Welcome to the latest edition of Retro Handhelds Weekly. This week saw a bunch of news in both the world of hardware and software, while our writing team has been on an absolute tear! So sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and catch up on what’s happened this week in the world of Retro Handhelds.
Hardware
If there’s one thing we know about retro handhelds, it’s that there is always something new around the corner. Seriously, it’s “worse” than smartphones, as some companies release new handhelds every other week. On the bright side, at least there’s no shortage of options.
NEW Powkiddy RGB10 Max 4 Specs Revealed!
Powkiddy hasn’t been quite as active as Anbernic, but that might be changing. Following renders and specs for the RGB10 Max 4 being provided to us by J. Dewitz, we’ve received further confirmation of the device’s existence. It seems we’re finally getting a break from the RK3566 as Powkiddy is set to rely on the RK3588S. Coming as an even bigger surprise, the Max 4 could be priced right around $100. If that’s the case, then the RGB10 Max 4 could end up as the best retro handheld of the year.
Small Universe X Sugar Cubes Handheld teased yet again
We first got a whiff of the Small Universe X Sugar Cubes handheld. Along with running Android, the Sugar Cubes stands out thanks to its rotating 3.9-inch OLED screen. However, we haven’t heard much about this random and unique handheld since then, until now. A new video was published by 𝙉𝙄𝙏𝕋ℝ𝐗, giving us an extensive look at what the handheld has to offer, including the metal shell. The video also revealed that the Sugar Cubes is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 chip, making this quite an overpowered GameBoy clone. Unfortunately, while the Sugar Cubes has been released in “small numbers” in China, it’s unclear whether it will make its way to global markets.
Nintendo Unveils “Controller Button Collection” Set 2 in Japan
As soon as I saw the renders on Twitter, I was instantly sold. Nintendo introduced a new lineup of console-inspired keychains, featuring the ABXY buttons from the SNES, Super Famicom, N64, and GameCube. Unfortunately, it’s just not meant to be, as Nintendo is only releasing this keychain set in Japan.
GKD Bubble “is coming soon”
#GKD_Bubble is coming soon pic.twitter.com/lxAPmVnssz
— Z-Pocket Game (@Z_Pocket_Game) July 27, 2024
Another device that we’ve seen rumbles of is one that might look a bit familiar, as the GKD Bubble harkens back to the Game Gear. Not much information is known just yet, but the Z-Pocket Game account on X shared that it’s “coming soon.” It also shows that the Bubble will come in at least two different colors, as the Red and Black color options are shown off. We’ll definitely be on the lookout for the official release.
The Retroid Official Dock is finally launched
Introducing the Retroid Official Dock! We anticipate the dock will be ready to ship next week. Preview link below. Happy gaming everyone!https://t.co/D3mAh5Fenw
— Retroid Pocket Official (@Retroid0fficial) July 26, 2024
It’s pretty obvious that Retroid is content without rushing to release another set of devices, as the Pocket 4 and 4 Pro are still pretty darn fantastic, albeit a bit overshadowed. However, Retroid surprised everyone by releasing its “Official Dock,” offering a 7-in-1 docking solution for your Retroid handheld. The Dock retails for $30, and includes 2x USB 3.0 ports, 2x USB 2.0 ports, a Gigabit LAN port, an HDMI port with support for up to 4K@60Hz, and provides Power Delivery charging. The only catch here is the disclaimer that the “HDMI output function” is “only compatible with the RP4Pro.”
Taki shares prices for MiSTER project
Sorry for the delay, these should be the final prices:
MiSTER + Fan board = under $99
MiSTER + Fan board + 128MB SDRAM = under $115
MiSTER + 128MB RAM + 15W PD brick + USB Hub + V9.2 IO with Analog AV = $160The bundle items will be available for individual purchase. https://t.co/evbSfGFAGv
— Taki Udon (@TakiUdon_) July 25, 2024
Popular YouTuber, Taki Udon, has been working on creating his own FPGA MiSTER console. It seems that we’re in the home stretch as he revealed pricing for different bundles. While a firm release date has yet to be shared, Taki received “retail packaging samples” on 7/27.
A Wii console the size of a keychain!
@YveltalGriffin and I have been cooking up something special over the past year or so and we are now happy to show it off.
A Wii console the size of a keychain!
CNC’d, anodized, laser marked, and passively cooled
Follow the link for more details: https://t.co/MgZT0ZBV6V pic.twitter.com/3trRBqoNiU
— Wesk Mods (@WeskMods) July 21, 2024
If you want to see one of the wildest projects ever, you’ll need to check out this project dubbed the “Kawaii.” Somehow, they managed to basically build a functional Wii that can fit on your keychain. In addition to the miniature console, it docks into the keychain that features four controller slots, a USB-C port on the back, and dual headphone jacks.
Ayaneo Pocket DMG & Micro pre-orders go live on July 31
Get ready to relive your handheld dreams! 🥳
👀On Wednesday, July 31st at 8:00 AM EST
AYANEO will take you back to the beginning with the launch of the AYANEO Pocket DMG & MICRO.
😘We’ll be live on YouTube!#ayaneo #live #AYANEO pic.twitter.com/3Try2SbT5L— AYANEO (@AYANEO__) July 25, 2024
Back in May, Ayaneo announced the Pocket DMG and Pocket Micro, two Android-powered handhelds. Since then, we’ve seen continued teasers and showcases, with no mention of when the handhelds would be released. However, that’s no longer the case, as both the Pocket DMG and Micro will be available for pre-order on July 31 at 8 AM ET.
MagicX XU Touch One, Touch Two, Mini M2, XU 20 detailed
MagicX is gaining some traction in the community, and we’re already expecting a new handheld and a tablet. However, thanks to NexLevel in the RH Discord, we’ve learned there are four more devices in the works. None of these will be priced more than $100, but we’ll have to wait and see what these actually look like.
Miyoo A30 Mod Turns It Into an RG28XX
If you enjoy the Miyoo A30 but aren’t a fan of the included thumbstick, you can actually remove it. However, that would just leave a hole in the front of your A30. Recently, we saw someone offering replacement faceplates, essentially turning your A30 into an RG28XX. The Etsy listing was apparently temporarily removed but has since returned, offering several different patterns and colors to choose from.
Software and Custom Firmware
Don’t get me wrong, hardware is definitely fun and exciting to talk about. But what good is an awesome handheld if it doesn’t even work? That’s where software and custom firmware come into play, so here’s everything you might’ve missed this week.
VitaDB Downloader 2.0 is now available
If you’re a proud owner of the PS Vita, you’ll be happy to hear that VitaDB Downloader 2.0 was recently released. For the unaware, VitaDB is the home for all of your homebrew applications and utilities that can be downloaded on a hacked or modded Vita. With version 2.0, the aesthetics are largely the same, but there’s an extensive list of changes to how the app works.
ChimeraOS 46 Adds Support for GPD, Ayaneo, OneXPlayer, and More
If you’re tired of Windows on your x86 handhelds and have been looking for alternatives, then ChimeraOS should be on your radar. Last week, ChimeraOS 46 was released, marking the first major update since ChimeraOS 45 dropped in January. With this latest version, ChimeraOS now offers support for a variety of handhelds, including ones from GPD, Ayaneo, and even the unreleased OrangePi Neo.
Humble Games Ongoing Saga and Confusion
When it comes to finding great deals on games, one of the first pitstops I make is to Humble Bundle. However, Humble Games was an indie game publisher, both of which are owned by parent company Ziff Davis. Initially, it was reported that Humble Games was “restructuring,” however, it appears that’s not actually the case as it’s now being reported that the entire Humble Games staff has been let go. A subsequent report states that not only was the Humble Games staff of 36 employees laid off, but the publisher has handed off “remaining projects” to a “third-party company called The Powell Group.”
muOS Cool Beans Update Looks to Be Bigger Than Beanz
BEANS
It seems like just yesterday, we were talking about how awesome and incredible the muOS Beans update is. Apparently, the party never stops, as the muOS team is back at it again with its “COOL BEANS” update. This is one of the biggest updates that we’ve seen come to compatible handhelds, as the changelog seems even bigger than the one before it. Although COOL BEANS isn’t ready for primetime just yet, it’s on the way as it’s now in the hands of Alpha testers.
Odin 2 Gets a Big Update
While the Odin 2 Mini has garnered much attention as of late, and for good reason, the Odin 2 is still just as good as it ever was. AYN recently pushed an OTA update to Odin 2 owners, with a changelog that’s comprised of ten major changes for the handheld. This update seems to be rolling out in waves, so if you haven’t gotten the update yet, just keep checking the Settings app on your Odin 2.
RIP Digital Xbox 360 Store
It’s a sad day for Xbox fans, as the Xbox 360 storefront has officially been shut down by Microsoft. This was originally announced back in May, as Microsoft also announced “price reductions” for any existing titles. 18 years was a hell of a run, as the Xbox 360 sparked joy for millions, as long as you didn’t have to deal with the dreaded RROD.
Spruce v1.4 for Miyoo A30
If the stock firmware on the Miyoo A30 leaves a bitter taste in your mouth, why not Spruce it up a bit? Spruce v1.4 was recently released, and due to the sheer number of changes, this is being dubbed as “pre spruce 2.0” by the developer. Along with fixing Wi-Fi issues, it also adds RetroArch Expert Mode, Quick Game Resume, and much more. However, there have been a few more, albeit smaller, updates to Spruce since then, which have basically just fixed some problems. Nevertheless, you can download and install the latest version of Spurce on your Miyoo A30 now!
MinUI-v20240723
Shaun Inman, the developer behind MinUI, has been hard at work. Not only has Inman been assisting with making Spruce better, but MinUI saw a new update of its own. However, unlike Spruce v1.4, the latest version of MinUI is largely focused on bug fixes and includes a few “revisions.”
GenZD, Port of GZDoom, Comes to iOS
Now that Apple has opened the floodgates for emulators on iOS and iPadOS, we’re seeing all kinds of options arriving on the App Store. One of the most recent additions is GenZD, which is a port of the ever-popular GZDoom. As you might have gleaned by now, GenZD makes it possible to enjoy all of your Doom engine games on the iPhone or iPad. You can head over to the App Store on your device of choice and get GenZD today for just $1.99.
From the Writers
While there’s always a lot of news to cover and talk about, we also try to take a step back and give everyone something a bit different to enjoy. These are the more editorial-styled articles that you might have missed over the course of this week.
RH Games: What We’re Playing This Week
Something new we’re trying out here at RH is an idea that Jalanimal has had an idea rattling around for a while now, and that’s to give everyone an idea of what games we’re actually playing on a weekly basis. For some extra fun, I also asked the team to share with everyone the devices they are using to play those games. Be sure to let us know what you think about this idea, and whether it’s something you want to see more of!
8BitDo Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad Review
Jalanimal got a bit carried away during Prime Day and ended up ordering the 8BitDo Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad to go with his 8BitDo C64 keyboard. After trying to return it to no avail, he then decided to offer a brief review, giving us his take on whether it’s worth the money or not.
Controller Showdown 3: JoyClones
It was unavoidable to write this article series and not touch on what is probably the hottest thing in the bootleg controller game; fake Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons. But, do these bargain Joy-Cons do the trick? I’ve had a few pairs for a good while now, and I’ll attempt to break down the positives and negatives in my view to help you make a decision at the register.
Opinion: Pre-Ordering Handhelds Sucks!
Pre-ordering these retro handhelds can really suck and can be extremely frustrating. I have been in the hobby for the last few years and yeah, the excitement of checking your tracking is exciting. However, the pre-orders for most of these companies make you want to pull your hair out.
Is The Original…Better? GBA SP vs. RG35XXSP
This article isn’t about looking into the recent past, it’s about looking farther into the velvet curtain of our childhoods and how good we had it then, complete in sepia. I recently sipped on the RG35XX SP Kool-Aid, and while it’s 100% too late to review it, we need to talk about something. I can’t bring myself to do a full review of the device because my job as a journalist is to A: Post Cringe and B: Write something new – and I just don’t have anything new to bring to the review space that could take up 1000 words or more.
NetPass for the 3DS: StreetPass is Alive!
With Nintendo shutting down the 3DS servers, I thought my chances to get to play those weird minigames were over, but it wasn’t. I found an awesome app for all of us homebrew-using 3DS folks out there called NetPass!
The Cost of Rising Prices: Android Devices
As the number of handhelds we see released, I notice an ever-increasing pattern of some categories increasing in their price points as well. And that’s what I’m here to talk about. In July of 2024, I think that you shouldn’t be spending a lot of money on Android handhelds. And that their pricing peak should currently sit with the Ayn Odin 2.
How to Install Balatro on Android and iOS
Balatro has already become one of this year’s most cherished indie games within the short span of time that it’s been released. The developer has already announced that the game should be coming to iOS and Android soon via a Reddit AMA, but through the power of the internet and eager developers sharing their tools, we can make that day today.
On the YouTubes
Don’t think that the writers are the only ones getting things done. Stubbs and Zu are constantly working on new videos, as we saw Stubbs review the Powkiddy V10, while Zu gave us his first “retail look” at the ASUS ROG Ally X.
Looking for Deals?
Another week, another set of deals to be had. Our latest roundup sees the Miyoo A30 discounted by 15% while including a free grip, plenty of great deals on storage, and a tiny deal if you want to pre-order the Switch Lite: Hyrule Edition. Oh, and there are two new promotions taking place, the AliExpress Getaway Deals promo is now underway, while Anbernic hosts its Holiday Sale.
- MagicX XU Mini M: $40 w/ code “joe9”
- GameSir Galileo G8 Plus: $76
- Save $150 on the Razer Edge
- TrimUI Smart Pro: $54
- Miyoo Mini Plus: $47
Retro Handhelds Deals of the Week
What did you think of this article? Let us know in the comments below, and chat with us in our Discord!
This page may contain affiliate links, by purchasing something through a link, Retro Handhelds may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you.