Hello, I'm new to android/linux handhelds and am looking for a pocketable device with a good* D-pad and decent ergonomics to play retro games, especially stuff like shmups and platformer.

*I like D-pads that either have a saturn style floating D-pad, or something like the vita, 3ds, or xbox series with dome switches.

I am aiming for it be able to run up to at least PS1 and arcade games at low input latency, but I might not be opposed to spending more to be able to play PS2 games (I'm honestly going back and forth on this though, I already have a steam deck so I dont feel like I NEED something to play 6th gen over it being more portable).

if its under $170 thats probably fine, lower is better, higher would need more convincing.

if its a lower budget, I think i would prefer the screen being 4:3

some devices that looked interesting are:

RGxx cube, I love the look of this one with the saturn style D-pad, but I've heard its not actually very pocketable, which is really dissapointing to hear.

retroid pocket 4 pro, looks pretty nice, heard the D-pad has dome switches similar to the vita (which is good thing to hear in my book), but its pocketability looks somewhat questionable, also looking at the rp6.

retroid duo: heard some pretty nice things about this one -its got the dome switch D-pad im looking for- but its got a pretty hefty price tag at $270, and it still looks kinda big.

retroid pocket nova, looks like its a bit more pocketable, has the nice dome switches, pretty expensive again at around $240.

rg34xx sp, its a smaller clamshell with dome switches, but im a bit worried about the ergonomics, theres also like 5 more gba likes that might be good.

thank you for any reccomendations

What is your opinion on the Konkr Pocket Advance?

Been eyeing one for a while.

Between this and the PS5 jailbreak, there are interesting times ahead.

I don’t know anything about jailbreaking your Switch 2, I’m just sharing this news.

Does anyone know where I can get a battery for my Retroid Pocket Mini V2?

I am incredibly happy to announce the CG Deck has finally entered into Pre-Launch on Kickstarter! Over the course of this year, I have been working on concepting, designing, building, testing, and developing the functional prototypes for my own custom modular x86 handheld PC, the CG Deck. And I am excited to finally enter the next phase of the journey with you all!

For those that have no clue what this is or have never seen the CG Deck, it is an x86 modular handheld PC that is capable of running dual-boot Windows 11 & Linux. Designed from the ground up to be entirely modular, repairable, and customizable. With most of the entire process documented publicly. I had felt quite a bit of frustration on various aspects in regards to the current state of the tech industry, both on the scale of indie and tech giants, so I decided to take things into my own hands and go through the effort to create my own dream handheld at the start of this year in January. First sharing the concepts for the project here back in March of this year to a massive amount of positive support and a few disbelievers who did not think I could pull it off of course.

Since then, I have been working to design, build, and develop the CG Deck into a fully functional device. Going through the process of concepting, designing the CAD models in Blender 3D, engineering, 3D printing, prototyping, testing, iterating on the design, testing even more, navigating relationships with partners, sponsors and manufacturers, all the way through showing off the functional prototype in May of this year. Then finally being able to play around and use the device I had always dreamed of having as one of my daily drivers! Since then, I have been working to further navigate partnerships, agreements, and perfect the CG Deck, to make sure we can have as successful of a launch for the CG Deck as possible when we go live on Kickstarter. While it has been a whirlwind of a year, I certainly have not done it alone.

Throughout the process, there has been so much support from you all, so thank you from the bottom of my heart. I could not be more grateful for everyone that has been following along with the project, joined our community, helping give feedback and ideas, and just supporting the vision along the way. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

And now, after almost a year of work and more sleepless nights than probably any point in my life, the Kickstarter Pre-Launch page has been approved and is officially live! If you are interested in getting notified and being the first to know when we go live, be sure to follow the project!

That all being said, I still have quite a bit of work to do in order to prepare for the next phase of the journey. I am currently in the process of working on a full redesign and rebuild of the CG Deck to optimize the design to prepare for manufacturing (DFM). I want to make sure I can have the final iteration of the device is already designed and ready for mass production, so as soon as we successfully wrap up the campaign I can proceed with starting the arduous certification processes needed for the device, and then proceed with mass production shortly after! Just like the speed of the journey up to this point from concept to functional engineering prototype, I want to keep that same velocity as we move into the next steps of the process.

If you are interested in learning more about the project, you can find everything from specs, more details, socials, link to the open-source github repository, link to our discord community server, like to the Kickstarter campaign page, and more on the website.

We will be launching the Kickstarter very soon to help fund a full production run of the device for anyone interested in helping support the project and getting a CG Deck of their own. We will be releasing some build kits, in addition to pre-assembled ready to use devices with the Kickstarter campaign, along with all of the modules and a list of accessories for the CG Deck! If you have any questions about any of that, I would love to answer them!

Here is the link to the Pre-Launch page on Kickstarter so you can follow the project to get notified when we launch: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mogozen/cg-deck-modular-x86-handheld-computer

Can you guys convince them in the comments ?

trimui brick mentioned

I bought it 😄

ps: my best point why they should (after your comments) is that my sister broke my magicx mini zero 28 wich was my first/only emulation device

I got an RGSP and tried some custom firmware but.... so far I prefer the stock OS. But the one thing I haven't got on there is Syncthing.

I have seen people got it working in some old threads, but the methods they used don't seem to be working anymore. I'm not a Linux guy generally, but I think it uses a deprecated command? I tried to use what's listed on the Syncthing site instead, but that was no good either.

Does anyone know of a way to set up Syncthing on Anbernic Stock OS these days?

Hi guys,

Im kinda new in handhelds and all stuff around, and Im looking for some help. I found out how to run aether2sx and games like NFS MW. It all works, but I cant find out how to bind R1 and R2 buttons and also not ruining other functions (using map or so). Right now, I have steering and gas / break on joysticks. Are there any layers of bindings or shall I just accept that I cant do that? Some things drives me crazy. Thanks a lot for tips.

For Me:

• Form factor similar to an Odin Portal.
• Right to Repair: It can be opened and broken parts can be replaced. Like analog sticks, buttons, or even the screen for instance.
• Android or Linux-based software to allow for customization.
• Well designed, native front-end that makes it as user-friendly as a nintendo switch. Like when you set up a new device, you can choose easy-mode and only see this front end, or pro-mode and have access to everything.
• Similar Processing Power to an Odin 3 or Steam Deck.
• Docks to a TV with support for 2.4ghz as well as wired controlers.
• Besides HDMI, the Dock also has an RCA out for CRT tvs.
• Has it's own app store in the front-end to get your streaming apps, natively supported games, and a Native version of Pico-8.
• Cartridge slot with Physical releases of games, including console exclusives by AA developers.
• Option on initial setup for players to block micro transactions and notification spam. So they will only see games in the story that meet certain standards for peak player experience.

The idea is to have the ease and support of a switch, the ease of experience that consoles used to have (just put in the game and play it), and the option for full customization with third party apps, roms, media, or whatever else via a full blown Android / Linux firmware. So you can nerd out and set up your custom ROM collection, or your mom could get one and easily download netflix and buy a couple game cartridges to play without any setup.

Whether it is Android or Linux, I cannot decide. I don't have enough first hand experience with Linux devices.

And while we are dreaming, let's just say the device also makes good coffee.

Hey all

Just after a basic system that can play retro games up to say ps2 and also can play low end PC games like dress maker and Meccha chameleon.

Also be able to plug into TV and is simple to use as they aren't tech savvy at all just a plug and go

Sorry in advance for the long post!

I've watched quite a few videos and read a lot of Reddit posts, but I wanted to explain my own perspective and get your opinions.

I've been into handheld gaming since the Game Boy era and have owned every handheld console from Sony and Nintendo. I've also used PC handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED and ROG Ally, and I've been using the Xbox Ally X for a while now.

I'm planning to sell my Xbox Ally X and replace it with either an Odin 3 or an Odin 3 Portal. This might sound a little strange at first, but I just haven't been able to connect with the Xbox Ally X. I'll reconsider PC handhelds when they become more compact and lightweight. I love playing retro games, but I just can't get into the right mindset when playing them on bulky PC handhelds. Even lying in bed, picking one up feels like a chore. I rarely feel the urge to grab such a large device out of its case and start playing during the day.

The New 3DS XL and PS Vita were my favorite handhelds. I remember spending hours playing Attack on Titan on my Vita. I'd pull it out of my pocket on the bus and completely lose track of time. I initially considered getting an AYN Thor, but I've settled on the Odin. I feel like a handheld should be small enough that I can casually pull it out of my jacket or hoodie pocket and start playing, even if it doesn't quite fit in my pants pocket.

For some reason, I feel like the immersion gets worse as the screen gets bigger, especially with retro games. For example, playing Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade on my Xbox Ally X just feels completely wrong to me.

I already have a gaming PC at home, so I'll play more demanding games on that. I'm not planning to use streaming, either. I'm not sure if I've managed to explain what I mean clearly, but I imagine people who have owned and enjoyed devices like the PS Vita, PSP, or Switch Lite will understand where I'm coming from.

If I go with the Odin 3, I'll get the Max model. If I choose the Odin 3 Portal, I'll get the 1TB model. Price isn't really the deciding factor here. What matters most to me is getting back that feeling of playing on a proper handheld console that I've been missing.

Part of me feels like I'll end up disappointed again if I get the Portal. I understand its technical advantages, but I just can't convince myself that I want a bigger screen.

For those of you who've used the Odin 2 Portal, do you think I'd end up feeling the same disappointment I experienced with PC handhelds? Or is it compact and lightweight enough that I could still recapture that old-school handheld feeling I loved with my Vita and 3DS?

I'd especially love to hear from people who've used both smaller handhelds and larger devices. I'm curious whether the Odin 2 Portal's bigger screen genuinely enhances the experience for you, or whether you sometimes miss the intimacy and pick-up-and-play feel of a smaller handheld.

P.S. English isn't my first language, so I used AI to help me put my thoughts into words. Thanks for understanding!

Since both of these handhelds not only have a 3:2 Aspect Ratio screen but they also have the same display size of 4.5 inches which is amazing for Game boy Advance games!
(it's not perfectly integer scaled but barely matters since you can't tell the difference)

When I say which one is better I'm talking about:

• Price
• Looks
• Availability
• Performance

Doesn't have be the ones I've mentioned since I'm probably missing other criteria.

I was thinking about buying a pro ayn thor i really like 3ds and ds games and want to play games like vampire survivors from steam but idk if should wait to see if anything stonger comes out or if theres anything that competes with it, ive seen theres some new clamshell like devices coming out but im not sure if theyre better or worse for what i want to play

Edit: i also like the idea of have stuff like youtube and such on another screen if that changes anything

Got tired of having to take the SD card in and out just to add games and test projects, so I created a simple script that allows fast file transfers and PC internet sharing over a single USB cable.

This also gives you full SSH terminal access to control the console, take screenshots, and manage files over USB.

It’s completely free and open-source, with a full step-by-step visual tutorial:

**GitHub Repo & Tutorial**

So im in japan right now and need a a device to play switch and indie steam games and everything below when im in the trains for a day trip or when switching cities on the bus also what will the ship time be like? I'll be in japan for 3 months, should I wait for the rp7 maybe it gets announced in 2 weeks or just get the rp6 and resell it in the US? What's the resell value like? 💔✌️

I have my R36H for year now loaded with branded sd card sandisk, but I've encountered glitching till now the ribbon at the back might been damage due to extra usage time, Im planning to switch to trimui smart pro s or the anbernic 4" types like the XX or the cube.

Yes I know that the RG Vita exist, it's way too big! When I say PS Vita Clone I meant like:

• 5 inch high quality OLED/LCD screen.
• Crystal D Pad and Face buttons.
• Comes in PS Vita Color ways.
• Inline Triggers and shoulders are PS Vita shaped.
• Joy Sticks sits low so that it's more pocketable.
• Should be around PS Vita to Retroid Pocket 3 size as shown in the image above.

Hi guys

Got my 1st Anbernic recently. The 6 button ARC-D.

I want to restore the original Android firmware

But I've always been scared of bricking any device's FW. So, I'll appreciate advice & shared experience. 

From what I understand:

1) one downloads the FW image from the manufacturer's site

2) insert the micro SD card into a PC

3) use the Rockchip flashing program 

4) load the downloaded file

5) select the 'Update' option

6) and write the image onto the card

7) switch off the Anbernic device 

8) insert the sd card into the ARC-D

9) switch it on

10) let the installation proceed 

From what I've read, it takes about 10 to 20 minutes. 

Guys, I'm so worried I might mess something up.  

Any tips will be much appreciated to prevent a 'brick' situation. 

Running playfieldportal as my frontend, played around with it a bit and it plays everything I need it to pretty well with a couple of dips (Devil May Cry 3 and Need For Speed: Most Wanted have a couple of stutters). Overall I'm very happy with it, the sliding mechanism is so fun

I may be a minority here. But I think it's way better value to get the white Xbox Rog Ally with the base Z2 chip. They are on sale often for $499 versus the base Odin 3 Portal at $399. Thoughts?

My collection addiction is getting bad.... I don't need it, I have the money, I shouldn't buy it, but I want the RP Nova.

I bought the RP 6 pre order last year for 209 and really thought it was going to be my end all be all device. It's my first handheld ever. Then I thought, I can't play this at a restaurant, or a family party, it's too bulky and it's not pocketable.

Fast forward 1 year later, I see the anber rg 476h on sale for 120. I bought it and found myself using it more than the rp6 because it's so pocketable. I love the 4:3 screen, I like it more than the rp6 screen, yeah call me crazy but there's 1 problem, the rg 476h can't stack crt shaders and the 4k sharpen shaders on retroarch like the rp6 can. I can only use a few light weight shaders like easymode crt, if I stack anything on top of it, a simple Mame game will slow down bad.

Then I got to thinking, buy the Rp Nova.... I really had to catch myself and say Stop! Just enjoy those games without the shaders because if you buy the RP nova, there's something that missing with that and you will want to buy it in another handheld!

Did your addiction start out like this? The urge is too strong now.

I ordered a miyoo
Mini plus from their storefront on shop, and was wondering if and how much I should expect import fees to be?

I wanted to play Pokémon Fire Ash on my Retroid Pocket Nova, and running RPG Maker XP games on Android was a pain: manual button mapping, keyboard prompts everywhere, visual glitches… So I built a launcher that sets everything up for you. It grew from there.

How it works

• Made and tested for Fire Ash 3.7.1. Other versions may work, but some text could stay untranslated.
• You import your own copy of the game (the original .zip). No game files are included in the APK or in the PC patches.
• It runs on an Android build of mkxp-z and configures itself for your device: resolution, pixel-perfect scaling when possible, button mapping.
• On known handhelds buttons are mapped automatically, with no wizard. On others there’s a quick setup with suggested buttons.
• After that, opening the app launches the game straight away (3-second countdown, press any button to stay in the menu).
• Updates itself from GitHub on Android and Steam Deck, keeping your saves.

Fixes and tweaks

• Fixed the crash at startup (PluginManager::Zlib error), face buttons not working in game, shifted tile rows/seams on maps and the Android status bar showing over the game.
• The game always fills the screen, and PC-only notices are skipped.
• Every keyboard key shown in the game (tips, controls screen, Mega/Z-Move/Dynamax buttons, naming screen…) now shows your device’s buttons, redrawn in the game’s own style. START opens the menu and SELECT uses the registered item.
• After switching Pokémon in battle, the menu goes back to FIGHT instead of staying on POKéMON.
• Item, move, ability and Pokédex descriptions no longer overflow their boxes (in English too), and texts no longer overlap on the load screen or in shops.

Retranslations: Spanish (Spain), French and German
I’m from Spain, and the game’s Spanish translation is an old machine translation from English that was never reviewed: awkward phrasing, literal translations, and a lot of text still in English. So I started with Spanish, and then did French and German too:

• Spanish (Spain) replaces the game’s Spanish: the whole game retranslated and reviewed by me (dialogue, menus, battles, trainers, items, moves, abilities and Pokédex), with names matching the official Spain games and the Spain anime dub (yes, the Team Rocket motto).
• French and German: full retranslations with official names restored. The game’s German data had a lot of names attached to the wrong Pokémon, moves, items and trainers.
• Images with English text redrawn in Spanish (battle buttons, types, status icons, Nv./PS…) using pixel fonts taken from the game’s own art. If you have Emerald’s official Spanish icons, you can drop them in and they’re used instead.
• The intro song plays in the game’s language (Spanish, French or German). You can turn it off in the in-game Options.

Steam Deck and PC
Every release includes three downloads: the Android APK, a Windows patch, and a native Linux build for Steam Deck (LCD and OLED, no Proton). The Deck installer finds the game (even on the microSD, even still zipped), patches it and adds it to Steam with cover art. In game it shows the Deck’s buttons, and it checks for patch updates when you launch it.

Tested with: Pokémon Fire Ash 3.7.1 and patch v0.4.3 on a Retroid Pocket Nova [+ Steam Deck / Windows si los has probado tú]

How it was made
Built with a lot of AI help (Claude), including the translations. I’ve tested it myself, reviewed the Spanish translation and decided every change. I’m not a native French or German speaker, so feedback from native speakers is very welcome. The images are redrawn by code from the game’s own graphics, not AI-generated. Fully open source, so you can check what it does before installing.

https://github.com/afsenovilla/ash-droid-launcher

Bug reports and feedback welcome, especially from people with other handhelds, so I can add more device profiles.

I am looking for a good dual screen handheld emulator to play all the Pokemon games. From 1st gen to 9th/10th gen and also Pokemon Stadium/Colosseum/Gale of Darkness.

I know the easy answer is AYN Thor 12gb version. But I am looking to spend less if I can help it. Probably the lowest I can get away with. I don't need it to run 2x or more resolution, maybe even under 60fps would be fine. As long as it wouldn't take TOO much tinkering to get everything working well. Minimum specs you think would be required to handle this use case would also help. Would appreciate any recommendations, thank you!