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
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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.
The Genesis-Themed Retroid Pocket Classic is Available Now!
It’s been almost a month since Retroid first teased the Sega Genesis Retroid Pocket Classic, which started with a simple tweet saying that if the post got 350 likes, “we’ll make a Genesis themed Classic 6.” Needless to say, that threshold was smashed, as the tweet currently sits at 1.2K likes, and as such, there’s a new color option available over on the Retroid store.
AYN Shadow Drops Odin 2 Max Refurbs: Get One for $299
Back in June, we noticed that the Odin 2 in its base configuration was completely out of stock. A week or so later, that was no longer the case, but now, AYN has started selling refurbished Odin 2 Max devices. This will set you back $299, which happens to be just $10 more than if you were to buy a Base Odin 2. It’s also $130 less than what AYN is currently selling the Odin 2 Max for, as long as you use code MaxSave$30 at checkout.
MagicX Announces Retro 45, Shares Pre-Production Images
On their official Discord, MagicX announced that a new handheld has entered its product testing phase: the Retro 45. As for the Retro 45, only pre-production renders have surfaced so far. MagicX claims the device will emulate Sega Saturn, Dreamcast, and Mega Drive with ease while also fully supporting Nintendo 64 titles. Beyond these claims and the renders, MagicX has not shared additional details.
XU Retro XU20 V32
A couple of weeks ago, we learned more about XU Retro’s plans for its first lineup of devices, starting with the XU20 V32. Now, you can pre-order the handheld over at the company’s website, with a starting price of $48 and coming in four different colors. The first wave consists of 600 units across the four colorways, and shipping will begin on August 25.
GBC Mod w/ Transparent PCB
While we do love our various modernized retro handhelds, we also love seeing the variety of hardware mods for those original consoles and handhelds. The latest of which comes via Natalie the Nerd, who built a modded Game Boy Color, complete with a transparent PCB. It truly is one of the more unique takes on one of our favorite handhelds. It’s just a shame that we can’t buy this mod ourselves.
Other Hardware News
- KONKR Pocket FIT Gaming Experience: Wuthering Waves
- AYANEO Pocket DS Gaming Experience:Wuthering Waves & Genshin Impact
- Steam Deck OLED 32GB RAM Upgrade
- Xbox Rog Ally Rumored to release on October 16
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.
GammaOS Is Coming to the RG447M, Bringing PS3 Emulation
Despite there being no formal announcement on his Patreon, TheGammaSqueeze, everyone’s favourite Scottish coder (and the brains behind GammaOS), has uploaded a video to YouTube showing an Alpha build of GammaOS Next running on the recently released Anbernic RG447M. Gamma’s latest video shows PS3 running in a pretty impressive fashion on the newly released device, alongside harder-to-run PS2 games like Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance.
Gamma Does It Again: How to Fix Your Helegaly Action Pi Screen
As a result, Helegaly delayed the official launch, as some might be disappointed paying for a device with a screen that stretches pixels in one row. If you fall in that camp, then we’ve got some good news, as the one and only Gamma has managed to figure out a fix. Not only that, but he’s provided a modified version of the firmware that “adjusts the panel timings from 960×720 to 961×720.”
Cemu for Android Fork and Azahar Gain External Screen Support
While we’re still waiting for the Retroid Dual Screen mod to begin shipping, that hasn’t stopped emulator developers from implementing support for such use cases. Although DraStic is now seemingly done for good, it already offered this functionality, while a fork of melonDS for Android surfaced earlier this year. Now, we have two more emulators adding support, as there’s a Cemu for Android fork available, and it’s also one of the key features of Azahar 2123 in Release Candidate 1.
More Software News
- Plain Launcher – The Minimalist Android Frontend – Updated for 2025!
- Mario Kart 64 DC port | Time Extension
- SaveState v1.4.3
- Artemis v20.2.4
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.
Anbernic RG477M First Impressions: A Chonky Beast
Seeing what Anbernic did in 2024, I assumed it was done with releasing metal-built handhelds, leaving that to the GKD’s and (apparently) TrimUI’s of the world. Nevertheless, I’ve had it for about a day, so without further delay, here are my Anbernic RG477M first impressions.
Game Store Rentals: N64 Edition
Who else has a soft spot for video game rental stores? Growing up without much money in small rural towns, the local video game store was where we spent our time gaming. However, and maybe this memory is particular only to me, given the aforementioned small towns, the selection at these local rental stores was often slim pickings. Add in that every kid in the area with a Nintendo 64 was also wanting to play Super Mario 64 and GoldenEye 007, and oftentimes I would find myself staring at the N64 B-List offerings as the only available games to rent.
GameCube Image Quality: Getting The Best From Native Hardware
Most GameCubes have a lesser-known feature: the support for both analog and digital out through dedicated ports on the back. Through the digital out port (limited to only early consoles, or DOL-001), we can bring the blurry and flickering 480i analog signal to a crisp 480p. While this doesn’t SOUND like it makes a big difference, it’s actually huge. Modern televisions generally don’t know what to do with a 480i signal, chewing it up and spitting out something… strangely digital-like. Gross.
Guide: How to Install Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind with PortMaster
It’s no secret that we here at Retro Handhelds love PortMaster. The list of supported games is ever-growing and ranges from modern masterpieces like Celeste to undisputed classics like the recently added Mario Kart 64. Most recently, though, PortMaster added one of its most impressive and replayable ports yet: The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.
Fantech Revolver III Review: Hitting the Mark?
Last year, one of the better picks was the Fantech Shooter III at $20-$25. Today, Fantech is back with something for the PlayStation enjoyers; the Fantech Revolver III. There’s definitely more to see than just the swapped sticks, so let’s take a look and see if Symmetrical sticks are really the answer for you.
I Got Burned by Retroid, Then They Made My Favorite Handheld
Even though I’d felt somewhat burned by the whole Pocket 3 vs 3+ fiasco, I was still excited about the possibility of what the 4th iteration might bring. Namely, nailing PS2 and Gamecube functionality.
And so I waited. And waited. Then continued waiting. By the time the 4 was released, it almost felt like to me like Retroid were playing a bit of catch-up in the market they had helped establish only a few years prior.
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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Hi,
I love your weekly overviews. Is there a possibility to receive this as a newsletter via e-mail? (I don’t use X or Facebook for ethical reasons). A newsletter option would be great!
Thanks!
Jorg – The Netherlands
Hi Jorg,
This is something we’re working on, so be sure to keep an eye out for when it launches.
Thanks!