Welcome to the latest edition of Retro Handhelds Weekly. This week saw a bunch of news in both 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
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.
Anbernic Announces RG CubeXX and RG P01 Controller
Anbernic has announced the upcoming release of its latest handheld, the RG CubeXX. This new device has the same form factor as the RG Cube, but with a D-Pad up top, and the H700 Anbernic internals we all know and love so well.
Anbernic didn’t stop there, as the company also announced its first controller, the RG P01. It almost looks like a combination of an 8Bitdo controller merged with one from PowerA. Anbernic states it supports Bluetooth 5.3, 2.4GHz wireless, and a wired connection while being compatible with practically every platform. The RG P01 is also said to feature Hall Effect joysticks and triggers, along with the ability to customize the button layout, which includes the two macro buttons on the back.
Anbernic RG406P and Dual-Screen RG406V
Two more devices from Anbernic could soon hit the market, with the RG406P appearing in patent diagrams. There’s really not too much to get excited about just yet, with the exception of the stacked shoulder buttons.
However, some new sketches are making the rounds of a prototype for a dual-screen vertical handheld. It’s pretty obvious this is nothing more than a prototype, but the sketches show a main screen that would slide up to reveal a smaller secondary screen. Anbernic could implement a bit more modularity, swapping the Start and Select buttons for dual joysticks at the bottom.
Xemu Running on Retroid Pocket Mini via ROCKNIX
One of the biggest reasons to get excited about the Retroid Pocket Mini and Pocket 5 is that we should be able to enjoy both Android and Linux. As it turns out, the ROCKNIX team is already hard at work, as a new video shows off Xemu running on the Pocket Mini, starting up a game of the original Halo.
Nintendo’s Latest Device Isn’t the Switch 2
Late in September, an unknown device from Nintendo passed through the FCC, featuring 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and a “CLO-001” model number. Although we feel as though the Switch 2 could launch at any time, it wasn’t going to be this mystery device. A few days later, Nintendo announced the Sound Clock: Alarmo, described as an “interactive alarm clock.” It’s currently available for pre-order from Nintendo for $99, but you need an active Nintendo Switch Online membership in order to buy one.
Other Hardware News
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.
Sudachi is Next Switch Emulator to Say Goodbye
For those who don’t have an account, didn’t realise it needed one https://t.co/xwLiEHkb6P pic.twitter.com/CuPZHnpHGg
— Jarrod Norwell (Antique) (@antique_codes) October 14, 2024
Nintendo Switch emulators are dropping like flies, but this time, it’s not because of any legal pressure. Unfortunately, the developer of Sudachi announced that development of the emulator will soon come to an end. As for the reason, this one is to blame on the community, as “the community surrounding it (not everyone) are making a very unsafe and unpleasant environment.”
Pour one out for another Switch emulator.
Game Freak Suffers From a Massive Data Breach
Pokemon Red on the Powkiddy RGB30
Over the weekend, it was discovered that Game Freak, the main developer of Pokemon, suffered a massive data breach. However, this data breach didn’t solely focus on unreleased source code but also included personal details of more than 2,600 employees.
Just don’t go searching for what else the leak contained.
Junk Store Comes to the Steam Store
The creators of Junk Store are officially working to release a plugin to run officially on the Steam Deck! This will be available through the Steam Store and will not be dependent on Decky. An announcement from Reddit provides more information here.
Lime3DS Brings 3DS Emulation to the Play Store
Lime3DS is forked from Citra and is an open-source emulator. It is even promising to bring new features to the 3DS emulation scene as well. Now, it is coming out officially on the Google Play Store. With Android devices getting more and more powerful, it is reassuring to finally have an official emulator on the Play Store that will help us take advantage of them.
Time To Go Bananas with muOS BANANA
muOS will now be available with full PipeWire support. There is also now individual and recursive system/core and governor selection. Now there is support for languages through Weblate, network profile, and RG40XX. There is even support for storing user-configurable data on SD2. Finally, cardinal snapping has been fixed for the RG35XX H and RG40XX using the fix Gamma came out with.
UFO 50 Comes to PortMaster
UFO 50 has been making waves as it comes from Derek Yu, the creator of Spelunky, and other indie titles. Essentially, it’s 50 games in one, all offering the retro 8-bit aesthetic that we know and love. And now, you can play it on your favorite retro handhelds thanks to PortMaster!
Other Software News
- Destiny: Rising Announced
- Archive.org Suffers Data Breach and DDoS Attack
- Nintendo Switch Online Playtest Program
- X-Men Arcade Now Available for MiSTer and Analogue Pocket
- Goodboy Galaxy for PC Trailer (Includes GBA ROM)
- Mikage Runs on Asahi Linux Vulkan for Apple M2
- Spotify Connect now on PortMaster
- Art Book Next Theme for ES-DE Updated and Removes Nintendo IP
- NonSteamLaunchers Plugin Removed
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.
RH Games: What We’re Playing This Week
I had an issue with my Silent Hill 2 Remake preorder, so instead I decided to play a game in the series I haven’t yet. Silent Hill 4 is a bit of an interesting take on the series as it has moments of first-person point of view and you trying to figure out why you are locked in your bedroom. It is a great time for the spooky month and the Odin Mini can handle the HD textures I applied making it look great!
A Slightly Unhinged Look at the RGB10X
As pointed out previously, nothing in this handheld is new. In fact, you can distill this dummy down to the components of 3 handhelds: The processor and weird +/- buttons a la the V10, the face and shoulder buttons of the RGB30, and the original RGB10’s console layout. Spectacularly…average. The buttons have the same satisfying, easy-to-press, and quiet face buttons.
My Perfect PortMaster Portable
PortMaster has been my kick for a little bit now, and while it’s pretty consistent across the board, I think some devices just work better for me. So how about you join in while I take a look at finding my perfect PortMaster portable? At least for now.
5 Retro Games Based on Horror Movies
I have a series where I highlight licensed games that are actually good, but I thought this would be a fun twist. I wanted to spend the week trying out retro games that are based off of horror movies. Are they actually good? Most of them are not. I know there are newer Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Saw, Alien, etc. games, but I wanted to stick with retro.
How to Install GammaOS Core
Gamma released the beta version of GammaOS Core in early September. It supports a variety of low-powered consoles, bringing Android to devices once only able to run Linux.
Powkiddy V10 Setup Guide
This guide aims to be the end-all-be-all of V10 setup guides. There are graphs, illustrations, instructions, and LISTS, and I take you through the entire process from start to finish as if you’ve never used a computer before. Strap in, bucko, this one is an ultimate.
Miyoo A30 Setup Guide
The A30 emerged in April 2024 as a direct competitor to the Anbernic RG28XX. Both devices are small, horizontal, and pocketable, but their software experiences and hardware modules differ. Initially, the stock A30 experience can feel underwhelming to downright janky, but with a tiny bit of effort, it transforms into a go-to for small form factor emulation.
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, and now’s the best time to subscribe. This week, Zu checks out a pretty darn incredible 4K Gaming Projector, while Derek gives us his in-depth review of the Retroid Pocket Mini.
Looking for Deals?
Another week, another set of deals to be had. We’re still coming down from the latest Amazon Prime Day event, but there are still plenty of great deals on storage, and a couple of awesome ways to save when pre-ordering some upcoming handhelds.
Retro Handhelds Deals of the Week
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