Ask Lemmy

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 ;-)

Miyo Mini Plus with Onion OS way to go.

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.

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You can feel good about buying any of these, and not feel the need to go any deeper, but the video is 3 months out of date, so if you really want to determine what the absolute best is for you, you may want to watch some of the corresponding more recent vids for the price class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.

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.

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.

Maybe try !retrogaming@lemmy.world

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

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.

My phone and a cheap AliExpress telescoping controller.

Someone close to me has recommended the AYN Thor. I've seen some really impressive set ups on that hardware, though I don't know about the support or anything like that

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.

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.)

The miyoo mini plus is my goto. Its very fun.

If you have a decent phone, I'd try that first. What era of "retro" are you thinking?

The R36S is an insanely good handheld for its price and plays nearly everything retro.

Phone with a Bluetooth controller (PS3 with an aftermarket phone cradle in my case). Hard to beat the handheld you already own

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

I have friends with various Miyoo and Anbernic form factors and they are basically all decent for emulating everything up to 16bits. 32/64bits are more hit and miss. Something like the Retroid Pocket 5 is much more powerful, but costs like 5 times as much as most Miyoo/Anbernic models.

I have an Anbernic RGCubeXX which is great for vertical shooters and square screens (think OG Game Boy).

If you want to emulate up to PS3 or PSVita, the Steam Deck is unbeatable.