I’ve been trying to get into playing some old games I’ve either missed out on or have completely forgot I’ve even played. I now find myself wanting to play games from SNES and the Gameboy line and can’t settle down on which handheld to play all these games on.
I have my old 3DS handhelds, and XL and non-XL version (proprietary charging), Analogue Pocket (no SNES save states), Miyoo Mini + (currently shipping), a Switch, and a Steam Deck (too heavy for long playthroughs). I find myself constantly switching between them all and can’t settle down to actually play a game.
Anyone have any opinions on what’s the best handheld experience?
IMO Steam Deck is the best overall option, as it’s beefy enough to run PS3 or even Switch games.
If it’s too heavy, the Retroid Pocket 3+ is a decent emulation competitor with a lighter, smaller form factor.
I find myself constantly switching between them all and can’t settle down to actually play a game.
This sounds like one of those problems where buying more hardware doesn’t help. Ruminating about the “best” handheld choice is an easy way to forget about playing the games themselves. I’ve been there. The solution is to just pick a device at random, and go outside to play it. There will be pros and cons, but if you’re not even getting to the point where you can actually play the game, then the pros and cons don’t matter either.
Yep, steamdeck here, and once it’s fully set up it’s a great machine for emulation. I honestly don’t notice that it’s too heavy. Just re-adjust how you’re sitting or laying down or whatever I guess? Maybe put a pillow on your lap to give your arms some support? Not sure what the answer is there, but steamdeck is a great route to go.
I am ashamed to say I scrolled through here looking for answers as to why you intentionally caused yourself actual paralysis. I am an idiot.
That said, I feel like you’ve covered your bases already pretty well. My go-to would be the Switch. I’ve also heard good things about the ASUS ROG Ally but that might be too bulky like the Steamdeck, not sure.
I thought the same first time I scrolled through it. I feel like an idiot the second time around.
It took me a while too haha.
Personally, I think the Anbernic handhelds are the sweet spot if you don’t have a Steam Deck.
My advice would be to pick the GAME first, then, depending the type of the game, that decides your device. I personally own a Miyoo Mini (not the + model) and it is a very cool albeit tiny device, I can’t see myself doing precision controls on it, such as street fighter. And games like Shining Force are just a little bit too small for the screen, I’m currently running Chrono Trigger and Fire Emblem on it though, which I think is perfect and “casual” enough for its size.
I find the Steam Deck the best choice for when I want to run Gamecube or N64 Emulation, owning the steam deck has allowed me to cut the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion because why pay for a subscription of N64 games when you can play them on the Steam deck? :)
Lastly, you actually have more options! EmuDeck recently came out with cloud-based save states. Your Steam Deck and Miyoo Mini + both are wifi enabled and could take advantage of that!
I love my Anbernic handhelds. Pretty much any of them, but I draw the line at the Android ones. Might as well just get a controller for a phone at that point. The Linux ones are neat though - currently my daily driver is the 351V. Debated getting a 351P, partially because I mostly play GBA and the screen is made for that but also because I collect them.
This - I have an RG351P and I honestly love it for playing GBA and even SNES games.
I have a Steam Deck as well and I feel like the two devices complement each other nicely.
I think the switch for 16 bit with some ergonomic controller joycons is my preferred one. It is still very light, has good battery life, and can pivot to playing switch games when you want. I like the miyoo+, and my rg552 but the value of a hacked switch is hard to beat.
I really like my homebrew PS Vita for retro games. I’m sure there are better handhelds for the job, but if you have an old Vita laying around it’s pretty cheap and relatively easy to jailbreak.
I mostly use my homebrewed DSi now, but I’d argue the 3DS (esp. the non-XL version, what with my tiny hands) is probably the better handheld for emulation over the DSi, on account of having beefier hardware (seriously, even SNES emulation was kinda struggling last I tried it on the DSi, though I imagine it’s since improved) and a more mature and polished-feeling homebrew ecosystem. I just don’t go for my 3DS usually because I currently own an XL.
I’ve never tried one of those emulation handhelds like the Analogue Pocket though so I don’t really have a point of comparison there.
Honestly depends on whether you want power or portability. If I were you I’d probably play retro games on the Miyoo Mini, and use the Steam Deck for more demanding stuff.
I got the Retroid Pocket 3+, I highly recommend it! I suggest using it with this frontend: https://github.com/TapiocaFox/Daijishou
I am also using the RP3+ and love it. Size, weight, many playable systems from Arcade to PS2. Fits all my needs. And you can even hook it up to a TV and play on the big screen!
I really love my Analogue Pocket, but I (quite literally five minutes ago) just bought a Miyoo Mini Plus, for the convenience of save states everywhere.
I fear I won’t be able to help you choose either, haha. I feel like it’s always a “struggle” between getting the most authentic experience and just convenience, really.
The Miyoo might ultimately make it easier for you to pick up and play in short bursts, if that’s what you’re after.I love my modded 3DS. For me, it’s definitely the best decision for Gameboy games and DS games in general. I don’t play SNES games much, so I’m not sure how well it’d work for you, but the Gameboy experience on 3DS (vs anything else I’ve tried) can’t be beat imo.
Personaly I’m using my miyoo mini + for lite gameplay session like 32bits and under era, and I’m using my Odin lite for android, psp, n64 games.
I’m sure there are better options, but I always come back to my modded PSP. Having PSP, PS1, SNES, GB, GBA, and most Genesis games available is more than I’ll ever need. The slim size/decent battery life means I’m always ready to grab it when taking a trip, and it doesn’t hurt that I love the feel of the buttons.
The Odroid-Go series is pretty nifty. I liked the Advance better because it came as a DIY kit, but the Super adds the second analog stick and a bigger screen. Sort of fun to be able to SSH into your handheld if you need to. I suspect it’s more of a known platform in terms of custom software than your random AliExpress device.
