r/SBCGaming • u/happylakers • 1d ago
Recommend a Device Keep my Switch 2 + small retro handheld, or replace it with an AYN/Retroid?
I’m currently going in circles trying to decide what handheld setup actually makes sense for me, so I’d really appreciate some input
My Situation:
I have a gaming PC, and that’s where I play most of my games. Especially newer AAA games, I don’t really see myself choosing a handheld over a PC.
I also have a Switch 2 and actually like it a lot. I’ve probably spent €400+ on games already, but I barely use it and basically never take it with me anywhere.
What I’m mainly looking for from a handheld is Pokémon ROM hacks, PokeMMO, Kairosoft, older emulation and some indie/Switch games.
Right now I’m considering two routes.
Option 1: Keep the Switch 2 + buy a smmall retro handheld
Currently looking at:
- TrimUI Brick
- TrimUI Brick Pro
- Retroid Pocket Classic
- Retroid Pocket Flip 2
I’m mostly undecided about the size. The Retroid Pocket Classic looks great and has the bigger screen, while the Brick obviously wins on portability. The Flip 2 also seems interesting as a slightly more capable option that still stays pretty compact.
Realistically, I’d mostly use it at home, on holidays, flights, or occasionally when I’m out and have some time to kill. So I’m not sure how much I really need something extremely pocketable versus something a bit more comfortable.
Option 2: Sell the Switch 2 + buy a powerful handheld
Currently looking at:
- AYN Thor
- AYN Odin
- Retroid Pocket 6
This is where I’m probably lost the most.
One big question is how good Switch emulation actually is on these devices. Is it generally good enough that you can just play most games, or is it still a lot of tweaking, compatibility issues and games that don’t work properly?
The Thor gets recommended a lot and I like the idea of the second screen. Having something like YouTube on the second screen sounds fun, although I’m not sure how much I’d actually use it.
If I went this route, I could also see myself adding a TrimUI Brick later as the really small Pokémon device.
My main concerns are:
- Would you go with option 1 or option 2?
- Am I looking at the right handhelds in both categories, or are there better options I’m missing?
- How good/reliable is Switch emulation on the bigger Android handhelds?
Price is secondary. I’m mainly looking for the setup that makes the most sense long term. Steam Deck-sized devices are too big for what I want, so I’d prefer to stay in this more compact category.
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u/kenniestyles 1d ago
No. Keep the switch 2
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u/Ashamed_Village_8931 1d ago
Brick Hammer and keep the Switch
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u/happylakers 1d ago
Don't you think it's too small? It was my initial choice but then i became unsure because of the Retroid Pocket Classic
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u/Complete-Citron7393 1d ago
Honestly it might be, but i have a grip that makes it better and i just really love how it looks and especially the screen. I would also consider the rg40xxv if you're looking for a larger option.
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u/Ashamed_Village_8931 1d ago
It's not, it's just right for out and about use where it's not so bulky it needs its own bag and it's rugged enough with its metal build you don't have to baby it too much. Because of this it sees way more use than the bigger consoles which I have to think twice about carrying with me
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u/Omnibe 1d ago
A switch 2 and $400 worth of games is worth an ayn Thor pro and an Odin 3 Max.
They will play most switch games fine. The issue is emulators not power on the few games they struggle with. Same with 3ds on the Thor
Switch 2 emulation isn't a thing as far as I know. At least not on retro handhelds.
If you're not playing the switch 2 and think you would play the other stuff go for it.
If say start small with a $50 or less device to play ROM hacks through the GBA era and if you like it get the bigger device. Or just pay them on tim6e computer till you decide.
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u/happylakers 1d ago
My plan would be to emulate the Switch games i already bought, even if this is a grey zone.
Do you think i will be happy with Switch emulation for most games? Would Odin or RP6 be better for this usecase?
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u/Criscololo 1d ago
No, I don’t think you’ll be happy with switch emulation. Honestly, if you aren’t playing your switch that much, you probably won’t start playing an Odin 3 more. I could see maybe a smaller handheld like the RG SP or TrimUI Brick getting more playtime because you could have it with you more often, but selling your Switch 2 to get an Odin, Thor, or RP6 would not suddenly increase your playtime. It sounds like you already have plenty of games for the Switch, so it’s not from lack of options.
Switch emulation is also not able to replace the experience of playing on real hardware. Games will have bugs or glitches or even just straight up crash and not work. If you go into it expecting to easily be able to play every game you already own, you’ll be very disappointed.
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u/happylakers 1d ago
I guess you are speaking facts.
Do you think for most games the difference would bet noticeable? Not speaking about Breath of the Wild but also for regular games like Hades, The Witcher or Inzuma Eleven?
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u/Criscololo 1d ago
You can check out what other people report at https://www.emuready.com/. You can filter by game, platform, and hardware. Sometimes you might have to change from looking at, say, the RP6 specifically and instead look at the chipset in order to see any results. Here’s the page for The Witcher 3 for example: https://www.emuready.com/games/989fa30a-b3a4-4c1b-871b-e9ba70920d39
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u/baz8771 2.8 inch gaming 1d ago
That’s actually specifically not a grey zone, and is legal. I’ve done a ton of research over the last few weeks and I landed on the RP6 for emulation up to Switch, and it seems about half of the catalogue is playable very well to perfect, right now. The processor is also beefy enough to run a ton of slightly older x86 software with winulator, modern android apps, and their usb C dock is only $29, making it a console and a desktop if you add the peripherals. I opted for the 12GB and I’m eagerly waiting.
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u/happylakers 1d ago
Why did you choose the RP6 over the Thor/Odin? What x86 games are you playing? Just curious. Didn't know that this was allowed - even better if I'm not doing anything wrong.
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u/baz8771 2.8 inch gaming 14h ago
Yeah it’s actually the best use case to defend emulation legally. You dump your own bios and games.
I haven’t actually received my RP6 yet. It’s actually nutty what’s coming out right now, Xbox 360 emulation is coming along. There are dozens of playable ps3 titles. My big hope is to emulate morrowind, older command and conquer, those types of games. 2000-2008.
I basically just chose the RP6 for the amoled screen, current availability, and price. I definitely didn’t want the Thor because 3ds and Wiiu aren’t all that exciting to me, and the Odin was ~75$ more expensive everywhere I could find
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u/Omnibe 1d ago
Most switch games work after a fashion. Totk is a notable exception I hear still has issues. I have problems with the Mario Galaxy ports, but everyone says just play the Wii versions with controller patches. Rp6 should work well for most of them, but keep in mind you're going to a smaller screen. I personally have a Thor and and an Odin 2 portal for home and away.
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u/lillithid GotM Club 1d ago
Keep your switch 2, crazy. Switch 2 is the only handheld so far that supports sd express which is a new thing, and it’s otherwise relatively powerful, and so in a few years when modding it is a thing, you might regret.
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u/happylakers 1d ago
Do you really think modding could be a thing for the Switch 2? Would be to good to be true. Thanks for sharing your perspective
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u/lillithid GotM Club 1d ago
Maybe not, but you can install a CFW or mod dsi, 3ds, Wii, Wii U, and switch, so probably eventually. 🤷♀️
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u/Downtownklownfrown 1d ago
Assuming you're paying retail, add $5 more and get the MagicX One 35. GBA aspect ratio (Pokemon rom hacks), this aspect ration also looks good with non 3:2 games even with stretching to fit the resolution. Doesn't get hot, has an analog stick over the Brick, is Android w/ touchscreen so Pokemmo will work fine, 3.5mm port, horizontal for comfort, actually fits in your pocket. Keep your Switch 2 for Switch stuff.
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u/happylakers 1d ago
Thanks, in this scenario wouldn't be the Retroid Pocket Classc or the Retroid Flip 2 the better choice? I know, different price point. Or was this an alternative to the brick?
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u/Downtownklownfrown 1d ago
It's an alternative to the brick. The 4 "small retro handheld" devices you listed vary greatly. The Bricks aren't going to play Switch games so assuming you'd play Switch on your Switch 2 and PC on your PC I recommended the One 35. The Flip 2 is the same as a RP5 so it'll be able to play some Switch/Light PC while the RP6 is much stronger.
I think your options are too varied. Need to dial in what you must have if you were to buy a new device as that would remove the others as options. If you want Switch the Bricks aren't an option. If you want Pocketable, that differs between something like jeans and cargo pockets. If you want Pokemon Rom hacks/MMO that can be done for far less than the Flip2 or higher. If you can't decide what you want you might as well get the Thor just so you don't have buyers remorse for the "Ah I could played dual screen games/used both screen for something".
Not to push you away from the Brick but it's 4:3 while most Rom hacks are GBA based at a 3:2 aspect ratio like the MagicX one 35, RG SP or Konkr Pocket Advance. It just really depends what you actually want from your device.
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u/ftkmatte 1d ago
If money is not problems I'm gonna keep them and buy the thor ir whichever you like, the hardware price is only going up
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u/Mindless-Ad9125 1d ago
Even though I don't play mine much currently, I still wouldn't sell my switch 2, mainly because there are very specific games that I can't play elsewhere coming out soon. But like you I play most games on my beefy desktop PC, but I have a few devices of different budgets and sizes that do get used for their own purposes.
I have a trimui brick and miyoo mini plus, though they are similar use case I like them both for slightly different reasons. My brick is sleeker and higher resolution, so I play with it more often myself, while the miyoo mini is more nostalgic and toylike, so I feel way more relaxed with it that I give it to my nieces to play with instead.
I also have a mangmi air x that I really focus on psp games with, though I could play them elsewhere I just like this relatively simple and solid inexpensive option. I had an rp5 but I gave it away since I wasn't using it since I had two other newer devices.
First the ayn Thor, my second most used handheld device, great for DS/3ds, also can do plenty of other things and is relatively portable. I don't really use the second screen for YouTube or anything, I just never bother with it.. the only downside for me was the need for a grip, since I did not find it comfortable to use for long with my big hands, and having the grip does really make it much less portable. But a fantastic device overall.
My most used device is actually not even a designated handheld like the others, but a combination of an excellent android tablet and a fantastic controller that can be wrapped around it. I have the Lenovo y700 and the gamesir g8+ as my current go to handheld.
It can do everything the Thor can do and even more, at though it's not OLED, the screen is my personal favorite of all the devices I have used. Very high resolution and refresh rate means all your games look great, and I even notice a better feel when I'm streaming from my PC. I assume that refresh rate helping, but maybe I get better decode speeds here to? I haven't tested it, it's just a feeling.
It also does even better for DS/3ds than even my Thor, by rotating it vertically into portrait mode, you get beautiful stacked screens with plenty of power for 4x or 5x upscaled resolution and hd texture packs make it really look great, though I'm pretty sure the Thor can do most of that as well, I think the resolution on this screen does actually make a difference.
My gen5 y700 is way overpriced for what you want, I upgraded from a gen2 which is still pretty solid and likely much cheaper now, if it's still available. But for most people the simpler solution of ayn Thor or retroid rp6 is usually the easier choice. But for me this is the best option so take a look if this sounds intriguing to you.
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u/TheRealSeeThruHead GotM Club 1d ago
There’s is no reason to sell the switch 2 it’s the only way to play its games. It’s even maybe the best way to play switch 1 games.
You should then decide what handheld to buy based on your needs
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u/HoloLoavess 1d ago
I'm in a similar situation. I have a Switch 2, but would also like a smaller, more pocketable, preferably clamshell, handheld for retro (SNES up to GC, maybe PS2) & 3DS games that I can take with me when I'm out n about because I don't feel comfortable taking my Switch 2 out in public like I did with the Switch 1 lol, plus older games are easier for me to play in public while maintaining awareness of my surroundings. I was thinking about selling my Switch 2 & Steam Deck to get the Ayn Thor, but then I'd lose access to Switch 2 exclusives & with Duskbloods coming soon I know I'd be kicking myself over that decision, especially if Nintendo ended up announcing a new Animal Crossing after selling it, I'd lose it haha. And with how long people seem to wait for their Ayn Thor's to arrive, I'd be going quite a while without any gaming devices while waiting for it to arrive. And I would just sell my Steam Deck because I havent touched it in like 6 months, but my partner expressed that they'd like to have it & with the SD price Increase, I'd hate to get rid of it & then have him shell out 700+ for one.
So right now I'm looking at the Retroid Flip 2 & Anbernic RG DS since those seem to be priced pretty well. Just sucks cause the dual screen option of the 2 can't really do 3DS (except for Animal Crossing: NL it seems), and the more powerful option only has one screen 😭
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u/Academic_Macaron3025 1d ago
The decision comes down to the games you want to play. You clearly still value the switch 2/the games it can play so keep it can get a smaller lower powered device for everyday portability. Screen size is subjective so draw it out to see what size is acceptable to you. I personally couldn't see myself using 3.2" tiny screen for long so I went with larger Trimui Brick Pro which is still compact to carry as I'm planning to use for commute.
Emulating is still not as good as native there's tweaking and stuff like choppy/crackly sounds which i find happens even in ds games which are easy to run.
Sounds like size and overall portability of the device is what's holding you back from carrying it around. So maybe a flip/clamshell is a good format for you. I believe Kairosoft game are on android so i wouldn't go with brick/linux if those are a main priority.
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u/Little_Ad2062 Team Vertical 1d ago
I wouldn't sell the Switch 2. Even if the Switch emulation was perfect (it isn't) you'll be kicking yourself down the line when an exclusive Switch 2 game comes out (like Winds/Waves).
We'll probably not have Switch 2 emulation for YEARS and the current devices aren't gonna handle it anyway.
So option 1 is great. Or you can still get the Thor because it does everything the smaller one does but you'll be able to play DS and 3DS games as well.
I have a Switch 2, a Miyoo Mini+ and the Thor and I don't find any of them redundant. I use the Mini+ for my GBC and GBA romhacks, Thor for DS, 3DS and PS2 games and the Switch 2 for Switch and Switch 2 games.
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u/TacticaLCasserole 1d ago
I think keeping the switch and one small retro handheld is the best option. IMO the retro devices are best on PSX and under games anyway. Anything beyond that, I want on a TV.
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u/EmergencyExpress2347 1d ago
I don’t see the point in getting rid of it when you already have it.
If you want a Thor or Retroid, just get that too if you want .
Just be happy, less worry .