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
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.
Retroid Pocket Flip 2 and Classic Pre-Orders
In case you missed it, the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 and Pocket Classic are now available for pre-order with these new handhelds slated to start shipping sometime in April. Retroid also dropped the first showcase video, giving everyone an idea of what the Flip 2 looks like in person.
For the Flip 2, pre-order pricing starts at $189 for the Dimensity 1100 version or $219 for the Snapdragon 865. As for the Classic, we’re looking at either $114 or $124, depending on if you want 4GB/64GB or 6GB/128GB. Not only that, but Retroid is offering a bundle deal where you get both handhelds for $328.
Retroid Pocket Flip 2 Pre-ordersRetroid Pocket Classic Pre-orders
Powkiddy RGB50 Leaked
On the Retro Handhelds Discord, user James Dewitz — who has a history of developing software for Powkiddy devices — announced the forthcoming arrival of the Powkiddy RBG50. James was only able to share certain characteristics of the upcoming devices, however, that hasn’t stopped the community from speculating further about the specs of the device.
Since then, we’ve learned a bit more about what the RGB50 will have to offer. According to Dewitz, “this CPU scores about 200 points less in benchmarks than the t618.” Plus, it will apparently use the same screen that’s found in the KT-R1. This means the RGB50 will have a 4.5-inch screen with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a 1080p resolution, which is just bonkers.
Atari 2600 My Play Watch
We’ve had smartwatches and retro-themed watches for years, and now, Atari is bringing everyone the best of both worlds with the Retro Play Watch. It’s pre-loaded with four classic retro games, and comes with a total of three interchangeable bands, all of which are “inspired by the look and feel of the 2600.” You can pre-order this smartwatch today ahead of its June 10th release date.
Mecha Comet Gets a Few Upgrades
Without a doubt, one of my favorite devices from CES 2025 was the Mecha Comet. My excitement was just turned up a notch as there are a few upgrades coming before the Kickstarter campaign kicks off. Notably, the Comet will now feature a 3.92-inch AMOLED display, USB 3.0 with DP Alt Mode, and the NXP i.MX8M Plus SoC.
Coming as little surprise, these changes are accompanied by a higher price tag, as the Comet will cost “at least 15% more.” Additionally, Mecha’s planned Kickstarter campaign won’t begin until Q3 2025, ahead of the Comet shipping in Q4 2025.
The Dual-Screen ONEXSUGAR Debuts at GDC 2025
The ONEXSUGAR dual screen handheld has finally been fully revealed after months-long rumors, speculation, and leaks. The ONEXSUGAR is a handheld device specifically meant to highlight the usage of dual screens. However, it morphs from a somewhat typical PC handheld design and turns into a two-screen handheld as opposed to simply offering both from the get-go.
Make Your Own Mini Retro Handheld with the Pi Tin
Are you looking for a new Raspberry Pi project? Then you’ll definitely want to check out the Pi Tin. This basically lets you turn an Altoids tin into an ultra-portable retro handheld. It’s powered by a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W while sporting a 2.8-inch display, and frankly, it just looks like a really fun thing to mess around with.
You can head over to the Pi Tin landing page to grab all of the necessary files and SD card image if you want to do this yourself. However, the creators are also working on making kits available for those who don’t want to worry about soldering.
Other Hardware News
- ModRetro Teases N64 FPGA Re-Imagination
- Analogue 3D Has Been Delayed Until July
- AYANEO AM01S Coming Soon
- The PlayStacean
- New Lenovo Legion Go S Models Now Available for Pre-order
- AYANEO Reveals Pocket S2 and Gaming Pad
- Curve Reality Developer Kits
- Microsoft Releases Xbox Adaptive Joystick
- Retro Fighters Defender Pro Series Coming Soon to Kickstarter
Apps and Software
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.”
Azahar Emulator Officially Launches
We kind of figured it wouldn’t be long after seeing new Release Candidates land last week. However, the wait is finally over, as the stable version of Azahar for 3DS has officially arrived. Not only that, but in addition to being available via GitHub, Azahar has replaced the Lime3DS listing on the Google Play Store. This is simply fantastic, and we can’t wait to take it for a spin.
EmuDeck 2.4 Starts Rolling Out
Setting Up EmuDeck on Windows
Everyone’s favorite all-in-one retro emulation solution for x86 handhelds is getting a pretty big update. EmuDeck version 2.4 launched this week, complete with a new BIOS checker, the ability to add ESDE to Steam, Azahar, Model 2, and even “BYO Citron”. Plus, there’s a new EmuDeck Wiki that’s available to answer pretty much any of the questions you might have.
Don’t Be Fooled by Fake Emulators on the Play Store
While we love being able to download some of our favorite emulators from the Play Store, it’s not a perfect situation. Over the years, bad actors have made their way in, making promises and duping numerous people. With the recent excitement surrounding PS3 emulation on Android, another bad actor is making its rounds. According to the stats on the Play Store listing, “RPCSX Emulator” has already been downloaded more than 500,000 times, without actually being a PS3 emulator.
There are a few different projects in the works for bringing PS3 emulation to Android, but the only one you should really pay attention to for now is RPCS3-Android.
RetroAchievements Comes to Delta for iPhone and iPad
Buster Bros achievements!
Ever since its initial release, Delta has arguably been the most popular way to enjoy your favorite retro games on the iPhone and iPad. However, while Delta makes it easy to get up and running, one feature has continued to elude the emulator. That’s no longer the case as Delta 1.7 finally supports RetroAchievements.
In the current iteration, it’s only available as an Experimental Feature, but at least you can finally rack up your score on the go.
RPCS3 for Android Now Supports Custom GPU Drivers
It’s incredible seeing how fast the development of RPCS3-Android has been. Now that you can install the firmware and boot into games, the developers are starting to implement a variety of improvements every day.
One of the more exciting additions is the ability to use custom GPU drivers, which arrived in one of the “GitHub Action” builds earlier this week. In doing so, you’ll be able to load up one of K1MCH11’s Turnip drivers in an attempt to improve performance, just like we can with Switch emulators.
More Software News
- muOS 2502.0 Pixie – Patch 1 Released
- NextUI’s Rapid Development Continues
- Half-Life 2 RTX Mod Now On Steam
- Microsoft adds new Gamepad Keyboard to Windows 11
- Croc: Legend of the Gobbos Remaster Launches on April 2
- Provenance 3.0.6 Improves 3DS performance without JIT
- Microsoft Leaked Steam Integration in Xbox UI
Emulator Updates
- shadPS4 v0.7 Released; Adds HDR and FSR support, improved compatibility, etc.
- PlayGB is a Game Boy Emulator for the Playdate
- ScePSX Beta 0.1.5
- MeloNX v1.7.0
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.
AYANEO Pocket Micro Classic Review: Nostalgic Luxury or Overkill?
The Ayaneo Pocket Micro Classic
Had I not received a review unit of the new AYANEO Pocket Micro Classic, I’m not sure that I would have ever even tried one of its devices. The company makes no bones about being a premium manufacturer, and that premium comes with a cost barrier for entry that might seem daunting to those of us who have seen how much can be done in this hobby on the cheap in recent years.
Five More Video Game Demakes You Need to Play
I love demakes. I think they are so cool and really give new life to a modern game that you may have played a dozen times. The idea is that a game is recreated with lower graphics on a system it didn’t come out on. I did a similar list last year and wanted to share five more that I enjoy.
Nyxi Striker Review: Homerun or Swing and a Miss?
Coinciding with my downfall into cheap handhelds came a bunch of retro-styled keyboards that might just fit the bill. This time, it’s Nyxi’s turn with their GameCube-colored keyboard called the Striker. How’s it hold up? Is it worth your $100? And is it the board I’m going to keep on my desk going forward? Well, thanks to Nyxi sending this over, I’ll be able to answer all three of these questions by the end of this review.
Best Ways to Play: Sega Game Gear
The Sega Game Gear is perhaps the classic console that best represents why I love emulation and the retro handheld hobby. I had a Game Gear as a kid. It was the only console where my parents ever finally gave in and made one magically appear under the tree. To say that I had a connection with my Game Gear as a kid would be an understatement. It was the gaming world that I knew best and one that I could finally call my own.
Kinhank K36 Setup Guide
When I first reviewed the Kinhank K36 back in August 2024, I wrote that it had potential as a decent budget option, but was held back at the time by the poor stock experience that shipped with the device. Since that time the community has stepped up to offer better solutions for the Kinhank device.
My History With the Home Console Controller
Gaming accessibility, fighting game tournaments, and the search for the perfect controller — follow Mista Claw’s quest to conquer the FGC with unmatched determination.
On the YouTubes
Don’t think that the writers are the only ones getting things done. the RH video team is constantly working on new videos, and now’s the best time to subscribe. This week, Stubbs offers some advice before you pre-order the latest Retroid devices, Zu gives us a look at Pan4Elec for the G350, and Tech Dweeb joined the crew to talk about dream handhelds and retro games.
Looking for Deals?
Another week, another set of deals to be had. This time around, Anbernic has kicked off an Anniversary Bash, which is exactly what AliExpress is doing. Plus, you can save on Retroid’s latest handhelds and so much more. Hit the button below to check out our favorite deals of the week.
Retro Handhelds Deals of the Week
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