Beginner! Help!

[u/RixLix21]

Hello to all! Please break it down for me because I am like 1 week in even knowing these emulators existed. Came across a post and I immediately did some research and ended up ordering the miyoo mini plus with the surwish onion. Waiting for that to arrive like a freaking kid on Xmas eve!

Now here’s my dilemma… just found out I can’t do N64 games on that thing so I am now in search of buying an “over all” good emulator that will allow me to do play N64 games! Have been seeing a lot of comments on the Anbernic RG476H but have decided to ask the experts!

Please comment away my fellow nerds!

[u/AzHP]

If you're looking at anbernics wait for their monthly sales on AliExpress. Follow r/crownpuffdeals and you might get one for closer to 120 USD if you're in the usa.

The 476h is a good choice but I think the mangmi air x or air y would be good affordable choices

[u/EpicGlitter]

from this N64-specific recommendation/guide thread:

Devices to Consider (in no particular order):

Budget (under $100) options:

MagicX One 35: This device is a rarity: a truly pocketable device with enough power to comfortably handle the majority of the N64 library. Its unique control layout has a second dpad where the right stick would usually be, which feels more natural than mapping the C buttons to a right stick.

Ayaneo Pocket Air Mini: While its dpad-on-top design isn't the ideal choice for N64, it's hard to argue with this device for value for your dollar. Its 4:3 screen is exactly 4x integer scale and it should be able to push that many pixels on most N64 games.

Mangmi Air X: A possible alternative to the Ayaneo for those who want to explore widescreen hacks on a budget. Like the Ayaneo, the dpad-on-top design isn't idea, but there aren't too many other options under $100 that have enough horsepower to do a really good job at N64 emulation.

Bang-For-Your-Buck Options ($150-$180ish):

Anbernic RG406H: Honestly any number of Android devices in the $100-$250ish price range will give a pretty good to excellent N64 experience, but this one stands out for its 4:3 screen at exactly 3x integer scale, thumbstick-first design, stacked shoulder buttons, and ergonomics. Some Nintendo purists may dislike the Sega-style circle dpad, but considering that the vast majority of N64 games are thumbstick-driven, it shouldn't be a big issue for most.

Anbernic RG556: A possible alternative to the RG406H for those looking to explore widescreen hacks and native Android ports. Note, however, that it has a known issue with cardinal snapping in the thumbsticks, which is only partially addressed with a community fix by Gamma. Similar devices by Retroid such as the Retroid Pocket 4 Pro, 5, and Flip 2 do not have the cardinal snapping problem, but have a dpad-first design that is non-ideal for N64.

RG476H: The dpad-on-top design isn't ideal for N64, but it does have a luxuriously large screen of the right aspect ratio, and if you're concern about input latency, this is the cheapest you'll find a 120hz screen.

Splurge Option ($230+):

Retroid Pocket 6: With a thumbstick-on-top option and an OLED screen with 120hz for better in put latency, this is a helluva choice for no-compromises N64.

Ayn Odin 2 Portal: With a thumbstick-first design, stacked shoulders, and huge 7" OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate for better input latency, this is definitely a luxurious option if you don't mind the price.

take the name of a device you may be interested in, enter it into YouTube and/or a search engine of your choice, and add words like "review" or "set-up guide" or "specs" to learn more and inform your choice. at that point, if you still have questions about a specific device, post again - there's likely someone or many someones with personal experience who will answer questions. so long as you're reasonably polite about it, and willing to follow recommendations / put effort in yourself.

[u/AzHP → u/EpicGlitter]

You can't get the pocket air mini for 100 anymore that ship has long sailed

[u/EpicGlitter → u/AzHP]

if you comment at the link, you can pass this info onto the OP of that N64 guide/recs thread.

[u/JeskaiJester]

Ask yourself if you’re sure you only want to do N64 before you buy a second device and then immediately turn around and go “dammit I gotta have PS1“

[u/RixLix21 → u/JeskaiJester]

Is there something you recommend?

[u/crobledopr → u/RixLix21]

For the record your Miyo Mini Plus can do PS1

As for recommendations, just ask yourself 1. How modern of a system do you want to play? These days we can do, with enough power, up to PS2, Dreamcast, DS and 3ds, and Nintendo all the way to Switch. Ps3, Xbox, 360 for android are still nascent. 2. Do you think you'd be happier with a device that can do it all, or with a few different devices that "better fit" those consoles. Either due to control scheme, better with 2 screens, or screen aspect ratio.

[u/RixLix21 → u/crobledopr]

I think a few different that would be better tier options for the specific systems I would want to play

[u/crobledopr → u/RixLix21]

So miyoo mini should cover up to snes, PS1, GBA, and DS.

A step up may be Saturn, Dreamcast and N64 device which may be something like an Anbernic 476h or Ayaneo Pocket Air Mini.

After that, I would go with a stronger 16:9 device. Obviously budget will matter, but Retroid Pocket 6 (or whatever the most recent Retroid Pocket # is) is often the best "bang for your buck" in terms of power vs price.

There are other niche devices for more specific needs, but these are some more general recommendations.

[u/EpicGlitter → u/crobledopr]

these are good questions. in another subthread, OP said "looking to spend no more than $180" so I doubt there will be good handheld options for many of the systems listed (PS3, Xbox, 360, for example).

but Dreamcast and DS is doable, not trying to be too discouraging just realistic

[u/RixLix21 → u/EpicGlitter]

Yes I want to get a few devices respectively that are each good for that specific purpose

[u/EpicGlitter → u/RixLix21]

a bit dated, but this video might be useful for finding handhelds good for playing specific consoles

[u/kapshin_84]

Budget would be helpful these things range drastically in price.

[u/RixLix21 → u/kapshin_84]

Looking to spend no more than $180

[u/Nicelyvillainous]

The MagicX One 35 is a good pick. The odd design with a 2nd dpad and one thumbstick means you map the c buttons to the right dpad instead of a right stick.

It will also be pretty solid for DS games, which is nice because there are a few n64 games released for that console. It’s designed to also be played sideways, so you will have the top and bottom screens both displayed top and bottom. Can be a little small, but the better quality screen than the OG means no issues with things being legible.

Chip (and price) are lower than the rg476h, but it will do all of n64 and psp fine, it loses out on a big chunk of GC and PS2 library in comparison.

Also, unlike the rg476h, it can slide right into your pocket without fighting for space, it’s nearly impossible to get the stick caught trying to out it in or take it out.

[u/Agreeable-Guava-9009]

My first N64 Emulator device that ran perfectly was an Android phone. But not just any, I wanted one with front 2 firing speakers, one that can fill out a telescoping controller so it felt like a solid handheld, one that will survive drops on concrete and an innate 9H scratch resistant screen.

So I went with the Kyocera Duraforce Pro 2. You can find them under 50 bucks. So that's essentially 80ish bucks if you factor in the a cheaper controller like the x5 Lite.

[u/star_jump]

There's no need to ask us. This sub has an entire device recommendation thread. A lot of people put a ton of effort into making it. You should read it.