My Favourite POCKET FRIENDLY Handhelds Of 2024

[@RetroDodo]

Some of you lovely folks have made me aware that a V4 of the Miyoo Mini is readily available online which is great news for those that are wanting to get hold of one, it has a slightly differnt screen compared to the original though, but still nonetheless likely a great device. I also made a small mistake stating that the AYANEO Pocket Micro has a Snapdragon CPU, this is not true, it has a Helio G99 CPU!

[@georgiosgrigorakis2113]

I don't really care you make mistakes, all I care is your beautifull showcases, they always amaze. They may have no real depth, but somehow you manage to present them so gloriously.

[@georgiosgrigorakis2113]

You are the guy that got me into the retro handheld scene, and I know for a fact you can do so much better. Keep up the good work !

[@paradoxical5]

So I found the Miyoo Mini on ebay and bought it but then I got to watch your review of it from 2 years ago and there you say something quite different than here ... the display sucks and software is not ok according to your review from 2 years ago. So now, which one is it, is it the perfect pocket handheld or does it suck? I guess I will found out in couple of weeks and 100 pounds out of my pocket.

[@RetroDodo]

@@paradoxical5 If i remember rightly the Miyoo Mini launched with a white-washed screen/filter, and was only fixed a few weeks after in an update, which made the screen look much better. The OS is very simple, for sure, but i've seen worse.

[@brucieplays3720]

I broke my V2/v3, got a V4 (the one with the sticker not this new one) and i dropped that one and slighty cracked it -_- but i have a replace v4 (like the one you have in the video) and the display is not as vibrant as the silver sticker v4 i before it :/

[@PixelShade]

The Miyoo Mini V4, the one with a 540p screen, is available on Miyoo's official store. It was hard to get hold of, but once they sourced the new display its not hard to purchase anymore.

[@RetroDodo]

That’s great to know, thanks for filling us in!

[@paradoxical5]

Too late for me. I bought it from eBay already thinking that it is very hard to come by ...

[@danielgriffin9895]

​@@paradoxical5I picked up an original blue one a couple months ago when it was hard to come by... And dropped it on accident and now the screen is messed up 😅 Picked up the new version and have been happy with it. Still hurts to know I dropped $150 on a device I thought I would never find again, ended up breaking it, and was able to find for $40 a month later lol

[@mocranks]

The Miyoo Mini is readily available on Aliexpress. Also, the 28xx and the Sp use the same chipset, so emulation would be the same.

[@dervishiart]

Right... the Miyoo Mini V4 has been consistently in stock on AliExpress for several months.

[@TatsuyaWow]

i check but it overprice

[@spgldcamero]

It’s about 36$ right now (on sale)

[@andrewduke93]

Just a heads up the video mentions the AYANEO pocket micro having a Snapdragon 865, that is incorrect. It has a mediatek Helio g99

[@RetroDodo]

Yep you’re right! My mistake!

[@toasty4000000]

Anbernic's handhelds have lots of custom firmwares available! MuOS makes the SP a true gem! I've got mine setup with a Pip Boy theme, playing random new vegas radio music in the background while in the menus! So much fun

[@nerdbeast04]

Trying to find that GKD PIXEL without it being marked up. It’s beyond difficult. I wish I knew about this sooner would have gotten limited edition

[@RetroDodo]

Yeah, they haven’t made enough of them :(

[@MikeVideos327]

Ive given up on even looking at the GKD. Im too proud to pay the mark up and i have already spent WAY too much headspace thinking about and trying to find it. Ill probably be disapointed anyways, so i gave up akd got a 28xx. Life is simplier now.

[@tedcruz1774]

Did you really substitute the chinese McDonald's officially licensed chicken nugget tetris game?????????????????????????? Dude... What... The.....******* I have two of those. One sealed in box forever.

[@RetroDodo]

It will be No 1 in best retro handhelds of 2024 video.

[@theaxolotlizard7909]

I love the part at the start where you replace the McDonald’s console with the RG35xxsp

[@LeftEarth2]

I really like my Powkiddy Q36. It's a cheaper clone of the FunKey S. Extremely pocketable and incredible battery life with the new firmware update.

[@quarteratom]

Main benchmark: Do they have headphone jacks? Do they have Wifi? Can they play old or 2D PC games? Do you have access to the linux shell?

[@Ucceah]

the r36s is very budget friendly, smaller than a gameboy pocket, and plays up to PSP and dreamcast ROMs on a crisp 4:3 VGA screen

[@jude_cambridge]

The funkey s will win me back when they release an interation with a 4:3 screen! Until then its a no from me

[@GageTM]

Thats about the only thing stopping me from buying one. that and the atomic purple is discontinued.

[@codered7070]

MuOS fixes every issue for the RG35XXSP (and all other XX H700 devices)!

[@citruesilver]

Except that it still does not support BT. So no consolizing, yet...

[@ChefD303]

Holy crap this dude still here.

[@RetroDodo]

Retro 4 Life, man!

[@jonathankostur1597]

Personally, I’m still in love with my RG353M. I’ve tried many other devices, Myioo mini, anbernic, powkiddy… the RG353M is the only one i kept (with odin 2, but not the same use). Thanks for this video! 👍🏻

[@RetroDodo]

The RG353M is still brilliant to this day, you have good taste!

[@wolololer]

Theres anyone actually using this mini handhels like Thumby color? This is just a collector type of stuff, no1 actually uses it

[@anthonyorf8827]

Well their Kickstarter reached its goal in like 40 minutes so there is definitely a market for it, the only thing on this list that is small enough to put on a keychain

[@wolololer]

@@anthonyorf8827 im not saying there isnt a market, i am saying no1 actually play on this things, as i said is just a collectible item

[@nsgames24]

I was just looking into handhelds that were more pocket friendly. Thanks for this vid!

[@RetroDodo]

No problem!

[@asahi.w]

I'm surprised that Retroid Pocket Mini was on there but not Odin 2 mini or the Trimui Pro which also is around the same size and very pocket able.

[@jivinhipcat]

Best channel of this kind man, thanks for being!

[@skippyb.coyote895]

Wonderful video! I loved the humor and "mouth fit tests" lol I'll spare you yet another "Miyoo Mini V4 is readily available" comment and just say that this was a really fun overview of all the best pocket gaming pals available right now ^_^

[@JA-uz7se]

Furthermore with the miyoo mini they keep changing names of newer products and customers can end up with the wrong one as these new ones have much bigger screens. Some websites don’t state it’s the bigger version at all

[@paulbabineau5958]

where i can get thumby color that i want one.

[@quarteratom]

The "crank" was never the main feature of the Playdate. The "crank" is just a gimmick. The Playdate is good because of its beautiful screen, long battery life, small size, operating system and games. Stop talking about the "crank". The bad thing about the Playdate is that games cost money, for some reason game developers put a pricetag on their tech demos. Unfortunately the piracy scene isn't that big yet.

[@Seltendenker]

Calling the 35xxsp "powerhunrgy" while also saying the 28xx, wich has the exact same internals, "will not blow you away" is kinda weird.

[@RockYoMomsWorld]

Yea this guy doesn’t know what he’s talking about. There were many many mistakes in this video

[@vhsretrogamer1664]

I wouldn't say aya neo micro is very pocketable because of them sticks. Anbernic Nano can be good, but some units like mine have sound issues. FunKey and 35XXSP buttons are extremely loud and can be heard in other part of the train 😅 GameKiddy Pixel is out of stock forever. 28XX is probably the best budget handheld and RP Mini for those elites.

[@MrFreedownloadgames]

Miyoo A30?

[@BlazeHN]

Yeah, I was waiting for it, much better than the RG28XX because that one have way too tiny dpad and buttons vs the A30.

[@Metroidam11]

GKD Pixel or RG Nano? Which one is better?

[@RetroDodo]

Pixel.

[@CosmicNeonNeko]

The mouth test kills me! This is going to be standard in the small emulation handheld scene😂😂

[@MellerzNoel]

Very informative, easy to understand, and attractive - oh and the content of the video is nice too

[@williamwongkimping3998]

Pocket friendly but not for eye sight friendly 😅

[@suhtangwong]

Straight to the point, miss dodo videos 👏

[@wongobongo]

The Ambernic SP with MuOS is amazing. You're able to customize the UI with easy to install themes. You gain the ability to access your SD cards via your local network over WiFi. You gain access to Portmaster and your can install and run Pico8 natively on the device. It's elevated the system for me and it enhances the device so much.

[@daviddavidson8680]

I wish the 28XX had a 3:2 screen for GBA, but that's just my preference. It's great for other games, though. The RG Nano can be found on sale and I got one to put all my music on as well as use it for GB/GBC/NeoGeoPocket. It can play up to PS1, but with how small it is, old handheld consoles feel better on it. I love its size too, pocket-friendly even in a case (which also is good to have to keep a headphone adapter with it).

[@MOOSEMAN7809]

Is there another CPU variant of the pocket micro? I was under the impression it was using a Mediatek Helios G99

[@RockYoMomsWorld]

You’re correct. This guy doesn’t know what he’s talking about on many aspects

[@MOOSEMAN7809]

@RockYoMomsWorld it seems he's made a note of it no worries

[@Ty_7]

I just bought that same colo miyoo mini v4 on aliexpress a few days ago. The screen is different which was a controversy for a while, but they very well are buy able and afforable, I paid like 45 I think? I like the mini plus much more than other similar vertical devices I have which is why i'm also waiting for their version of the flip instead of anbernics.

[@DeVries6276]

I don't think its worthwhile to even mention stock operating systems when great community ones are so prevalent. And the Miyoo Mini is extremely easy to find these days.

[@RetroDodo]

We review these handhelds as is. The manufacturers need to supply their devices with a good OS without relying on the community to do their work for them. Community OS's are so good but it shouldn't mean we can all accept half-baked products.

[@Hughginvaini]

So easy to get a v4 miyoo mini. Onion makes it the best. Ali express has thousands. 60 bucks Canadian

[@TWitWoW]

The ayaneo pocket micro is such a disappointment. That little guy could've been absolutely perfect if they'd rounded out the corners, used sliders instead of full size joysticks, and used an OLED display.

[@peterd7009]

Thanks Brandon for a great video, always enjoy watching them.

[@RetroDodo]

Glad you like them! Thanks.

[@vincemartinelli9689]

Another great video, good to see you back paisano!!!!!!

[@Hoshiiseepy]

i thought you were done with retro handhelds, that didn't last long had to start copying rgc.

[@RetroDodo]

Copying? Russ’s work is incredible but not to brag, we were making handheld videos long before he was.

[@Hoshiiseepy]

@@RetroDodo not even 2 weeks ago he did exact same video on best pocket/tiny handhelds, and so what your were making content before him that doesn't automatically put you above him. At least Russ doesn't make video crying about too many releases and he doesn't click bait or lie in his thumbnails and titles like you have done in the past.

[@Malibooyahhh]

That pink GBA is CRAZZZY

[@kon_radar]

128x128? That's the perfect resolution for some of the J2ME games. "Bounce", "Bluetooth Bi-Planes" (has single player too).

[@0123vegeta]

Odin 2 Mini ?

[@arcaderacer586]

Glad to see the handheld ban only lasted 3-4 days.

[@RetroDodo]

If you watched the video you would know that I said “I’m not wasting time on handhelds I don’t like” not “no more handheld content”.

[@hiddengunz]

What about the Evercade? you didn't include it

[@RetroDodo]

Not pocket friendly.

[@PhilSzomszor]

@@RetroDodo the new Atari Super Pocket (which I know you previewed at Blaze 😉) is out now and worth a look. The wood effect special edition is sumptuous

[@Kingeseryt8105]

Hi , i wanna ask have you done a video of emulation on low,mid and high end phones because i love these retro handhelds but im more comfortable with phones for emulation since they much easier to get acces to so mu budget was $100 i won't find a retro handheld that can play some ps2 titles but there are a few phones available for that price that have great specs like the Samsung Galaxy a05 and realme note 50

[@artificialunderground]

The PSP GO beats them all, and that is the form factor to beat.

[@theandremark]

Miyoo A30 with BTN is perfect 👌

[@billcook4768]

I had a GBA back in the day. Still have it actually. And while I loved it then and have nostalgia for it now, I honestly don’t think it best for retro gaming. Ambernic’s “h” models are not only more comfortable for long gaming sessions, they are nice for TATE mode arcade games, a class the SP models just can’t play.

[@SanderSander88]

Give me 14 of them! Great video again! Almost en inch so it’s pretty small 😂😢 haha.

[@08esco]

0:03 I see what you did there 😂

[@ffxtiduskevin]

Careful with your 40xx series devices. My screen went out in under 2 months. Trying to get ahold of anbernic has been a nightmare.

[@agungdecaprio8925]

I have anbernix rg nano with blue colour 😊

[@RetroDodo]

Nice choice!

[@peanutbuttersalmon7276]

* Me watching still rocking the Retroid Pocket 2 "Oh man, I've got to get one of these "

[@diegovasquez9184]

Operating system is not a con of the xxsp it’s a pro once you add custom firmware… which you should definitely be doing if you’re in this hobby

[@Kevin-Schmevin]

Miyoo Mini Plus is still the best on the market. I have a feeling it's going to be the best of the decade.

[@redxgaming5954]

trust me the RG Nano can take a hit. the thing flew to a wooden door, dont ask me why i had to test one of them😂 like nothing happened except for some paint that came off but no dent or scratch

[@Colcalebcat]

My RGnano is one of my favorite things I own, but I get why so many people don't like them. If you have guitar player fingies you can probably play it no problem, but if you got some chunkos, good luck

[@TheGudboi]

I really wish AYANEO would stop getting any kind of publicity with their shady tactics and non-existent after-sales support.

[@spazz4691]

retroid pocket would literally be perfect if had the abililty to play 3ds games

[@runmeramen6106]

Very nice video

[@MetalKingdomOfHammer]

I got the 35XXH and I really do use the analog sticks (which the SP doesn’t have).

[@_Majoras]

0:38 i don't remember the clear red looking that nice. getting tempted

[@cow77cow]

That’s a new release, with less clicky buttons.

[@vincenttimdanlaposh3603]

I carry around my Trimui S everywhere I go. It's an awesome Game & Watch sized device that plays up to PS1 and it's ultra flat!

[@whoever_81]

10:06 I spilled my coffee...Nice one! Poker face 😄 Of course you were already in my top 3 retro go-to channels. Great list and video! edit: Miyoo Mini v4 is even in European stock...You were quite off with that. Also, as others have mentioned, the Ayaneo Pocket Micro has a Helio G99 processor and not a Snap 865.

[@RetroDodo]

Very true! Thanks for clarifying. 🙏

[@arkvoodle38]

Anbernic RG 406H. Nuff said

[@myselph1761]

12:37 I see you're a man of culture

[@line3864]

The Miyoo mini has been available for some time now. Albeit in the v4 variant with a different screen.

[@Zdkazz]

I’ll stick with my psp go, I have it with custom firmware and a 128 gb mod and it fits in a soft case with a charger and a thin atom tech 5000 mAh powerpack and it still slides into my pocket with ease.

[@gamerdude612]

I Love my RG28XX & 35XXSP and the rest of these look interesting that AYENEO pocket micro looks so cool but I don't think I want to drop 219 on it and I'm glad I got my Miyoo Mini when it come out or I'd be out of luck.

[@fernandosantos4836]

So Retroid Pocket Mini is too powerful for its screen size and should be priced lower. Yet the Ayaneo Pocket Micro has less power, a smaller screen and higher cost and its great. Crazy inconsistenty here...

[@jesseboy7951]

where is Rob?

[@LastGunslinger94]

Man, I just kinda impulse got onto the mini emulator train last week, and I feel so lucky. I found a Miyoo mini v4 on Amazon without having to put in much effort at all. I got it on my lap right now! I also picked up like.. 4 others too, and I'm just going to take advantage of Amazon's easy returns. so far, minis winning. The plus is too big for my taste, I want something that won't take up too much room in a fanny pack, easy to take with me everywhere. The rg28xx, while the battery life IS better, I can't play it one handed so it's going to go back, same deal with the A30. The Nano is coming in later this week, and we'll see if it's too far in the compact direction for me. I just want a little pocket pokemon player, I don't care about being able to play PS5 games, not the point. That's not nostalgic for me anyways.

[@hihellokitty85]

Wrong. You said Funkey S plays upto PS1 flawlessly. I like it but it doesn't play all PS1 games flawlessly.

[@AssettoVerbs]

This better not be click bait 😒 I was wrong 😅😊😊

[@testchannelnamechange]

10:03 LOOOL

[@Briansawilddowner]

I really would like to get the Playdate but $200 is just too much.

[@RetroDodo]

Yup, it’s pricey!

[@xyzabc12345jkl]

No r36s? Shame.

[@DW_Tang]

Great video. Makes me want to buy some more handhelds. Already have 2 based off your reviews

[@RetroDodo]

Glad you like them!

[@EmceeIV]

The rg35xxsp has terrible buttons. It is THE MOST DISAPPOINTING Anbernic handheld that I have ever purchased.

[@chankifung4e]

True. I ended up going back to my rg35xx+

[@EliseoTorres-Morales]

I really didn't like the D-pad, but I thought everything else was good From MuOs, to the build quality it was just that Dpad that didn't work well with platformers

[@vhsretrogamer1664]

Same here. I want powkiddy to remake v90 using better materials and chipset

[@fancyyancy4542]

That’s fare. I like mine, however. Sure, the buttons are clicky but that’s to be expected with a foldable device with recessed buttons. I did the tape mod and they’re good enough for me. It’s a small downside for the major bonus of being able to close it and toss it in my bag without having to worry about the screen. Also, SP was my first gameboy so this device fills my nostalgia cup. And being able to play it at work and quickly close it when someone stops by is great. Everyone has their own checklist and this ticks mine. I hope you dig whatever handheld you’re using at the moment!

[@FunkyHQYT]

I got one of the new green ones and other than the shoulder buttons, I like the rest of the buttons. I've seen and heard that they changed something with these ones from the original run.

[@abevigoda69]

The MOUTH test!!!😆😆😆😆🤣

[@SotnekronOfficial]

Please tell me you made this video just so you can put gaming consoles in your mouth? Because that was funny as hell haha!

[@RetroDodo]

You got me! 😂

[@Martin.Lord.Waghorn6666]

Has baldy left the channel; brandon?

[@RetroDodo]

If you mean Rob, yes. Unfortunately Google has hidden our website and thus we had to decrease our team. :( However he has recently uploaded a video on his personal channel, so I recommend checking out “Pixel Pursuits” for awesome Rob content!

[@Zondeln]

This is the kind of video we need more of

[@RetroDodo]

Sure thing!

[@chadwills5905]

It honestly sounds like you are reading a sales pitch product summary on everything and it makes it hard to take you very seriously, it is nice that you are highlighting different products but you sound really insincere

[@HiGlowie]

Yea, I don’t believe playing ps1 games on a keychain is going to be comfortable

[@FearlessHealer]

Definitely not copying retro game corps.

[@adamkane7513]

Retro Dodo started their channel before Russ...

[@carl4352]

Muos really steps up the rg35xxsp but the big downside for me is the thickness. I don’t find it as pocket friendly as some of the others shown here. An inch from perfect to me

[@WitchDoctor87]

Ewww pocket micro is such a bad design

[@chukamaca]

Mouth test 😂

[@harikrishnanrajasekar9844]

Can I get anyone one if this for free

[@Officer_Balls999]

Tiny ones are fake.

[@Zx7o.]

Not even gona mention the anbernic rg35xx SP? that's like the best pocket friendly retro console to date besides the Odin 2 mini...

[@marcwilliams9824]

It's literally the first device he talks about.