Reviews
Check out our thoughts on the latest retro handhelds, and retrospectives on ones we still can’t put down.
The Latest
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.
Flydigi Apex 5 Review: Good Controller, Better with the Software
Most Controllers on the Market land between $40-$70, but if you spend more do you get more? Flydigi sets out to answer that with the Apex 5.
Game Console XF40H Review: The RGB30 Successor?
Game Console is back with the XF40H, a brand new 1:1 offering for retro handheld enthusiasts. Is this the budget sequel to the RGB30 that we’ve been asking for?
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.