personally I have a Retroid Pocket 3+ and love it. Since then they’ve only gotten better, you’d benefit from the improvements if you want to emulate higher-end systems or play more demanding Android games. Otherwise pick up a previous-gen unit at a discount if possible as they keep pumping out new ones!
Eh. That channel seems like paid marketing to me in retrospect. I bought the Anbernic GBA clamshell clone based on his glowing recommendation, and was very disappointed.
I almost got one of those but landed on something else. Curious about what was disappointing
Uncomfortable to hold. Buttons are too clicky, even after the tape mod. Screen is too tiny for games intended to be played on TVs.
Have you used a gbasp and found it comfortable but the anbernic wasn’t? Or you just don’t like that form in general?
Never used a GBA SP before
I have the Anbernic rg351v and really love it for SNES, GBA and NES games. I can play N64 games but without the C buttons it’s harder. Great for arcade and rpg style games like Zelda and Secret of Mana, etc. I haven’t used it in awhile since I got a steam deck, but is a solid device in my opinion. Should be able to find around $100.
There are better ones that are landscape, larger screen, dual sticks, but for retro stuff I wanted as close to Gameboy form factor as possible
Another vote for the anbernic.
I had to ditch the memory card that came with it though. I use GarlicOS and use it for gba games
Depends on what you want to spend and what retro games you want to play. You could emulate a lot of things on a cell phone, or steamdeck. A company like analogue 3d has handhelds that can do a lot as well.
Seconding this. Use case is a big part of the decision. Is dual screen DS/3DS important? Do you want to play past PSX and into GameCube, PSP games, etc? Are you going to be playing more widescreen or 4:3, or even some of the weirder ones like portables with non-standard aspect ratios? Are analog sticks important? How important is pocketability? Do you want HDMI out and the ability to connect a second controller to “consolize” the device? What kind of headphones will you want to use, if any, Bluetooth or wired?
My phone and a cheap AliExpress telescoping controller.
If you have a decent phone, I’d try that first. What era of “retro” are you thinking?
Maybe try !retrogaming@lemmy.world
Ayn, Anbernic, retroid, those are three reputable companies. Ayn is top of the line with Thor, retroid is midrange, and Anbernic has a bit of everything, but they have the most affordable units i would trust.
Honestly, my phone does a great job playing most retro games, and for a controller I have a razor Kishi 2 and it’s perfect for that application
I have an Anbernic, it’s solid for what it is.
Techdweeb recently recommended the G350 as an all round good starter handheld. He tests a lot of handhelds so I’m inclined to believe him.
In the end it depends on what you want. What’s your budget? What kind of performance do you want? Does it have to be pocketable?
Depending on your answer to these questions a controller for your smartphone or a full blown Steam Deck might be what’s best suited for you.
I know it’s like his bit, but I cannot stand the voice he uses in his videos. Maybe it is his real voice, idk. If it is, I feel for him.
