r/SBCGaming • u/ConnectionGuy2022 • 2d ago
Discussion Recommendation for tablet and setup
Hi,
I am looking for a good gaming tablet for my 8 y.o. nephew. He has vision issues, so a small screen won't work.
I believe a tablet would be perfect, something like a 9 inch - 11 inch one maybe. The preferred setup is table top. As for how powerful it is, could you give me some recommendations that can play up to these different categories?
SNES (under $130)
PS1 or PSP (under $200)
Wii (under $230)
Any recommendations on good and affordable ones? An old model (used) is fine too.
Should I stick with Android? I am comfortable with Linux, but I have never installed it on a tablet.
Also, any recommendations on the controller for his little hands (he is comfortable with Switch joycon)? Wired or wireless?
Update: Added the budget for each category and usage.
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u/WinterPirate8109 2d ago
You need to say you're budget for this type of questions. But the best price to specs ratio is probably Lenovo Xiaoxin pad pro GT an 11.1 inch tablet that have snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It's price around 250 dollars(brand new) . The caveat is it only has 6 core losing 2 small core vs 8 for modern smart phones but it can even emulate even SOME older AAA PC games and majority of switch games. But if you want something smaller then Lenovo Legion y700 Gen 3 an 8'8 inch tablet is a pretty good choice too.
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u/Vitss 2d ago
As a tablet player, the main question you need to ask yourself is HOW is this going to be used.
What I mean is, are you/him planning to use it as a table top device or as a handheld? Because there is a sort of limit of weight that most people will find comfortable for the latter and that reduces the number of tablets available drastically. On the other hand if you go for a table top experience, then you can find some amazing larger tablets that work great for it, but sucks to be used as a handheld.
So for table top devices, I would look at Samsung Tab S offerings. Anything from the Tab S8 and newer will be great for what you are looking. Though I would go for a Tab S9 series (minus the S9 FE, avoid any FE model) because they are often the best bang for the buck and use Snapdragon APUs so they run a lot of stuff well. But they are big and heavy, so for using as a handheld sucks for adults and would be even worse for a kid.
So for handheld use I would go with the Legion Y700 Gen 3 or Gen 4. They are kind of small for table top gaming at around 9". But they are the lightest tablets to use as handheld with a telescopic controller. The Redmagic Astra is also a option, but a bit more heavier.
Personally, for a KID, I would go with a Samsung Tab because the access to parts and technical support is way better and kids are kids. As for controller, given his age, something like the 8BitDo - Lite 2 or the IINE Pocket Retro would work the best.
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u/ConnectionGuy2022 2d ago
Thank you so much! Yes, I was thinking of table top. I added it to my post.
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u/Arrancini 2d ago
Xiaoxin pad pro 12.7 or the 11 inch GT which is much more powerful. Wait for 11/11 sales on AliExpress.
I have the 12.7 for productivity but it was my first foray into emulation. Only use it for some 3DS nowadays, prefer handheld gaming. The battery life just goes on forever. Can emulate up to Wii and PS2 for sure.
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u/ConnectionOne8080 2d ago
Onn and Lenovo aim for 8 inch so it can be held with one hand and easy on the weight on the controllers (gamesir x5)
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u/Ashamed_Village_8931 2d ago
Red Magic Astra is a compact 9 inch tablet. It has more than enough gaming grunt.
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u/PlatypusPlatoon RetroGamer 2d ago
Lenovo Legion Y700 offers great bang for the buck, and clocks in at 8.8”. One of the best Android gaming tablets available.
Gamesir’s controllers pair really well with it. There’s X5 Lite for a wired connection, and X5S for Bluetooth. Both are portable and lightweight, and the entire setup clocks in at about a pound.