---
date: '2026-03-13T22:44:48Z'
draft: false
title: Retro Handhelds
image: /blog/retro-handhelds/featured.gif
summary: "Retro handheld collection"
tags: ["Games"]
---

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![Early basic setup](./featured.jpg)

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

### Powkiddy 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](./MiyooMiniV4.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](./GameboyBefore.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](./GameboyAfter.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.