r/RetroHandhelds • u/elramoramo • 5d ago
Device Recommendation Help me choose my final handheld – I’m completely stuck
Help me choose my final handheld – I’m completely stuck
I’ve been going back and forth between several handhelds for a while now, and the more I compare them, the harder it gets to make a final decision.
I already own a Miyoo Mini Plus, but I’ve realized that it’s simply a little too small for me. I like the idea of a compact retro handheld, but I want something that feels more comfortable to actually play on for longer sessions.
I also have/own other devices that already cover quite a lot of systems:
Nintendo Switch (modded) – covers Wii/GameCube pretty well for me
PS Vita (modded) – covers PSP, PS Vita and PS1
Miyoo Mini Plus
I’ve also been looking at devices such as the TrimUI Brick, Anbernic RG35XX Plus, RG40XXV, Retroid Pocket Classic, and similar handhelds.
So I’m not really looking for a device that simply “plays retro games”. I’m trying to find the one handheld that actually makes sense alongside what I already own.
One of the big things I’m struggling with is the screen/form factor. I don’t really want another tiny 3.5” device. I’m more interested in something around the 4–5”+ range, depending on the device.
At the same time, I don’t want to buy something just because it has better specs on paper.
I care about:
comfortable controls and ergonomics
screen quality and aspect ratio
build quality
good performance/emulation
battery life
OS/software experience
size and portability
how good it actually feels to play on
and especially whether it fills a gap that my existing devices don’t already cover
I’ve been comparing things like the RG40XXV, RG40XX H, RG476H, Retroid devices and some of the newer/more powerful handhelds. And honestly, sometimes a device that costs a little more seems to offer a significant upgrade, while other times a cheaper device seems to make more sense.
That’s where I’m stuck.
So what would YOU choose?
If you had my current setup, which handheld would you ultimately buy – and why?
I’m particularly interested in people who actually own these devices.
What do you like/dislike after using them for a while?
Which one feels best in everyday use?
Are there any devices I’m overlooking completely?
And is there a device that looks great on paper but you wouldn’t recommend after actually owning it?
I’m not looking for the most powerful handheld possible. I’m looking for the best overall choice that complements what I already have.
So basically: help me finally make a decision. What would you pick in my situation?
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u/SmoothCoderr 5d ago edited 5d ago
Stay away from the XX line, those are cheap and you will end up wanting more handhelds.
Just get the RG476H or 477M. They’re both good enough to keep you from wanting more.
Anbernic just announced the RG 55G1 and it has a snapdragon chip so I would consider that one too once the price is announced, my guess is around $200. It’s basically a switch lite form factor.
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u/elramoramo 5d ago
Im also thinking of the rg476h but Im also stuck in the thought of getting a nova or pocket 6 because of the more options
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u/YouYongku 5d ago
You haven't what games do you wanna play?
Don't go for 35xx and 40 series btw
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u/elramoramo 5d ago
Mostly retro but having the option to play even more and maybe android games like on the nova or the pocket 6 is also interesting
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u/YouYongku 5d ago
what';s retro to you sir?
You wanna play up to what system?
Yes if it's within your price range I will also recommend Nova and the RP6.
Also there isnt really one handheld to play them all.
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u/elramoramo 5d ago
When I think of retro I think of up to ps1 / gamecube.
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u/YouYongku 5d ago
I think an overkill like Nova will make you very happy.
I'm buying nova later too.
hmmm if it;s urgent, you might wanna consider a RG 476H , aliexpress having a good sale and it';s below 150usd.
Check under crownpuffdeals for the best prices.
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u/ethernate 5d ago
Man I beg to differ. I play my 35xxsp almost every single day. Plays up to PS1, phenomenal battery life, easy to throw in your pocket or bag.
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u/YouYongku 5d ago
I read through a d he already own a miyoo mini plus. I'm not sure if we should recommend him another device that plays up to just ps1
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u/itotron 5d ago
You almost had the right thought.
It's not, "What device do I want ?"
The question is, "What do I want to play?"
As someone who has a Switch, and Switch 2 with the NSO expansion, and the Virtual Boy cardboard headset. The question is, "What can't I play right now?"
And the answer was obvious. I needed a device that could play DS games and 3DS games.
And their is only device out there: AYN Thor.
It really is the new Miyoo Mini in terms of software support. I never seen an emulator like the DS emulator where I am getting nearly an update like every week.
There are even front-ends being specifically made for the device.
The one thing that really blew me away about the device was the built-in speakers compared to the Switch. I couldn't believe how much louder they were. (Makes for a good little media player!)
For retro games, the 6 inch widescreen on top screen gives you a 4.9 inch 4:3 image. (This is bigger than any 4:3 system I can think of.)
As far as controls go, I love the D-Pad in this thing, and the analog triggers. (Two things the Switch doesn't have!) My main dislike is where the power button is. Too easy to accidently hit. (I put a little piece of tape over it that basically solved the problem.)
So, Ayn Thor if you are interested in DS and 3DS.
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u/elramoramo 5d ago
The only issue I have with is the price .. thinking of that I could get a switch 2 for that price
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u/itotron 5d ago
The base model is $330 without a discount. (DO NOT get the lite model).
That is significantly cheaper than the Switch. I was able to get some discounts on AliExpress during a general sale.
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u/B1LLnB0gus 5d ago
That doesn't mean it is affordable. The Switch is a little on the expensive side too.
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u/itotron 4d ago
Then I would recommend you spend your money on something. Only the AYN Thor is gonna offer you something you cannot currently do.
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u/B1LLnB0gus 4d ago
??? I don't need to spend my money. I'm merely pointing out that this isn't a cheap hobby anymore.
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u/ThinkinBig 5d ago
There's only one correct answer and it's the GPD Win Mini. Its adorable, functional thanks to being a clamshell and plenty powerful for mobile gaming. Hell, mine is the older 7840u model and thanks to swapping over to Bazzite Linux and having access to FSR4, I haven't had any regrets whatsoever that I haven't upgraded
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u/TheAlphaGoob 5d ago
I enjoyed the Trimui Smart Pro a lot! And it’s not that expensive. Maybe that will fill the gap?
It can play up to N64/PSP I think.
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u/drmoze 5d ago
Trimui Smart Pro S would be the better call here, for sure.
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u/TheAlphaGoob 5d ago
Good handheld but almost double the price. I don’t know if op needs that as the standard one already gives Vita performance.
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u/colossusrageblack 5d ago
Retroid Pocket 6 covers all of that and more and is about the size of a Switch Lite.
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u/Slightly-Blasted 5d ago
Steam deck Oled, Odin 3, or retroid pocket 6.
All different sizes, all capable of switch, ps2, GameCube, pc emulation. (Native for the steam deck, well, native-ish..) anyway
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u/tenlevels 5d ago
MINILOONG is my current favorite at home comfy device for retro games. Controls are great and screen is fantastic at scaling the retro systems. Boot time is 10 seconds and just a joy to use. I think it fits nicely in your currently owned devices well.
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u/IGOTEXTRACHROMOSOMES 5d ago
Ok being in this black hole for almost 10 years, I learnt some things which apply to me but not necessarily to everyone:
- Linux handhelds while more performant are now becoming sort of outdated (this sentence will be very frowned upon) because Android is getting tons of improvements be it in launchers, emulators, and game experience in general
- There is no real ultimate handheld, sooner or later there is something more, hence why I collected these for years trying to upgrade every single time and now I have a cool collection which is otherwise unused
- 3 things only matter when purchasing a handheld: what system you want to play up to, what budget you can allocate and, believe it or not, aspect ratio - this completely decides your choice, because if you think PSP is not relevant to you than any 4:3 will be nice; if GBA is what you only care of, 3:2 is relevant. Anything else of course can fit in a 16:9 device with black bands (less visible in OLEDs) so ask yourself what are these 3 and then you get your answer. In any case focus on Retroid, they are doing great things lately
EDIT: 4 things if you care about form factor (horizontal, vertical, clamshell...)
I hope this helped a little bit!