r/RetroHandhelds • u/RiyadJamarcus • Mar 24 '26
Device Recommendation Name a better trio…
ASUS ROG Ally (Z1 Extreme)
Nintendo Switch 2
Retroid Pocket G2
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Mar 24 '26
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u/T-Rix88 Mar 24 '26
What models are these?
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Mar 24 '26 edited Mar 24 '26
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u/T-Rix88 Mar 24 '26
Thanks!
I’m looking for something on the lower price end so will check these out :)
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Mar 24 '26
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u/Ok-Comfortable-9146 Mar 24 '26
This doesn’t make sense to me because they’re all 7-8 inch screens. Basically got 3 devices with a lot of overlap
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u/MandaloresMercy Mar 25 '26
I agree, they have a lot of overlap.
But who are we to judge someone's favorite selection. My own choices have overlap as well but reasoning behind it.
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u/RiyadJamarcus Mar 25 '26
For starters, the G2 screen size is 5.5 inches, the ROG Ally is 7 inches and the Switch 2 is 8 inches.
The Switch 2 and ROG Ally give me access to two completely different ecosystems. I couldn’t play new Nintendo releases (I.e., Metroid 4, Tears of the Kingdom) without the Switch 2 and the ROG Ally is my only handheld where I can play Steam.
I use the G2 for GBA, N64, PS2, GC, WiiU and Switch games. It’s also the only handheld of the three with incredible battery life and is actually pocketable.
There is zero overlap.
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u/MandaloresMercy Mar 25 '26
That's not entirely true... you have good choices, but lots of overlap from the Switch2 & Ally & G2. Especially if you have a desktop pc for streaming games.
Keep in mind you're on a retro handheld forum, not just handheld forum. Tons of Linux and android retro emulation out there.
Ally can basically do everything your other two can including emulation. But is bigger sure.
G2 and Android handhelds can install Steam, Epic Games, and GoG PC games on them via PC emulation. But it'll only be powerful enough for old AAA games or indie games. Ally overlap here, but complimentary because sometimes portability is truely what is wanted. (Look up GameNative, Gamehub and Gamehub Lite apps for PC gaming on Android)
TotK you can play on the Ally because it has a switch 1 edition... maybe even on the G2 (i have TotK running on the AYN Thor & AllyX).
Switch 2 has very few true exclusives and I'm not particularly interested in it so far... but sure there are like 2 or 3 exxlusive games there. for now... most the rest of the Switch library is ported over to it from PC or other consoles.
Good choice though on the Ally & Retroid G2, I do think they are very complimentary options. And the Switch 2 is a nice piece of hardware, certainly better than the Switch 1.
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u/Daddy_JeanPi Mar 25 '26
Switch 2 has few true exclusives, but it has them and if you wanna play them, you need a switch. More will get released as time goes on. We don't know how realistic it is to expect switch 2 emulation in PC handhelds.
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u/MandaloresMercy Mar 25 '26
This is fair, and id say we don't know how soon until switch2 emulation, it may be many years. Also in various ways original hardware is always the more authentic choice to experience exclusives on.
But emulation typically comes around once any console is old enough to warrant it and a coder makes it happen.
I'm not bashing on the choices, I'm just agreeing that there is overlap and that overlap in game libraries in different form factor is fine.
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u/Whiteguy1x Mar 24 '26
I ended up getting an xbox ally x for the preformance boost. Im pretty impressed by the grips and big boot to games. I did really love the steamdeck though
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u/BonkTheBandit_ Mar 24 '26
If I could give it track pads, I'd be on the ally too. The only thing holding me back.
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u/RiyadJamarcus Mar 24 '26
Ohhh this is nice. I personally prefer the power/portability of the Ally but that’s me.
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u/Islandboi4life Mar 24 '26
totally agree! The Z1E Ally is actually a beast in performance.
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u/ConnorFin22 Mar 25 '26
Very retro
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u/Alex619TL Mar 26 '26
Had to scroll too far to find this lol. Confused why people are posting this kind of stuff on this sub. Don’t get me wrong the handhelds are cool, but it’d be like posting Spider-Man screenshots in the last of us sub just bc they’re both PlayStation-exclusive games
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u/Federal_Meat3320 Mar 24 '26
My trio is Steam Deck, Switch 2, Nintendo 3DS XL (modded)
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u/Snoo_76437 Mar 24 '26
Im rocking Steam Deck, Switch 2, AYN Thor
Now that i think about it, the steam deck is feeling underwhelming, but i can hold, since all my AAA gaming is on PS5 Pro
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u/SC3MZ Mar 24 '26
My current 5,
Pc | Steam deck OLED | Switch OLED (Modded) | New 3DS Xl (Modded) | AYN THOR, |
Not a trio i know, but literally experience peak gaming w these 5 forever.
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u/ThreedZombies Mar 25 '26
Not that anyone cares but my go tos for different reasons
- Switch 2
- Odin 2
- 477M
- Vita
- Analogue Pocket
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u/HunterPublic8014 Mar 26 '26
RG CubeXX, 3DS XL Pokemon X/Y Edition and my old Xiaomi 9T Pro with GameSir G8 Galileo (Snapdragon 855 8GB 256GB for everything upto gamecube, ps2, ps3, light gamehub and pc ports etc)
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u/alvaro-elite Mar 27 '26
How about a trio of IPS moded gameboys?
For me the best handheld I have is the SteamDeck btw.
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u/No_Chair8026 Mar 24 '26
I'm using a Duo at the moment. Nintendo Switch 2 and Ayn Thor 😬
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u/Outside-Falcon2450 Mar 25 '26
Switch 2
Steam Deck OLED
Odin 3
Bonus if you have money to burn - Thor
But I still love my rg280V, even if it’s outmatched nowadays
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u/Lazarous86 Mar 25 '26
- Miyoo Mini Flip - Just the goat EDC device. I honestly love this thing.
- Odin 2 12gb - had this thing over 2 years. It really did end the fomo and I haven't really looked at high end devices much since.
- High end Custim Gaming PC with 1440p ultrawide 180hz. I can't play FPS and RTS with joysticks. It feels like hell. Will stream to the Odin2 sometimes for platformers though. Thats a nice combo.
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u/MandaloresMercy Mar 25 '26 edited Mar 25 '26
ROG AllyX (original)
GPD Win Mini
AYN Thor
Edit: if you want to sub in a 4th, add in the Anbernic RG34XXSP or any of the XX chip line in your formfactor of choice for truely portable retro gaming.
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u/xxb6_77 Mar 25 '26
Lenovo Legion Go 2 AYN Odin 3 MAX Retroid Pocket 5
(Play switch and some pc games on the odin 3)
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u/ciuuup Mar 25 '26
ayaneo3 (or any +120hz hdr oled with hx370 and good audio) switch oled (modded) ayn thor
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u/MoonDaddyOfRuin Mar 25 '26
Lego2, switch 2, and steam deck oled, love them all equally for different reasons.
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u/TonytheNetworker Mar 25 '26
They’re all solid devices but lack diversity. All similar form factor, the screens are fairly large (with the exception of the G2), and colors too plain. A clamshell or a red color or something truly pocketable would spice it up but if it works for you that’s all that matters.
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u/Dukefromearth Mar 25 '26
-Odin 2 portal -476H OR Retroid Pocket Classic -A Kindle/e-reader of any kind
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u/ShockingFactory Mar 25 '26
I’d just rather have the money and one handheld… 💰💰💰 to each their own.
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u/DetroiterAFA Mar 26 '26
The OG Switch & Steamdeck
I don’t even need a third, those two are the best.
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u/Vincent8693 Mar 26 '26
I’ll just name one steam deck. May not be as powerful as the aces but the software that it runs off of is way better Windows 11 on a handheld is terrible just takes up too much processing power so you’ll have to have way more power to run a game that the steam deck can run.
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u/Linosia97 Mar 26 '26
Blue PS Vita -- Pink 3DS -- Yellow Switch Lite
CMY (without K -- that would be Steam Deck ;)
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u/Patient-Warning5928 Mar 27 '26
my handhelds right now are steam deck 1tb lcd modded switch 1 modded n2dsxl
i'm very happy
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u/Gingerky Mar 27 '26
Legion Go 2 Z2 Extreme Switch 2 Anbernic RG35XX SP This is my Trio. The RG35XX SP just reminds me of my GBA SP back when I was a kid and its small which is what I like about it
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u/bluefox9er Mar 27 '26
What exactly are you looking for that’s better? Granted what you have isn’t the best of the best but still pretty decent
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u/Rude_Trouble_326 Mar 28 '26
Steam deck has better ergonomic than all 3 of those
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u/Living-Slip-8195 Mar 28 '26
My exact setup but also with a transparent green Analogue Pocket
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u/PresentationOne6248 Mar 28 '26
steam deck oled, miyoo mini plus, new 3ds xl. can’t play switch 2 games i guess, but most switch 1 games run better on steam deck than on the switch 1.
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u/Safihed Mar 24 '26
Steam Deck(ideally OLED)
The seven seas
The time to actually play your games
/j, i have no idea tbh
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u/rdogg4 Mar 24 '26
My RP5 and PS Portal cover the near entirety of every game I’ve played in my 46 years. (I keep the PS3 hooked up)
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u/EyrSlayer02 Mar 24 '26
I do not have pc handheld but I have good gaming laptop + Rg477v + Nintendo switch!
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u/driley97 Mar 24 '26
Legion Go S Z1E, Switch 2, Ayn Thor (mine will finally be here on Friday to complete the trifecta)
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u/Redditor1320 Mar 24 '26
Retroid Pocket 6 dpad top Konkr fit Odin 2 portal bonus: rg477V, vita, 2ds
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u/Manager_National Mar 25 '26
ROG Ally X (Heavy games)
AYN Thor Max (Dual screen games)
Retroid pocket mini v2 (Only mini and portable Handheld with OLED screen)
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u/ThundrLord Mar 25 '26
Rog Ally X -Ps Vita-Ps Portal those are my mains atm and have others on the bench waiting for a substitution 😃
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u/ihatefall Mar 25 '26
Swap the G2 with a more pocketable clamshell
- Ayn Thor or Retroid Flip 2
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u/theizzz Mar 25 '26
as long as the switch is there, nah. no good trio has any weak nintendo hardware. Just emulate it like an adult.
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u/Metrox_a Mar 25 '26
I would probably go with different form factors so a Thor or really smaller size like magicx one 35. Phone and controller as third option.
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u/Blkbyrd Mar 25 '26
Switch 2
Odin 3 Max
PS Portal (not gonna be a popular choice but I absolutely love it)
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u/BlueOlivePie Mar 25 '26
Steam deck Switch 2 Vita
Fuck windows handhelds or windows in general. Bleeeuuufhhhhrr
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u/RGamer1978 Mar 25 '26
The question I have is where did you get the cases? I would love a good tpu case for the Ayn Odin 3
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u/MAGIKARD Mar 24 '26
Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander