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.
AYN Odin 3 Teasers Begin
With the AYN Thor launch out of the way, the company can now put more of its focus into the Odin 3. This handheld was confirmed in the very first Thor teaser image, but since then, AYN has had its hands full with the Thor launch. Now, AYN surprised many by sharing the device render, before unexpectedly dropping a ~30 second teaser trailer.
AYANEO AM01S Mini PC: Specs, Pricing, and More
In the same Sharing Session as the Pocket DS software showcase, AYANEO revealed more information about its upcoming mini PC. The AYANEO AM01S will sport a 4-inch touchscreen display, adjustable from 0-90° with a reinforced hinge and aluminum edges, which can be used as a secondary display to show performance specs, widgets, and various other options.
Retroid Pocket 4 Pro Might Actually Work With the Dual Screen Add-on
We reported earlier this week that Retroid had made an announcement that the RP4 Pro would not be compatible with the new Dual Screen add-on that is currently being delivered to gamers’ doorsteps. However, a new video from Retro Game Corps claims that the add-on will once again work with the RP4 Pro alongside fully supporting the Retroid Pocket 5 and Mini.
MagicX Detail Chaotic 2025-2026 Roadmap
For 2026, MagicX shared details and renders for the Retro DS, the Two45, and the Two48. The Retro DS is, naturally, a dual-screen device with a 4.1-inch 1280×720 top display and a 3.4-inch 960×720 bottom display. It also appears to be rocking LED-ringed stereo speakers, which might be very ugly, but are undeniably unique. The Two48 rocks a 4.8-inch, 1440×1080 display and a more traditional form factor. The Retro DS sports a Dimensity 7050, while the Two48 is a rocking a Dimensity 7350.
XU Retro XU20 V32 Hiccups
It seems that even when everything appears to be smooth-sailing, it’s not until later that the truth is revealed. Such is the case with the XU Retro XU20 V32, as this new handheld recently began shipping to those who pre-ordered one. However, a “control issue” has been discovered, “where the shoulder buttons can be activated by pressing down on the face buttons with a lot of force.”
In order to rectify the situation, XU Retro is offering three solutions:
- MagicX and XU Retro will give you a $5 refund.
- MagicX and XU Retro will send you a plastic piece to put beneath the shoulder buttons to prevent them from being pressed by the face buttons.
- You can 3D print the part yourself which you can download here.
Additionally, XU Retro says that this only affects devices ordered “before August 30th,” so if you want to order the V32 for yourself today, you shouldn’t run into any issues.
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.
What Google’s New Verification Policy Could Mean for Emulation
In 2026, Google will implement a new policy that is all but guaranteed to hit the emulation community hard (albeit slowly at first). Starting with next year’s mainline Android releases, Google will be blocking sideloading of unverified Android apps. The updated policy requires that developers verify their identity with Google.
MustardOS 2508.0 Goose
The wait is finally over, as the latest version of muOS has arrived with the release of muOS 2508.0 Goose. The team has been working tirelessly over the past few months, and it shows, as “over 600 changes” have been implemented in this latest release. Of those 600+ changes, at least one is going to make a lot of people happy, as the TrimUI Brick and TrimUI Smart Pro are now officially supported.
AYANEO Showcases Pocket DS Launcher, Multitasking, and Dev Support
During the (very lengthy) Sharing Session recently, we got more information on software updates for the AYANEO Pocket DS. The majority of this portion of the showcase was dedicated to showing off software functionality specific to the AYANEO Pocket DS, with a mention that the Indiegogo page is still live for orders.
RetroAssembly v2
There’s a lot to be said about the convenience of having your ROM library easily accessible, from anywhere you have an internet connection. That’s where utilities like RomM and RetroAssembly come in clutch, as that’s exactly what you’re able to do after getting everything set up. Within the last few days, RetroAssembly v2 was released, introducing the following:
- Customizable metadata and images
- Batch delete ROMs
- Toggle confirm and cancel buttons
- Show focus indicators as needed
- Update password (self-hosted users only)
If you want to take RetroAssembly for a spin, head over to the main website where there’s a “Live Demo” available for you to mess around with. And stay tuned to RH, as we have a setup guide in the works to get you up and running in no time.
More Software News
- DreamPotato
- OutRun: Amiga Edition 0.91
- SonicForever 1.5.1
- GOG Adds Xbox Login Feature
- Space Invaders x Pac Man Preserved
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.
TrimUI Brick Hammer Review: A Metal Facelift
The TrimUI Brick has been a fan favorite of many members of the Retro Handhelds Discord, myself included. It’s a well-made device, sporting surprising power at an affordable price, and that screen is simply gorgeous!
The TrimUI Brick Hammer is much of the same, just in a trio of stunning colors and a metal chassis. If you liked the TrimUI Brick, and you’re willing to fork over an extra $50, this one is going to come highly recommended.
The Marvelous World of Switch 2 Grips
I have been enjoying the Switch 2 for a couple of months now, and I am continually enamored by how thin it is and kind of nice to hold for 5 minutes. Yeah, long-term gaming sessions don’t exactly cut it, so me and my credit card have been busy holding every attractive-looking grip case for it and, well…now I have opinions on them.
8BitDo Pro 3 Review: Balls to the Wall
8BitDo is finally returning to form after years of “Ultimate” controllers with the aptly named Pro 3. Is a new upgrade 4 years later finally worth your time? Should you really spend the $70 on a controller that looks like an SNES controller with grips? With help from AKNES for sending this out, I can finally take a look and help decide if this is where you should be putting your money. Or, if maybe you should’ve just gotten the Ultimate.
How to Install muOS: Complete Setup Guide
Can you believe it’s been over a year since muOS burst onto the scene? Since then, the usefulness of this custom firmware has continued to grow to the point that if you have an Anbernic handheld, it’s probably the first recommendation. Whether you’re just dipping your toes in the water or need a bit of a refresher, here’s how to install muOS on your favorite retro handhelds.
Radical Retrospective: Yanya Caballista
Japan’s Top Skater opened the floodgates for the 3D era of skateboarding games, but by 2001, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series was the king, spawning two sequels, endless copycats and even getting Konami to awkwardly put Solid Snake on a board.
While some competitors tried to introduce fresh mechanics to the formula, they all adhered to a similar formula established by the iconic Neversoft series. In 2001, bullet-hell legends CAVE Interactive decided to try something different, in the process releasing one of the weirdest games to ever feature a skateboard: Yanya Caballista featuring Gawoo.
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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Good job guys, nice articles.