Welcome to the latest edition of Retro Handhelds Weekly. This week, we saw a bunch of news in the world of hardware and software. Our writing team continues to be on an absolute tear, and there’s even a surprise or two sprinkled in! So sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and catch up on what’s happened this week in the world of Retro Handhelds.
Table of Contents
Hardware & Industry News
- AYANEO Pocket Block Leak Points to a Smaller, Cheaper Android Handheld: A new AYANEO handheld has seemingly been discovered after its user manual appeared on manuals.plus. Little is known about the handheld just yet, but it could end up as AYANEO’s budget vertical handheld.
- Valve Hopes to Avoid Another Steam Controller Mess With the Steam Machine and Steam Frame: Hidden in the commits for one of the latest Steam updates were references to the Steam Machine and the Steam Frame. These were spotted by u/Pepeizq, with Valve’s next upcoming devices joining the Steam Deck and Steam Controllers within the same reservation system.
- New DIY Adapter Connects a Wii Remote to the Dreamcast via Bluetooth: Developer and hacker Yombo, who has built a device called the Motecast: a small adapter that connects to the Dreamcast’s controller port, pairs with a Nintendo Wii Remote over Bluetooth, and translates its inputs so the console can read them natively. The result is exactly what it sounds like: a Wii Remote being used to play Dreamcast games.
More Hardware News
Apps and Software
- Anbernic RG DS Gets a New Linux Firmware That Finally Embraces Dual Screens: It’s been almost six months since the Anbernic RG DS was released, aiming to offer a budget alternative to the AYN Thor and AYANEO Pocket DS. However, Anbernic’s decision to ship this with Android resulted in quite a few frustrating quirks that soured the experience. Anbernic is finally looking to right the ship, as it announced an “All-New Linux System” designed for the RG DS and its dual-screen design.
- KNULLI Scarab Makes One of the Best Handheld Firmwares Even Better: Would you believe me if I told you that it’s been almost eight months since the last major KNULLI update was released? Well, if you’ve been wondering when the next major version would arrive, you’re in luck, as KNULLI Scarab is now officially available for download.
- Batocera 43 Adds Support for AYN Thor, Retroid Pocket 6, and More: If you’re a fan of messing around with different custom firmware solutions, but primarily use Android handhelds, you’re in luck. Batocera 43 is now available, not only bringing with it a laundry list (or two) worth of new features and bug fixes, but it’s also compatible with more handhelds.
More Software News
Emulation Corner
Custom Core
Game of the Month
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 and reviews that you might have missed over the course of this week.
- Anbernic RG Rotate Review: Anbernic’s Best Non-Handheld
- DSPico Setup and Review: A DS Flash Cart Under $10
- Flydigi Vader 5S Review: Wired Peak
- Anbernic RG Rotate Setup Guide
- Right Angle: The Games Best Suited for the RG Rotate’s Unique Design
- Game Over: Coleco Gemini
On the YouTubes
RH Partners
Looking for Deals?
The AliExpress Sunshine Savings sale kicks off tomorrow, bringing with it coupon codes that can save you up to $90 off on some of the best gaming handhelds. As always, we’ve rounded up all of the AliExpress coupon codes that we could find. If you find that one code isn’t working, chances are you’ll be able to try a different one and save some dough.
AliExpress Discount Codes
Deal Highlights
- DSPico: $14.51 at AliExpress
- Anbernic RG Rotate: $87.99 w/ code USSS12
- R36 Ultra: $34.47 w/ code USSS05
- GameSir Pocket Taco: $33.49 w/ code USSS02
- Anbernic RG DS: $96.52 w/ code USSS12
- Miyoo Mini Flip: $62.06 w/ code RHH5
- AYN Thor: From $315.38 w/ code USSS35
- RG43H Pro: $61.62 w/ codes 6FTIM3M73G40 | RHH5
- Lenovo G02: $62.95 w/ code RHH5
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