I love vertical handhelds. I had a Game Boy Color as a kid and the RG351V is what got me into this hobby to begin with. I have gone through a variety of different handhelds and I think I have found my favorite one…for now.

Anbernic RG351V

This thing was a dream come true as someone so green and getting into the hobby. The screen was great and it could play all the games I could want. I found out about it from a Wulf Den video and he recommended a Retro Game Corps guide. I ordered this instantly for my birthday and followed the guide to put in new buttons, a new battery, and set up 351 ELEC. 

I got so much playtime on this thing. I played every GOTM game that I completed that year from June-January. I even wore out the membranes from using the buttons so much (thanks Star Ocean). This is a device that I really loved and still have so much fondness for. I eventually sold this in a huge purge I had to afford an ROG Ally. It is probably one of my biggest regrets of letting a device go.

Miyoo Mini/Miyoo Mini Plus

The Miyoo Mini craze was something special to watch. Miyoo was this random company that struck lightning with this device. When I finally could, I ordered one for my wife. When it arrived, I loaded it up with puzzle games for her to play on.

Personally, the Miyoo Mini was way too small for my hands. This is where the Miyoo Mini Plus comes into play. I was intrigued at first, but I waited until the hype died down. I eventually got a crazy deal for one on a TikTok shop for $30. I really enjoyed this device as something to throw in my pocket and play on. I eventually sold it though in favor of the Anbernic RG35XXSP.

Anbernic RG406V

I got a review unit of the Anbernic RG406V and really enjoyed my time with it. It was oddly comfortable and played games well. I had no big complaints besides it was ugly. I don’t know if I got picky with handhelds or what, but it did not make my cut based on looks. It is a great option though.

Analogue Pocket

I had an Analogue Pocket, sold it, bought another, and then sold that. I had a resurgence and love for this device. Being able to play your cartridges is such a great novelty. The screen is absolutely gorgeous on this thing too and playing with the dock was great. You can read more about that here.

It finally came down to the D-pad. My second unit was better, but it was still so easy to register false diagonals. I would be pressing down on and barely move my thumb in a direction and my character would switch to that. I did not feel like opening it up and swapping the membrane, button, or adding tape. With such a premium device, I find it silly to have to make modifications. The hype of a new device on RH had me selling this one to buy the…

AYANEO Pocket DMG

Okay. The Pocket DMG is ridiculous for the price and performance. There is no need to buy a vertical handheld with this much power for this much money. I am also insane and have way too much nostalgia for the vertical form factor. Something in me said I had to have the best one.

What made me get this/love this one? The battery life is a huge part of it. The battery life is really good, especially if you are playing retro games. It also has an OLED screen and with my Switch OLED, Steam Deck OLED, and Retroid Pocket 5, I am becoming a screen snob. Finally, the dpad and buttons on this are great! 

Conclusion

Overall, this is my “endgame” vertical handheld… for now. I just have the base model that I got as an early bird price. The current price and higher models are very hard to recommend, but I love it.

I know I have some gaps in my timeline of devices I haven’t tried. I would love to try the TrimUI Brick, but I haven’t gotten the chance yet. Are there any other ones you recommend? Let me know in the comments below.

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