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.
[UPDATED] AYN Thor Hinges Begin Showing Signs of Cracking
It’s happened, guys. The thing we waited for, the thing we expected to happen, and knew as an inevitability to the point where even the most minute flaws become that of an incurable disease. A mountainous drama of disgust and betrayal of un-‘hinged’ proportions: Reports of the AYN Thor‘s hinge cracking at the joint.
Redditor Creates A GBA For The End Of Days
One brilliant modder has made a Game Boy Advance SP for the end of time. Redditor u/Bangooh created a Franken-SP attached to a DeWalt XR FLEXVOLT power tool battery. Essentially, a retro handheld that could fit into a contractors tool box instead of a toy chest.
Analogue 3D Was Available for Less Than 10 Minutes Before Selling Out
After months of delays, the Analogue 3D was officially supposed to be released today. And technically it was, for a whole nine minutes. Based on Analogue’s Twitter feed, the 3D was released at 11 AM ET, with a subsequent “Sold Out” post that was published at 11:09 AM. It might have been gone even sooner than that, as there are quite a few replies to the original post saying that it was sold out as soon as the 3D was added to their carts.
Sadly, we don’t know when or even if Analogue plans to restock the 3D, as the company’s feed has only retweeted an article from WIRED since the “Sold Out” post.
The GameTank Is A New 8-Bit Console Launching This Year
A new open-source console hardware project dubbed the GameTank, designed by Clydeware, is preparing for launch. The GameTank is a totally new platform, with its own game library and authentically restrictive hardware.
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.
Dolphin For Android Updated With RetroAchievements
Dolphin’s Android build has been updated with beta support for RetroAchievements, allowing cheevos hunters to earn badges and track progress on Android-based devices like the Retroid Pocket G2 or AYN Thor. The team announced that interested users will be able to login to their RetroAchievements accounts beginning with Version 2509-503 and start earning points for supported GameCube games. Sometime around March, the Dolphin team plans to add support for Wii and WiiWare as well.
AYN Thor Update Fixes a Bevy of Issues
It’s been about a month or so since AYN Thor pre-orders began arriving on doorsteps. Since then, the community has found a bunch of annoyances and various software features that were simply broken. Announced earlier tonight, an OTA update is rolling out that is comprised of a total of 11 different fixes.
GammaOS Next Arrives for Mangmi Air X and Other Handhelds
Ole’ St. Gamma is providing some holiday cheer for those who recently picked up the Mangmi Air X. The latest version of GammaOS Next was just released, and now brings support to Mangmi’s first handheld. Initially, it was discovered that Mangmi used different display panels between its developer and retail units, resulting in major issues with GammaOS Next. However, Gamma quickly identified the problems and issued a fix, ensuring that the new LCD panels will play nicely with Gamma’s fork of Android.
More Software News
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.
AYN Thor Review: Lightning in a Bottle?
2025 is truly the year of clamshell handhelds. From the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 and the RG34XX SP to the Miyoo Mini Flip, V90S, and AYANEO Pocket DS. However, I’m talking about none of those right now, and instead I’m pulling from another company, AYN.
A company that’s managed to capture lightning in a bottle with its Odin line of handhelds is back with their own attempt at a clamshell in the Thor. A familiar chip, a familiar second screen, and a new form factor for them. Is the Thor what you’ve been looking for? Or is the lightning storm over?
Game Over: The History Of Barcode Gaming
We recently reported on a strange little toy called the Barcode Battler that came out in 1990, after a time of handheld gaming dominated by the Game Boy and the Sega Game Gear. The Barcode Battler allowed players to scan the bar code on their cereal, cleaning supplies, and so on, and then use that bar code to create a character stat for a game. It was one of the first examples of this type of device and was launched in Japan by Epoch Co.
Game Console R40XX Review: The Clone Wars Continue
Never one to be able to resist the call of a new Game Console starter handheld, the new R40XX was pretty much destined to make its way across my desk. This latest entry from everyone’s (me) favorite clone maker(s) comes with a larger 4″ screen and some weird accent design flair.
Does this new competitor in a crowded clone console commons cut it? Can I stop using alliteration? Let’s break it down and find out.
Aiffro K100 Review: Pricey, Pocketable, Performant?
When you think of a NAS, usually you’re thinking of a larger box running anywhere from two to, I don’t know, eight hard drives, sitting off on a shelf nearby. However, in recent years, there seems to be a push to change that mantra.
With the addition of larger and larger M.2 SSDs, you might find yourself able to store your legally obtained games in a smaller, quieter, and more power-efficient package. Aiffro seems to think that was the case and sent over their K100 for review. For $299, is it worth your dollar? Or should you grab something else?
Black Friday 2025 Starts Early
With the days getting shorter and colder, it can only mean one thing: the 2025 holiday shopping season is upon us. Coming as little surprise, many retailers have kicked off their Black Friday deals early, as we’re still about a week away from the actual Black Friday. On the bright side, we don’t have to wait any longer to find incredible retro handheld deals from Amazon, AliExpress, Best Buy, and others.
EasySMX X05 Pro Review: A Quiet Champion?
The EasySMX X05 is one of my top picks for budget controllers of 2024. Just like a lot of controllers on that list, EasySMX joins the list of “improving the old for the new year” with the X05 Pro. The Pro model changes up a few, adds a few new features, and makes for a better controller for just a few dollars more than the original.
Game Over: No Supervision
The Nintendo Game Boy wasn’t powerful, it wasn’t flashy, but it was affordable, reliable, and backed by an army of killer titles like Tetris and Super Mario Land. Naturally, smaller companies tried to ride Nintendo’s wave with their own handhelds.
One of the strangest and most ambitious of these imitators was 1992’s Watara Supervision, a Hong Kong–made console that aimed to be “the cheap Game Boy” and ended up as yet another fascinating misfire.
PortMaster Roundup: November 1st-15th
The first half of November is JAMMED with new content for PortMaster fans. Individual setup instructions are available on the PortMaster website.
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
What did you think of this article? Let us know in the comments below, and chat with us in our Discord!
This page may contain affiliate links, by purchasing something through a link, Retro Handhelds may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you.