80 lines
4.1 KiB
Markdown
80 lines
4.1 KiB
Markdown
---
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date = '2026-03-13T22:44:48Z'
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draft = false
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title = 'Retro Handhelds'
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image: /blogs/retro-handhelds/featured.gif
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summary: "Retro handheld collection"
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tags: ["Games"]
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---
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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.
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## Handheld Emulators
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P### owkiddy V90
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A clamshell device with a custom firmware that provides a basic but functional UI.
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It's limited chipset only really allows for emulating upto the 16 bit era with a few Playstation 1 games just about playable.
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The screen leaves a lot to be desired by modern standards but when I first got this handheld I absolutely loved it.
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It's low price and clamshell design make it a great device to throw in a bag without much thought or worry.
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The buttons are great and it made a great first handheld.
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Powkiddy is believed to be working on a V2 which I am very excited to see.
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### Miyoo Mini +
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This is an absolutely amazing device that I still regularly play today.
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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).
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The real brilliance behind this device is the open source Onion OS.
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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.
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### Retroid Pocket 3+
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This is the console that convinced me to start spending a bit of money on these devices.
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At £120 and promising the ability to emulate GameCube and PlayStation 2 I was sold.
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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.
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The one way that is handheld has improved is the software.
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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.
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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.
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### Anbernic RG35XXSP
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A direct clone of the Gameboy advance SP, but with the power to emulate upto Dreamcast and Nintendo 64.
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This is unfortunately the only handheld I have ever sold.
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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.
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### Miyoo Mini V4
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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.
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It really does not disappoint. Technically its a worse version of the Miyoo mini +.
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Its smaller and lacks WIFI but that small, super pocketable size gives it a huge amount of charm.
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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.
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## Console Modding
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### Gameboy
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I purchased this original Gameboy from Facebook Marketplace.
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Like a lot of old plastic grey electronics it has horrible yellowing, so I tool this opportunity to clean it up.
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The Gameboy was stripped down, rubber and plastic components washed and yhe main board was cleaned.
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The shell was coated in Hydrogen Peroxide and left outside on a sunny day.
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The console was then reassembled and a new screen lens applied to have it looking good as new.
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As much as I appreciate an original Gameboy, its not really something I would want to play in the modern day.
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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.
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