
Retro
Handhelds
Your retro gaming community
We’re glad you made it! Retro Handhelds is a community of sites, projects, and servers dedicated to the celebration of classic gaming on the go. Whether you’re replaying old favorites or digging for hidden gems, RH is here to offer camaraderie, support, and news on the latest portable gaming developments.
The Latest
MagicX Zero 40 First Impressions: Weird but Good
The MagicX Zero 40 is a unique handheld with a vertical screen built for DS and TATE mode. Read Ban’s impressions on its ergonomics, display quality, and overall value at $75.
Making Retroid Handhelds Look Corpo
When Retroid announced the Flip 2 and Classic, I instantly thought how these could be customized to look like their Corpo counterparts. Let’s check it out!
How to Install SteamOS on the Lenovo Legion Go S (Windows Edition)
Did you buy a Lenovo Legion Go S Windows Edition, but long for SteamOS? Mikhailov has you covered with a detailed install guide.
A Love Letter to the Nintendo 3DS
The Nintendo 3DS line of systems were great. In a time when Nintendo cared about putting passion into a system, it was a joy to experience years later.
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Controller Review: This Thing is Bananas
Looking for a Switch 2 Pro Controller alternative? Ban goes hands-on with the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 controller to see if its performance and features make it the only controller you’ll need.
The Analogue 3D Has Been Delayed… Again
Analogue 3D has now been delayed for the third time. While some relied on customer support messaging, the company’s history of missing deadlines remains true.
TrimUI Smart Pro Mini Patent Leaks: Could This Be the Next Big Thing?
Patent leaks reveal the TrimUI Smart Pro Mini: a pocket‑sized 3.5–4″ retro handheld with a passive‑cooling logo cutout, FN switch, and a ~$75 MSRP.
8bitdo Announces the Pro 3 Controller, Now with Balls
8BitDo unveils the Pro 3 controller, featuring TMR sticks, swappable magnetic buttons, and new GameCube-inspired colors. Pre-order now for $69.99.
What Exactly is E-Waste These Days, Anyway?
From AliExpress duds to licensed knockoffs: discover which handhelds are true e‑waste and which surprising budget devices stand out with character and quality.
How To Play GameCube on Anbernic RGXX Handhelds
Step‑by‑step guide to running GameCube titles on Anbernic RGXX handhelds (RG34XXSP and others) using custom muOS Pixie and Dolphin builds.
We’re Getting a Genesis Themed Retroid Pocket Classic
Retroid’s bringing new Sega vibes to the Retroid Pocket Classic. If its mockup post hits 350 likes, it just might become the coolest handheld on the block.
It’s 2025! Time to Bring Back Commodore?
Rediscover the magic of the ’80s with the Commodore 64 Ultimate: FPGA-powered, mechanical keyboard, HDMI output & cartridge support. Pre‑order yours today!
Anbernic RG477M Marks a Return to Land of Metal
Check out Anbernic RG477M’s debut trailer: two colors, a potential 4.7″ 960p 120Hz screen, and Android. We cover confirmed details, smart guesses & unknowns.
Risky Revolution Revives the GBA Era on RG34XXSP
Shantae: Risky Revolution feels right at home on the RG34XXSP, blending retro roots with modern style in a perfectly portable package.
GameCube on Anbernic RGXX Devices? Inconceivable! Or Is It?
Discover how the $60 Anbernic RG34XXSP with Allwinner H700 can actually play GameCube games using muOS Pixie and a custom Dolphin build.
Around the Web
Retro Handhelds Youtube & Podcast
Stubbs & Zu review, mod, showcase & setup your favorite retro handhelds on camera! Also, every Monday night @ 6pm Pacific, Stubbs, Rob (The Retro Tech Dad), Ban & the RH crew get together for a live podcast where they discuss the latest handheld and emulation news, games they’ve been playing, and interview guests from around the retro scene about their latest projects.
RH Game of the Month
Join Retro Handhelds every month as we tackle a suite of retro games. This book club-style event highlights titles from Pre-’96, ‘96-’00, and the post-2000 modern era. Join our Discord to participate with others and earn points towards RH merch!


Retro Game Randomizer
Partners & pals

Russ (Retro Game Corps)
Smack dab in the middle of The Great Boredom of 2020, Russ picked up his first retro handheld, and immediately hated the stock experience. Shortly thereafter he launched Retro Game Corps, a YouTube channel and companion website dedicated to helping others unlock the full potential of their handhelds. Since then, he’s branched into reviews and guides for a variety of different devices and platforms, all with his trademark attention to detail (mostly thanks to his former career in the US military).
Favorite Game: Super Mario Bros 2

Rob (Retro Tech Dad)
The Retro Tech Dad is known to most as Rob, Dad to a human and some dogs, and Daddy to Stubbs. He has a passion for technology both old and new. He loves to tinker with devices of all kinds — especially the electronic ones. Check out his channel for retro and modern gaming, device retrospectives, very in-depth review videos, teardowns, and lots of emulation testing. He is always ready to help on Discord, YouTube, and anywhere else you might find him! He is also the co-host for the Retro Handhelds podcast featuring Stubbs and the rest of the Retro Handhelds crew.
Favorite Game: PepsiMan

Shem (Retro Breeze)
Hi there! How’s this: At RetroBreeze, Shem talks technology, gaming and of course, all things retro. Reviews, impressions, opinions and easy-to-follow tutorials, you’ll certainly find enjoyable content with RetroBreeze!
Favorite Game: Sonic R

Mikhailov (Team Retrogue)
Ahoyhoy! Team Retrogue is run by Mikhailov, and is a channel about games and the devices that bring them to us. Mikhailov reviews retro handhelds and gives tutorials on emulation setup as well as optimization, and writes for the RH website. Mikhailov also educates the youth of Connecticut for his day job.
Favorite Game: Chrono Trigger

The Gamma Squeeze (GammaOS)
GammaOS is a LineageOS based firmware for the Anbernic RG405M & RG505, with more support on the way. Developed by The Gamma Squeeze (not confirmed to not be DJ Khaled)
Favorite Game: Metal Gear Solid 2

Black Seraph (GarlicOS / LineageOS)
Black-Seraph is a leading developer in the handheld scene who specializes in creating custom firmware. He is the creator of GarlicOS, a multi-device custome firmware (including the Anbernic RG35XX), Clean Rom for the GPD XD+, and LineageOS for various devices.
Favorite Game: Tetris

dragoon Dorise (EmuDeck / Pegasus Installer)
dragoonDorise develops one of the most hottest pieces of software in the retro emulation scene. EmuDeck takes care of everything. Emulator installation & configuration, bezels, hotkeys, performance fixes and more!
Favorite Game: A Link to the Past

adixal (muOS)
muOS is a heavily modified RetroArch only CFW for the Anbernic RG35XX handheld. Meant for the minimalist crowd, muOS improves the RG35XX experience through easy flash install, built-in configuration system, and more. Developed by adixal (a man of many mysteries).
Favorite Game: Shining Force 2

Cebion (AmberElec / 351Elec)
AmberElec is an easy-to-use Linux operating system for a range of Anbernic handhelds (RG351P/M | RG351V | RG351MP | RG552) developed by the tireless Cebion and AmberElec team.
Favorite Game: Monkey Island

Christian Haitian (ArkOS)
Christian develops ArkOS, a feature rich Linux operating system with a focus on RetroArch for a range of devices.
Favorite Game: Paper Mario 64

Turtle (Retroid LineageOS / 351Droid / GarlicOS)
Turtle is a staple in the Android OS dev scene, and has created LineageOS builds for a range of devices, including the Retroid Pocket 2. He is also the lead developer for 351Droid, and co-developer of GarlicOS.
Favorite Game: Pokémon Yellow

notime2d8 (Odroid LineageOS / PickleOS)
notime2d8 is a veteran Android OS developer and has created LineageOS builds for a range of devices, including the RGB10 Max, he is also the lead developer of PickleOS, a custom Android firmware based on Lineage19.1 for the RGB10 Max 3 Pro!
Favorite Game: Mass Effect

Javier Arboleda (RESET Collection)
RESET Collection is an easy-to-use emulation frontend developed by Javier Arboleda. Available for $5 on Google Play (or free when you join our Patreon/Discord Premium – $5 tier and above!). Born in the year 1981, Javier is a child of the late 80’s and 90’s, which explains his furious fondness for far-out retro games. He’s a software developer by day, and by night he’s a devoted parent and husband, happily obliged to carry out his fatherly duty of utmost importance; telling dad jokes to his kids.
Favorite Game: Super Metroid

TapiocaFox (Daijishō)
Daijishō is a fully featured Android Frontend and Launcher focused on ease of use, with a wide range of functionality, including Retro Achievements integration. Best of all, this app is free! TapiocaFox stays on top of updates and keeps development active, taking user feedback seriously and is deeply supportive of the retro community. Fun fact: Daijishō is the main Home Launcher for GammaOS!
Favorite Game: Kirby’s Pinball Land

Kyle Eichlin (Console Launcher)
Console Launcher is an easy-to-use Android Launcher and Frontend developed by Kyle Eichlin, our sources have described him as a pleasant fellow who lives in Hawaii (not far from our friend Retro Games Corps!)
Favorite Game: Cave Story

Jim Gray (Our Ghosts / OnionOS)
Jim Gray is a Dad and Musician, creating many iconic tracks for the retro handheld scene, including the theme music for Retro Game Corps, RH, and more! He doesn’t readily admit to it, but he’s also a developer, and helped create OnionOS (among others). You can find Jim dancing if you type in Steely Dan into your GIF search!
Favorite Game: Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4

victoria (silverdusk / RESET Collection)
Victoria’s been producing synthwave beats and glitch art for a few years now, and breathes life into any project she’s a part of. Recently you can find her work inside RESET Collection, which adds a whole new and awesome vibe to the app. Also, be sure to check out her most recent Digital Horizons EP!
Favorite Game: Sonic 3 & Knuckles

spmfox (Spartan Project)
SpartanProject is a full featured web hosting service, providing all our web hosting needs, run by spmfox. We highly recommend Spartan Project if you want to have a stable, budget friendly & customer service focused web host, who goes above and beyond in all regards.
Favorite Game: Tetris on Game Boy