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.
MagicX Zero40 Now On Sale — A Handheld Built for DS Emulation
The MagicX Zero40 is officially available for purchase, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most thoughtfully designed handhelds for Nintendo DS emulation to date. As confirmed in a product announcement shared via MagicX’s Discord server, the Zero40 is now live on the company’s official storefront and will begin shipping in batches starting June 30.
Helegaly Action Pi Officially Launches July 5th
Such is the case with a lot of different handhelds; there’s usually an announcement, and then a long waiting period before a device is actually released. This has surprisingly happened with the Helegaly Action Pi, which we first learned about a few months ago, but it’s yet to actually be released. Thankfully, the wait won’t be too much longer, as we’ve learned that the Action Pi is slated to launch on July 5th.
OrangePi Neo-01
It’s been over a year since we first learned about the OrangePi Neo-01, an x86 handheld running Manjaro Linux. Since then, much of the x86 handheld landscape has shifted, and the Neo-01 was nowhere to be found. Recently, an update was posted on the Manjaro Forums, revealing configurations, pricing, and a release target.
Here are the different pricing and configurations we can expect:
- 7840U
- 16GB + 512GB: $450
- 16GB + 1TB: ~$570
- 32GB + 512GB: ~$570
- 32GB + 1TB: ~$625
- 8840U
- 32GB + 512GB: $550
- 32GB + 1TB: ~$680
The Neo-01 is expected to launch sometime in Q3 2025.
GPD Strix Halo Handheld
AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395 has only been made available in a variety of mini PCs, in addition to the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 and the HP ZBook Ultra 14 G1a. That’s to say we haven’t seen it powering any handhelds, but that could soon change.
Thanks to a recent leak, an image appeared showing off the AMD Strix Halo chip powering an unreleased GPD handheld, scoring 10393 in 3D Mark’s Time Spy test. However, there’s a pretty good chance this is simply a prototype and won’t see a public launch.
AYN Odin 2 Goes Out of Stock; Is the Odin 3 Around the Corner?
ES-DE on Odin 2
While preparing the latest edition of Retro Handhelds Weekly, we found that the Odin 2 (Base) was no longer in stock, despite it being available just a day before. Currently, both the Pro and Max models are still available; however, this has us wondering if the Odin 3 could be the next Android handheld to be released.
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.
You Haven’t Played Mario Kart 64 Like This Before
It’s no secret that we’re big fans of game ports such as Ship of Harkinian and 2Ship2Harkinian. However, Harbour Masters has been hard at work, as SpaghettiKart is the latest port to be made available.
The first two ports I mentioned are for TLOZ: Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask, respectively. In late 2024, Starship was released, giving us a PC port of Star Fox 64. And now, SpaghettiKart is here for those who have been wanting a PC port of Mario Kart 64.
Just a few hours after the initial news was published, SpaghettiKart landed on PortMaster.
Xbox App Adds Steam and Battle.net Support, Here’s How to Try It Now
Microsoft began rolling out an updated Xbox app to those enrolled in the Xbox Insiders program. Once installed, you’ll be able to view and install games from Steam and Battle.net, in addition to what’s in your Xbox library.
GammaOS Next
It’s been a heck of a month for Gamma, as he kicked off June with the initial release of GammaOS Next for the RG556, RG Cube, RG406V, and RG406H. Now, he’s ending the month by bringing Next to the three devices listed below.
If interested, you’ll need to sign up for the GammaOS Patreon, as these builds are “only available to Patreon backers for the next 60 days.”
PCSX2 Comes to Android
PS2 emulation on Android has grown a bit stagnant as of late, but that might soon change. Over on GitHub, a person named “Pontos2024” ported the PCSX2 app to Android, but you would have to compile the code and build the app yourself. Thankfully, Trixarian, of NetherSX2 fame, picked up the torch and provided compiled Android builds for everyone to download and test out.
pontos2024/PCSX2_ARM64 Trixarian/PCSX2_ARM64 (Compiled)
More Software News
- Xanite – Xbox Emulator for Android
- Netflix removing 20+ mobile games including Monument Valley and Hades
- Humble Choice Bundle increasing to $14.99 per month
- Logitech G Cloud Gets a surprise update, but breaks Tablet Mode
- Persona 5: The Phantom X released on iOS and Android
- Microsoft Updates Xbox 360 Just to Put Ads
- Steam gets a new Steam Deck-like Performance Monitor now in Beta replacing the FPS counter
- ModRetro Chromatic Now Displays Nintendo Game Boy Games In Quest Headsets
- Iris is a new PS2 Emulator for Windows, macOS, and Linux
Custom Firmware Updates
Emulation Updates
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.
Fixing ROCKNIX on the Retroid Pocket Mini V2 and How to Set Up Autoboot
I recently bought a Retroid Pocket Mini v2. One of the main reasons behind my purchase was the availability of a Linux custom firmware, and that the custom firmware in question, ROCKNIX, had the best Xbox emulation available outside x86 devices.
However, the path to emulating more modern systems never seems to run smoothly, and in this case, it turned out that, out of the box, the RP Mini v2 isn’t compatible with ROCKNIX. Trying to load ROCKNIX on the device leads to an unreadable menu screen. If somehow, through luck or judgment, the right option for the v2 is selected, ROCKNIX will load, but with the image upside down.
MagicX Zero 40 First Impressions: Is This $75 Handheld the Best Budget DS & Shmup Device?
MagicX Zero 40 Super Mario 64 DS
In a world of increasingly powerful and expensive retro handhelds, MagicX is making a bold move in the opposite direction. The MagicX Zero 40 is an Android handheld priced at just $75, aiming to be the ideal budget device for DS emulation and shmups. Stubbs recently gave his first impressions of the device, and it might just be the hidden gem of 2025’s handheld scene.
5 Great GBA RPGs With English Patches
I love RPGs, and I also have a fondness for the GBA. The sprite work still holds up today, and with all these clamshells that have been releasing, it is nice to live that nostalgia of the GBA SP. One of my favorite parts of emulation is playing translated games that never got an English patch. Here are 5 of my favorite GBA RPGs that have English translations.
A Week With the Anbernic RG Slide
Sliiiiiide to the left, Sliiiiiide to the right. Now freeze! Everybody. Shut. Your. Clams!… I tried making this Cha Cha Slide reference in our media team group chat, and no one laughed, so I am seeing if I can go 1 for 2 with it. I have had the RG Slide in my possession for a week and thought I’d give my thoughts on it after some time with it.
Powkiddy X55 vs QRD Vortex F5: New or Old?
In 2025, we’re starting to see more and more companies enter the fray of “Look! We have a handheld, too!” Antec rebranded AYANEO handhelds and released them. Helegaly has announced a few different handhelds, but has yet to ship them.
So what happens when a company by QRD launches their own 3566 that’s suspiciously similar to a Powkiddy? You get the Vortex F5, and that brings up the decision. Do you buy new? Or grab something a bit older now.
The Best Ways to Play: Nintendo Game Boy
Time to cover a big one. The handheld that cemented the fact that there was a world of full-featured gaming was possible on the go. The little black & white Mario machine that could: Nintendo’s Game Boy.
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.
Looking for Deals?
Another week, another set of deals to be had. Hit the button below to check out our favorite deals of the week. We know how much everyone loves a good deal, so we’ve been cooking up something to help you get the best deal possible.
Retro Handhelds Deals of the WeekHandheld.Deals
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