I’m fairly new to handhelds and just bought one on a whim probably a year ago now but it has become one of my favourite things.
There are so many options that I’m hoping people here can post pictures and give me their opinions on some that I might have overlooked.
I use a steam deck, it’s not really portable but it fits all my needs
I have a TrimUi Brick Hammer.
Personally, it’s everything I need in a pocket device. The metal body makes it feel safe in my hands and my pocket, or wherever I put it down. The screen is incredible. Very crisp and good colour vibrancy. The downside people might have is no analog sticks. It’s d-pad and buttons / triggers. For me that’s perfect. If I’m emulating anything that requires a stick I a) don’t want a tiny stick and b) have a steam deck that can do it better. For an every day carry, the brick does it for me on all levels. Running minUi currently.
I have one too. Got it so I don’t have to keep fixing my SP. They absolutely nailed it on every level. Stock OS is meh but the community created options are stellar. Love that it isn’t Android and the buttons and screen are perfect which i am really picky about.
Miyoo Flip v2
This is my favourite design but I’ve already had to fix the hinge once… and this is the revised version to improve on the original! Also the thumbsticks are awful so I avoid using them whenever I can.
Gameplay wise it runs up to PX1/N64 great but then stuff like Dreamcast and PSP are “playable” but not ideal. That’s to be expected though.
Anbernic RG35XXH
This was my second handheld and there is a definite theme going on here :D I mostly played GBA games on this at first but because the tumbsticks are far better than the Flip it is now the most used console. It also plays up to PS1/N64 games but, last time I tried, anything more does run but is mostly unplayable.
I like the colection. I have a miyoo mini plus, a VERY old Caanoo 15+ years old, and a couple of everdrives if they count. Andmy steam deck with everytjing up to switch 2 (very expiramental).
If I didn’t already have the Flip I would probably get the Mini Plus.
Yeah its basically the same chips with different form factor. They are good little machines, especislly with onion.
Do console handhelds count?
If so, though I can’t take a photo right now, two I have and would recommend are the New 3DS XL for its gorgeous appearance and image quality, and the PS Vita for its versatility and being from my experience the sturdiest handheld console I had the opportunity to play with (though some seem to try to break their Vitas on purpose, going by online market listings).
R36S
Replaced the left thumb stick with a hall effect, and had to replace the silicon pads under the buttons, but it’s a decent PSX emulator, and an awesome game boy advanced machine.
My two most used dedicated handhelds are my original 3DS and Analogue Pocket.
I bought everything on the eshop for the 3DS that I wanted during its final week and then modded it to hell the day after. I use it for all DS stuff and then anything Gameboy related that’s not on the Switch already, or that I don’t have physical.
I got my Analogue Pocket on a whim after seeing they were doing clear plastic colors. No idea how I learned about it, as I didn’t have an Analogue product before. So I set an alarm on my phone, went to the link when my alarm went off, was able to add a Jungle Green Pocket to my cart, and checked out with no issues. I wanted Jungle Green to match my N64 and shell swapped Switch. Ended up getting a 512gb micro SD and putting something like 60,000 games on it. Played Chrono Trigger for the first time using the Pocket, so for that alone it was worth it. Plus I can finally retire my Gameboys to glory on the top of the game shelf.
I’m too lazy to get off my couch for pictures, but here’s what I currently have and a few I’ve had in the past.
Current
Anbernic RG 40XXV - I stepped up from the 35XXV after giving that to a friend. The 40 is fine, but a little larger than is comfortable for me with a vertical handheld. Mostly just use the stick for Retroarch shortcuts.
Anbernic RG 34XXSP - I had the original Anbernic SP, but it was a little thick and the buttons were SO loud. This is great for a GBA machine. Sadly, I dropped it and the screen has been wonky since.
Previous
Anbernic RG 35XX - I miss it. For me, this is the perfect handheld for retro games. I don’t want or expect anything past the 16-bit / GBA era on it. I should probably pick up a new one.
Miyoo Mini - Amazing entry device and I can understand people keeping it for its portability, but it was just a little TOO mini for my older eyes to play RPGs on.
PowKiddy v90 & v10 - I loved the v90 before Anbernic and Miyoo caught up to the clamshell form factor. Terrible UI and power, but it felt good for what it was. The v10 was nice, but I don’t like the squatness of the control area.
Future
Retroid Pocket 6 - Ordered a month ago, still hasn’t shipped. Really looking forward to some GameCube on the go.
I’ve been looking at the Retroid P6 as my next purchase so come back and tell us how it is when you finally get your hands on it.
Here’s hoping I get it before the Steam Machine is released!
A BatleXP G350, i play a lot of retro stuff and some PSP too.
I got 4 of them. Miyoo A30, an R36s (clone), Anbernic RG28XX and Anbernic RG35XXH
The R36s clone is a scam. Good cpu/GPU for the price, but the buttons and speaker is bad. Add to the fact the software sucks you should avoid.
Miyoo A30, it’s a fine mini console, love the soft touch buttons. Don’t love the lack of RTC (took forever to fix Pokemon Emeralds clock) and the lack of a headphone jack. But when I got it, it was $30 - $40CAD and for that I can’t complain.
Anbernic RG line of handhelds are all the same. Same performance and same compatibility. The 28 is almost the perfect mini system. Headphone jack, enough buttons for up to PS1/GBA games my only gripe is the loud clicky buttons. Not easy to play in a doctors office.
35 has the same issues, loud shoulder buttons but it’s bigger build makes it easier to play more. Since it has 2 analog sticks VB and N64 games are open to play, and while it’s jank even DS games are playable. This is the one I recommend.
My only advice to make these handhelds better.
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get custom OS installed. The Stock OS area joke and will not get updates.
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get your own roms. Ignoring the fact that what they are doing is piracy, wiping the hardware and putting your own roms in makes your system feel like yours.
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find what games you want to play first, Miyoo a30 can’t play PSP but Anbernic can so finding out which emulators your systems needs to run is helpful
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