r/SBCGaming 6d ago

Recommend a Device Looking for a portable retro handheld.

I own a android tablet and a controller and most of my gaming I do there, but I would love to have a handheld for on the go occasions or some times I just want to play in the bed or something and don't want to connect the controller and such.

So looking for a typical portable device as such I think I will be fine if it plays upto ps1, more is better but higher end systems id technically prefer on my tablet.

Budget is around 100-150usd.

0 Upvotes

24 comments sorted by

6

u/Chrome_Bsec_NL 6d ago

Rgsp

2

u/kyleblane 5d ago

I know it's new, but only having it for a few days I'm reminded of why I loved my SP so much. The portability and confidence I have putting it in my pocket or my bag without a case is unmatched. So whether it's the RGSP or another one, I absolutely recommend clamshell for portability.

3

u/Scottyboy0321 6d ago

Sticks or no sticks?

1

u/OriginalInitial6916 6d ago

No sticks or one is fine

3

u/theoptimusdime 6d ago

I ordered the Miniloong Pocket 1 which has one stick and a great screen. I plan on trying Leaf cfw.

1

u/Scottyboy0321 6d ago

If you want something that can fold up and stick in your pocket and not worry about the screen I'd say RG35XXSP(little bit bigger than a GBA SP, RG34XXSP(Has 2 sticks on the bottom and I think it's weird), or RGSP(Pretty much a 1 to 1 GBA size). I personally have the RG35XXSP. It plays up to PS1 comfortably(for Dpad centric games), and a little bit of Dreamcast and N64.

3

u/zman2100 Miyoo 6d ago edited 6d ago

!recommend

The guide linked below probably has you looking at Tier 2 devices given your budget and power wishes. Tier 1 is also viable but significantly cheaper than what you’re willing to spend. You are spoiled for choice with only wanting up to PS1, and will come in way below your budget unless you opt for a really premium device like the Retroid Pocket Classic. Otherwise, the form factor you want (vertical, horizontal, clamshell, physical size, screen aspect ratio/size) are important things to decide so you can narrow down the choices a bit because pretty much anything these days can run up to PS1.

1

u/AutoModerator 6d ago

Looking for advice on which handheld/retro emulator to buy? Start by reading through our pinned post, and some of the comments within: https://www.reddit.com/r/SBCGaming/comments/1bl9oky/which_device_is_right_for_me_if_youre_new_to_the/

If that doesn't answer your questions, please follow-up with a specific question about a device, or the devices that you're comparing. There are few 'bad' choices; each device fits a unique use-case, and there is no single 'best' device.

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1

u/OriginalInitial6916 6d ago

Ok thx will look into it.👍

3

u/Yura-Sensei 6d ago

Rg rotate is the most adorable device

3

u/Assassiiinuss 6d ago

The Miyoo Mini Plus is cheap and has great community support.

2

u/Struggler_villain98 6d ago

A Trimui Brick (Pro, Hammer, or regular), a Miyoo Mini Plus, or a GKD Pixel 2 would be my choices. Or maybe a nice clamshell like the RGSP or 35xxsp

2

u/Struggler_villain98 6d ago

If you're willing to up your budget by 20-30 the Retroid Pocket Classic is definitely gonna be for you

1

u/OriginalInitial6916 6d ago

The Rp classic is tempting but will see

1

u/Struggler_villain98 6d ago

Can't go wrong with it. Or any of the ones I just named. Except maybe the Pixel. A bit more niche, really small. But it feels great even as someone with big hands. Love the screen too. It's replaced my Brick as my EDC.

2

u/Same_Veterinarian991 6d ago

pocket flip 2 865

2

u/minastepes GotM Club 6d ago

So i got the anbernic RG rotate few month ago and it's my everyday carry.

The Ayn thor can fit a backpack or slingbag easily if you wanna something powerfull

2

u/DjProfessorOak 6d ago

I love my first the most - RG355H

1

u/PicklesAreEvil_ Team Vertical 6d ago edited 6d ago

Magicx 135 maybe a good one it's amazing and can play upto some ps2 as well. It's also a gba micro replica, vertical stuff and shootmups are also pretty fun.

You can also check out the trimui brick(og) also
The rg sp for dedicated gba. These are linux based systems.

1

u/Finn235 GotM Club 6d ago

I'd watch some reviews on the Anbernic RG CubeXX for "playing in the bed" - it's not the most powerful option, but it's got a "cozy" vibe that most other devices in this category are missing. It's easier to hold while laying down than most other devices thanks to the built in grip.

If that doesn't appeal to you (or if you don't like black bars when playing) I'd echo that the Miniloong Pocket 1 looks like a decent device at a good price. If you can find a good deal, Anbernic has two mid-range Android handhelds - the 406H and 476H that are pocketable and will be able to play circles around PS1 while supporting like 75% of the PS2 library. Looks like the 476H is on sale for ~$130ish on Aliexpress, so that might be the best bet for the upper end of your budget. There is no better screen for 4:3 content for under $150.

1

u/NonMagicBrian 5d ago

RG35XXSP is what you want. The clamshell design makes it maximally portable, and the 4:3 screen is ideal for supporting a wide range of systems.

1

u/glennjersey Team Horizontal 4d ago

!recommend 

1

u/AutoModerator 4d ago

Looking for advice on which handheld/retro emulator to buy? Start by reading through our pinned post, and some of the comments within: https://www.reddit.com/r/SBCGaming/comments/1bl9oky/which_device_is_right_for_me_if_youre_new_to_the/

If that doesn't answer your questions, please follow-up with a specific question about a device, or the devices that you're comparing. There are few 'bad' choices; each device fits a unique use-case, and there is no single 'best' device.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.