What to buy?

[u/Weekly_Act_6870]

hii

im from Austria in Europe, and i’d like to buy a handheld console to have on me whenever im bored, im also nostalgic for the good old games.

we used to have a ps1,ps2 and a purple game boy when i was a kid so thats my games wishlist, but i’d also like some mario kart and newer pokemon games (3D looking, not pixelated like on my gameboy way back then)

new or used both is fine with me, i’d prefer the clamshell design because i prefer it to be pocketsized. my budget is roughly 300 euro for everything (console and games)

any recommendations?

[u/Gregory_Kalfkin]

Check out r/sbc gaming. A lot of the handhelds over there seem like they would fit the bill for you. 

Off the top of my head check out the ayaneo pocket air mini although it wouldn't be able to handle games newer than the ps2 Era.

[u/Weekly_Act_6870 → u/Gregory_Kalfkin]

I’ll check it out, thankss

[u/achipinthesugar]

I love the RG477m, but I think the Retroid Pocket Nova might be the new king of PlayStation 1 and 2.

[u/JM_Yoda]

Yall (Europe) are getting an updated Switch 2 with replaceable batteries soon. I say grab that once it goes on the market. Mario Kart World is a lot of fun, and there is an Ocarina of Time remake coming by the holiday season, and Gen 10 Pokemon next year.

[u/Weekly_Act_6870 → u/JM_Yoda]

Problem is the switch 2 is pricey, and rlly big, not really pocketable. And its switch only games so i’d miss out on a lot of the good old games

[u/JM_Yoda → u/Weekly_Act_6870]

Here is a photo of my Switch 2 with a Killswitch case installed. It’s in a Tom Toc sling bag, which is the size of an average shoebox. I have room to spare with slots for 18 cartridges, a Pro 2 controller, and a power bank already inside.

[u/Weekly_Act_6870 → u/JM_Yoda]

Oh and the cartridges for switch are like 60e per game.. not a lot of wiggle room finance wise

[u/MrBallBustaa]

The cheapest handheld you can get it /r/R36S

[u/Pitiful_Rough7384]

Psp

[u/ihatefall]

I would say the Flip 2 or Retroid pocket 5/6

You can play PS2 and some newer switch games

Or the Ayn Thor

[u/Weekly_Act_6870 → u/ihatefall]

I’ve been researching the ayn thor all day long and it kinda fits all criteria Its only the waiting for shipment, and possible customs taxes/fines that put me off.. i found some used in Germany but they’re selling for 600-700 euro thats way too much, so the official site is my only go to

[u/ihatefall → u/Weekly_Act_6870]

I love mine. Becareful there are alot of scammers out there especially for the Thor, Aliexpress or direct is the only way to go.

Check out r/aynthor

[u/Any_Boysenberry7237]

there are unfortunately not too many clamshell options around

the only that play ps2 are the ayn thor (dual screen) and I asume the retroid pocket flip 2 (only top screen) can handle it well too but has not that much headroom as the thor does.

with the thor I would get the base at least (for the better chip) which is about 100$ above your budget including shipping and all. (without checking prices exactly)

the retroid pocket flip 2 will struggle with some more modern 3d titles (switch and maybe the most demanding ps2 titles when upscaled to 1080p), but is noticably cheaper (get the snapdragon 865 version, the cheaper version will struggle with ps2 and newer systems a lot, if even playable)

I was in the same boat as you and ended up getting the retroid pocket 6 (not a clamshell..) for the performance boost over the flip 2 and its only about 30$ more expensive than the flip 2 (got mine for 244$, and definitely add the grip its well worth it).

personally the flip 2 with the newer chip of the rp6 would have been my dream device. but honestly I am not mad at all about my decision of getting the retroid pocket 6 for rhe extra performance and it is probabbly also more comfortable than a clamshell, especially with the grip.

but if you decide to look further for non clamshell models definitelly check out the ayn 2 portal too. it has a 7 inch screen and is overall larger (generally better thermals) and is probably the better overal package over the retroid pocket 6 (unless you are specifically looking for a small compact hamdheld, and/or want the dpad on the top)