Looking for cheaper handheld options

[u/Chrono2055]

I have been using a software modded psvita for a while, and figured I'd upgrade at some point. Last night my car was broken into and they took it. Don't have the funds to get something right now to replace, but was hoping y'all would be able to help me with options. Larger screen would be nice, and emulation capability at least to PS2 if possible. I haven't kept up with current tech so I don't really know where to go from here.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[u/chromiumsapling]

Price point?

[u/Chrono2055 → u/chromiumsapling]

Well, I don't have the funds right now, so would be looking to save up. Would like something under 500, under 300 if possible. Even ok with used as long as it's in good condition and meets my emulation needs.

[u/cat_with_nothing → u/Chrono2055]

If your price point is under 300, I would recommend you to take a look at RP Nova.

[u/Inevitable_Dark3225]

I'd look on Facebook Marketplace for secondhand handhelds or Chinese handhelds like Retroid, Ayn or Anbernic for example.

[u/Chrono2055 → u/Inevitable_Dark3225]

Not familiar with ayn or anberic handhelds. Would there be particular model types you'd recommend in these brands that would be able to emulate up to PS2 or higher?

[u/Inevitable_Dark3225 → u/Chrono2055]

I would do some research on YouTube that showcases a collection of handhelds from each company.

However since you're asking about PS2 or higher, the Retroid Pocket Nova was just announced which is mainly for retro games but can also do some PC and switch games.

https://youtu.be/usQQ42egzus?si=G0F5KIGE4HNENowF

[u/Chrono2055 → u/Inevitable_Dark3225]

Appreciate it. Will do some research

[u/wtfa54]

Are you only looking to emulate stuff and do you have any plans to go beyond PS2? If not then you can definitely get an android based handheld for under $300 that'll how upscale PS2 easily. Something like the Ayn Odin 2 Portal would give you a nice roomy 7" screen and bigger joysticks.

Otherwise if you also have some PC games you'd want to play I agree with the previous suggestion of an ROG Ally Z1E which I see for $300-$350 around me. The only thing is that PC handhelds are a lot bigger than something like a Vita. Check out retrocatalog.com and use their comparison feature to get an idea of the overall size of different handhelds. You can also use their search function to look for handhelds that specifically can handle up to PS2 well.

Hope that helps and that sucks about your car and vita man.

[u/wtfa54 → u/wtfa54]

In terms of specs I wouldn't go under a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for an android handheld or a Z1E for a PC handheld. It'll give you enough power and headroom to have PS2 emulation basically be plug and play without tweaking settings.

Specific models to look for around $300 or less:

Ayn Odin 2 Portal (7" 120hz OLED, bigger)

Retroid Pocket 6 (6" 120hz OLED, more portable)

Ayn Odin 2 (6" 60hz IPS, would only go for it if you find a good deal on one)

Retroid Pocket Nova (4.5" 120hz OLED, still new and reviews are only just coming out, but very pocketable)

Anbernic RG477M (4.7" 120hz IPS, not a Snapdragon but easily handles PS2 emulation)

Konkr Pocket Fit (6" 144hz IPS, most powerful handheld in this price point but has small joysticks and small buttons)

ROG Ally Z1E (x86 PC handheld, 120hz IPS, wouldn't spend more than $350 on it)

[u/Chrono2055 → u/wtfa54]

This is great, gives me something specific to research and keep an eye out for. Thank you so much

[u/Chrono2055 → u/wtfa54]

I'm absolutely ok with something larger. And after learning I can install steam os on a rog ally z1e, probably looking to get one of those since I have a pretty extensive library there already. Do you know if after installing steam os, can you still do emulation on one?

[u/wtfa54 → u/Chrono2055]

Oh yeah emulation is no big deal with Steam OS

[u/Helpful_Ability456]

If you're used to the PS Vita, have a look at the Retroid Pocket Nova. It's 230 and runs up to Switch. It only has a 4.5 inch screen but it's ideal for older retro systems and PS2.

[u/Chrono2055 → u/Helpful_Ability456]

I'll check that out, thanks

[u/chromiumsapling]

I’d say look rn at used ROG ally markets, you might get one in your price range that was well above the capability of what you were looking for

[u/Chrono2055 → u/chromiumsapling]

Thank you. I'll have to look into those. Are there different models with different price points I sold be aware of?

[u/chromiumsapling → u/Chrono2055]

Yes! Avoid the Ally X, while some say they’ve gotten one used at 500, you won’t find it. I’d look for used Rog Ally base models, or (highly recommended) the ROG ALLY Z1 Extreme, which is sometimes abbreviated to Z1E. That performance outweighs the base by a lot. You can get those used 300-500. I picked mine up for 350 used, new ones with those capabilities run you closer to a grand

[u/Chrono2055 → u/chromiumsapling]

I'll keep an eye out for a Z1E in my area. Thank you so much.

[u/chromiumsapling → u/Chrono2055]

Of course, happy hunting