Reviews
Check out our thoughts on the latest retro handhelds, and retrospectives on ones we still can’t put down.
The Latest
HexGaming Phantom Review: The Best PlayStation Controller you Don’t Need
How much would you spend on a controller? $50? $70? What about $230? The HexGaming Phantom is a premium PS5 controller that does everything. But is it worth it?
Nintendo Switch GameCube Controller Review: It Isn’t Great
Nostalgia meets reality: The NSO GameCube controller looks like the real deal, but its limited use and feel may leave fans disappointed.
Anbernic RG477M Review: It’s Better Than You Think
Anbernic, usually the budget champ, has decided to go all out on their latest metal slab. Higher Power, higher weight, higher price. But is it any good?
TrimUI Brick Hammer Review: A Metal Facelift
The TrimUI Brick Hammer is more of the same excellence found in the original TrimUI Brick, this time sporting some stunning colors and a metal chassis.
8BitDo Pro 3 Review: Balls to the Wall
8BitDo has been a prolific company in the whole “retro styled” controller market for years now. But with the Pro 3, it’s time to see how they make retro, modern.
Sharge Disk Review: Building a Portable Retro Library
Moving game files can be a tedious part of retro gaming, so I wanted to build a portable retro game library using an external SSD enclosure.
Fantech Revolver III Review: Hitting the Mark?
Discover if the $25 Fantech Revolver III controller is the right budget pick for PlayStation fans, with hall-effect sticks, broad compatibility, and thoughtful extras, but a few drawbacks.
INNOCN 25G2S Gaming Monitor Review: Good, Cheap, Worth It?
Is the INNOCN 25G2S Gaming Monitor worth it? We review its 24.5-inch 1440p IPS panel, 240Hz, and gaming features to see if it’s the ultimate budget monitor.
Game Console R36T Review
Nick reviews the new Game Console R36T. Is this ode to the console CRTs of forgotten living rooms enough to stand out from the rest of the clone pack?
An Un(hinged) Review the Miyoo Flip V2 After 5 Months
Is the Miyoo Flip V2 as bad as the internet says? Joe gives us his take after 5 months, exploring its hinge issues, stock OS, and why it might just be the clamshell you’ll love.
GameSir Nova Lite 2 Review: Cheaper but Better?
GameSir Nova Lite 2 review: Is this $30 budget controller the best in 2025? We cover its Hall effect sticks, build quality, and value.
Retroid Pocket Flip 2: A Few Months Later
I have had the Retroid Pocket Flip 2 for a bit now and decided that I like it enough to keep and write my thoughts about it. Here’s what I think about it after a few months.
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Controller Review: This Thing is Bananas
Looking for a Switch 2 Pro Controller alternative? Ban goes hands-on with the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 controller to see if its performance and features make it the only controller you’ll need.
Minisforum UM880 Plus Review: A 2 Pint Powerhouse
Could a $520 mini PC truly stand in for your desktop? We put the UM880 Plus through benchmarks, upgrade trials, and real-world gaming to find out.
Fantech EOS Pro IIS Review: A Clicky Controller
The Fantech EOS Pro IIS delivers gyro motion, macro support, turbo, and multi-mode wireless in an ergonomic shell for under $50.
Ruffy and the Riverside Review: A Great Homage to N64 Platformers
Discover Ruffy and the Riverside, an indie platformer with hand-drawn worlds and a unique swap mechanic. Perfect for fans of Paper Mario and N64 collectathons.
Anbernic RG Slide Review: A Weighty Proposition
The Anbernic RG Slide taps into PSP Go and Xperia Play nostalgia with a satisfying sliding screen and sturdy metal construction that’s built to last.
PXN P5 8K Review: The Next Step?
Ban’s PXN P5 8K review details how this budget controller packs 8000Hz polling and capacitive sticks and doesn’t break the bank for the sake of performance.
Anbernic RG35XX Pro Review: They’re Going to Do What They Do
Anbernic is back with the RG35XX Pro, a confusing release for some. Does this refined classic design make a worthy addition to your emulation lineup?
Aolion K20 Review: Worth the Upgrade?
Aolion’s K20 controller upgrades the K10 with hall-effect sticks, swappable D-pad, enhanced grips, trigger stops, and a charging dock, all for under $40.
Retroid Pocket Flip 2 Review: The Clammiest of Clams
Retroid Pocket Flip 2 review: gorgeous OLED, familiar Snapdragon 865 internals, ROCKNIX updates, minor hinge stops — and whether this clam is worth your money.
The Thumby Effect: How Small Can Handheld Gaming Get?
Discover Thumby & Thumby Color: ultra-tiny RP2040 handhelds with OLED/LCD screens, clicky microswitch buttons, and built-in games for pocket-sized nostalgia.
Helegaly Action Pi 兀: Irrationally Good
Tired of old chips? The Helegaly Action Pi, powered by the Allwinner A527, offers a significant upgrade over the RK3566. Explore its Batocera OS, comfortable design, and impressive emulation capabilities up to Dreamcast.
Anbernic RG34XXSP Review: Is This The Clam You Want?
Nick reviews the newly released Anbernic RG34XXSP. A new clamshell in a year that seems to be dominated by their release. Is this one the shell for you?
GameSir Super Nova Review: For Membrane Lovers
GameSir keeps pumping out controllers, seemingly on a bi-weekly cadence. So, does the Super Nova shine or get lost in the shuffle? Ban puts it to the test.
EasySMX D05 Review: An Easy Choice
We put the EasySMX D05 to the test! Affordable, comfortable, and packed with features. Read our deep dive to find out if it’s your next go-to controller.
R36Plus Review: A Great Budget 1:1, As Long As It’s Real
The R36Plus looks to take these missteps in cloning and show why Game Console had led the budget pack. The new Game Console R36Plus budget handheld takes everything that made the R36XX successful, and gives consumers the choice of a 1:1 display.
Anbernic RG557 Review: We Waited for This?
The RG557 nails comfort and screen quality, but with lackluster software and awkward stick choices, Anbernic’s latest handheld feels caught in the middle.
Game Console MyMini Review: Small But Mighty?
Game Console MyMini review: Specs, design, performance, and modding options for this budget handheld console. Is it the RK3326 handheld to beat in 2025?
R36XX Impressions: The New Budget King?
Nick gets his hands on the new Game Console R36XX. Will this be the sequel device that finally dethrones the budget king R36S?