Best & Worst Retro Handhelds of 2023
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- Опубліковано 7 чер 2024
- In this video, we'll be taking a look at the best, worst and my favorite handhelds of 2023.
20 - Buy the R35S here: bit.ly/46QJoAw
• R35S Mini Review
19/18 - Buy the KTR1 here: ktpocket.com/shop / Buy the KTR1 (other shop) here: bit.ly/3EFSgwT
• Ayaneo Air Plus & KTR1...
17 - Buy the Powkiddy X55 here: bit.ly/3QQ07iB
• Powkiddy X55 Review
16 - Buy the Retroid here: bit.ly/3O7RvlL
• Retroid Pocket 3 Plus ...
15 - Buy the Powkiddy RGB30 here: bit.ly/3S1314M
• Powkiddy RGB30 is thei...
14 - • Is it worth it? (Sony ...
13 - Buy the Abxylute here: bit.ly/48VaR5W
Use code Joey10 for an extra $10 off.
• Best Budget Handheld f...
12 - Buy the Loki Mini Pro here: bit.ly/3ESUMA8
• This Could Be Great (A...
11 - Buy the RK2023 here: bit.ly/464TPjN
• Great Budget Handheld ...
10 - Buy the Anbernic RG Arc here: bit.ly/3QtzXAv
• Anbernic RG ARC: Best ...
9 - Buy the Anbernic RG405V here: bit.ly/45DZygw
• The Best Vertical Retr...
8 - Buy the TrimUI Smart Pro here: bit.ly/3FxcKIO
• I LOVE This Handheld! ...
7 - Buy the Anbernic RG353PS here: bit.ly/44lv7dP
• ANBERNIC RG353PS Revie...
6 - • GPD Win 4 vs. Asus ROG...
5 - Buy the Anbernic RG405M here: bit.ly/3mMtCp0
• ANBERNIC RG405M Handhe...
4 - Buy the Retroid Pocket 2S here: bit.ly/3qH5LsR
• The Best Retro Handhel...
3 - Buy the Retroid Pocket Flip here: bit.ly/45u468T
• Anbernic RG405M vs. Re...
2 - Buy the Miyoo Mini Plus here: bit.ly/3oAEBSZ
• Miyoo Mini Plus vs. An...
1 - Buy the AYN Odin2 here: bit.ly/3QJ1m2T
• The Best Android Handh...
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Timestamps
00:00 - Honorable Mentions
02:02 - Devices I Didn't Get
05:01 - Devices That Haven't Arrived
05:28 - Numbers 21 - 16
11:25 - Numbers 15 - 11
15:31 - Numbers 10 - 5
20:45 - Numbers 5-1 - Ігри
respect for just basically ignoring Aya neo. company just constantly releases broken handhelds and ignores their customers.
Any ayaneo device you buy becomes old in a week, kun is old now, slide is up for prebook, by 1st quarter slide is old flip dual screen is in line. Retailers dont even invest they say by the time the device is imported next thing falls in line and customer cancel prebook even if they are denied refund of booking amount of approx 20$
Agree. I totally lost any interest in this company after they released a device every 3 hours.
@@hassanger8128 good thing retroid stopped doing that
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
So in other words it sucks?
Another banger Joey! Thanks for this roundup!
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.
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.
Russ got his three weeks before I did, so nope. Mine was retail, his was review.
@@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.
@theminimalisttrainer1288 Why don't you watch his channel anymore? Is there any specific reason? I'm just curious.
@@rosemartellaro802who’s Russ
Another banger of a video! A ton of strong well thought out opinions.
Great video Joey, just in time for the holidays for those of us looking to purchase a handheld for themselves or a loved one.
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!
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 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
i just wish the flip had front facing speakers
Great video thanks buddy! 🙂
Actually really enjoyed this tier list, great work bud! 🍻🤘🏼
Hi Joey. I think this has been your best video so far. Keep it up!
you opene my eyes sir thank you! also thank you for links
Fantastic list! Respect ! I’d get the Odin 2 but I just got a steam deck OLED.
Will prolly pick up a retroid soon!
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)
It’s a device that’s easy to come back to after buying and playing and fiddling with all sorts of other devices
The community support for it really makes it shine.
Now with moonlight on it, it can pretty much do anything @@starmorpheus
I love your channel and your crazy honest opinion. Subbed.
I always enjoy watching your vids even if i dont agree on some things which us the sign of good videos
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 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!)
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
Happy new year Joey 🎉😉🎁💝🎀🎉😊
Love your honesty. Not jumping on every bandwaggon is a nice change...
First time on your page love it! RG3 flip is great my best handheld...
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
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
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 :)
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
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 .
Nice, i just got the rg405m on sale and im loving it. Top 5 is a good ranking
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.
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 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 .
My man is brutal. I like it! This is a very good list and an honest review.
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
I really love your emphasis on comfort and feel. I wish you reviewed game controllers and accessories as well.
Noted!
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.
analog stick would defeat the purpose since it's supposed to be a sega genesis/saturn controller.
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.
This gave me a few good laughs.
2S and Odin 2 is all I’ll be using for the foreseeable future.
I love the retroid pocket flip
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 😁
Man.. you're pretty dang brutal on a few of these devices! I like it👾🤩🙂
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
Completely agree!
I would love to see one price reasonably that can be used as a phone too.
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.
great video, thank you so much dude!
now I know what to buy: Trim UI S pro here we gooooooo!
Glad I could help!
New sub here - I love your videos!
Thank you!
Really enjoyed this. I was hoping to see where the Anbernic RG353v would have placed though, I love it!
This really showed me how many of these I've bought. I really need to slow down going into 2024 haha
Never!
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.
I appreciate you calling things as you see them.
Seems to have good opinion will consider thanks for feedback
Loved the hot takes! Will respond in kind on our Monday livestream 🫡
Ooo, can't wait.
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.
excelente video. muchas gracias
Your top 2 picks are in my possession and almost always in my hands 😂
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!!!
+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.
Where does Anbernic RG353V and RG353VS sit on your list? What are your thoughts on those devices?
Awesome list.
My top 3 this year has been
Steam deck OLED
G cloud (can’t seem to forget about it)
Miyo mini plus
I really hope the next Ayn Odin will have a bigger screen/smaller bezels.
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.
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!
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.
You’re going to make a lot of enemies with this list. Good on ya. Always good to have some healthy debate!
Just a normal Wednesday for me!
Just got a notification my Odin 2 shipped 😌
Just saw this video right after buying a miyoo mini + and a odin2 xD. Great content btw
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.
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.
Good point!
I was waiting on the Trimui Brick, but got the PowKiddy RGB30 Purple Edition instead.
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 ☺
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.
I'm hoping there's gonna be a community OS for the Odin 2 like there is for the Miyoo+ with Onion OS
How?
Where is that community?
Do you guys think that the odin pro is still good?
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.
It'd likely be first.
man i keep thinking on the retroid pocket 2s ..seems like ith will be pocketable and still have full access to so much ..
Pretty good list
Rp2s+ with the grip is amazing
I think my top 3 (in no particular order) would be the Miyoo Mini Plus, the ROG Ally, and the Steam Deck OLED
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.
Yeah but it's Aya
I just started with the 353ps but will be looking to buy the AYN Odin during tax season!
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".
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.
I love my rp2s I use it for GameCube mainly and I have got to play windwaker fully.
My miyoo mini is just on the self and my everyday device is a modded r36s... Hahah i love this little powerfull thing!
“The biggest pass of history of passes “ 😂😂 savvge 8:07
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.
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. 😂
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
how did u get it so early?
@@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!
Got mine off eBay 3 days shipping for 380
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
Is there any device, where I can connect an 8bitdo sn30pro and play with a friend together via output over HDMI?
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!
Ahhhh I should
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
powkiddy x28 and trimui smart pro seem like your best options
Is there a reason the amber mic 353Vs/v ain’t on list? It’s first one I ordered so was stoked to get
Nope, V came out in 2022 and is what I had, didn't get the VS due to that. Fine handheld, wouldn't crack top ten however. You got a good one!
Still a month to go Joey! In retro handheld terms that's approximately six decades.
Plan on taking some time off during Christmas!
0:32 I like the set up and the video
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.
Right? Looks like it's pulsing! It's awesome.
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!
Miyoo Mini Plus is exactly what you want, OnionOS on it and you're golden.
Thanks Joey!
I had the RGB10max3 pro and it was great after the latest JelOS update
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.
It didn't come out in 2023 :)
i was gonna comment on how id rather look at your guina pigs too, but then you immediately talked about the rg36s! xD
its my introduction to handheld emulators and i just really like it a *lot*
I just pre-order retroid pocket 4 pro. Two of them actually. One for me and one for my wife so she can also have fun and play certain games together with me.
The Loki Max for 550$ was actually a pretty amazing buy for me, is like a smaller ROG Ally, the form factor is pretty cool if you want a handheld PC but with the size of a Switch Mini
Good list, except a few devices that has disappointing audio that I think should have been lower (rg450v has backfiring speaker, TrimUI has no audio jack, rg353ps has noise when using earphones)
my favorite part was when the RG353V made a cameo appearance. your first video iirc 🤔
Someone caught it! Yeah, small little tribute to my first UA-cam video :)
Hey friend, which one is best for N64 abs SNES games
For N64, Retroid Pocket 2s, Flip, Odin 2, 405M are great.
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
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