Retro
Handhelds

Your retro gaming community

We’re glad you made it! Retro Handhelds is a community of sites, projects, and servers dedicated to the celebration of classic gaming on the go. Whether you’re replaying old favorites or digging for hidden gems, RH is here to offer camaraderie, support, and news on the latest portable gaming developments.

The Latest

Backseat Nostalgia: Road Trip Games

Backseat Nostalgia: Road Trip Games

It's May and spring has sprung. School sessions are winding down, and it's around the time folks start planning for summer getaways. Whether you actually have fond memories of the family road trips of yesteryear, or you prefer your trauma experienced secondhand via...

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My First Retro Handheld: Anbernic RG353V

My First Retro Handheld: Anbernic RG353V

This one's been a long time coming. Especially after seeing so many other great "first retro handheld" experiences shared, I figured now would be a good time to share a little about my journey. Where It Started I've never been much of a "hardcore gamer", as Call of...

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Powkiddy RGB20SX: First Impressions

Powkiddy RGB20SX: First Impressions

When you get a handheld, the out-of-the-box experience is one of the great concerns a lot of us have. Does it run ArkOS? Does it run ROCKNIX or maybe an old build of JelOS? Is it Android 9 or is it Android 13? Regardless it’s a concern a lot of us have, but was one...

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Knulli Set Up Guide for RG28XX

Knulli Set Up Guide for RG28XX

The CFW options for the Anbernic RG28XX just keep on coming! We just had MinUI make it over the other day, read about that here. Now Knulli is up next to bat with another great experience that enhances the use of the RG28XX. Check out our review of the 28XX here or...

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Retro Handhelds Deals of the Week

Retro Handhelds Deals of the Week

Are you tired of searching for the best deals on retro handhelds? Well, you've come to the right place. We'll be rounding up a few of our favorite deals every week, and today, we hope your wallets are ready. Not only can you save big on the ultra-portable GKD Pixel,...

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GotM: Metamorphosis May Games Announced!

GotM: Metamorphosis May Games Announced!

April is already leaving us and May crept in. The members of the Champions Lounge in our Discord decided to vote for Metamorphosis May for our GotM theme. The game nominated must have transformations of some kind to qualify. If you want to know more about our GotX...

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Install Epic Games on Steam Deck with Junk-Store

Install Epic Games on Steam Deck with Junk-Store

While the Steam Deck arguably remains the Pound-for-Pound champ when it comes to x86 gaming, we still have limitations to deal with. Just one example is being able to enjoy titles from the Epic Games Store, which relies on a separate launcher and anti-cheat methods....

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MagicX XUmini M: RG28XX and A30 Challenger

MagicX XUmini M: RG28XX and A30 Challenger

As if we didn't have enough reason to be excited about pocketable horizontal handhelds, it seems there's another one on the way. This time, MagicX XUmini M plans a global launch in May, yet the exact date remains undisclosed. It's been a couple of weeks since the...

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MinUI CFW Released for the Anbernic RG28XX (Install Guide)

MinUI CFW Released for the Anbernic RG28XX (Install Guide)

Just earlier today I wrote in my review of the RG28XX how there will be Custom Firmware (CFW) released for the device soon. Shaun Inman, developer of MinUI, redefined the word "soon" as MinUI is now ready as of now! MinUI is a great simple looking firmware and it is...

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Around the Web

Retro Handhelds Youtube

Retro Handhelds Youtube & Podcast

Stubbs, Aish, & Zu review, mod, showcase & setup your favorite retro handhelds on camera! Also, every Monday night @ 6pm PST, Stubbs, Rob (The Retro Tech Dad), & the RH crew get together for a live podcast where they discuss the latest handheld and emulation news, games they’ve been playing, and interview guests from around the retro scene about their latest projects.

RH Game of the Month

Join Retro Handhelds every month as we tackle a suite of retro games. This book club-style event highlights titles from Pre-’96, ‘96-’00, and the post-2000 modern era. Join our Discord to participate with others and earn points towards RH merch!

Game of the Month May 2024

Retro Game Randomizer

Partners & pals

Russ (Retro Game Corps)

Russ (Retro Game Corps)

Smack dab in the middle of The Great Boredom of 2020, Russ picked up his first retro handheld, and immediately hated the stock experience. Shortly thereafter he launched Retro Game Corps, a YouTube channel and companion website dedicated to helping others unlock the full potential of their handhelds. Since then, he’s branched into reviews and guides for a variety of different devices and platforms, all with his trademark attention to detail (mostly thanks to his former career in the US military).

Favorite Game: Super Mario Bros 2
Favorite Color: Navy Blue

Rob (Retro Tech Dad)

Rob (Retro Tech Dad)

The Retro Tech Dad is known to most as Rob, Dad to a human and some dogs, and Daddy to Stubbs. He has a passion for technology both old and new. He loves to tinker with devices of all kinds — especially the electronic ones. Check out his channel for retro and modern gaming, device retrospectives, very in-depth review videos, teardowns, and lots of emulation testing. He is always ready to help on Discord, YouTube, and anywhere else you might find him! He is also the co-host for the Retro Handhelds podcast featuring Stubbs and the rest of the Retro Handhelds crew.

Favorite Game: PepsiMan
Favorite Color: Purple

Joey (Joey's Retro Handhelds)

Joey (Joey's Retro Handhelds)

Joey’s Retro Handhelds does deep dives into all things retro handhelds and gaming. From handheld reviews, setup guides, tips & tricks and just emulation in general, he has you completely covered. You’ll find him on the Discord, YouTube and occasionally on the podcast!

Favorite Game: Pokemon Silver
Favorite Color: Blue

Shem (Retro Breeze)

Shem (Retro Breeze)

Hi there! How’s this: At RetroBreeze, Shem talks technology, gaming and of course, all things retro. Reviews, impressions, opinions and easy-to-follow tutorials, you’ll certainly find enjoyable content with RetroBreeze!

Favorite Game: Sonic R
Favorite Color: Azure

Mikhailov (Team Retrogue)

Mikhailov (Team Retrogue)

Ahoyhoy! Team Retrogue is run by Mikhailov, and is a channel about games and the devices that bring them to us. Mikhailov reviews retro handhelds and gives tutorials on emulation setup as well as optimization. Mikhailov also educates the youth of Connecticut for his day job.

Favorite Game: Chrono Trigger
Favorite Color: Red

Javier Arboleda (RESET Collection)

Javier Arboleda (RESET Collection)

RESET Collection is an easy-to-use emulation frontend developed by Javier Arboleda. Available for $5 on Google Play (or free when you join our Patreon/Discord Premium – $5 tier and above!). Born in the year 1981, Javier is a child of the late 80’s and 90’s, which explains his furious fondness for far-out retro games. He’s a software developer by day, and by night he’s a devoted parent and husband, happily obliged to carry out his fatherly duty of utmost importance; telling dad jokes to his kids.

Favorite Game: Super Metroid
Favorite Color: Purple

Kyle Eichlin (Console Launcher)

Kyle Eichlin (Console Launcher)

Console Launcher is an easy-to-use Android Launcher and Frontend developed by Kyle Eichlin, our sources have described him as a pleasant fellow who lives in Hawaii (not far from our friend Retro Games Corps!)

Favorite Game: Cave Story
Favorite Color: Forest Green

TapiocaFox (Daijishō)

TapiocaFox (Daijishō)

Daijishō is a fully featured Android Frontend and Launcher focused on ease of use, with a wide range of functionality, including Retro Achievements integration. Best of all, this app is free! TapiocaFox stays on top of updates and keeps development active, taking user feedback seriously and is deeply supportive of the retro community. Fun fact: Daijishō is the main Home Launcher for GammaOS!

Favorite Game: Kirby’s Pinball Land
Favorite Color: Dark Cyan

Jim Gray (Our Ghosts / OnionOS)

Jim Gray (Our Ghosts / OnionOS)

Jim Gray is a Dad and Musician, creating many iconic tracks for the retro handheld scene, including the theme music for Retro Game Corps, RH, and more! He doesn’t readily admit to it, but he’s also a developer, and helped create OnionOS (among others). You can find Jim dancing if you type in Steely Dan into your GIF search!

Favorite Game: Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4
Favorite Color: Purple

victoria (silverdusk / RESET Collection)

victoria (silverdusk / RESET Collection)

Victoria’s been producing synthwave beats and glitch art for a few years now, and breathes life into any project she’s a part of. Recently you can find her work inside RESET Collection, which adds a whole new and awesome vibe to the app. Also, be sure to check out her most recent Digital Horizons EP!

Favorite Game: Sonic 3 & Knuckles
Favorite Color: Purple

Turtle (Retroid LineageOS / 351Droid / GarlicOS)

Turtle (Retroid LineageOS / 351Droid / GarlicOS)

Turtle is a staple in the Android OS dev scene, and has created LineageOS builds for a range of devices, including the Retroid Pocket 2. He is also the lead developer for 351Droid, and co-developer of GarlicOS.

Favorite Game: Pokémon Yellow
Favorite Color: Green

Black Seraph (GarlicOS / LineageOS)

Black Seraph (GarlicOS / LineageOS)

Black-Seraph is a leading developer in the handheld scene who specializes in creating custom firmware. He is the creator of GarlicOS, a multi-device custome firmware (including the Anbernic RG35XX), Clean Rom for the GPD XD+, and LineageOS for various devices.

Favorite Game: Tetris
Favorite Color: Black

notime2d8 (Odroid LineageOS / PickleOS)

notime2d8 (Odroid LineageOS / PickleOS)

notime2d8 is a veteran Android OS developer and has created LineageOS builds for a range of devices, including the RGB10 Max, he is also the lead developer of PickleOS, a custom Android firmware based on Lineage19.1 for the RGB10 Max 3 Pro!

Favorite Game: Mass Effect
Favorite Color: Yellow

The Gamma Squeeze (GammaOS)

The Gamma Squeeze (GammaOS)

GammaOS is a LineageOS based firmware for the Anbernic RG405M & RG505, with more support on the way. Developed by The Gamma Squeeze (not confirmed to not be DJ Khaled)

Favorite Game: Metal Gear Solid 2
Favorite Color: Orange

Cebion (AmberElec / 351Elec)

Cebion (AmberElec / 351Elec)

AmberElec is an easy-to-use Linux operating system for a range of Anbernic handhelds (RG351P/M | RG351V | RG351MP | RG552) developed by the tireless Cebion and AmberElec team.

Favorite Game: Monkey Island
Favorite Color: Red

Christian Haitian (ArkOS)

Christian Haitian (ArkOS)

Christian develops ArkOS, a feature rich Linux operating system with a focus on RetroArch for a range of devices.

Favorite Game: Paper Mario 64
Favorite Color: Black

adixal (muOS)

adixal (muOS)

muOS is a heavily modified RetroArch only CFW for the Anbernic RG35XX handheld. Meant for the minimalist crowd, muOS improves the RG35XX experience through easy flash install, built-in configuration system, and more. Developed by adixal (a man of many mysteries).

Favorite Game: Shining Force 2
Favorite Color: Deep Copper

dragoon Dorise (EmuDeck / Pegasus Installer)

dragoon Dorise (EmuDeck / Pegasus Installer)

dragoonDorise develops one of the most hottest pieces of software in the retro emulation scene. EmuDeck takes care of everything. Emulator installation & configuration, bezels, hotkeys, performance fixes and more!

Favorite Game: A Link to the Past
Favorite Color: Orange

Jimmy Rustles (SBC Gaming)

Jimmy Rustles (SBC Gaming)

Jimmy runs SBC Gaming along with a team of mods (and RH), and they have a wealth of knowledge in their ever growing community (the largest retro handheld reddit!). Jimmy enjoys classic & multiplayer gaming, especially Brutal Doom, Quake, as well as VR! He stays ever vigilant over the SBC Gaming community.

Favorite Game: Sonic 3 & Knuckles
Favorite Color: Green

spmfox (Spartan Project)

spmfox (Spartan Project)

SpartanProject is a full featured web hosting service, providing all our web hosting needs, run by spmfox. We highly recommend Spartan Project if you want to have a stable, budget friendly & customer service focused web host, who goes above and beyond in all regards.

Favorite Game: Tetris on Game Boy
Favorite Color: Buttercup Orange