A DEFINITIVE Review: Best Vertical Handheld Emulators of 2024

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  • Опубліковано 19 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 102

  • @VladNerd
    @VladNerd  17 днів тому +17

    Do me a favor and please *LIKE* and *SUBSCRIBE*. The channel is small, and this really goes a long way. Thanks, my nerd. ❤

    • @matthewmarsh1584
      @matthewmarsh1584 17 днів тому

      Liked and subscribed! Ordered my 406v last week after binging many of your videos. Thank you 👍

  • @STR82DVD
    @STR82DVD 17 днів тому +9

    The Miyoo Mini and Plus are the GOAT. I can't argue with you on that one Vlad. For me, also the RG35XX Plus is also a real close second or third.

  • @yagami999913
    @yagami999913 17 днів тому +8

    For me it's the 40XXV.
    The clean design and ... THAT SCREEN ! *chef's kiss*

    • @alferfoot1861
      @alferfoot1861 12 днів тому

      Oh yes. Rightly said.. That screen is simply majestic..

  • @firebless8262
    @firebless8262 17 днів тому +8

    Two verticals hug it out, ended up horizontal and a short while later, a nerd was born.

    • @VladNerd
      @VladNerd  17 днів тому +2

      That's usually how it happens. Also with soft jazz music in the background.

  • @melvinsin641
    @melvinsin641 17 днів тому +3

    @7:23 This is not GBA integer scale. The rg35xxSP is a 640x480 screen. GBA integer scale would be 2.5" at 2x resolution. What you showed is 2.7x resolution at 3.4", with a custom GBSP bezel overlay. I use the "Perfect overlays" for 640x480 screens with a Sharp-Shimmerless-Shader or Sharp-Bilinear-2x-Prescale shader. This makes the image look more crisp even for systems that does not have integer scaling to fill the 3.5" screen.

  • @eatereater6312
    @eatereater6312 17 днів тому +6

    Ever since the RG34XX came out, the powkiddy v10 has been my shelf queen😂

    • @feahnorl
      @feahnorl 17 днів тому

      Is the 34XX really good? I like it, but I think it’s a bit phat and it seems the screen is not bright enough.

  • @jonathonearl482
    @jonathonearl482 17 днів тому +2

    Out of this list I have the 406V, V10 and TrimUI Brick. I totally like all three! Also, I like the B20SX, 405V, 280V, 351V. and V90. All 8 are the verticals I have within my collection as well as being my most favorite vertical handhelds.

  • @chimrichalds81
    @chimrichalds81 17 днів тому +2

    Almost at 10k! Keep doing great work Vlad! Playing tiger woods 03 on my RG 406V lately and loving it. Such great precision with these thumb sticks, I'm way better now than with the OG controller. Watching the rest of the video hoping it wins!

    • @VladNerd
      @VladNerd  17 днів тому +1

      Not gonna give spoilers, but I think you'll be pleased with the shortlist of handhelds. 🍻

  • @TaimaKaizoku
    @TaimaKaizoku 17 днів тому +1

    Had my Rg35xxsp for about a week now, i installed Muos on it and i love it!!! I barely play on my other devices now, the form factor is comfortable and nostalgic as someone who had an Sp as a kid.

  • @MrPants-qq2jr
    @MrPants-qq2jr 17 днів тому +1

    Volume control on the v10 never bothers me in the slightest

  • @polargaming7106
    @polargaming7106 16 днів тому +1

    Damn, i loved this video man. The music, the funny jokes, the praising of the miyoo 😂. Thank you for making me laugh, you gained a subscriber for sure.

  • @DigbertDayZ
    @DigbertDayZ 17 днів тому +2

    My favourite current vertical handheld is my R36S, so good I bought a second.my favourite horizontal would be a toss up between my TrimUI Smart Pro and PowKiddy X55, both great machines. First purchase of 2025 will be a TrimUI Brick. Happy New year and best of luck on your subscriptions 😁👍🤞

  • @B1ackLeo
    @B1ackLeo 17 днів тому +3

    Right on time, Vlad. Happy New Year! It's like you picked my brain. I want a vertical to sit with my Steam Deck and Retroid Pocket 2S.

    • @VladNerd
      @VladNerd  17 днів тому +1

      I was just hanging out there, with your other thoughts. Decided to make a video on this one. 😆

  • @brooksilg
    @brooksilg 17 днів тому +2

    100% agree with the TrimUI Bricks stiff dpad. I hated this device until I followed a Reddit users advice and replaced the membrane with that of a New DS - EDIT: “New 3DS”. It feels much lighter and closer to a retro dpad I prefer, and now it’s my favorite vertical.

    • @thijskennis8757
      @thijskennis8757 10 днів тому

      Did you replace it with the new DS or new 3ds membrane?

  • @STR82DVD
    @STR82DVD 17 днів тому +3

    This video is for me. Thanks Vlad my lad. Class act as always man.

    • @VladNerd
      @VladNerd  17 днів тому +1

      Welcome back, my friend! ❤️

    • @STR82DVD
      @STR82DVD 17 днів тому

      @VladNerd Dad's doing better.

  • @WillC1020
    @WillC1020 17 днів тому

    Thanks Vlad. I am currently in process of slimming down my handheld collection while waiting for the Trimui Brick to arrive. For more practical use cases I plan to rid of my XX line of devices, RGB30 and my Miyoo Mini and plus. If the Brick is good enough my core 4 lineup will be my Steamdeck OLED, Odin 2 Pro, RP4 Pro and the Trimui Brick. The way I see it, it’s great to have a collection but the reality is not having time to use all of them. They are all great devices.

  • @Warrior0fDoom
    @Warrior0fDoom 17 днів тому +3

    📣Nerd Alert !!! 🎆🎇 Another treat of a video thanks for posting 👍👍

  • @Captainsting
    @Captainsting 17 днів тому +1

    No one mentioned RG 28xx. It's amazing. Same power of 35xx SP in an extremely sturdy and pocketable device

    • @VladNerd
      @VladNerd  17 днів тому

      This video is for the vertical handhelds. I have another one for horizontals, you can find it on my channel. :)

    • @ondrej1893
      @ondrej1893 15 днів тому

      Those rattly, crappy shoulder buttons though.

    • @Captainsting
      @Captainsting 15 днів тому

      @@ondrej1893 not even that big of a problem. Buttons are rattly as heck on SP as well

  • @Squared32
    @Squared32 17 днів тому

    Thanks for video. What's the Pac Man game you are playing around 6:57 on the RG35XXSP?

    • @joshfultz4633
      @joshfultz4633 16 днів тому

      I could be wrong here, but otherwise looks like Pac-Man CE, a NES romhack

  • @SanderSander88
    @SanderSander88 17 днів тому

    I bought 6 different handhelds(40xxV,35xxsp, 35xx plus, powkiddy 10x, powkiddy 20sx.) ones in 2 months and the funny thing is, the powkiddy v10 is my favorite somehow haha. Especially for cheap advance gaming and it looks and feels great , I play hours with this thing and the hotkeys are easy haha😍. Nice video again!!! Love watching you! (Ps I have small hands hahaha)

  • @justsomebody-1665
    @justsomebody-1665 13 днів тому

    I'm really hoping for a 40xxSP this year.
    I'm not sure any other handheld will replace my 35xxSP

  • @greenprotag
    @greenprotag 17 днів тому

    For my use case, the 35-SP has replaced my Miyoo as my pocket device. The Miyoo has earned it's place to be displayed proudly on the shelf, but the 35xx SP will live in the pocket

  • @Leavemynameout
    @Leavemynameout 16 днів тому

    I love all those motherflippers😂
    Personally been carrying the Trimui Brick everywhere with me. lol great video as always!✌️

  • @lazyhominid
    @lazyhominid 17 днів тому

    No GDK Pixel. Heresy! ;)
    Thanks for this personal overview. Love it. Gave me some insight into the various machines.

  • @timothybrown8424
    @timothybrown8424 17 днів тому

    Great job man. I will be watching your videos in the future.🤙🏽

  • @jasonshiers5771
    @jasonshiers5771 17 днів тому

    RG40XX H was my personal favourite for 2024 so comfortable to play

    • @VladNerd
      @VladNerd  17 днів тому +1

      Yeah, it's an amazing handheld tbh. Made my top in the best horizontals of 2024 vid. 🥰

  • @joshfultz4633
    @joshfultz4633 16 днів тому

    Hey nerds! Question for you all. I started on handheld with the OG 35xx and garlicos. For me it was absolutely perfect, hardware software hdmi out. I got a 35xxh when I broke my screen. Idk if it's the form factor or mu os, but I rarely play it any more. In your opinion, does the miyoo plus scratch the itch (and is onion more or less the same as garlic with speed, sleep, etc.), or am I better off replacing my screen on the og 35xx?

  • @RP-pg2vx
    @RP-pg2vx 16 днів тому +1

    Great video, but... but... I love the v10 ; )

  • @CornyPuddle
    @CornyPuddle 17 днів тому +2

    9:51 come on vlad send that boy to private school 😅

  • @carldionnepuyat4803
    @carldionnepuyat4803 17 днів тому

    Been watching you this early 2024, never fails to deliver entertaining insights about handhelds!

    • @VladNerd
      @VladNerd  17 днів тому

      I'll try not to disappoint in 2025 either. 🥹

  • @tbatrics
    @tbatrics 17 днів тому

    I sold my Miyoo mini plus because I thought the d pad was too mushy. I'm also a bigger fan of horizontal overall. I do have the rg406v though and love it

  • @jhale1019
    @jhale1019 17 днів тому

    I don’t see myself getting a 406v anytime soon, or at all, but I like your reasoning on why you picked your top consoles. Also, I totally agree the Miyoo mini plus is awesome. I own 4 and am rarely without one on me.

  • @arielcarrillobuzo9916
    @arielcarrillobuzo9916 17 днів тому

    I always felt the V10 was out of place in my collection (as in other devices would to most of its best features better), and every time I decided to use it I really, really enjoyed my time with it.
    It is certainly a GBA machine, but honestly for the price is a pretty great one! I hope they release an improved version with wifi included though.

  • @koken2372
    @koken2372 17 днів тому

    I love the PowKiddy V10, it's SUPER comfortable to hold, the D-Pad and front buttons are amazing and I love the way it looks (I love GBA games but the GBA itself looked ugly AF and had a super small D-Pad). And I love the bezels BTW. What I don't like about the V10 is Emulation Station, and the shortcuts are a little bit confusing at first (I still think they can be customized somehow but never tried).
    The RG40XXV is one of the most comfortable devices ever (especially with a silicone case), it just lacks stereo speakers.
    The MM+ is outdated AF, the RG35XX+ with MuOS is the way to go (way more powerful, bigger battery and way better ergonomics).
    I haven't tried the og MM but I ordered a RG28XX 2 days ago because although I'm a vertical person, I don't think vertical is gonna be comfortable in such a small range.

  • @luibossa
    @luibossa 17 днів тому +3

    Second!! Love listening to this before I go to sleep :~)

    • @VladNerd
      @VladNerd  17 днів тому

      Enjoy, my nerd! I'm going to sleep soon as well (it's 8am here now). 😅

  • @Wavetheory85
    @Wavetheory85 17 днів тому +1

    They all seem like good value compared to the original devices we played growing up.
    For me it’s clear the RG406V for $125.72 shipped (Black Friday) is the best option for me at this point. Combination of its capability and performance and comfort for the cost being a priority for me. A bit more than 2x the price of 40XXv but I shouldn’t have to buy another device to play a majority of GameCube or ps2.
    Otherwise I’d be happy with Miyoo Mini+ to play through ps1 for $28 shipped on Black Friday which I purchased to gift a friend

    • @Vassay
      @Vassay 14 днів тому

      this was my reasoning, I wanted a one-runs-all device, so 406v was perfect for this.

  • @bruciekibbutz2947
    @bruciekibbutz2947 17 днів тому

    I have all of these besides the brick, the SP, and the 406V. The powkiddy v10 is honestly probably my second favourite behind the 40xxv, even including my other handhelds. It's just so great for gba. It has many quirks, and it's ugly, but for the price and for how good it is at gba, I can't help but be really fond of it. It tickles my 'oh my god, it's so goofy' bone, while at the same time being quite competent. It's kind of like owning a Pug. I plan to get a 34xx and use that for action games, but i'll still be playing all gba rpgs on my powkiddy v10 so I can 1 hand it.

  • @EricBrown-m5m
    @EricBrown-m5m 17 днів тому

    I have most handhelds shown ..
    I still find myself picking up my beat-up
    Rg280v 🤙 for everyday use .
    Maybe ill pick up the mini 😎

  • @shylocutus
    @shylocutus 17 днів тому

    I'm running brick minui, and 40xxv w/knulli as my two so far. Haven't moved up to next tier yet.

  • @Janus44
    @Janus44 11 днів тому

    Great and funny videos as always Vlad!

  • @earlymorningthoughts5546
    @earlymorningthoughts5546 17 днів тому

    Hi Vlad, great content as always ❤ I know that this isn't related to your usual content but I want to know your thoughts on this new mcon controller for mobile phones. Before getting a retro handheld I do most of my retro gaming on my phone using touch controls since I find it a hassle to bring a wireless controller with me everyday.

  • @LuisMontes
    @LuisMontes 17 днів тому

    Love the 40XXv. My eyes aren't getting any better, so hoping for a 50XXv this year :)

  • @crodriguez2004
    @crodriguez2004 17 днів тому

    What would you recommend for a first retro handheld . . My modded psp vita about had it and looking for a upgrade to a retro handheld and any recommendations would be appreciated it . . Thank you

    • @VladNerd
      @VladNerd  17 днів тому

      I'd you're coming from the Vita, then I guess the Retroid Pocket 5 Pro would fill that role nicely. Also check out the Ambernic RG406H! (link in the description)

  • @quikzero
    @quikzero 17 днів тому

    If you have to break it down by favorite couch handheld and favorite on the go daily pocket rider which would you choose?? I think for me its the RP5 for couch, and Miyoo A30 for pocket. With the 35XXSP being a good middle ground that works well for both (depending on the system I wanna play).

    • @VladNerd
      @VladNerd  17 днів тому +1

      Good options you picked there! I see you chose horizontals, so I'm gonna answer with that in mind:
      The Retroid Pocket 5 / RG406H Are both amazing. The H is a bit of boat worlds, easy to carry around as well. For way more pocketability though, the RG40XX H is a really good jack of all trades!

  • @MrKinein
    @MrKinein 17 днів тому

    I have the Miyoo mini plus and the TrimUI brick. Both are very good handhelds and to be honest can't say which one is better, at the same time they're different in so many aspects.
    TrimUI has a stiff clicky dpad and buttons, and as Vlad I also prefer mushy buttons like on the Miyoo... But hear me out! In my deep comparison tests I was playing better with the stiff controls, I felt more in control, my reaction time was lower and diagonals were on point all the time. Yeah my fingers were more tired, feel of smaller sharper TrimUI dpad wasn't that lovely, but in the gameplay I achieved much more than on a mushy Miyoo Mini Plus.
    Another thing where the TrimUI wins is the screen. Because of high resolution shaders looked way better. A powerful CPU definitely helps in that regard. Ah and also TrimUI Brick has a more colorful screen in my opinion.
    Miyoo mini plus deserve all the praise, mushy soft controls are comfortable and reminds a retro controller, Onion OS is a flawless system, and screen to body ratio is perfect.
    Also I owned the Miyoo mini (non plus), it died. While it is a good toy and an eye candy, I can't see myself playing this thing. It's too small and uncomfortable. In my opinion TrimUI Brick is a perfect substitution for it.
    And I've played the Anbernic RG405v, prev iteration of another handheld that was praised in this video. To be honest I didn't enjoyed it at all. The controls were meh, the dpad were too clicky and unwieldy, sticks and modern titles seemed to be better placed on the horizontal form factor. And it looked ugly!

  • @CellPhish
    @CellPhish 17 днів тому +2

    Great video

  • @LegitMLG360noscoper
    @LegitMLG360noscoper 17 днів тому

    Funny you said that the v10 is disappointing, I adore it because of the integer scale for gba. Its not really better than my rg351v though...

  • @Andy-js5jy
    @Andy-js5jy 17 днів тому

    My favorite is Miyoo mini plus and RG35XX-H are both good handheld.
    However miyoo mini plus is issues monitor because screen isn't stronger brighter from sunlight about hard to see screen when i play.
    Expect RG35XX-H is good for outside about i can see screen brightness better from sunlight

    • @VladNerd
      @VladNerd  17 днів тому +1

      That's a good point you raised there!

  • @alferfoot1861
    @alferfoot1861 12 днів тому

    And having No analogue triggers is exactly the reason y i will get the rg 406 H instead of the V.

  • @vhsretrogamer1664
    @vhsretrogamer1664 17 днів тому

    Brick just didn't click with me. Buttons are too loud for my taste (all of them), had to disconnect battery after just 3 hours of playing because it.. well.. bricked lol 😅
    Then had to run sd recovery software and reinstall minui again.
    Idk, I still think Miyoo Mini /Plus is the best of all. Never had any problem with them and I have a few.

  • @smugskull-1
    @smugskull-1 17 днів тому

    My favorite of the year is the RGB 20 Pro

  • @STR82DVD
    @STR82DVD 17 днів тому

    For some reason Vlad, I just can't get past the fact that Anbernic didn't change the handheld design from the RG405V.

    • @VladNerd
      @VladNerd  17 днів тому +1

      I never had the RG405V, so technically it's all-new from my point of view. 😄

  • @tristanheron4144
    @tristanheron4144 17 днів тому

    I bet if your RG40XX V was black you would give it more love.

  • @elcapitandiablo941
    @elcapitandiablo941 8 днів тому

    You forgot the winner in price power relationship R36S

  • @stevenfinch4238
    @stevenfinch4238 10 днів тому

    I agree that the 406V is a great vertical handheld, and probably overall is the best of the year in terms of quality and performance without breaking the bank on a pocket dmg. In saying that, imo that price point is too high for t820 level devices.
    The only word that really fits is underwhelming. I found myself spending more time tweaking than actually playing and enjoying games on it.
    Retroid running 865's at 199 and 219 price point, anbernic running t820 at 165 - 185 pricepoint. It's not much more for a retroid, and you get alot more performance per dollar value.
    Smartphone and controller I got for $280 outclasses both, and for just a little more at $300+shipping the odin 2 thoroughly outclasses everything except for some ultra expensive ayaneo devices.
    If AYN made an Odin vertical, or retroid an rp5v this conversation would be very different.

  • @RobyMicrobi
    @RobyMicrobi 17 днів тому +5

    Nah, I disagree with this. Miyoo Mini is overrated with very bad screen quality compared to competition. TrimUi Brick is the DEFINITIVE choice for the vertical pocketable handheld, it's simply top 1 right now. Heck its screen is even brighter and more color accurate then my expensive Odin 2, its an insane deal. I have owned all those handhelds and more, and there is no debate. Miyoo Mini is not king anymore.
    The ultimate 3 handheld combo for me is :
    TrimUi Brick, for best pocketable small vertical
    RG34XX - Best GBA retro 3:2 handheld
    Ayn Odin 2 - Best overall emulator, for all harder to emulate consoles. (And also amazing 4x+ PSP emulation)
    Having these 3 I dont need any other handheld....probably ever.

    • @Jordyback
      @Jordyback 17 днів тому +1

      I agree with you about the miyoo mini. It's insane that I get nostalgic about it already 🤣 it's still insanely cute, and is an awesome starter device, but yeah the Brick is just better. Just the shoulder buttons alone on the miyoo mini are enough to put it lower than #1

    • @Cujobob
      @Cujobob 16 днів тому

      The Brick has terrible buttons for the systems being played, is too big for such a small screen, and it doesn’t have Onion OS.
      The Miyoo devices have the correct button feel, Onion OS (on the Mini/+), better form factor, and look better.
      The Brick is a knockoff Analogue Pocket design and that design also isn’t good. I own all of these.

  • @Kartofka91
    @Kartofka91 17 днів тому

    I love the screen and Onion OS on the Miyoo Mini Plus but its hard to recommend it to anyone with hands even slightly above average size because im with slightly bigger hands and the Miyoo Mini Plus has terrible ergonomics and the triggers are hard to get used to at least for me. To be honest i wouldnt recommend Vertical handhelds to anyone with bigger hands :D For now im daily driving a Powkiddy RGB30 and i like it and i dont think i will change it soon because i only play NES SNES GBA type of games and it is really good for that. Of course it has flaws but the screen is nice and it fits ok in my hands and Rocknix has been solid for me.

  • @tsimo9472
    @tsimo9472 17 днів тому

    Which one of these supports pokemmo ?

    • @VladNerd
      @VladNerd  17 днів тому +1

      Honestly, I don't know, sorry. :(
      Was never a pokemon guy, grew up with DBZ myself

  • @justarandomguy2126
    @justarandomguy2126 17 днів тому

    I'm pretty good with my RG35XX+ which no one seems to care about anymore 😂

  • @Autotrope
    @Autotrope 17 днів тому

    So on the same day I order your top pick of horizontal handheld (in black, of course) ... Now you're trying to recommend vertical ones! 😅😅

    • @VladNerd
      @VladNerd  17 днів тому +1

      This is for the vertical crowd. You'll love the H. Stay strong! 😆

  • @joseh0102
    @joseh0102 16 днів тому

    Amazing!

  • @STR82DVD
    @STR82DVD 17 днів тому +1

    Blasphemy! My Precious, my Funkey S clamshells are totally functionally and usable. Practical? No. But very usable.

    • @VladNerd
      @VladNerd  17 днів тому

      I'd love having one of those just for kicks, but my eyes are getting tired just thinking of squinting at that thing. 😆

  • @thijskennis8757
    @thijskennis8757 10 днів тому

    The Miyoo Mini is just too plastic for me. Just ordered a Brick, let’s see if that does it for me

  • @puckmeo1609
    @puckmeo1609 17 днів тому

    good video

    • @VladNerd
      @VladNerd  17 днів тому

      Thanks a lot! ❤️

  • @nickcrawford5516
    @nickcrawford5516 17 днів тому

    LOL Don't let these nerds and their "angry nerd" opinions get you down, Vlad. There's always some neck-bearded nerd out there who has something negative to say about everything.

  • @equinox7189
    @equinox7189 16 днів тому

    Ayaneo Pocket DMG.

  • @ultimaq8730
    @ultimaq8730 17 днів тому

    You’ll never get me to stop the hate.
    Horizontal handhelds are inferior in terms of comfyness and beauty!
    Long reign vertical kings!

  • @dustyr112
    @dustyr112 17 днів тому

    👏👏👏

  • @malcolmbranch10
    @malcolmbranch10 17 днів тому

    loquacious

  • @orangutanvintage
    @orangutanvintage 17 днів тому +1

    1st 😅

  • @dantescathar948
    @dantescathar948 13 днів тому

    No love for the V10