diff --git a/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/Gameboy After.jpg b/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/Gameboy After.jpg new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c399c17 Binary files /dev/null and b/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/Gameboy After.jpg differ diff --git a/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/Gameboy Before.jpg b/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/Gameboy Before.jpg new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ba4aa1d Binary files /dev/null and b/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/Gameboy Before.jpg differ diff --git a/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/Handheld Collection.jpg b/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/Handheld Collection.jpg new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ac5b097 Binary files /dev/null and b/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/Handheld Collection.jpg differ diff --git a/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/Miyoo Mini V4.jpg b/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/Miyoo Mini V4.jpg new file mode 100644 index 0000000..377f75b Binary files /dev/null and b/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/Miyoo Mini V4.jpg differ diff --git a/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/MiyooMiniPlus.jpg b/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/MiyooMiniPlus.jpg new file mode 100644 index 0000000..11b6c94 Binary files /dev/null and b/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/MiyooMiniPlus.jpg differ diff --git a/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/RG35XXSP.jpg b/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/RG35XXSP.jpg new file mode 100644 index 0000000..559e030 Binary files /dev/null and b/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/RG35XXSP.jpg differ diff --git a/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/RetroGaming.jpg b/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/RetroGaming.jpg new file mode 100644 index 0000000..826bcbb Binary files /dev/null and b/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/RetroGaming.jpg differ diff --git a/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/Retroid3.jpg b/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/Retroid3.jpg new file mode 100644 index 0000000..79affe5 Binary files /dev/null and b/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/Retroid3.jpg differ diff --git a/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/V90.jpg b/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/V90.jpg new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4203a32 Binary files /dev/null and b/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/V90.jpg differ diff --git a/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/featured.gif b/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/featured.gif new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5e410fe Binary files /dev/null and b/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/featured.gif differ diff --git a/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/index.md b/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/index.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f6f799d --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blogs/retro-handhelds/index.md @@ -0,0 +1,80 @@ ++++ +date = '2026-03-13T22:44:48Z' +draft = false +title = 'Retro Handhelds' +image: /blogs/retro-handhelds/featured.gif +summary: "Retro handheld collection" +tags: ["Games"] ++++ +My biggest pass time outside of computing is retro game emulation. Most commonly in the form of dedicated emulation handhelds but also diving into console modding and Linux gaming. + + +## Handheld Emulators + +P### owkiddy V90 + +![Powkiddy V90](./V90.jpg) + +A clamshell device with a custom firmware that provides a basic but functional UI. +It's limited chipset only really allows for emulating upto the 16 bit era with a few Playstation 1 games just about playable. +The screen leaves a lot to be desired by modern standards but when I first got this handheld I absolutely loved it. +It's low price and clamshell design make it a great device to throw in a bag without much thought or worry. +The buttons are great and it made a great first handheld. +Powkiddy is believed to be working on a V2 which I am very excited to see. + + +### Miyoo Mini + + +![Miyoo Mini Plus](./MiyooMiniPlus.jpg) + +This is an absolutely amazing device that I still regularly play today. +The screen is a bright 480p display, the controls are soft but precise and while small it's surprisingly comfortable to hold (ignoring use of the triggers). +The real brilliance behind this device is the open source Onion OS. +Adding features such as game switcher, auto save and loading states, custom themes and even a custom boot logo, alongside a £50 price tag makes the Miyoo Mini + a very easy recommendation. + +### Retroid Pocket 3+ + +![Retroid Pocket 3+](./Retroid3.jpg) + +This is the console that convinced me to start spending a bit of money on these devices. +At £120 and promising the ability to emulate GameCube and PlayStation 2 I was sold. +At the time of buying this device I was very impressed with the 720p display and the ability to play the sixth generation consoles (with a lot of tweaks and hacks) but sadly it hasn't aged that well as there are now much better options. +The one way that is handheld has improved is the software. +As my first android device I wasn't a big fan of the need to occasionally use the touchscreen for system navigation and the need for a frontend app to tie all the emulators together neatly. +The options for frontend apps was very limited back then but now that ES-DE has launched on android it's a much nicer experience. + +### Anbernic RG35XXSP + +![RG35XXSP](./RG35XXSP.jpg) + +A direct clone of the Gameboy advance SP, but with the power to emulate upto Dreamcast and Nintendo 64. +This is unfortunately the only handheld I have ever sold. +This is an incredibly popular device so I am certainly in the minority but I just couldn't get over the clicky buttons, early software and poor build quality. + + +### Miyoo Mini V4 + +![Miyoo Mini V4](./Miyoo Mini V4.jpg) + +The Miyoo mini is the first handheld I really wanted but due to pricing, high demand and stock shortages it took me a long time to get hold of it. +It really does not disappoint. Technically its a worse version of the Miyoo mini +. +Its smaller and lacks WIFI but that small, super pocketable size gives it a huge amount of charm. +If you are looking for something that can play upto Playstation 1 games, and you can take anywhere in your pocket then this is the device to get. + +## Console Modding + +### Gameboy +![Gameboy Before](./Gameboy Before.jpg) + +I purchased this original Gameboy from Facebook Marketplace. +Like a lot of old plastic grey electronics it has horrible yellowing, so I tool this opportunity to clean it up. +The Gameboy was stripped down, rubber and plastic components washed and yhe main board was cleaned. +The shell was coated in Hydrogen Peroxide and left outside on a sunny day. + +![Gameboy After](./Gameboy After.jpg) + + +The console was then reassembled and a new screen lens applied to have it looking good as new. +As much as I appreciate an original Gameboy, its not really something I would want to play in the modern day. +The four AA batteries to power it, the contrast wheel and the fact that my nostalgia really starts at Gameboy color, means its more of a show piece for me. + \ No newline at end of file