My Favorite Retro Handhelds of 2021

[@RetroGameCorps]

Favorite cat of the year = Chicken

[@marzbar5877]

Favorite cat of the year = Dash, my baby 🥰 Chicken comes in 3rd behind Dash and my adopted foster, Clay :D

[@TriniChiniese]

Happy New Year ....Russ to you and the Family and the Cat ..

[@skateboardmemories]

Chicken is my fav cat of the year too!! 😀😀

[@AGuerrero-cy2yr]

Favorite chicken of the year = Cat

[@Nada07able]

Happy New Year to you, your family, and Chicken 🎉! Thank you very much for showing your top ten handhelds of 2021! I may get the Retroid Pocket 2+ later this year.

[@UNSCPILOT]

Got the mint green RG351MP a month or so ago, absolutely love playing it, and it's so durable I can toss it in my pocket and enjoy it anywhere, my breaks at work in particular have become much more fun, been playing threw all the Metroid games including AM2R

[@guycomments]

@@Pridetoons what n64 and dreamcast games are you playing?

[@exoticbutters4212]

My 51V took a 6 foot tall fall, slid on the ground about 5 feet, and got wedged underneath my dresser (I was taking it off of my shelf and dropped it) and I slowly picked it up in horror, fearing what I’ve just done, only to realize that it didn’t even have a scratch. Nothing on the inside got messed up either. Anbernic builds these things to last.

[@marcuszamora7607]

Are all the games you playing all preloaded on it when you got it?

[@UNSCPILOT]

@@marcuszamora7607 I had to go find AM2R (free fan made game), and I also re-flashed the OS with 351elec (now AmberElec since the RG552 came out). But yeah, I have mostly used the provided ROMs until I can replace them with my own, though some are Chinese/Japanese versions of the games so I can't actually play those (being unable to read either). Unfortunately since most of the games these are ment to play are no longer sold and have increasingly rare working versions in some cases, companies like Nintendo kinda force our hand to use unofficial methods to find, and play games since most companies don't or can no longer provide or preserve their own games, often leaving no official way to purchase or even play any of them

[@anarchicnerd666]

Just wanted to say - thank you. This year I was looking into retro handhelds and I found your channel, and I've since bought my first retro handheld, an RG351V. Your reviews and especially your guides for custom firmware and beginners help have been utterly invaluable. Seriously, your content is awesome and I'm looking forward to an empty wallet and a ton of kickass devices this year :D Once again, thanks for all the awesome reviews and guides! Happy New Year!

[@MrEightfortytwo]

Happy new year. 🎊 bring back the old theme song!!

[@ab_ria]

Dang the year has already ended. This channel has made a huge impact in my life as my hobby and addiction lol. It made a huge impact in my wallet too but we knew this that would happen. Thanks for the good year in the retro handheld community, your hard work is always appreciated! Also what stand do you use to hold your devices? I’m starting to collect a good amount of emulators and I want something to hold them

[@RetroGameCorps]

Hi, so for the most part I use a mail/document sorter, which you can find at office stores, or on Amazon: amzn.to/3zeVEv2 -- in this video I also am using a bamboo dish drainer I got at Daiso (like a Japanese dollar store) the other day.

[@ab_ria]

@@RetroGameCorps Ooohh! It’s a mail sorted, I thought they were one of those vertical laptop stands for a desk. Yours is way more affordable, thanks for the info!

[@takwu0]

@@RetroGameCorps i actually like that wood dish drainer better. time to go to daiso (its actually called oomomo here now)

[@Gatecrasher3]

Can't wait to see what the max 3 will perform like. It seems like the max 2 would be the nicest to use on a daily basis.

[@antwango]

max 3 hopefully has stereo speakers and the insides of x18s or better and i wouldnt mind more pronounced grips.... that shouldnt take much resources to do.... i have the max 2 had it for about 3 weeks now and with the performance bump and the price pkiddy work in it would give 552 and the rp2+ a good game

[@RyeJ_86]

Love this list Russ, my 552 should be here any day now to complement my 351V and 280V. Really appreciate all the work on these devices, it made my retro gaming hobby in 2021 worlds better

[@markdarc0448]

Can not believe that you picked the rp2+ as the best device this year, after it being new and how harsh you were on the original (understandably so) I didn’t think you thought the 2+ was worth it. I love this company and I’m glad I stuck with it. Hopefully with the next one we get better analogue sticks and a slightly better screen and it’ll be perfect imo. Loved the video Russ and hope you have a great new year can’t wait to watch every single video you put out

[@pillowgood1318]

Nice roundup. I've been with you from about the begining of your journey thus far Rus. Due to the pandemic playing hell with my small business and rising stress levels, I really needed a little side hobby distraction. I think a lot of your new fans are in that boat. Your channel and collecting handhelds provided a much need release valve. My wife hasn't said anything yet, but I am getting questioning looks over the 3 PSPs, GPD XD, 3 Vitas, Modded Nintendo 3DS XL, Playgo, Powkiddy V90, RG351MP, Arcade Box, and the one that did elicit a raised eyebrow - The OnexPlayer. I no longer drink, smoke or gamble. I figure this is a cheaper healthier alternative.

[@gautomotivetv4407]

Keep up the great work, Russ! These retro hand held guides have been a massive help navigating the crazy number of options.

[@PongbyAtari]

I'm happy to say my RP2+ systems are on there way received my DHL Tracking Numbers today. 😀

[@JohamburgerWithFries]

After watching a bunch of your videos, I ended up going for the Retroid Pocket+2. I haven't owned a retro handheld in forever, so I'm really excited to play some classic games again, especially GBA and N64 which seem to work well on it. Their website only had a preorder option, so who knows how long it'll take, but in the meantime I'm preparing the retro game library of my dreams, and figuring out what frontend to choose. I think I've landed on Reset Collection, since what I've seen of it looks really good, and it doesn't look like too big of a pain to set up. I bought a brand new PS VITA 2000 (the really slick red version) which I've modded and plan to fill with a boatload of PS1 and PSP games, on top of my VITA library. With the VITA and the Retroid 2+ I cover a good amount of ground in terms of retro consoles. Thanks a lot for your videos, and I can't wait to see what you put out in 2022!

[@ALIEN19740]

Happy New Year, great video... missed Chicken but the opening made me grab a cup of coffee... 😄😄 Im in par with you about the RG552, I cant put it down and I do have the RG351MP and the 351V

[@guinngo]

Hi from Brazil, I am a big fan of your work Happy New Year.

[@ab_ria]

Rest In Peace my RG351P, I loved it for the longest time, played a lot of games on it, and worked the hardest on its firmware, ports, settings, etc., but it’s time for an upgrade to the Retroid Pocket 2+. Won’t ever forget you though ✌️

[@mikepritchard87]

Wow, what an amazing collection of handhelds. Literally watering at the mouth. So jealous 😛

[@sowhatsnews]

Favorite random object of the year = Kerrygold Butter

[@antonioroman8684]

Great top and great video, as usual :) But there's something I can't understand: how a device with 2.4 wifi and no Bluetooth can have 8 points on connectivity? 🤔

[@didzilla360]

Thanks for the videos and guides you do Russ, appreciate all the hard work you do. Happy new year!

[@nickoldschoolrules52]

I get what you mean about the RG552. I know it's not as powerful as we would like but I think the experience would be a good one given the quality of the screen and build. I finally have been able to get batteries for the RG351P and the RG351V from the links you provided. I'm still hoping the PS5000 will have some firmware released for it soon.

[@CarthagoMike]

I love the new intro.

[@svcross-do]

You can make a video about Save Sync for emulators between Android Devices (like and RP 2+ and an Nvidia Shield) and make them sync with windows. All doable.

[@AlienIQ167]

Happy New Year! Great Video!

[@Handheld_TECH]

Nice video Russ 👍 That's a nice compilation from last year. Thank you! Greetings 👋

[@rockedsocks4613]

Happy New Year! Can't wait to see the handhelds of 2022

[@MJosephJr]

Definitely the year of the handhelds. This year has helped me complete so many old games. Last night I beat Sonic Advance. Such a great game. I owned all these games when they first came out but could never get around to playing them. The RG351M changed everything.

[@mattcarter259]

Hows it for nintendo 64

[@MJosephJr]

@@mattcarter259 not very good. You’ll get maybe 25% of N64 running good. Look for Retroid Pocket 2+, RG552, and Odin for better N64 performance.

[@Sepharite]

Mine was the Aya Neo. Best handheld I bought hands… down

[@NoNamenoonehere]

when the Retroid Pocket 3(when it does) comes out.....I think it will be the one to watch out for.

[@Sabebo13]

RP2+ ordered! It was the most appealing to me and this confirms it. N64 is really important to me so I needed something that can run it well, especially coming from rk3326 device. RG552 was close but a miss for me (price/ performance)

[@UCLAKoolman]

The RP2+ is great. I never had a chance to play through most of the Dreamcast library and so far this has been a stellar way to do it

[@per4sm4]

Love the new intro, much less likely to trigger someone with motion sickness or sensitive to flashing images, great video as ever :)

[@ghxstrider8522]

Great video! Can you please do a console style version list? I keep hearing a device called Explosion Of Fun is the best but I can’t find it anywhere. I’m sure a lot of us would greatly appreciate more content on non-handheld devices

[@squishtomar1676]

Ordered my RP2+ about 2 weeks ago, the 16-bit colour. I'm excited for it. I got a nintendo switch recently and grew up with a gameboy advance SP & 3DS that broke a while ago. I'm hoping to try some sega genesis games too which I have never tried

[@tragic8022]

Gotta admit that RGC has brought me back to portable retro-gaming when I randomly watched Russ’ review for RG280V. I bought Rg351mp and still waiting for the Retroid pocket 2+. Thanks RGC and happy new year!

[@johnkapcoe8861]

I find myself addicted to watching your videos. Really enjoy all the work that you put into these videos. I got the retro handheld bug about the same time that you did. Thank you for all the enjoyment and I look forward to following you in the New Year!

[@beneficent2557]

Dude your Dr Fate avatar is lit

[@johnkapcoe8861]

@@beneficent2557 he has been one of my faves since I was a kid… waiting to see what they do with him this year in the big screen!

[@luffysan7]

Got the rg351mp based on your helpful review/user group description. Pixel fiend Hampton here. Loving it! And the 351 elec guide was super useful cheers Russ! Happy new year!

[@zyxyuv1650]

The best surprise of 2021 in handheld was UNISOC

[@MikeTheGamer77]

I feel like I shouldn't have bought the RGB10 max when it came out. lol. I just want an affordable, well built device thta can emulate everything up to at least ps1 with fantastic performance that ISN'T a phone.

[@Flyingboots1]

RGB MAX 2 is what you wanted then.

[@wyterabitt2149]

Anything with a 3326 can do everything up to and including PS1 perfectly though, as long as it is community supported at least (emulators out of the box might not be perfect in all games).

[@Flyingboots1]

@@wyterabitt2149 but only the MAX 2 is comfortable to hold and use.

[@misterkeebler]

The Max can do everything you are mentioning, so the only reason to get something else is if you dont find it comfortable or you have a build quality concern. It's still one of the better devices available for rk3326, regardless of the Max 2 having improvements.

[@Flyingboots1]

@@misterkeebler I personally would be pretty upset if I got the MAX and then just 2 months later the MAX 2 came out.

[@jennyfromjapan]

russ, a sincere thank you for everything you've done to help us through the pandemic and through 2021. your work is both amazing and important to my life!

[@RetroGameCorps]

Thanks so much, Jenny from Japan!

[@sh41]

How dare not having the ODROID GO Super on the list!? In fairness, both the RGB10 Max 2 and RG552 are more interesting

[@TheBarrylad]

Happy new year!

[@travis3567]

In the sub $50 range, would you recommend anything over the V90 for my 6 year olds first handheld? Want to share the GBC and GBA games I loved as a kid with her.

[@mike_qbik]

great list. can you play Commodore 64 games on MIYOO-mini? that machine looks super cool

[@terosaarela4555]

Thanks for the video and a Happy New Year! I recently acquired an Anbernic RG280V based on your reviews and I’m working on getting the Adam firmware to run on it. Looking forward to play some C64 games on it.

[@yelnatspowerzz4970]

I was one of the orginal 500 subs, and out of all the youtube review channels you go into great detail and you have such passion, you never skip over the little things and you always try your best to respond to the comments.

[@TNeltron]

Happy New Year, Russ! I joined the party late, in around October, but I've become rather obsessed with this little corner of video gaming. It's insanely frustrating that no one device puts EVERYTHING together from screen to performance to build quality. I'm really hoping for either an RGB10 Max 3 of sorts with the great ergonomic design and beautiful screen but with a more powerful chipset; OR, perhaps an RG552 Plus of sorts with stacked shoulder buttons. As is, I can't see myself using the RGB10 Max 2 much simply because if I was going to play something that large, I'd probably just grab my Switch, so for me I am really hoping for some community work to be done on the Miyoo Mini, which is I think the most perfect device for me, something super small I can pick up and play for a few minutes at a time. Looking forward to more of your content in 2022!

[@wyterabitt2149]

Some do put it all together, but you have to pay for that level device. There's a reason those that do are expensive, and the other devices that have limitations and drawbacks are so cheap. You get what you pay for.

[@Gazonita]

@@wyterabitt2149 who does? Odin?

[@wyterabitt2149]

@@Gazonita Coincidently the latest video on this channel is an example of one. It is at the lower end of the cost compared to some of the others based on Intel Iris graphics or AMD integrated graphics, but still costs a lot more than the cheaper ~$100 devices.

[@unassailable6138]

@@Gazonita Ayn does, and theyre frigging killing us

[@alvind614]

I always go for the performance . Tinkering with the device, to improved the control quality, is the best part for me.

[@retrom8442]

Great Video, your content is always very good. What happened to the AYA Neo, was excluded because of the price and in a way it's more than an hand held device?

[@RetroGameCorps]

I just don’t have one to test ☺️

[@georged7627]

I need a rack like yours for all my handhelds...where or how did you get yours mate 👍🏾🙏🏽

[@chadpollman7970]

Dish/plate rack maybe? Seems like I’ve seen some that look similar to that.

[@georged7627]

@@chadpollman7970 cheers 🙏🏽

[@LITTLE1994]

My favorite retro handhelds will always be the original Game Boy and Color.

[@imnotayoutuber8494]

I'm so glad the retroid pocket 2+ is so good, definitely my favorite that I'll finally be getting these retro handhelds.

[@BenignoMandujanoSabag]

I'm sad that RG351P is not on the list. I bought it for your reviews.

[@RetroGameCorps]

I think the RG351P is there in spirit -- without it, the RG351MP wouldn't be on the list, but at this point the MP has basically replaced it as a handheld for me (although I do prefer plastic over metal). When it comes to those original devices with a 3:2 aspect ratio, I tend to use the RGB10 more, so that one is also on that list for the same reason.

[@Drivenby]

I will admit the rg552 just looks sexy as hell and I love my 280v and 351m... And I have 351v and rp2 plus in the email lol. When the devices are less than a hundred I can justify an impulse buy but 230 is in the range of "I gotta get corporate approval from the wife "

[@RetroGameCorps]

Haha, yeah I know what you mean. It's not a purchase decision to take lightly.

[@ShylahSky]

Happy New Year, Russ! Your videos are very high quality and exactly what this community needs. All your videos through out the last few months helped me decide on my new RP2+ I got a few days ago, so thank you for that! : )

[@RetroGameCorps]

Happy new year!

[@Vintiqueture]

Fantastic video as usual. PS Vita is my daily driver but the new RP2+ looks to be an amazing replacement until the Steam Deck comes out. Seriously, the price to performance ratio is unheard of - and it just looks so cool!

[@ransacked]

Ps vita is awesome hacked pirated games roms 3ds is still my favorite handheld.

[@playwithdeathtickles1138]

Without the ergonomics of the Max 2, how do the more rectangle devices feel after playing for a while? For example I can’t play the original Switch for long without cramped sore hands as the bottom corners dig into my palms. This was the final factor that pushed my to pick up the Max 2. Do you think that would be an issue with the RP2+ or 552?

[@misterkeebler]

I have a Max 2, switch, and 552. Max 2 is still my favorite as far as comfort goes due to the rounded grips, but I also find the 552 to be more comfortable than the Switch. 552 is a bit thicker than holding the sides of joycons, and feels a bit better to rest in palms as a result. So 552 is in between those two for me, and overall I find 552 comfortable for my hand size. For switch handheld, I heavily rely on either attachable grips, Binbok joycons, or Hori Split pad joycons.

[@chadpollman7970]

I’d say the RP2+ is more comfortable to hold than the Switch, but only because it is so much lighter and smaller; the Switch is a beast of a brick in that regard. That said, the edges of the RP2+ aren’t as rounded, so expect them to dig in and become very uncomfortable if you grip the shell rather than letting it rest in your hands. (My limited experience is with the RP2, which has the same shell.) No experience with the 552. I can say that the (smaller) RG351P makes my left hand cramp in fast-action games (e.g. NBA Jam); I attribute it to the placement of the shoulder/trigger buttons and the (vertically) short shell, which I think forces me to cup my hands in a way that contributes to fatigue. With the larger, taller body of the 552, my guess is I wouldn’t have that same issue. I second @misterkeebler’s recommendation of the Binbok joycon-like controllers for the Switch. They have two sizes/styles (that I know of). Holding the Switch is vastly more comfortable with either model of the Binboks attached vs. the Joycons. Only downside I’ve found so far is that I feel I have more precise input control with the Joycon analog sticks than I do with the Binbok ones; might just be me, or perhaps the Binbok analog sticks don’t have as fine a resolution (or need further calibration). Regardless, I highly recommend them.

[@Petrisha]

You are on fire with output lately, and I think that's very noteworthy given the time of year. Happy New Year, Russ - to you, the family, and especially to Chicken of course!

[@ozzielara2337]

Absolutely love my 351V. Portability is a non issue since I just use it at home. Also, there’s something about that Gameboy DMG feel that’s just crazy nostalgic and brings me back every time I pick it up. Not too mention the build quality is phenomenal. Personally I couldn’t be happier with my device and will definitely purchase another Anbernic. Especially when one day it can easily handle Dreamcast, Saturn, and PS2 games.

[@ryecatcher25]

If the 552 had good linux performance I would have paid the premium. But since they just said "screw it....the community can fix it" that made it a no sale for me.

[@seouljah760]

It's way too overpriced.

[@ryecatcher25]

@@seouljah760 compared to what? Did you watch the video? It's still expensive yes....but has a huge great looking screen....but for me perso ally that's not enough

[@seouljah760]

@@ryecatcher25 I did watch the video, and many others on the 552. If you wonder where all the cost comes from, look at the mainboard for a 351, and then look at the 552. The shear amount of SMD components to run the 552 is almost 3-4x the amount. And for what? Middling performance boosts, poor battery life, unfinished OS. The fact that they are relying on the community to basically write the software for them, just to be half way decent is getting old. It really seemed like a rush job with poor design choices.

[@ReiddMaxwell]

That redemption story doe. Seriously when I first bought the RP2 one of the things holding me back were the negatives you listed, which are very much legitimate. Well I bought it anyways and I still enjoyed it but it was always sad that you and others didn't favor it as much as the ambernic and powkiddy devices. Glad to say I'm excited to get my PCB upgrade and that somehow the devices improvements had you see it in a different light. I'm super encouraged at the future development of this handheld. Thanks for your videos Russ!

[@TheObserver85]

I also enjoyed my vanilla RP2. And ordered the pcb upgrade w/touchscreen. Looking forward to N64, DC and Saturn mainly on the RP2+.

[@misterkeebler]

Great list! I happen to share many of your same opinions too. One thing this vid reminded me of was how you used to heavily favor the RG351P and said it was your favorite for the price as recent as the 351 starter guide in March 2021. It just goes to show how quickly our opinions can shift both with new hardware releases and new custom firmwares making older releases more attractive (like what ADAM did for 280/350/300x). Hopefully 2022 will be just as eventful. Happy New Year, Russ!

[@RetroGameCorps]

Thanks for the feedback! I think the RG351P is there in spirit -- without it, the RG351MP wouldn't be on the list, but at this point the MP has basically replaced it as a handheld for me (although I do prefer plastic over metal). When it comes to those original devices with a 3:2 aspect ratio, I tend to use the RGB10 more, so that one is also on that list for the same reason. But you're right, it's funny how preferences change and shift as soon as other options become available.

[@PongbyAtari]

Thanks for the list I ordered a Retroid Pocket 2+ about a week ago I'm really looking forward to it. Happy New Year!

[@paulstevens1493]

One thing I love about the RG280v: it fits perfectly in the breast pocket of my new pajama shirt, and it weighs so little that I could keep it on my person the entire winter break, then pull it out any time I needed to unwind, and not know it was there the rest of the time. It took the holidays from great to amazing!

[@Caesim9]

I don't have one yet, but I'm so excited to get it. All mainstream handhelds are so huge, the Switch is already quite big and the Steam Deck is even bigger, I would hardly call it "handheld" anymore. And this device drives home the handheld spirit of a GBA SP. I hope Ambernic continues the direction of this device.

[@paulstevens1493]

@@Caesim9 Yes I totally agree! I classify gaming devices as either pocketable, large handheld, or tv only. And although lots of companies are developing the large handheld category (probably because it's easier to put better hardware in it), the pocketable category to me is the most interesting. I'm not trying to emulate Wii U, I don't consider that "retro." I want to play mostly games from the 8- and 16-bit eras, maybe with some PS1 games thrown in. Maybe one day I'll add Gamecube and PS2 to that lineup, but I have hundreds of amazing games already that I want to play through.

[@ben66562]

@@paulstevens1493 100% my same sentiments. I bought two rg280v's for friends as wedding gifts and it was hard to let them go. Just fell in love with the feel of them. My second favorite device is the v90 which is really pocketable with the clam shell design, but doesn't have a very premium feel to it. So I think I'm either going to get an rg280v or a miyoo mini. Or wait for a v90 sequel.. It's baffling to me that there aren't more handhelds in this market trying to replicate the gameboy advance SP.

[@youzernejm]

I've made this big list with all the different factors, a comprehensive score board if you will, then I flushed it down the drain and created my list 😂 honestly, I do prefer it this way 😊 happy new year Russ, great video to start a year 😊

[@jtlerch]

Awesome... I ordered the Miyoo Mini after watching your original video on it. I have a bunch of other handhelds including the Pocket Go, Pocket Go 2 PS Vita and others. I seem to use my original Bit Boy more than those due to the pocketable size and decent enough gameplay. The Miyoo Mini looks like a home run as it seems to be an improved version of the BitBoy. Hopefully they meet the January ship date.

[@ben66562]

Hey have you gotten your hands on it? What do you think? I was really curious about that one

[@jtlerch]

@@ben66562 this is my favorite emulation handheld yet. I even added the glass screen protector and got a nice leather card case for it. After updating to the new Onion OS firmware (which was very easy to do ) I have no complaints. It plays up through PS1 very well and plays the 8 and 16 bit games which are my normal goto games perfectly. The size is gre as t for pocket carry. This has become my daily carry handheld. I'm interested in some of the new more power systems but they are too big for comfortable pocket carry. The Miyoo Mini disappears into a pocket.

[@overoula]

i have all these devices also,im not the guy that want to emulate ps2/gamecube etc because i prefer to play them on the real consoles.. but i always wanted an RG350/351 etc with bigger screen and same quality to play my retro games from arcades to ps1/dreamcast for psp/vitai prefer playing it on real hardware, so yes.. i finally have it and its the rg552 the abernic i always wanted with the bigger screen :) my rgb10max2 also have big and really nice screen BUT! its not anbernic:) also moqii7s is still a nice device and good at emulation! on my gpd xp i have 1tb sd card full full with roms!! but mostly i will use it for gamestreaming on series x/ps5/gamepass

[@HighTher3]

Thank you, Russ, for a year of good information. I've been emulating since windows millennium edition on pcs, and then on my phone, and with your help I bought the 351v which I believe is my perfect fit. I love everything about it. It fits in the bag I have on the back of my wheelchair perfectly. I've got it setup with 351elec and use the wifi to transfer my games from my PC. The fact that I can play Blake stone while waiting in a doctor's office would blow my 12 year old mind. And the form factor and feel of the translucent black plastic makes me happy even if the unit is off. I am constantly making changes to my library, making my own videos for the selection screen and whatnot. I understand it's not everyone's cup of tea, but it sure is my shot of whiskey. Thanks again, Russ. I'm looking forward to seeing what the industry is gonna do this next year. I'm still on the hunt for a console that strikes my wife's fancy.

[@RetroGameCorps]

I'm happy to have been a part of your emulation story! I love my wood RG351V but lately I've ben missing my smoky black transparent model, which I sent to a friend.

[@Captainsting]

I've got rg351v and 280v and absolutely love both! But 280v is so small that I keep getting back to it especially after Adam Image. Would you recommend me getting the 351MP if I already have these two?

[@cho-v4n]

You're the man Russ! Happy New Year!

[@nicodoise]

Hi Russ, thanks for your awesome content. If someone was looking for the perfect handled to mainly play GBA games the best way, which ones would you recommand ? RG351P/M, Retroid Pocket 2+ or other ones ?

[@RetroGameCorps]

If you're looking for mostly GBA, then the 3:2 aspect devices will be perfect: RG351P, RG351M, RGB10 would all be my choices.

[@nicodoise]

@@RetroGameCorps great, I'll look into those. Thanks a lot !

[@bigdeelearning6406]

Hi I'm Devon I love all the information you give I was looking forward n alliexpress and they have this tablet , phone,PC for like 118 us 12 inch 4k they say Do you have any information on them please

[@jonathonearl482]

That Anbernic RG300X is my favorite from your list! I have both editions the red gold one and the black silver one. Love the trigger buttons, stereo speakers, LED front facing buttons and the overall GB Micro design. The RG351V Wood Grain is my second favorite.

[@dvdpz89]

Just ordered a Retroid thanks to your video. Thanks so much!

[@dabman9688]

I had a rg351m all year and loved it, i ordered the rp2+ on christmas and if the odin ever comes out ill purchase 😆

[@MadJackChurchill1312]

Exactly the same!

[@thekitkeat]

Sad to see my rg351p didn’t made the list as I’ve bought it after watching your review but now I’m very intrigued about RP2+. Thanks for an awesome year Russ. Looking forward to 2022 handheld scene. Oh btw, the new theme is insanely suitable for transition and closing music.

[@RetroGameCorps]

I think the RG351P is there in spirit -- without it, the RG351MP wouldn't be on the list, but at this point the MP has basically replaced it as a handheld for me (although I do prefer plastic over metal). When it comes to those original devices with a 3:2 aspect ratio, I tend to use the RGB10 more, so that one is also on that list for the same reason.

[@thekitkeat]

@@RetroGameCorps it make sense Russ, sorry I didn’t pick up on the thought earlier. It goes to say that Rg351MP is the ultimate 3326 handheld from Anbernic based on the lessons learnt from earlier iterations. That said, RGB10 looks very enticing with the smaller form factor but the left joystick really puts me off and I’m probably too lazy to swap it with a Vita stick.

[@gamingguru2k6]

I personally love the RG280V. It's good to have a device I can take anywhere.

[@MithosDagon]

No 1 is still a hacked Vita. Since it can play Vita, PSP and PSX games natively, and retro arch on it is great too. So I can play SNES,NES and GBA pretty well too. Was thinking about the RP2+ but the Vita still is more appealing to me. If it could play PS2 and GC games good, then it might be worth having as a handheld.

[@torratrefet2855]

I don't understand why chinese don't copy stick/dpad from neogeo pocket... I have a beautiful psvita 1000 but I'm disappointed with gba emulation. But I really bought it to explore PlayStation games and specially its wonderful homebrew world.

[@cheeeeezewizzz]

These handheld are all really cool, but I still prefer using modded Vitas. I've got a few. Why should you use a vita or psp? I think they scratch more than one itch. They are official hardware with a ton of official games, In the case of the vita it's games are only playable on the real system, emulators don't even work for vita games yes. So you get a real console with unplayable elsewhere exclusives, plus it natively plays 3 generations of games. When modded you can even add the psp custom frmmware and jump into the psp space. Then it emulates everything n64 and older. N64 is touch and go, but anything older runs great and the psp has an amazing d-pad. The build quality is fabulous and the homebrew scene makes cool stuff. You can even use it as a wired controller for emulators on your phone. I was playing resident evil 4 on my phone yesterday, using my ps vita as the gaming controller. Freaking amazing.

[@ChuckBerrington]

351V still the king, baby. Dat pixel perfect screen, dat classic 4:3, dat GB inspired design, dat built-in rumble. Though to be honest Retroid 2+ is very close. Clickable-sticks would be nice.

[@strangerinhomeland6280]

Some how I have a feeling that Russ is quite a romantic person... A man with Love for both his spouse, kids, cat... and the handhelds! The truth is, when you love something or someone... that it or she/he doesn't need to be'the best' or excel in everything. You see, why do we love nes/snes but not wii/wii u? Gameboy over the 3DS? In fact, if we matters powers so much we shouldn't even into 'retro' gaming in the first place isn't? Those are of inferiors old gen console games, but they still pulled us into them even in the presence of 'next gen', modern games.

[@dewbiedew]

Always quality content! Thanks for your list and also the hard work on your previous videos! Looking forward to see what 2022 brings! I think the "ideal" system would the RG552 form factor, and the Retroid Pocket 2+ price range.

[@jwill7998]

It's 25% larger than a deck of cards, but how much water does it displace?

[@garykunsman448]

Question for anyone if they can please help. I have a Raspberry Pi 3 with a Micro SD card that has a complete image build (games, art, previews of games, sorted by system). It plays everything well up to the Neo Geo. When I power the unit, all of it loads automatically and starts ready to go. I believe that Retropie launches everything. My question is…is there a handheld retro system that will load these all automatically the same way when I put the microSD card in it and start it up? If not, what would I need to do to have the build boot automatically when I power on a handheld unit? I am afraid to buy a handheld without knowing the answer, and I didn’t want to have to download all Roms again since this card has 32gb already there. I appreciate your assistance with this question.

[@timoalbert8819]

In your review of the adam firmware you said you liked playing the rg350m much more than with its stock firmware. But you didn't even mention it here. I had the rg350m for a few days and liked the adam firmware. I just ordered an rg351mp and wonder what firmware would give me a similar experience to the eg350m with adam!?

[@barnabyjones692]

Probably a stupid place to ask this but how do people play Links Awakening and save using Adam image? You have to push every button including the start and select but it always exits out of the game back into simple menu and even when I try to change settings it doesn't seem to work, and yeah I know you can use save states but I always avoid them when I can. Anyway great vid as always, can't wait to see what 2022 brings for retro handhelds.

[@march11stoneytony]

I've heard nothing but bad things about the D pads on most Anbernic devices, especially the 351M and 351MP. Always surprised when reviewers talk about how great they are.

[@deadchemist7585]

Hey RGC, which hand held would you recommend that could play Blasphemous? A modern metroidvainia. Also being locally downloaded, not streamed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@Infyra]

I am wondering, the 3ds is almost never mentioned in these, how hard is that to emulate compared to something like the gamecube? I remember 3ds came with games from the N64 era, but also some cross titles with the Wii (like monster hunter tri), but i have no idea how hard it is to emulate this compared to PSP, gamecube, PS2 etc. Do you have any idea?

[@sonicsega1699]

honestly dude, you've made 2021 a funner year for everyone. sure these emulator things can be overpriced, to just a waste of time. it also gets very annoying chasing emulation that can actually play a dam game from 30years ago flawlessly. but its pretty fun when these devices are so good and so affordable. im not the guy whos gonna drop thousands on a pc just to play a video game so im ok with staying under $250 to play all my fave games on a clean screen and emulation features i can't get on original hardware. which is why i emulate in the first place

[@takwu0]

So there were 5 Ambernics and 3 Powkiddies, and the who what won? ;) I am still gonna consider the RGB10 the best balance of portability and features.

[@kappo34]

Just reporting that my 280v survived around 16ft of stairs, bouncing down, face down, screen and everything else surviving. It's a trooper lol

[@maxikingola]

I thought this was about women purses :D

[@Martschy]

damn the rg300x is so nice AND hdmi out. What is your favorite smaller one with TV out? Can you plug in a Jopad for a second player to the rg300x?

[@HikingFreak]

Does any of these support bluetooth earbuds? If not can a USB to bluetooth work? Thanks!

[@Martschy]

RGB10 vs 351P what is better? ;)

[@MultiTelan]

I still want me a 280V for that form factor, but Jesus man, that price compared to the 351P I got not long ago... Ouch.

[@franciscobutte]

Happy New Year Rus! Hope this year we have the perfect handhelds for each one.

[@KidTonyGaming]

I'm going to have to snag a retroid pocket plus 2+ while it's still 89 bucks

[@jusjess9164]

What is the best device straight out of the box, just turn on and play? I was leaning toward the rgb10 max 2 but Im not too sure..