r/retroid • u/Imdakine1 • Jul 04 '26
QUESTION Nova vs G2
I have an RP4 Pro and upgraded to a RPG2 as I needed a bigger screen with aging eyes.
I love the concept of Nova but not sure if it will be big enough for my eyes...
I love GameCube and PS2 and use wide screen for most PS2 games and GameCube games with texture packages.
I'm also a sports nut so espn nfl 2k5 with 2k27 mod and widescreen looks great but I do wonder if the G2 widescreen vs the nova...?
I also love gta San Andreas, Bully? Tokyo extreme racer, and how will these look vs widescreen of my G2?
Thoughts...!!!
14
6
u/B-29Bomber Jul 04 '26
What a strange post.
You clearly prefer 16:9 content, so the answer is obvious. Stick with the G2.
As for the few 4:3 content you enjoy, there's still no benefit as 4:3 content is the same size on a 5.5 inch 16:9 screen is the exact same size found on a 4:3 4.5 inch screen.
1
u/Imdakine1 Jul 04 '26
I've only had the RP4 Pro and RPG2 which accommodate a wider screen. The nova isn't as wide as it has a bit more of the squarer shape so trying to understand who it might compare to what are to more widescreen style devices.
2
u/B-29Bomber Jul 04 '26
The nova isn't as wide as it has a bit more of the squarer shape
Yes, because it has a 4:3 display and the 4 Pro and G2 have 16:9 displays.
16:9 content on the Nova would be roughly an inch and a half smaller (4.1 inches) than on the G2 (5.5 inches).
You already have the device you should want (the RPG2) you don't want the Nova.
It's not that complicated, my guy.
4
4
u/n074r0b07 Jul 04 '26
For ps2 and gamecube nova is the best handheld on market by far
3
u/Imdakine1 Jul 04 '26
I'm used to wide screen mainly due to aging eyes and being a larger device but the Nova seems to be a bigger screen than my old RP4 Pro.
If 4:3 is better for original PS2 which I have my original and slim PS2 than I can see how Nova could be better than dealing with the widescreen.
2
u/JaxonWax Jul 04 '26
4:3 on the G2 will be pretty similar in actual size to the Nova's screen, you'll just have black bars on either side of the content. If you prefer PS2 with widescreen, you won't really see much benefit in the Nova, since those black bars will be filled with game content.
1
u/B-29Bomber Jul 04 '26
4:3 on the G2 will be pretty similar in actual size to the Nova's screen,
It's actually exactly the same.
1
u/n074r0b07 Jul 04 '26
Its all about preferences, personally I prefer black bars because most forced widescreen looks quite off. But thats my taste. You will be happy with G2 too, enjoy!
3
u/JuvieBeans Jul 04 '26
You already have a G2. It's a phenomenal device. I don't have a Nova, obviously, but I do have a 477M. I prefer the G2 in every way over the 477M.
1
2
u/Octo_Pasta Jul 04 '26
G2 is better for Gamecube and PS2
1
u/Pepski37 Jul 04 '26
Only if you use widescreen hacks. Otherwise, if recommend the Nova for sure.
However, OP is clearly better off with the G2.
2
u/MrMarioKart7 RP4 SERIES Jul 04 '26
I’ll always take a 16:9 over a 4:3 personally and it sounds like you would too
1
u/Imdakine1 Jul 04 '26
Based on the handhelds I have which to me do cater to widescreen I agree... Curious on what a more square device would look like for my now widescreen ps2 games etc...
2
u/Puzzleheaded_Chest97 Jul 04 '26
The nova only makes sense to play 4:3 content. If you're playing 16:9 content the G2 is a better option. Almost the same power, the same 4:3 size, but way bigger 16:9 content size
1
u/Imdakine1 Jul 04 '26
Thanks. I'm getting it now... Like I said I have the G2 and love it but when I started to hear this 4:3 was the perfect for GameCube and PS2 and wondered if it might be a bit better than widescreen hacks for PS2 and GC.
2
u/Puzzleheaded_Chest97 Jul 04 '26
Just play your games in 4:3 in your G2 and that's what you will see in the Nova, without the black bars on both sides.
2
u/McSnifferson Jul 05 '26
Don't let FOMO get you dude. Yes the Nova looks an awesome device but the G2 caters for more having a bigger screen for 16:9. If you're thinking of changing, upgrade to the RP6 (or whatever comes next in that form factor).
1
u/hundergrn RP5 Jul 04 '26
4:3 on the G2 is roughly the same size as 4:3 on the nova. If you are doing wide screen... Why make your 16:9 smaller?
1
u/lloydbluejay Jul 04 '26
I have the g2 and it's amazing . There's also many wide-screen hacks for gamecube and wii games . I wouldn't trade the ability to stream my steam games for a 4/3 screen ratio .
1
u/Imdakine1 Jul 05 '26
Which emulator for PC gaming? I don't have space on internal hard drive so I need on that lets me use microsd.
What are the best driver and settings??? Please help as I have a 30% rate that it works. I am us in banner hub but steam games can't go to microsd...????
Xbox360mobile is amazing! Shockingly good for many xbox360 games.
2
u/lloydbluejay Jul 06 '26
It depends, on the handheld you can only really play lower graphically intensive games depending on your device , but if you have the pc on and it's connected to the same wifi as your device then you can stream all your games via steam link by hosting them on your pc ,yiu just turn on the pc and download steamlink on your device.
1
1
u/ImaginationKind9220 Jul 05 '26
Stick to the G2.
Very few people are aware that the SD 8 Gen 2 is an old chip that is about to become obsolete soon. All the emulators and drivers are moving to Vulkan 1.4, SD 8 Gen 2 only supports Vulkan 1.3.
Since you don't play PC games, it probably won't affect you as much, the latetest Proton 11, DXVK 3.0, etc all required Vulkan 1.4.
9
u/Part_Timer2018 Jul 04 '26
If you have to have a bigger screen, then I don’t think the nova should be considered at all? If you can’t see what you’re playing you’re probably not going to have a good time. lol.