respect for just basically ignoring Aya neo. company just constantly releases broken handhelds and ignores their customers.

@Shawn_277

6 ай бұрын

Any ayaneo device you buy becomes old in a week, kun is old now, slide is up for prebook, by 1st quarter slide is old flip dual screen is in line. Retailers dont even invest they say by the time the device is imported next thing falls in line and customer cancel prebook even if they are denied refund of booking amount of approx 20$

@hassanger8128

6 ай бұрын

Agree. I totally lost any interest in this company after they released a device every 3 hours.

@gumiho.c

6 ай бұрын

​@@hassanger8128 good thing retroid stopped doing that

@MithosDagon

6 ай бұрын

Yep, picked up the pocket air and it is the last Aya Neo device I’m getting. It is great hardware, but the software blows and they lack support

@peach4hubby69

5 ай бұрын

So in other words it sucks?

Great list Joey. I disagree with your RP3+ experience (I didn’t like the metal as well but LOVE the plastic one). Everything else was spot on! You’ve been killing it lately, keep up the amazing work.

@rosemartellaro802

6 ай бұрын

Retroid changed the metal cutouts that were the problem in his review video almost immediately afterwards so I feel like his whole experience with the device isn't representative of the plasic OR the metal device. Pretty sure the device Russ from RGC tested was the updated shell.

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

6 ай бұрын

Russ got his three weeks before I did, so nope. Mine was retail, his was review.

@theminimalisttrainer1288

6 ай бұрын

@@JoeysRetroHandhelds I don't even watch his channel anymore. Anyway, I got myself a RP Flip a few weeks ago. Just one handheld console is enough for me. Reasons for choosing: Flip to prevent scratches + Android because Android Emulators allow cheat codes to be used.

@MrRunItUp

5 ай бұрын

​@theminimalisttrainer1288 Why don't you watch his channel anymore? Is there any specific reason? I'm just curious.

@xdaisyfallsx1678

4 ай бұрын

@@rosemartellaro802who’s Russ

Glad to see the Miyoo Mini Plus getting love. As someone on a budget, it's a good feeling getting a handheld like the Mini Plus that can handle so much and can potentially cost so little. (I bought mine for $65)

@nickentros

6 ай бұрын

It’s a device that’s easy to come back to after buying and playing and fiddling with all sorts of other devices

@starmorpheus

6 ай бұрын

The community support for it really makes it shine.

@F3A5T

6 ай бұрын

Now with moonlight on it, it can pretty much do anything @@starmorpheus

Good list! I've heard nothing but praise for the AYN Odin 2, so can't say I'm surprised. I agree that it will be a tough act to follow, so it will be interesting to see what handhelds are released in 2024!

@AE-bm4no

5 ай бұрын

no one is really competing with the odin 2. The odin 2 is at least $330.

I'm happy to see the Retroid Pocket Flip getting so much praise. It seems to have been a pretty divisive device among reviewers depending on how people feel about the form factor, clamshell, sliders/sticks, and the angle of the screen. While I'm not the biggest fan of the buttons and D-pad, I generally quite like mine and I'm a big fan of the clamshell and easy Android setup.

@The_MEMEphis

5 ай бұрын

The problem is the hinge build quality is very loose and poor kinda just flops open loosely if the hinge was was more study it would actually be a cool device to own

@AE-bm4no

5 ай бұрын

i just wish the flip had front facing speakers

Another banger Joey! Thanks for this roundup!

Great video Joey, just in time for the holidays for those of us looking to purchase a handheld for themselves or a loved one.

Another banger of a video! A ton of strong well thought out opinions.

I knew 2023 was going to be the year of the Steam Deck competitors, and we got the Ayn Loki, The ROG Ally, the Lenovo Legion Go, as well as about 100 devices from Ayaneo, and then a Steam Deck OLED refresh. I think 2024 will be the year of the Odin 2 competitors, so more Snapdragon android devices and maybe we will see ports of CEMU to Android, so we can get even more emulation on android. It would be very interesting to see if any more "AAA" games get released straight to android because of devices like the Odin 2 which are insanely powerful

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

6 ай бұрын

Completely agree!

@F3A5T

6 ай бұрын

I would love to see one price reasonably that can be used as a phone too.

Fantastic list! Respect ! I’d get the Odin 2 but I just got a steam deck OLED. Will prolly pick up a retroid soon!

This year has been my intro to retro hand held collecting and it seemed that the hype and shipping times from China as well as back to back releases made every handheld a must buy. I think the power kiddy x55 that has a functioning screen for about 2 or 3 months was pretty great. But as we climb this list saving that hundred dollars and waiting for a $150 or $200 device would get you more cost effective, better controls and better pocket ability with the exception of the miyoo mini plus which has always been good with current garlic OS.

Great video thanks buddy! 🙂

Actually really enjoyed this tier list, great work bud! 🍻🤘🏼

Great video Joey! I'm glad 2 of my devices are in your top 5! Still mad about the RGB30 though! :P (I'll never let it go!)

My number one is Loki Max. I absolutely love that thing! Switch sized 6800u handheld with best ergonomic possible, front firing speakers, fantastic buttons and full sized sticks. I kinda want Odin 2 in same form factor, I really miss Loki’s controls on it. From the day I got Loki - my Steam Deck just collects dust on the shelf.

Hi Joey. I think this has been your best video so far. Keep it up!

I love your channel and your crazy honest opinion. Subbed.

The list was really informative and honestly a lot of them I almost pulled the trigger on. But I think I'll hold out and save up for the Odin 2. In the meantime, I'll play with my hacked 2DS and Vita

Thanks for all your work man, it’s nice to have you and RGC as resources for us noobs who are operating on zero experience with this stuff. I went from having no handhelds or experience to owning 3 within a year

Maybe you should get a Retroid Pocket 3+ just to see if your opinion changes on it? You could always return it. I actually bought the 3+ non metal edition (purple transparent) and I actually enjoy it. I'm not a fan of the button placement either but it doesn't bother me as much as I first thought it would. I take it with me on long communutes and it's pocketable to fit in my jacket. As for your list I think you did an outstanding job rating them and honestly I'm looking forward to what 2024 handhelds bring us!

I’m glad the 405m made it so high on the list and the mm+ I play my 405m a lot and I have all the consoles and a steam still the form factor is a joy for me . The mm+ is the most portable and imo the easiest to setup with onion . Great list man .

I want Anbernic to make a version of the RGB30 with generally better everything, a metal shell, premium build and that square screen. I have a Powkiddy and it’s good; high resolution enough to upscale games, large enough to not be tiny, tall enough to not cramp my hands, goodies like Bluetooth/WiFi/video out, a proven chipset with excellent CFW (I like ArkOS). Plus, don’t forget, pico-8, pico-eight, Pico-Eight, PICO-8, PICO-EIGHT!!!

@dave_diy

6 ай бұрын

+1 to your Anbernic RGB30 version description! That'd be perfect and I'd buy one right now if they built it. @JoeysRetroHandhelds - I think the RGB30 is better suited for folks with larger hands. Its ergonomics is one of the best for my 3XL sized hands over the 10+ other retro handhelds I own or built.

Very lovely upload men! Been enjoying my mini miyo + so much, i,m tempted to buy a analog pocket it looks amazing and don,t think it,s that exspensive

you opene my eyes sir thank you! also thank you for links

I always enjoy watching your vids even if i dont agree on some things which us the sign of good videos

Thanks for putting RG-ARC in number 10. If there any revision regarding CPU and added analog stick, this device would be perfect. For now, it still amazing.

@AE-bm4no

5 ай бұрын

analog stick would defeat the purpose since it's supposed to be a sega genesis/saturn controller.

Happy new year Joey 🎉😉🎁💝🎀🎉😊

Thanks for the great video, man :) I guessed what 7 of the top 8 would be lol 👍 I bought a RP2S as my first retro handheld, and it's been great so far. I probably went for it because of its immense, & potentially best-in-class, value proposition. As I tend to do a lot of research & narrowing down. Only minor caveat or qualm I really have is it could be a 0.5-1.0 inch bigger 4:3 screen, trading some portability... that's really it though. Besides maybe some more power for GC & PS2, but that pretty much goes for most all of these handhelds except Odin 2 😁

This gave me a few good laughs. 2S and Odin 2 is all I’ll be using for the foreseeable future.

I had so much fun watching you destroy certain devices, even ones I personnally like 😂 Just a little disappointed to not see the Powkiddy X28 even on the honorable mention/destroy list as it’s my personal fav along the MM+, but I know I’m an outliner with this one :)

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

6 ай бұрын

Completely forgot about this one lol no one ever offered it to me, and I had no interest in it, and also forgot it existed lol

That same Odin 2 is on its way to my workplace Monday, can't wait to see it on my toolbox when I come in. I got a 1 TB micro SD card for it when its here :D

First time on your page love it! RG3 flip is great my best handheld...

....I Have A Powkiddy X55 And A Powkiddy RGB30 Arriving Saturday 1.27.24 . ....I Can't Wait To Check Them Out , Especially The Powkiddy RGB30 .

Nice, i just got the rg405m on sale and im loving it. Top 5 is a good ranking

Love your honesty. Not jumping on every bandwaggon is a nice change...

My two that show up in my bag are the miyoo mini+ and the OLED Steamdeck. With those 2 devices you have all of your needs met.

New sub here - I love your videos!

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

6 ай бұрын

Thank you!

Ayaneo Pocket Air is actually a really great device, more than capable for GC/Wii/PS2 upscaled, but it just got overshadowed by the Odin 2. That OLED screen looks real nice and it feels really quality. But yeah obviously the Odin 2 is a much better buy currently.

@fillerbunnyninjashark271

6 ай бұрын

Yeah but it's Aya

The PlayStation portal definitely would’ve been on the bottom of my list. It’s just the most anti-consumer product Sony has come out with since their proprietary SD cards for the PSP.

I really love your emphasis on comfort and feel. I wish you reviewed game controllers and accessories as well.

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

5 ай бұрын

Noted!

recently ordered my odin 2, very eagerly waiting for it to arrive! I wonder how fricking awesome a odin 3 will be. Maybe we will be able to see that in 1 or 2 years.

We seem to have similar opinions on many things! The RGB20S (so hated but actually good) much better than its clones, the sudden love for Pico 8 games soon after the RGB30 was released, things I had always thought too. And I also love the Retroid Pocket Flip, my fav retro device, and the Miyoo Mini Plus!

I think my top 3 (in no particular order) would be the Miyoo Mini Plus, the ROG Ally, and the Steam Deck OLED

I'm hoping there's gonna be a community OS for the Odin 2 like there is for the Miyoo+ with Onion OS

@hassanger8128

6 ай бұрын

How? Where is that community?

Great video as always. I dont own many of these devices at all but from reviews it seems very fair. Out of what I don't own the RG35XX Plus seems cool, depending on how CFW goes. The PowKiddy RGB30 has its appeal with the screen but the dpad especially is a worry to me, also already have devices with that chipset. The Retroid Pocket Flip looks awesome, I like clamshell devices and it covers a lot of great systems. The thing that worries me is Android. I'm not a fan of Android for Retro Handhelds.

Other than the 3DS, I'm new to handheld consoles. I didn't realize that there were so many, so thank you for making an informative list.

This really showed me how many of these I've bought. I really need to slow down going into 2024 haha

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

6 ай бұрын

Never!

Miyoo Mini Plus is the dark horse!! It was my first retro handheld and probably still my most used… and I own the Ally, Loki mini pro, Rg353PS, and the Odin 2. 😂

Great list, even though I disagree with much of it lol. I like that my AYANEO 2S doesn't fry sd cards like the Rog Ally. But that Rog screen is killer, hope they actually fix the issues of the device someday.

I feel the Steam Deck OLED is a big enough update to be more than just a revision so really curious how you would end up ranking it against the devices listed here.

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

6 ай бұрын

It'd likely be first.

My man is brutal. I like it! This is a very good list and an honest review.

Awesome list. My top 3 this year has been Steam deck OLED G cloud (can’t seem to forget about it) Miyo mini plus

“The biggest pass of history of passes “ 😂😂 savvge 8:07

I love my Odin 2. I'll fully admit I'm not one to get enjoyment from tweaking every setting on every game to get the best performance so the fact the Odin 2 pretty much just works with stock settings for pretty much everything there is an andorid emulator for is just awesome. Really looking forward to how the software matures and especially to finally get WiiU running on Android - Windwaker HD is one of my all time favorites. I'm still waiting for a company to do a modern version of a DS/3DS with twin high quality screens and upscaling. That's my grail

@Flank.Sinatra.

6 ай бұрын

how did u get it so early?

@momaw_C1-10P

6 ай бұрын

@@Flank.Sinatra.​​⁠I backed on IGG for the super early bird. Had it about 3-4 weeks now. They smashed their production out way ahead of schedule. I think they have shipped all the IGG backers now or are in the process of shipping the final ones and are now also shipping their website orders. I went with the Pro in white. I love the white but kinda wish I got cold grey (I have the original Odin in cold grey). Hope you can get one soon!

@Gar_y21

6 ай бұрын

Got mine off eBay 3 days shipping for 380

I really hope the next Ayn Odin will have a bigger screen/smaller bezels.

excelente video. muchas gracias

Where does Anbernic RG353V and RG353VS sit on your list? What are your thoughts on those devices?

Man.. you're pretty dang brutal on a few of these devices! I like it👾🤩🙂

Really enjoyed this. I was hoping to see where the Anbernic RG353v would have placed though, I love it!

Pico 8 is really cool once you have the real thing with the splore feature. Every week you get new retro-style games and a couple of them might be great. But the kicker is: you can just do it on the Miyoo Mini+ You don't need a mediocre powkiddy device with a lackluster dpad for it.

great video, thank you so much dude! now I know what to buy: Trim UI S pro here we gooooooo!

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

3 ай бұрын

Glad I could help!

I rarely say that, but I completely agree with your list, in all the ways! I wish AYN make Odin 2 Flip. So it would be dream come true situation for me ☺

Still a month to go Joey! In retro handheld terms that's approximately six decades.

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

6 ай бұрын

Plan on taking some time off during Christmas!

man i keep thinking on the retroid pocket 2s ..seems like ith will be pocketable and still have full access to so much ..

Do you guys think that the odin pro is still good?

My 405m experience was terrible. Sticky shoulder and abxy buttons, a stripped back screw, a dead pixel and a corrupted sd card on delivery. I returned it after a week of trying to make it work. I bought a retroid 3+ and I’m not looking back. Couldn’t be happier.

Your top 2 picks are in my possession and almost always in my hands 😂

Great video, thanks! Feedback for next year; keep the name of each device visible during the full video, when scrolling between parts I lose the name and need to search for it, which is annoying.

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

6 ай бұрын

Good point!

How do you feel the Odin 2 Screen holds up to the Ally? I basically only use my Ally for streaming but would like something lighter. Just not sure if I can go to 60hz/6".

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

6 ай бұрын

I can stream on any of my Ally/Deck/Odin without concern, but screen size and hz has never bothered me. Right now, my OLED Deck is getting the most usage for that.

Good list, and it seems like the rankings are warranted. I wish there was a decent large handheld with relatively low power but focused on a good D-pad experience. Something like the X55, but good and with the controls rearranged to make sense. The ODROID GO Super or the RGB10 Max 2 with decent inputs and like a 6 inch display. I guess the closest is the RGB30 but the 1:1 display results in a smaller 4:3 image than the X55, even. The Retroid Pocket 3 Plus is close, I guess, but the screen is just too small for what I want. RG505 display is a weird resolution for anything but PSP. I'm about to give up and play retro games on a Steam Deck. LOL

@tuluse789

6 ай бұрын

powkiddy x28 and trimui smart pro seem like your best options

Just saw this video right after buying a miyoo mini + and a odin2 xD. Great content btw

I love the retroid pocket flip

My miyoo mini is just on the self and my everyday device is a modded r36s... Hahah i love this little powerfull thing!

I appreciate you calling things as you see them.

It sounds like looking at your guinea pigs was a better idea than showing the handheld that you were talking about. And your guinea pigs are so cute

my rog is my favourite thing ever 😢❤. i’ve never loved a handheld device more, and i have a considerable collection ! can play everything on it and it always works great.

I was waiting on the Trimui Brick, but got the PowKiddy RGB30 Purple Edition instead.

I love my rp2s I use it for GameCube mainly and I have got to play windwaker fully.

Hi Joey, I have a somewhat off-topic question. I have a higher-end retro hand-held that I like just fine. But there are times where I would also like to have a simple, quick-booting GB/GBC emulator hand-held. Is there a model you can recommend? Thanks for all the great videos!

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

2 ай бұрын

Miyoo Mini Plus is exactly what you want, OnionOS on it and you're golden.

@SJMerlin01

2 ай бұрын

Thanks Joey!

Seems to have good opinion will consider thanks for feedback

Just got a notification my Odin 2 shipped 😌

Great video. May go for the miyoo mini plus can it handle ps1 games. All so is the speaker 🔊 ok on this. Heard it was a bit tinny sounding ? Maybe the other guy had a bad speaker lol

I just started with the 353ps but will be looking to buy the AYN Odin during tax season!

Rp2s+ with the grip is amazing

I thought i was not gona like the transparent blue odin but once i turned on the lights i realised i was super WRONG. The way it diffuses on the shell is just amazing.

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

6 ай бұрын

Right? Looks like it's pulsing! It's awesome.

I've had an absolute BLAST tinkering with this software for for the SF2000... More importantly, I've played SOO many older retro games that I've never played before. It was easy to buy($9+shipping), and forced me to play systems I don't normally play, NES/SNES/GBA/GB/GBC. And it plays those systems really well! Again, I understand the humor, but there are communities behind these "e-waste" machines that are having a blast tinkering... I don't think it's cool to dunk on them. - peace brah

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

6 ай бұрын

It wasn't humor, the device is one of the worst I've ever used. There's communities around anything and everything in the world, my opinions won't stop them from liking whatever they like.

Loved the hot takes! Will respond in kind on our Monday livestream 🫡

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

6 ай бұрын

Ooo, can't wait.

Joey you got to put some translucent blue buttons and D-pad on your blue miyoo mini if its going to be your show piece. Well worth it!

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

6 ай бұрын

Ahhhh I should

I still think the ktr1 can succeed lol (I think it's still basically in beta). I was also curious about the x55 for streaming purposes. I heard it's really comfortable to hold. Then just using moonlight

@AE-bm4no

5 ай бұрын

it's got the front facing speakers which is great. that should really be standard. downward facing speakers make no sense for retro handhelds. these games have great music. I.e. Chrono Trigger

You’re going to make a lot of enemies with this list. Good on ya. Always good to have some healthy debate!

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

6 ай бұрын

Just a normal Wednesday for me!

How different would devices be rated if the ergonomics were improved with something like grip that could be purchased?

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

6 ай бұрын

Likely same. Grips usually add way too much bulk.

@wylelias

6 ай бұрын

@@JoeysRetroHandhelds Good to know, was thinking of getting some units because I could always use a grip. Thanks for the reply!

So glad someone is finally real about the rgb30, the most overhyped handheld of the year

@Mister_Phafanapolis

6 ай бұрын

It’s not a homer but it’s a rare double or triple from Powkiddy when they usually strike out.

@joelcave1500

6 ай бұрын

@@Mister_Phafanapolis probably great for its use case, but the SBC Reddit recommends to everyone all the time

@Mister_Phafanapolis

6 ай бұрын

@@joelcave1500I agree that it gets a LOT of love from the community. I bought one in the 11.11 sale for a good price and I am enjoying it; I like that it's taller than a typical 3.5" 4:3 device so my hands aren't cramped and squished, the black bars don't bother me, but it feels rather cheap, dinky and toy-like. It's a Powkiddy device after all. I'd like Anbernic or Retroid to use that screen/form factor and make a more premium, quality device.

Bummed to see the metal RP3+ down so low, but as an owner of one, and someone critical of the unfinished details on the shell, I'm not about to say you have to forgive it on performance alone. I actually bought an RP2S for my little brother for christmas this year instead of an RP3+ as I think that form factor is better plus its got great value with the black friday sales meaning 100$ gets you the extra storage built-in with the same chipset as the RP3+. That said, I hope Retroid does keep trying with the metal shells, but instead of making it a limited run "special edition", they just reduce their color offerings of plastic shells and focus on the fit and finish of their devices. I think offering 3 or 4 colors for plastic shells and then one metal shell from launch will help ensure they offer a quality product. Again, I love my metal RP3+, but there are certainly improvements to do for the future. Hopefully they listen and knock it out of the park next time?

Thanks for sharing. Which of these devices can run ps1 and PS2 games? I was considering the MMP but want sure it could play ps1 based on a few videos. Hope someone in this comment section can help🙏

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

6 ай бұрын

Odin 2 would be the only one that can do PS2 properly.

1 of my faves u didnt mention is the RG351MP. Its a amazing handheld once u get it loaded with the 351elec software, its built like a tank and the quality is excelent I use it about as much as i use my miyoo mini plus. I do have a retro pocket 3 plus, im just haveing a real job trying 2 get it all set up properly. Hopefully i will get it finished 1 day soon as i look forward to seeing what it can actualy do.

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

5 ай бұрын

It didn't come out in 2023 :)

I actually really like my Ampown XU10 more than my R36S overall. The R36S has a slightly better screen with more saturated colours, but the XU10 has a better d-pad, the buttons feel better, and the triggers are much more quiet, with the L2/R2 raised up, making them less likely for the wrong trigger to be pressed. The only thing that sucks is the very limiting OS, but that can be fixed.

I get what you're saying about the odin 2 but I still just want a handheld that isn't huge that can play 2d and low power 3d games from my steam library natively and costs

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

6 ай бұрын

I would also like this, but I just don't see it for a while. Steam Deck OLED has been covering that need though nicely.

Hey friend, which one is best for N64 abs SNES games

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

5 ай бұрын

For N64, Retroid Pocket 2s, Flip, Odin 2, 405M are great.

I really need help! I'm so torn between all of the new retro handhelds in the last year. I want one that is pocketable, can play upscaled psp and doesn't get hot and doesn't have a ton of bootloop problems and charging issues.Any suggestions?

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

3 ай бұрын

I would suggest the Retroid Pocket 4 or 4 Pro. That's as small as you can get for pockets while still being able to play PSP properly right now.

@ejlisee9

3 ай бұрын

Retroid 3 plus has tons of hardware problems with going Into bootloops and charging problems and I'm afraid the 4 will too

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

3 ай бұрын

Hm, I have not heard of that before, but unfortunately that would be your best/only option.

which is the best if gamecube games were priority? thanks

@JoeysRetroHandhelds

6 ай бұрын

Odin 2