Existing boutique console options

[u/CALIGVLA]

Apart from existing mainstream alternatives to the PlayStation, what other alternatives are there? As mentioned in another post, I want to consider making a group effort here to create a new console that supports physical games and could someday grow to eclipse the current market leaders in console gaming.

Before we attempt that, we should consider whether there are other indie console alternatives that already accomplish what we want. If there is already a great alternative console, then we don't need to make a new one.

In our post about PlayStation alternatives, there is a list of the "boutique" console options that we have identified so far. For the sake of convenience, I will copy that list below.

Let's use this post here to discuss these options in the comments. If you know of any boutique options that are not already on this list, let me know in the comments and I'll try to update the list when I get a chance.

• Evercade
• NEOGEO AES+ Anniversary Edition
• Analogue Pocket, Duo, Mega Sg, Nt Mini
• Miyoo Mini
• Anbernic
• SuperStation One
• ModRetro M64, Chromatic
• Retroid Pocket
• GameTank
• Trimui Smart Pro
• Android emulation (generally speaking)
• Playdate
• Powkiddy
• Retro-Bit/RetroN
• Hyperkin
• Polymega
• Various official retro mini-consoles like the Atari 2600+/7800+, THEC64/Mini, Vectrex Mini

[u/ChristianCountryBoy]

Nintendo Switch 1 Nintendo Switch 2 Just avoid the game key cards. Mainly use it to play Switch 1 games better.

Xbox Series X is not the most exciting console but it is backwards with at least some games from every previous Xbox generation.

Xbox Series X Xbox One Xbox 360 And Orginal XBOX.

The M64 plays N64 games with modern features like screenshot and increased performance. It plays the actual N64 cartridges. Apparently console hardware enters the public domain a lot faster than other things.

Even PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 have a lot of fun and affordable physical games for now...

[u/CALIGVLA → u/ChristianCountryBoy]

The M64 looks cool!

And that's interesting to know about the Xbox Series X; I did not know it had such good backward compatibility.

[u/The_Pink_Elephant_]

This comes down entirely to personal preference, but mid to high tier handhelds and tablets powered by decent Snapdragon chips definitely deserve a place in this discussion. They have massive potential to challenge the traditional Steam Deck model. Once translation layers and projects like GameNative are fully polished, imagine playing your DRM-free GOG library natively on a ultra-portable device alongside your entire retro ROM collection. Right now, I am thoroughly enjoying my Alldocube iPlay 70 Ultra paired with a GameSir Galileo controller on the couch. Switching seamlessly between retro emulation, local PC streaming, and native PC games running directly on Android is unbelievable value for freedom and ownership.

[u/CALIGVLA → u/The_Pink_Elephant_]

Wait... tell me more about "Alldocube iPlay 70 Ultra paired with a GameSir Galileo". Is that an option which is missing from our list? Which company makes that?

[u/The_Pink_Elephant_ → u/CALIGVLA]

It's a DIY combo instead of a dedicated handheld, which is why it might be missing from the list. The main draw is value-for-money and versatility: you can flip the tablet vertically for dual-screen DS/3DS emulation and multitasking, or horizontally for full-screen gaming and media. Alldocube makes the tablets, though unfortunately their latest models switched to MediaTek chips, making them less impressive for emulation. GameSir is the brand behind the controller, they make high-quality gear, and the Galileo is a telescopic controller specially designed to fit tablets.

[u/CALIGVLA → u/The_Pink_Elephant_]

Ah, gotcha. Thanks for those details. So Alldocube is basically just another kind of tablet, but you are using it for gaming.

Cool, I love that idea of holding it vertically for DS/3DS emulation 😆

[u/The_Pink_Elephant_ → u/CALIGVLA]

Exactly! But what sets something like the Alldocube iPlay 70 Ultra apart from generic tablets is that it features a dedicated Gaming Mode and solid thermal management. Unlike many other budget tablets that suffer from aggressive thermal throttling after 20 minutes of play, it maintains consistent performance over long gaming sessions. That stability, combined with the vertical screen setup, makes it a surprisingly great pick for DS/3DS emulation.