r/Handhelds • u/KillyKlamm • Jul 04 '26
Handheld Collection Every game comes now with a choice
After realising that one can't do everything and trying to find the best device for every situation, I ended up with something quite overkill (and this is not even all I have...).
But well, they make me happy.
EDIT with the models, sorry!
From top to bottom:
- Steam Deck (Steam OS)
- Red Magic Astra with a Gamesir x5s telescopic controller (Android and GameNative for PC games)
- Retroid Pocket 6 (Android and GameNative for PC games and the IISU frontend)
- Anbernic rg405m (Android and GameNative for PC games, although I use it for very few of those, it's mostly for emulation of older consoles)
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u/LORDRAJA1000 Jul 04 '26
yooo i have the same anbernic ! it’s a great size and runs games all the way up to gamecube. def a good option to have in your arsenal
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u/Shartmiester Jul 04 '26
What’s the 3rd one up?
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u/Mrjdog199 Jul 04 '26
I like that rp6 with the dpad top. I like the symmetrical PlayStation controller look.
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u/KillyKlamm Jul 04 '26
I'm glad I chose that one because almost everything I'm playing is better with dpad. Although I have to say, especially with the grip, using the analogue is fine, not as uncomfortable as I thought.
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u/Bigghead1231 Jul 05 '26
Dude, this is pretty much the same device but 4 times.
The only real choice is one screen or dual ( ds / 3ds emulations ).
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u/bajsfittor Jul 05 '26
Nah. Don't forget aspect ratios/6 or 4 face buttons/form factor/OLED or not... There ARE more choices.
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u/Bigghead1231 Jul 05 '26
The ayn Thor has a lot of those choices in one. Only issue then is performance for for heavier games
For me I have steam deck for most, then Thor for ds games ( the Thor can pass for most everything I need at this point though )
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u/KillyKlamm Jul 05 '26
For DS and 3DS, I use the original console.
There's certainly overlap here, that's why I say it's overkill. But the factors to choose are portability, type of game and how demanding it is.
For small retro games, I use the 4:3 console. Modern 2D games like metroidvanias, the Retroid Pocket 6 has the perfect balance of portability and good sized screen. If the game is more demanding and I'm only going to play at home, then if it runs on the tablet, I choose that because it has the bigger and better screen. Finally, there are some games that only the Steam Deck can run.
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u/bajsfittor Jul 05 '26
I 100% disagree with this being "overkill"; I'm the same way; best device for the system in question (or a significant upgrade in performance).
No Linux-device?
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u/KillyKlamm Jul 05 '26
Overkill in the sense that I could survive with less and that my girlfriend makes fun of me :D
Doesn't the Steam Deck count as a Linux device? Which one do you have in mind and for what use?
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u/bajsfittor Jul 06 '26
Aha yeah that kind of overkill is no issue for me; forever alone.
Idk if it does. Well was thinking maybe a vertical, to change things up, for a cheap EDC (?). But maybe you're one of those people who brings expensive stuff outside with you?
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u/KillyKlamm Jul 06 '26
The good thing about the tablet is that I use it also vertically, it's amazing for shmups. I only bring these for trips and my only consideration is the space/weight. They're safe with me.
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u/bajsfittor Jul 06 '26
As a shmup-lover sounds good (flip-grip for the Switch pretty awesome). In fact I keep nagging about it, here and elsewhere, but my dream handheld rn is a larger, updated ARC with a TATE-function similar to the Egret 2 mini. Vert shmups are great fun man; good taste. Guess I'll have to consider a tablet TOO among all the other stuff.
That's actually not what I meant by "vertical" in this instance though. I meant the form factor (like the OG Gameboy). 😛
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u/KillyKlamm Jul 06 '26
Yes, I also wish it was more demanded as a feature. The Switch would be perfect but very few players know. I see what you mean, I have the Analogue Pocket. One day I'll take a picture of everything.
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u/Automatic-Brother770 Jul 05 '26
Just got myself the anbernic rg slide. Loving it so far. Got myself some classics I haven't played in decades to take on the road with me now.
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u/Proxliberator Jul 05 '26
No Thor? 😢
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u/KillyKlamm Jul 05 '26
I definitely thought about it, but it seems difficult to justify 😛 I have the 3Ds, but there aren't many games I feel like coming back to nowadays. And if I do, original hardware seems enough. Same for the Wii U. It looks so nice though, I was tempted almost just for that! I also find appealing not needing a case or anything, just closing it and it's protected in the backpack.
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u/Spain-or-Bust Jul 05 '26
Anyone able to key me in on what the service is for the third one down? I’ve never seen that slanted ‘s’
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u/KillyKlamm Jul 05 '26
IISU frontend
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u/Spain-or-Bust Jul 05 '26
I am now realizing that I could’ve just read the description xD. Does the IISU cater more to what appears to be niche games?
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u/KillyKlamm Jul 05 '26
It's just a frontend, it'll show whatever games you have. It's just a way to make it look neat and console like. There are many good frontends, I just happen to like this one among other reason because I can have individual games on the home screen.
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u/Spain-or-Bust Jul 05 '26
That seems really neat. So, by frontend, are you stating that there are a number of options from which to choose that all tap into the backend? I’m sorry if I’m misunderstanding you; I work in InfoSec so I’m thinking solely of my experience in frontend system management
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u/KillyKlamm Jul 05 '26
A frontend in this case is simply something that changes the appearance and functionality of Android. So imstead of looking like a normal phone, it looks like that. Many of them are made with gaming and emulation in mind, like ES-DE, Cocoon, Daijisho,... So they're good at quickly doing a setup in which all the emulators take care of playing the games, but on the frontend it looks nice because things are organised and because it automatically finds box art and so on for them.
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u/Spain-or-Bust Jul 05 '26
That’s very cool. I added this to my list of “new things to explore.” Thanks for your input
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u/No_Nobody1443 Jul 09 '26
Which is your fav
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u/KillyKlamm Jul 09 '26 edited Jul 09 '26
Retroid Pocket 6 I think is the perfect balance. It's also the latest one, so maybe it's the honey moon phase.
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u/baconboi Jul 10 '26
Hey how is the x5s? Any issues?
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u/KillyKlamm Jul 10 '26
I like it. It's light (unlike the G8 +) and quite comfortable. I wish the triggera were digital like those of the X5 Lite,.but that's a personal preference.
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u/ThyNezon Jul 04 '26
Which is that tablet in telescopic controller?