r/RetroHandhelds

I really enjoy playing video games, especially Pokémon games. I like both retro and modern consoles because each one has something unique to offer. I enjoy discovering new games, trying ROM hacks, and learning about different gaming systems. I also like emulation because it lets me experience classic games in new ways. One of my favorite things is exploring different game mechanics and completing challenging adventures. Video games are one of my biggest hobbies, and I always enjoy finding new experiences to play.

With the rumours about the flip 3/DS device picking up, I thought I'd look back at the OG, the Retroid Pocket Flip which I pre-ordered on launched in 2023 as well as briefly cover how emulation has come along since then.

Guys, I’m looking for a handheld console that’s small enough to keep in my pocket all the time. I don’t want to spend too much. I’ll mostly be playing GBC, GBA, and maybe some SNES games. What would you recommend?

Only gonna use 1 device,mainly for Final Fantasy games,Pokemon,Zelda,maybe some mario and DBZ. Thinking about DS games too

Budget is up to 80~ . Not gonna do some moduling, and I prefer it to not have an option to browse internet or other apps,mainly just for games .

I do like the old GBC,GBA,GBSP,Ds style ,but a psp style is also an option if that means the device can be lot better .

I would like to buy a handheld console for gaming, and I'm mainly interested in:

* Retro games (e.g., SNES, GBA, NDS, PS1, PS2) * Retro games+ (e.g., some PS3 games — can I create and use my own disc images to play games, or is buying ports and remastered digital editions the only reliable and legal way?) * Modern games (I already have a home console for big AAA titles, so I'm mainly looking for 2D/2D-HD games like *Sea of Stars*, *Hollow Knight*, *Final Fantasy Tactics: Ivalice Chronicles*, *Octopath Traveler*, *Little Nightmares*, *Hades*, future *Final Fantasy Resonance*, and metroidvania games)

Thank you in advance!

Hello!

I'm having trouble deciding between the Retroid Pocket 6 or the Ayn Odin 2 Portal as my first handheld.

I'm primarily looking for portability and that will last me for a while! The games I'm looking to play are Stardew Valley, PSP, GameCube, and maybe PlayStation 3.

1. Retroid Pocket 6 ($277.69)
2. Ayn Odin 2 Portal ($280.69)

When buying from their official site they both end up around the same price with shipping and tax.

So which one should I go for and if y'all have any other recommendations!

I have a *New 3DS XL for size reference yes I put that in my pocket and consider it pocketable for me personally and no it does not have to be a clamshell but give me some suggestions of any kind either way

I would like to be able to emulate ps2 pretty flawlessly (God Hand, Devil May Cry)

I've used GameNative before but don't want my phone storage to be taken up and no active cooling, I play Kingdom Hearts the whole collection on PC and the 3rd game being the most demanding. Yakuza games too.

$300 and below is the budget $400 would be pushing it but doable if I see it's really worth it

I've been looking at redmagic gaming phones but not sure if I should even be looking in that area.

Should I just wait for the right handheld? The way these prices are changing doesn't seem like a good idea.

I'm not tryna sell or market anything to y'all but I need opinions. I wanna sell bundles of like ds lites and a few games in bundles for like 100-150 with charger, stylus, ect. Cheaper prices for DS lites with a defect like yellow tint ect. I could do 3ds and psps as well, and have cheaper prices for Japanese consoles switched to English. What do y'all think??

Hey everyone, asking for help. I've been doing a ton of research and I'm stuck between these three devices. Looking for real-world opinions from people who actually own them.

About me:

I used to play on a PSP-1000. I'm not chasing nostalgia — I want to genuinely explore libraries I missed. I value getting the most performance for the price. I mostly game in bed or on the go, not at a desk. Big hands (thumb-to-pinky roughly 9–9.5 inches). No interest in Windows handhelds — too bulky.

What I plan to play:

Emulation:

PSP (primary)

PS1 and PS2 (exploring)

3DS and Nintendo (light exploration, not my main focus)

Steam library (mostly indie/older titles):

Binding of Isaac: Repentance Complete

Hotline Miami 1 + 2

Dishonored: Definitive Edition

Blasphemous 1

Rain World

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Metro 2033 Redux

Dome Keeper

Roadwarden

Dead Cells

Hades 1

For taste reference — games I've played and liked:

Elden Ring (finished)

Halo: Master Chief Collection

Back 4 Blood, GTFO, Left 4 Dead 1+2, World War Z

Project Zomboid, Deep Rock Galactic

League of Legends (my main, pulls me away from everything else lol)

My specific questions for people who actually own these:

I game mostly in bed face-up or seated— is the Thor's weight actually tiring for long sessions without a grip?

Does anyone genuinely prefer the Thor's clamshell feel over the RP6's slab day-to-day?

For a Steam library that's almost entirely 2D indie games — is there a real-world difference between the 865 (Flip 2) and the 8 Gen 2 (RP6/Thor)?

Is the Thor Base (8GB) enough or is the Pro (12GB) worth it for GameNative/Steam compatibility?

edit: I want it to be portable in a pocket or bag without having to worry about scratches

Update: Thanks everyone! This all made sense. Did some more research and yes - AYN Thor makes more sense for me. So I'll go that route. Unfortunately no Ice Blue color. So now that's my new dilemma. Digging the retro though.

Ok serious question - I don’t own either. Both are very similar in terms of hardware. Can only afford one at the moment. Which is preferred for these systems?

3DS
DS
Gameboy Advance
PS2
GameCube
PS1
Gameboy

I know the Thor makes more sense for DS & 3DS but I saw the pocket nova have a second screen option for pretty cheap and they showed a Pokemon game on the demo video they released. It looked good so I’m leaning towards the Nova but wanted to get some other input on why I should go Thor instead.

Thanks!

I have some experience with emulators for PC 20 years ago but haven't done any retro gaming in ages. I've been feeling a little nostalgic lately. Mostly looking for something entry level that would be good for running FFT, FFTA, FFTA2, and Tactics Ogre for myself and an added bonus if it handles PSP so my partner can play LocoRoco. Is there a good budget handheld i should look at?

How many Nintendo 3DS consoles do you own, and how were you able to get them?

The first one was the original Nintendo 3DS when it launched in 2011. I was able to get it at my local gaming store, alongside Nintendogs + Cats. Although the price was steep back then, I was fortunate enough to be part of the Ambassador Program. I still own it and play it to this day.

The second one was the Nintendo 3DS XL in 2015 because I wanted to try the larger screens. I got this one from the same local gaming store.

Both consoles still work and have a reasonable battery life of 3–5 hours, depending on the games I play on them. 🥰

im looking for something kind of like the ayn thor but with the OG 2ds build, i grew up with the old 2ds but i know its not that powerful so im looking for something to play a wide variety of games but with the familiar form factor

Should be based on either Android or Linux, while I'd prefer Linux tbh

It should be powerful enough to run games up to the DS. I'm also fine if it only supports up to GBA if it would make it a lot cheaper.

It must support good blutooth connectivity.

I basically just want a side thing that i can take along make it a bit more fun than playing on my iPhone.

The ayn odin 3 seems interesting but I believe it serves the purpose of emulating even more demanding systems like Wii / Switch 1, right? (And is therefore in a higher price class)