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.
AYANEO Pocket Ace Announced: A Larger & More Powerful 3:2 Horizontal Handheld
AYANEO announced its latest handheld, the Pocket Ace. After AYANEO’s own Pocket Classic and Powkiddy’s recently announced RGB50, this will be the third 3:2 handheld that we’ve ended up writing about in this calendar month.
However, unlike those other devices, AYANEO is pitching this device much more toward the high end of the market since this device uses the same Snapdragon G3x Gen 2 CPU as its other high-end handhelds like the Pocket S and the Pocket DMG.
MagicX is Entering the Clamshell Handheld Arena
The MagicX dual screen handhelds have been long awaited by members of the community. The Zero 40, not to be confused with the dual-screen handhelds currently being discussed, has one single screen that is long enough to allow for both screens of the DS to be emulated one atop the other. The handhelds MagicX is now teasing information about will, however, feature two separate screens.
Abxylute One Pro Launches on Kickstarter
The Abxylute One Pro has officially been launched via a new Kickstarter campaign. The first device originally didn’t bear the One branding and was simply called the Abxylute Streaming Handheld. The sequel to that device is a bit stronger, with some new tweaks and quirks that aim to set the console apart from its predecessor.
Game Console H36S
With Anbernic still absent from the 2025 retro handheld lineup, it’s opened the door for other companies to try and take the spotlight. Game Console is one such company, and it seems that we’re not far off from a new handheld.
The Game Console H36S has appeared on 1688, a wholesale marketplace, equipped with some pretty impressive specs. It’s powered by the same Allwinner A133P as the TrimUI Brick, sports dual microSD card slots, all packed behind a 3.5-inch IPS display. We aren’t sure when it will be released, but we have to assume it won’t be too long of a wait.
- Display: 3.5-inch IPS; 640 x 480
- Processor: Allwinner A133P
- GPU: PowerVR GE8300
- Storage: 2x microSD Card (Up to 256GB)
- Battery: 3,000mAh, 5V2A
- Extras: USB-C OTG, 3.5mm Audio Jack
- Colors: Black, White, Purple
GKD Little
It would appear as though 2025 has graced us with an abundance of 4.5-inch displays with a 3:2 aspect ratio. Recently, we saw that this is the screen that AYANEO will use with the Pocket Ace, and now GKD looks to be next. There are very few details about the GKD Little, other than the render above and that the display is the same as the KTR1, RGB50, and aforementioned Pocket Ace.
Other Hardware News
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.”
EmuDeck v2.4 Adds ES-DE Integration, Azahar and Citron Implementation
In the new EmuDeck 2.4 update, users will be able to choose how they wish to have their libraries integrated on their handhelds. There are now two options: ES-DE or Steam. There’s also a new BIOS Checker that utilizes EmulationStation to verify if the BIOS file amongst your catalog of games is the one needed for the respective console and emulator.
Latest Nintendo Direct is All About Games
With just a few days until the Switch 2 is fully unveiled, Nintendo apparently had a few things to share before everyone’s focus shifts. During its latest Direct, Nintendo gave us new trailers for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokemon Legends Z-A, but stopped short of giving us a definitive release date for either title.
The company also revealed “Virtual Game Cards,” allowing you to share your various games with others. As a bonus, Nintendo also confirmed that your Game Cards can be shared with both Switch 1 and Switch 2 owners. This capability will be rolled out sometime in April with a software update.
Citron Discord Kicks More Than 9K Members; Now Requires Hacked Switch Verification
Although Nintendo is a bit distracted, the Switch emulation scene just can’t seem to get out of its own way. Recently, the rules of the Citron Discord were changed, making it a requirement to provide verification that you own a modded Switch. As a result, thousands of server members were removed, with more being banned for a variety of reasons.
Not only that, but it would also appear that several figures in the Switch emulation scene are feuding. We aren’t sure exactly how it started or what the facts are, but the situation is something to monitor.
Microsoft Continues Improving Compact Mode on Windows Handhelds
One of the biggest complaints when it comes to x86 gaming handhelds is how obnoxious it is to interact with Windows. There are ways around this, through the help of various launchers, or by just installing something like Bazzite.
However, with rumors of an Xbox handheld on the horizon, Microsoft is continuing to roll out updates that aim to simplify the gaming experience. One way the company is doing so is by improving the Game Bar and Compact Mode on Windows. A recent update brings a swatch of changes, such as a “refreshed design” and “improvements to controller navigation.”
NextUI Gets Five Updates In a Week
Without a doubt, MinUI is one of the most beloved custom firmware options available for retro handhelds. But it takes an approach that isn’t exactly ideal for everyone, and that’s where NextUI comes in. Previously known as “MinUI Next,” NextUI has been making waves over the past month, offering an abundance of features for the TrimUI Brick and Smart Pro.
What’s even more incredible is that over the course of the past week, there have been five updates released. These include a variety of bug fixes while also implementing new features, or tweaking existing ones.
More Software News
- RPCS3 Shares CPU Performance Tier List
- Nintendo Today! App Released
- Microsoft Continues Improving Compact Mode on Windows Handhelds
- ChimeraOS 48 Adds Support for RX 9070/XT, ROG XG Mobile, and More
- DualSense Companion
- Cytrus 3DS Emulator
- Console Launcher Alpha 24.2
- ArkOS v2.0 (03.29.25)
Emulator Updates
- Azahar 2120.2
- Deecy v0.5.0
- Delta with DS Online Multiplayer Coming March 31
- Dolphin Now Boots Every Wii Game
- DuckStation on Android
- Flycast Widescreen/60FPS Codes
- gopher64 v1.0.14
- Kenji-NX 2.0.1
- NESd 0.10.0
- psOff Update Includes a Few Key Fixes
- Rosalie’s Mupen GUI v0.7.8
- RPCS3-Android alpha-6
- Sudachi v1.0.15
- ScePSX Beta 0.1.6.1
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.
Fantech Shooter III Review: Retro Remade
Let’s say you wanted to buy a new controller, but money was tight. You’ve got about $25, and you want 2.4GHz, but you also want a USB-C adapter for Switch or your phone, maybe. Well, your options are limited, but there are still good ones to go for, and if you want the retro look, you’re in luck.
Powkiddy X35H First Impressions: A Resounding ‘Eh’
In a barren Anbernic-less 2025, our hopes of retro handhelds have been mostly held up by “Game Console” look-alike brands and hopes of future releases being teased daily. Luckily for us there’s a Powerful Kiddy out there that’s given us a few things to not only look forward to, but also to play.
Game Console RX6H Hands On: We All Have Our Limits
Sometimes, all the optimism in the world can’t save a device. Such, sadly, is the case of the Game Console RX6H. A new horizontal form factor from the mystery manufacturer is constantly trying to corner the low end of the market. If the G350 is an example of how to do a budget handheld right, then unfortunately, I’ve found the RX6H to be a device that was pushed out the door without care, and it shows.
What a New Retroid Pocket Mini Screen Means
However, understanding the situation can be a bit confusing, especially for those who have followed it from the start. Retroid originally claimed that the Mini featured a 1280 x 960 display — a resolution that, for some, represented the ideal retro handheld experience. It was later revealed that the screen was not as advertised and is actually 1240 x 1080 instead, which is where the confusion sets in.
SummerCart64: Is This the Perfect Flashcart?
I have had flashcarts for my Game Boy and Game Boy Advance, but I never got one for the N64. Recently, I read about the SummerCart and decided to take the plunge and give it a shot. Is it worth it, or should you look for a different branded flashcard? I love N64 and have been on a huge kick, even playing modern games with the graphic style (you can see more here).
RH Games: What We’re Playing This Week
This week, Stubbs continues to go full GBA with the AYANEO Classic, Zu beats GotM, and Ban does something unexpected!
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, Zu finds an exciting new CFW for the Brick, and Ban unboxes yet another controller.
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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