Reviews
Check out our thoughts on the latest retro handhelds, and retrospectives on ones we still can’t put down.
The Latest
AceMagic M1 Review: CPU Power Isn’t Everything
AceMagic is back again with an update to their Matrix M1. With an upgraded CPU, and GPU, is this going to come out ahead? Or is it still behind in the long run.
Manba One Review: An Odd One
Most controllers follow the same formula, however the Manba One does things differently. With a 2-Inch screen, and heavy customization, there’s a lot to love.
AYANEO Pocket Ace Review: Not Quite One & Done
Is 3:2 the ideal retro handheld aspect ratio? The AYANEO Pocket Ace delivers peak GBA vibes, but compromises elsewhere hold it back.
ASUS ROG Xbox Ally Review: The New Steam Deck?
With Steam Deck levels of performance, is the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally the budget x86 to get in 2025? With the LCD Steam Deck now discontinued, this might just be it.
Fantech EOS Mini Review: A Mini Winner?
Does your controller really need to be big? The Fantech EOS Mini is here to show you can get a lot out of a small package. But is it as good as it sounds?
Game console L35 Review: TrimUAin’t
Nick reviews the new L35 clone system, and discovers what is perhaps one of the most bizarre design choices we’ve seen on a handheld yet.
AISLPC R36T MAX Review
The AISLPC R36T MAX is here to fulfill all your 1:1 faux-CRT dreams. Is this flashy nod to nostalgia worth your hard-earned bucks?
AYN Odin 2: Two Years Later
The AYN Odin 2 reshaped Android handheld gaming in 2023. Ban revisits its controls, performance, flaws, and long-term impact to see if it is still worth buying.
Mangmi Air X Review: A Budget Banger
The budget market has exploded in 2025, but now Mangmi is coming from the woodwork with its Air X, a budget PSP-capable Android handheld. But is it worth it?
Game Console R36H ProMax Review: Is Good Enough Still Good Enough?
The RK3326 is the chip that just refuses to go away. Nick reviews the new Game Console R36H ProMax to see if there’s any gas left in the tank of this classic.
XU Retro XU20 V32 Review: Boring but Functional
Looking for a cheap Android handheld? Ban gives us his take on the XU20 V32, which offers sharp visuals, solid controls, and surprising power for under $50.
Anbernic RG DS First Impressions
Anbernic’s RG DS looks great but fails at DS emulation. Sharp screens, weak D-pad, glitches everywhere. A nostalgic mess of promise and compromise.
AYN Thor Review: Lightning in a Bottle?
AYN Thor brings dual OLED screens, Android 13, and big power to a clamshell form factor. Is it the ultimate 3DS handheld or held back by bad ergonomics?
Game Console R40XX Review: The Clone Wars Continue
Nick reviews the new Game Console 40XX. Does this latest clone console stack up against its budget and mid-tiered competitors?
Aiffro K100 Review: Pricey, Pocketable, Performant?
Want a quiet SSD NAS for ROMs or media storage? Our Aiffro K100 review covers setup, transfer speeds, and whether the $299 price makes sense.
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...
Retro Pixel Pocket V2: Better than Before?
The Retro Pixel Pocket 2025 aims to be the ultimate Pico-8 machine with a crisp 720×720 screen, AmberElec, Wi-Fi, and plenty of charm for $50.
INNOCN GA27T1M: MiniLED Mouthful of a Name
A brighter MiniLED screen, 320Hz refresh rate, and sleek white design make the INNOCN GA27T1M tempting. Find out if it earns its higher price tag.
Satisfye ZenGrip 2 For Switch 2 Review
The long-awaited Satisfye ZenGrip 2 has arrived! Is this the one to get? Does it stack up against its cheaper competition? Will it make the Switch 2 TOO big?
Super Pocket Re-Review: Still Worth it?
The Super Pocket Technos Edition brings back the charm with better visuals, sweet controls, and a knockout lineup of classic games. But should you pick one up?
Flydigi Dunefox Review: Great Idea, Bad Execution
Budget controllers are an ever-growing market, and Flydigi is just one amongst them with the Dunefox. But is it worth your money?
Game console R350S Review: Cheap, Playable, but Compromised
The search for the elusive diamond handheld in the budget rough can occasionally yield some surprising results. Devices like the BatleXP G350 or R36S offer a gateway to emulation at a budget price. Finding these gems, though, often means slogging through a slew of...
Kinhank K56 Review: Could Have Been Better
Looking for an easy entry into Android handhelds? The Kinhank K56 ships preconfigured with games and launchers, but is it really worth it over the competition?
Retroid Dual Screen Add-on Review: Too Late?
Dual screen action! Too-little too-late? A worthy accessory? Check out Joe’s review of the Retroid Dual Screen Add-on and see why YOU might want this one.
Game Console XF35H Review: Affordable Retro Gaming with Surprising Comfort
Is the new Game Console XF35H the budget clone that finally dethrones the Anbernic RG35XXH? Nick explores the new device in his review.
AceMagic Matrix M1 Review: Not for Gaming
In a PC Market of AMD chips, AceMagic is putting out an Intel model to try and fight back. Rocking 8 Cores and 16 threads, can the i9-11900H still compete?
Anbernic RG476H Review: Anbernic’s Best T820
The RG476H is Anbernic’s most polished T820 handheld yet. 4.7” 120Hz screen, great build, but is it enough in 2025’s crowded market?
Review: Amazon’s “Premium” Micro-Consoles
Despite their low price and premium build, these anonymous Amazon handhelds disappoint due to terrible software, awkward controls, and a bizarre square display.
Fantech Nova 2 and Shooter III X Review: Playstation or Xbox?
Xbox or PlayStation? Usually, it’s a console discussion, but Fantech has two controllers that fit both layouts. So the question becomes. Which do you get?
INNOCN 25M2S Review: Not Bigger, but Better
A 24.5-inch Mini LED gaming monitor with 1440p resolution and 240Hz refresh rate. See if the INNOCN 25M2S fits your setup.