this post was submitted on 16 Sep 2025
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What first emulation handheld would you recommend? (discuss.tchncs.de)
submitted 1 week ago by Karcinogen@discuss.tchncs.de to c/retrogaming@lemmy.world
17 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

I've been enjoying Pokemon Black 2 on my DSi XL, but I'm looking for something that can emulate other systems.

Performance wise, I'm looking for something that can play 3DS/2DS games. I'll play only a handful of games to relive my childhood before moving onto other systems. I'm skipping the AYN Thor since in the long run, I'll be playing mostly single screen games.

I really want something portable and pocketable, but putting it in my school bag is an option.

It needs to have good battery life. I play for only a couple of hours a day, just in between college classes, but I would like for it to last a few days.

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[–] Auster@thebrainbin.org 3 points 1 week ago (2 children)

Would phones count? I have a Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro, and would recommend it as it's surprisingly powerful for its release year. Can even tackle some PS2 games through AetherSX2 and using a vanilla Android. Also works with 3DS emulation, at least from what I tested of Bravely Second.

[–] diemartin@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

Second this. My Redmi 12 can run heavier PSP games and NDS. I didn't try 3DS yet as I don't know any worthwhile games and RetroArch requires some setup IIRC, which I haven't been in the mood to do. Didn't try PS2 either.

Just find a suitable gamepad. I have a cheap PS2 shaped ergonomic one I got for like 15 USD (it just says X3 Wireless Controller or some such; don't remember the brand)

[–] Auster@thebrainbin.org 1 points 1 week ago

Dunno how it is through Retroarch, but what I used was a separated program, Lime3DS ("Azahar" now? Got the APK in the short window it was named that)

[–] Auster@thebrainbin.org 2 points 1 week ago

If not, only other pocket system I'm familiar with for emulation is the PS Vita, but given being from the same generation as the 3DS, the most it can run is Saturn (emulator got dropped from Retroarch so maybe not ideal?), PS1 (through emulator and native support in the PSP mode) and some PC games through source ports (and heavy graphical downgrades when needed).