Help me decide what type of handheld I should buy — Retro, Android, Windows, or something else?
I need some advice from people who have actually owned and used different handhelds.
I'm currently stuck deciding what type of device I should buy in the first place.
I originally wanted a retro handheld for games like Game Boy/GBA, PSP, PS1, etc. Then I started looking at Android handhelds, and eventually Windows handheld PCs because they can also play PC games.
Now I'm wondering if I'm overthinking this. 😂
My situation:
I currently don't own a PC or any other gaming console.
I'm also planning to buy a new Android phone soon.
I work, so I'm not a heavy gamer. I probably won't be gaming for hours every day.
I mainly want something I can pick up and play when I have free time.
I like the idea of having one device that can cover as many gaming options as reasonably possible.
What I want to play:
Game Boy / GBA
PSP
PS1
Android games
I'd like the option to play some newer/PC games eventually.
NBA 2K with online multiplayer is also something I'm interested in.
So I'm now considering:
- Cheap retro handheld
Something like an Anbernic/Retroid/TrimUI.
Pros: cheap, simple, great battery, pick-up-and-play.
Cons: limited to retro games and I'd still need another device for modern games.
- Android handheld
Something like AYN Odin 2/Portal, AYANEO Pocket EVO, Anbernic RG557, etc.
Pros: retro + Android games + more powerful emulation, potentially some PC game experimentation.
Cons: still not a proper Windows gaming PC, and I already plan to buy a new Android phone.
- Windows handheld
ROG Ally/Ally X, MSI Claw, Legion Go, Steam Deck, AYANEO Windows handhelds, etc.
Pros: PC games, NBA 2K, emulation, and potentially everything in one device.
Cons: more expensive, heavier, shorter battery life, Windows can be more complicated, and I'm not sure I'd actually use all that power.
- Just buy a better phone + controller
Since I'm already planning to replace my phone, maybe I should just get a powerful Android phone and use a controller/cooler with it instead of buying another gaming device.
My budget isn't fixed yet because I'm trying to figure out what actually makes the most sense for me before deciding how much to spend.
I'm not looking for benchmark/spec-sheet answers.
For people who have owned multiple types of handhelds:
*Did you regret buying a cheap retro handheld because you eventually wanted more?
*Did you regret buying an expensive Windows handheld because you barely used it?
*Is an Android handheld actually worth it if you already have a good smartphone?
*If you don't own a PC or console, is a Windows handheld a good "first gaming device"?
*Would you personally recommend buying a better phone + controller instead?
*What device would you buy if you were in my situation today?
I basically want something that's fun, convenient, and worth the money, rather than buying the most powerful handheld just because I can.