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.
Anbernic RG477V Pre-orders Now Open, Starts at Just $199
The wait is finally over, as pre-orders for the Anbernic RG477V are officially live! For the first 72 hours, you can grab this brand new handheld for just under $200. And if you pre-order through AliExpress, you can use code RHSAVE23 at checkout. This drops the 8GB model to $176, and the 12GB model to $216.
Anbernic RG477V (Direct)Anbernic RG477V (AliExpress)
RIP The Steam Deck (LCD), Long Live the Steam Deck (OLED)
The writing has been on the wall for quite some time, but the entry-level Steam Deck LCD is no longer available for purchase. This was spotted earlier, and was confirmed as a note has been added below the Steam Deck comparison.
Here’s a Better Look at the MANGMI Pocket Max
Last week, the MANGMI Pocket Max was teased for the first time, with the company initially giving us just a look at a silhouette. Shortly thereafter, the first teaser video was dropped, revealing a handheld that looks like a combination of AYANEO, AYN, and Retroid, all rolled into one. Now, MANGMI is trying to get feedback about what color options the Pocket Max will be available in when it officially launches.
AYN Delays Odin 3 ‘Ultra’ Pre-Orders, Offers Alternative Solutions
We probably should have seen this coming, but earlier this week, we woke up to some less-than-stellar news from AYN. According to an update posted to the Indiegogo page, any unfulfilled Odin 3 Ultra orders have been “delayed until mid of Jan 2026.”
More Hardware News
- Retroid Ends Pocket 6 Early Bird Discounts Sooner Than Expected
- ModRetro Anduril Announced
- Playtiles Begins Shipping To Backers
- Someone Built a “Sleeper PC” using a Commodore PET 2001 chassis
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.
Over 100 Lost Sega Genesis ROMs Recovered by VGHF
The Video Game History Foundation has announced the successful recovery of 144 Sega Channel ROMs, cracking open one of the most mysterious chapters in console gaming history. The project, completed in collaboration with former Sega Channel vice president Michael Shorrock and community member Ray (using the pseudonym Sega Channel Guy), represents nearly every piece of software distributed through the cable-based game delivery service between 1994 and 1998.
Sony Says FUDGE Age Restrictions With New AI Censorship Patent
Sony, ever the pioneer, is toying with a future where any game can be flipped into “kid-friendly” mode on demand, and an AI system is holding the scissors. A newly surfaced patent outlines tech that can automatically spot, censor, or even replace problematic content in real time, turning mature scenes into PG experiences without the developer manually building a family-friendly version of the game.
MROM Lets You Preserve Game Boy Carts, Saves, & RTC via Analogue Pocket
It’s no secret that the Analogue Pocket is a popular handheld for those who enjoy playing their favorite retro games via the physical cartridges. However, actually backing up and saving the content on those old Game Boy cartridges has been a bit of a pain. MROM is a new app for the Analogue Pocket that aims to make the process much easier, allowing you to back up your game, existing saves, and even the RTC, without needing to fiddle around with extra hardware.
More Software News
- PortMaster Roundup: November 16th – December 15th
- Cemu 0.3
- NeoStation Updates
- UnofficialOS 20251215 Stable Release
- Rainbow Six Mobile Launches in February 2026
- Tomb Raider for iOS and Android Launches in February 2026
- Parking Garage Rally Circuit DX Coming to Consoles and PC in 2026
- Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection Comes to Steam on March, 27 2026
- Eden v0.0.4
- Vita3K v0.2.1 for Android
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.
AYANEO Pocket Air Mini: First Impressions
They may only have just started shipping, but the AYANEO Pocket Air Mini has been lauded as a great budget option by a number of creators on the internet. That being said, I’ve heavily overspent on mine to get it early, and to see if, in a first impression, I can tell whether or not it’s worth your money. Has AYANEO finally made something good for a “cheap” price? Or are there just too many compromises?
AISLPC R36T MAX Review
I’m not sure where the current record stands for words written on the company (or more likely companies) that is/are AISLPC, but I have to at least be in the conversation at this point. Fresh off the somewhat surprising hit of the R36T – the makers are back with a 1:1 screened version of the little faux-CRT that could.
Red Dead Redemption on Android is Weird, Here’s How to Fix It
What was once a marvel of its time, perpetually trapped in the seventh generation of home consoles, is now just… everywhere. A game that needs no explanation or rationale for its excitement: Red Dead Redemption. A timeless cowboy sim-action and a truly epic, yet tragic story.
And just as epic, we have an Android port! So now we can enjoy it on our personal microwave emitting bars in our pocket AND on the assortment of high-quality Android handhelds out there. Yet…tragically, this isn’t a cut-and-dry solution. At least not yet. The port is good for some devices, weird on others, and straight up missing on even more. What’s going on here?
Guide: How to Install GammaOS Next on the Mangmi Air X
Ready to go
The Mangmi Air X is a handheld that caught a lot of folks by surprise. I count myself as one of them. This is one powerful portable given that it sells for under $100 and can play games at a level of quality that eludes many other, more expensive devices. It’s almost perfect. Almost.
Well, thankfully, we of the handheld community have access to TheGammeSqueeze. The latest release of GammaOS Next brings the devs’ polished emulation OS package to the best new mid-budget contender on the block.
Game Over: Casio PV1000
In 1983, right as the Japanese home console market was exploding with new hardware and new ideas, Casio decided it wanted a piece of the action. The Famicom had just launched, Sega was preparing the SG-1000, and NEC and Sharp were pushing home computers. The industry was heating up fast, and Casio’s response was the PV-1000, a machine that looked like a toy, played like a prototype, and survived on shelves for a length of time best measured in weeks.
Game console L35 Review: TrimUAin’t
I don’t know what started me down this dark path of clone handhelds, but they certainly fascinate me. I love the idea that enterprising little shops are throwing their hat in the ring. Making attempts to differentiate themselves just enough to stand out from the countless other RK3326 clones floating around out there.
The Game console (That’s a lowercase c, so who knows who actually makes this one) L35 is the latest in the hobby to do just that. It made me stop and pause my normal Ali recommendation scrolling, and go back to check out what looked like the grown-up brother of the TrimUI Brick. I realize it borrows a great deal from the Analogue Pocket as well, but I don’t have one of those fancy FPGAs, so just let me go with it.
Steam Winter Sale 2025 Highlights: What We’re Buying
It’s that special time of the year again. When your already stretched holiday wallet is screaming for relief, it happens. The Steam Sale is here once again to tempt us with deals to fill our already overstuffed libraries. If you’ve had your eye on a game, but thought “I’ll wait for it to come down”, now is probably your best time to act.
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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