Features
Check out our thoughts on the latest retro handhelds, and retrospectives on ones we still can’t put down.
The Latest
Why I Bought Balatro (Again)
Nick discusses the state of physical media, gambling, and why he’s breaking out another $20 for a physical copy of Balatro.
Retroid Opens Preorders for D1100 Flip 2
The cheaper Retroid Pocket Flip 2 D1100 is finally here! Is this the budget-friendly handheld you’ve been waiting for? Get all the details on its release, price, and how to buy.
Retro Handhelds Weekly: Delayed Pi, NES Evercade, ES-DE, and Much More!
Stay ahead in the retro handheld scene with this week’s top stories: Helegaly Action Pi, GamerCard, Evercade, emulator updates, software news, and so much more.
The Return of The Forgotten: This Man Is Buying Commodore
A deep dive into the fall and potential rise of Commodore. Read about the brand’s historical importance, its recent struggles, and the passionate effort by a fan to steer its future, backed by original team members.
Fantech EOS Pro IIS Review: A Clicky Controller
The Fantech EOS Pro IIS delivers gyro motion, macro support, turbo, and multi-mode wireless in an ergonomic shell for under $50.
Can KNULLI Save the Powkiddy V90S?
Is the Powkiddy V90S worth it? Zu tackles its biggest flaws, broken stock firmware, and shows how switching to KNULLI can fix the experience.
Games from My Childhood: GameCube Edition
Going back to a set of games you had as a kid is one of my favorite parts of these handhelds. This time, let’s look at some games for the GameCube.
A Clamshell Comparison: What Wins?
Which GBA SP-inspired clamshell reigns supreme? Compare RG34XX SP, RG35XX SP, Miyoo Flip & Powkiddy V90S on power, build, controls and custom firmware.
GotX: Sci-Fi July Lands Giving Us 4 New Retro Games with a Space Theme
Dive into RH’s Sci-Fi Game of the Month lineup with StarTropics, Einhander, Risk of Rain, plus Dragon Quest 3 as the Game of the Quarter.
Emulation²: A 1:1 Device Roundup
Curious which 1:1 retro handheld reigns supreme? We break down the Powkiddy RGB30, Anbernic CubeXX, R46S and more so you can pick the perfect square-screen gamer.
Ruffy and the Riverside Review: A Great Homage to N64 Platformers
Discover Ruffy and the Riverside, an indie platformer with hand-drawn worlds and a unique swap mechanic. Perfect for fans of Paper Mario and N64 collectathons.
Retro Handhelds Weekly: MagicX Zero 40, Odin 2, PCSX2 on Android, and More!
Stay ahead in the retro handheld scene with this week’s top stories: MagicX Zero 40, OrangePi Neo, emulator updates, software news, and so much more.
Fixing ROCKNIX on the Retroid Pocket Mini V2 and How to Set Up Autoboot
Fix the Retroid Pocket Mini v2 ROCKNIX boot issue. This guide provides the downloads and commands needed to flash a new bootloader and solve the upside-down screen problem for good.
MagicX Zero 40 First Impressions: Is This $75 Handheld the Best Budget DS & Shmup Device?
The MagicX Zero 40 looks like a 2DS, but does it perform like one? Stubbs got his hands on one and we are here to summarize his first impressions on the device.
5 Great GBA RPGs With English Patches
The GBA was a fantastic handheld, and it has some amazing JRPGs. Luckily, there is even more to be discovered with these English patches you can play now!
A Week With the Anbernic RG Slide
My week with the RG Slide: excellent D-pad, stacks of screen real estate, and fun slide action. Too bad its thick, heavy chassis makes it awkward for long play.
Powkiddy X55 vs QRD Vortex F5: New or Old?
Is the QRD Vortex F5 worth buying over the tried-and-true Powkiddy X55 in 2025? Ban breaks down specs, design, controls, and OS options in this retro handheld showdown.
The Best Ways to Play: Nintendo Game Boy
Nick pulls down some handhelds from the shelf to discuss his favorite devices for playing the original Nintendo Game Boy.
Retro Handhelds Weekly: Anbernic RG Slide, SEGA Games Delisted, and More
Stay ahead in the retro handheld scene with this week’s top stories: Anbernic RG Slide, exciting developments, emulator updates, software news, and so much more.
Retroid Pocket Mini v2: A Second Chance Done Right?
The Retroid Pocket Mini v2 may look the same, but under the hood it’s got a better screen, updated software, and a few surprises (both good and bad).
Anbernic RG Slide Review: A Weighty Proposition
The Anbernic RG Slide taps into PSP Go and Xperia Play nostalgia with a satisfying sliding screen and sturdy metal construction that’s built to last.
PXN P5 8K Review: The Next Step?
Ban’s PXN P5 8K review details how this budget controller packs 8000Hz polling and capacitive sticks and doesn’t break the bank for the sake of performance.
Anbernic RG Slide First Impressions: Go Bold
Nick dives into the Anbernic RG Slide — a heavy, unapologetically weird handheld that feels like it came straight from 2004.
Shifting Gears: How Mods Brought Me Back to Gran Turismo
Rediscover the Gran Turismo series as Nick explores modern mods that upgrade GT2 and GT4 with improved graphics, new content, and more for today’s gamers.
Retro Handhelds Weekly: RG Slide, melonDS Fork, Gyro for Android Handhelds, and More!
Stay ahead in the retro handheld scene with this week’s top stories: Anbernic RG Slide, exciting developments, emulator updates, software news, and so much more.
A Week with the Nintendo Switch 2
After a full week with the Nintendo Switch 2, here’s everything you need to know — from screen quality to battery tests and game performance.
PowKiddy V90S First Impressions: It’s Flippable
Is the Powkiddy V90S the best budget clamshell handheld of 2025? See how it stacks up against the competition and if it’s worth your money.
Next UI Just Keeps Getting Better and Better
Join Zu as he explores NextUI 5.5 on the TrimUI Brick & Smart Pro: new wireless updates, Pakman tools, custom emulation paks & OTA installs.
Anbernic RG35XX Pro Review: They’re Going to Do What They Do
Anbernic is back with the RG35XX Pro, a confusing release for some. Does this refined classic design make a worthy addition to your emulation lineup?
Anbernic RG35XX Pro Setup Guide
Anbernic RG35XX Pro Setup Guide: Complete walkthrough from specs and buying one to firmware updates, BIOS/ROM placement, and custom firmware installations.