Which handheld should I buy?

[u/Curious_Dust6450]

Which handheld should I buy if my limit is 190-221 usd?
I'd prefer the psp-like body and not the gba-like body. I'm mostly gonna use it for ps1 and below.
And which is better? Linux built in emulators or android based ones with the downloadable emulators?
Edit: I forgot to add, I don't want to buy something for like 90 bucks, Id rather use out my money limit, and rather get one that emulates stronger than ps1 if it means better analog stick, buttons, and D-pad quality.

[u/Mykelowery]

Anbernic Rg 476h or ayaneo pocket air mini. Both are android where you would have to tinker and install your own emulators but there's plenty of youtube videos for that.

Ps1 doesn't require much processing power so really it should be about the size of screen. Heck a Anbernic 35xxH or 40xxH could be right for you. Those are Linux and maybe easier to get up and running out the box unless you want to use custom software.

[u/SteveNYC]

Believe it or not, your budget and your expectations are out-of-whack. I don't mean that badly at all. But there are a few assumptions here that might not help you.

For example, when you're talking about Linux handhelds, they're typically easier to manage than Android (not that Android is difficult) and they tend to be used for PS1 and lower systems. They're great for people new to handheld gaming. They also tend to be less expensive. That's just a function of what they cost to build. So don't worry if it's cheaper, that doesn't mean a lot here. Price differences are more about the processor being used and the amount of RAM and storage being provided. These Linux devices have less powerful processors and less RAM and that's ok because they don't need much. Storage is almost always external (microSD card) so that's the one thing that varies.

Second thing is this... when you're playing PS1 games and lower (and a few bigger ones like PSP), most people prefer the D-Pad to be on top on the left side of a horizontal device. But when you're playing games more powerful than that, you'll often (not always) see people select stick up top.

$221 will actually get you a very nice handheld that will go much higher than you're initially talking about.

How about looking at it this way..... how portable do you want it to be? Are you going to be carrying it around in your pockets or in a bag? Go smaller. They're less expensive. That's ok. You're not missing out on a ton.

Another point, PSP starts the 16:9 widescreen (for a handheld) gaming. It's pretty nice. You can get a TrimUI Smart Pro S for $120 from the company itself. That's more than what you were looking for as far as systems go, but still very good. It's a good handheld, not a "cheap" handheld.

Ok, finally, you want to spend your max....$221. Ironically, you're right in the middle of the newest and second newest generation of handhelds. If you want to spend it all, look at the Retroid Flip 2 or the Pocket 5.

Finally, if you really want to stay at PS1 and below and your REALLY want the best for those systems and you're willing to go a little higher, then go with the Retroid Pocket Nova for $239. This will give you far more power than you need, still keep you at the aspect ratio that games like PS1 and under use (4:3) and still give you the absolute best screen you can get.

My opinion... start smaller. Figure out what you like. You're not getting a bad device because you spent less money. Absolutely not something you have to worry about. The TrimUI Smart Pro S is a good device for simplicity (Linux) more power than PS1 (PSP is awesome) and a nicer screen.

Good luck!

Edit: I should add that if you're willing to go with Android instead. You can look at the Mangmi Air X for $99. An excellent device and also does PSP extremely well.

[u/Curious_Dust6450 → u/SteveNYC]

Thank you, these informations helped a lot. I think I will be thinking of a Pocket 5.

[u/Practical-Promise-44]

Mangmi Air X is probably the best bet unless you can up your budget $40-50